Hmmm, what is the story behind the story in the Trump impeachment?
I have consciously not followed the progress of the Trump impeachment proceedings beyond whatever newsbytes have been broadcast on the radio. Do not misunderstand me. I am not uninterested or unconcerned about the process. I simply find that the media circus surrounding proceedings like this one often cloud the real issues.
Now that The House has reached its decision, I will have my say – once and once only.
It is essential to understand that impeachment is not a verdict of wrongdoing. It does not in itself result in the removal of an official from office. It is equivalent to an indictment in criminal law. It means formal charges are laid for a higher body – in this case the U.S. Senate – to adjudicate.
In U.S. history, only two other presidents faced impeachment. (Richard Nixon resigned in 1974 before impeachment proceedings against him could reach the House floor.) President Andrew Johnson faced impeachment way back in 1868. More recently in 1998, Bill Clinton faced impeachment. Both were acquitted by the U.S. senate.
From my perspective, the story behind the story boils down to two realities.
First, there is the fact that Donald Trump insists he did nothing wrong. It is not a case of sticking to his version of the story and hoping for the best. He honestly believes that he is infallible and that anything he chooses to do is by definition correct and beyond reproach.
More importantly, Trump’s fate now lies with the U.S. Senate, assuming that the House sends the articles of impeachment to it. There is virtually no chance that Trump will be removed from office because the Senate is controlled by the Republicans.
It is not about right or wrong, justice or injustice. Whether or not Trump acted unethically or illegally is ultimately mute. The real issue is partisan politics and wielding power without concern for the truth. If you’ll pardon the pun, the Senate holds the trump card and it is a foregone conclusion how they will play it. They will back their man to the bitter end.
I do not know if Trump deserves to be removed from office. As is often the case, there are not just two sides to the story. There are multiple sides each with varying degrees of validity. Nothing is ever black and white in these situations.
I do know that the ultimate outcome of the proceedings was decided before it all began. The decision of the House – which predictably voted mostly along party lines – is at best symbolic.
The impeachment proceedings made for great headlines. But when all is said and done, it is a paper victory. Truth will ultimately be buried beneath partisan politics, and that is perhaps the real indictment arising from the whole affair.
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