On the day of the debate, each member was given one minute to speak. Democrats alternated with Republicans over the long hours. The entire session, carried live on cable channels, gave the viewers a chance to see the vast differences between the Representatives of the two parties and to hear what they stressed.
As I watched and listened, I saw the Republicans were mostly old white men ( 90 percent confirmed later). The Democratic white men (38 percent confirmed later) were joined by women (white and of color ) young Blue Wave and older women alternated with Black and Hispanic men.
Behind Republican Jim Jeffords was a huge picture of the United States Map from the 2016 election with Red states and Blue states. Trump states covered more space since his votes were spread out over the middle of the country, while the East and West coasts were heavily Blue. The Title was “ Impeachment Is Their Only Option.” The actual count of course, gave Trump 63 million votes. Hillary Clinton polled 65 million votes despite James Comey’s press conferences and Russian interference for Trump, she won The Popular Vote.
During the speeches, Republicans spoke with fury and anger about the act of impeaching Donald Trump. One compared him to Jesus Christ being nailed to the cross. Another asked for a moment of silence for the sixty three million people who had voted for him. They attacked the process of Impeachment throughout, naming Adam Schiff and others who led the Investigation in The House .
It is notable that not one Republican spoke of the president’s behavior , character, actions or morals in reference to the Articles based on his Abuse of Power and Obstruction of Congress of which they are all members. He was portrayed as a victim.
Epilogue:
Donald J. Trump was impeached on both Articles of Impeachment by solid majority votes in The House of Representatives. He will forever have an asterix next to his name in the history books. However, his fate lies with the Senate trial that should take place next. The Senate decides on Conviction and Removal from Office or Acquittal.
The next step is a trial in the Senate. However, a major problem has arisen, since the Majority Leader, Mitch McConnell has made clear that he is working with the president’s lawyers to produce the trial. He has said, “I am not impartial” although he and every senator has to take an oath saying they will be impartial jurors.
As a result, The Speaker of The House, Nancy Pelosi has said she will wait until it is clear that there will be a fair trial before she will forward the Impeachment Results to the Senate. Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has presented McConnell with ways that can happen. Now, it is a waiting game until Congress returns after the Recess
The American people will celebrate the holidays and The New Year in the weeks ahead. Whatever our political persuasion… let us all hope for a fair trial that will bring witnesses and documents before the Senate and the American public. Then a vote would have meaning for the president and the American people.
………………………………………………. Joyce S. Anderson