With the likely conclusion of Rep. Adam Schiff’s impeachment proceedings, it’s worth taking a step back and looking at how things went for the majority Democrats and minority Republicans on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence.
Democrats ideally would have started their inquiry with credible bipartisan support and run things in such a way that public opinion developed in their favor. Public opinion would build pressure on Republican members toward an impeachment vote that had even stronger bipartisan credibility.
That did not come even close to happening. To begin with, not only was the vote to begin proceedings not bipartisan, there was bipartisan opposition to it. Polling initially looked promising for impeachment, with media outlets attempting to claim significant bipartisan support for inquiry and removal, but then the polling moved in the wrong direction for Democrats.
Emerson polling showed that support for impeachment flipped since October from 48 percent support with 44 percent opposing to now 45 percent opposed and 43 percent in support. Among key independents, the switch was even more pronounced. In October, 48 percent supported impeaching President Donald Trump, with 39 percent opposed. Now, 49 percent of independents oppose impeachment, while only 34 percent support it.
A new Marquette University Law School poll found that 40 percent of registered voters in the swing state of Wisconsin think that Trump should be impeached and removed from office, while 53 percent do not think so. Another 6 percent weren’t sure.
A new Gallup poll shows that Trump’s approval has ticked up two points since the impeachment drama began, with 50 percent of Americans opposed to it and 48 percent in support. Henry Olsen notes that Gallup polls all adults, not just registered voters, meaning that a poll of registered voters would have Trump’s job approval even higher and impeachment opposed by closer to a 52-46 margin.
And not only are no Republicans expected to join with Democrats in an eventual impeachment vote, some members expect the bipartisan consensus against it to grow.
Republicans, by contrast, needed to aim for bipartisan opposition to the impeachment proceedings, keep their members in line, make the case that the impeachment proceedings lacked fairness, and that concern about Ukrainian corruption was legitimate. They managed to do all that.
Here’s why things went well for Republicans in phase one of impeachment.
It was completely unclear what crime, much less what high crime, Trump was accused of committing.
Before we get to the politics and how they were played by Republicans and Democrats, it should be noted that President Donald Trump has not been credibly accused of committing any crime, much less a high crime or misdemeanor. It’s almost shocking that Trump, of all people, keeps managing to do well on this score. Yet, as with the ussia collusion hoax, in which he was accused of being a traitor to his country, the lack of evidence for the charges against him is his ultimate saving grace.
What the charge is keeps changing, of course. The whistleblower initially suggested a campaign finance violation arising from a call Trump had with the president of Ukraine. That morphed into a quid pro quo for military aid to Ukraine, then extortion, then bribery, then obstruction of justice, then back to a quid pro quo, but this time only a quid pro quo for a White House meeting. The lack of certainty among even Trump’s critics certainly worked in his favor.
There can be no question that President Trump generally dislikes the boatloads of taxpayer cash in the form of foreign aid that is sent to countries, wishes other countries would support their neighbors more, and absolutely disliked Ukraine corruption. Further, we all know Trump wanted Ukraine to investigate Ukraine’s 2016 election meddling and the involvement of former Vice President Joe Biden’s son Hunter Biden in well-known corruption of Burisma, the energy concern on which’s board the former VP’s son found himself on in questionable circumstances. We know these things because of Trump’s public statements and the release of his transcripts with Ukraine’s newly elected president.
We also know that Trump’s support of Ukraine increased over the Obama years, including with the provision of Javelin missiles. And precisely no one had any evidence of anything actually illegal happening, even if they wished that Trump loved foreign aid more and didn’t want the investigations he told everyone he wanted. That further made the case against Trump difficult to argue.
The hearings were boring and complicated.
Objectively speaking, they weren’t just boring but soul-crushingly boring. The testimony was lengthy, the discussion was complicated and bureaucratic. The questions weren’t particularly interesting and the answers they elicited weren’t particularly compelling. You can complain all you want about the fact that they were boring, but they were boring.
Media outlets did all they could to bolster Schiff’s show and ran the impeachment hearings non-stop, as if Schiff’s inquiry had a legitimacy it never quite managed to earn on the merits. But instead of viewership increasing over time, it decreased.
Reporters kept deleting their tweets because they were getting facts about the hearings wrong. If reporters who were paid to follow the hearings weren’t able to keep details straight, what hope was there for normal people who have real lives and better things to do than watch hearings all day?
Adam Schiff lacks credibility.
Democrats didn’t want Rep. Jerry Nadler chairing impeachment since he had so completely botched the initial impeachment effort that was the Robert Mueller probe. Any chair worth his salt would have investigated whether star witness Robert Mueller was fit to answer any questions, much less the questions needing careful handling for an impeachment probe given the failure to find treasonous collusion with Russia to steal the 2016 election.
Instead, a seemingly confused Mueller destroyed the chance of convincing the country that he had run the probe that bore his name and had morphed into an attempt to nail Trump for vehemently fighting the false charge he was a traitor. A few other mistakes by Nadler meant that Speaker Nancy Pelosi gave Schiff the gavel for the big show.
@retire05, #42:
The U.S. government is not a business, nor are businessmen automatically qualified to run nations.
If the government were a business, it still might be a good idea to question the qualifications of a man whose businesses have declared bankruptcy six times, who has received highly irregular multi-million dollar loans from a bank known for Russian money laundering, and who won’t let anyone review his tax returns. Maybe his business empire is hollow and he owes more than he’s worth. It might be why millions in inaugural donations can’t be accounted for, and he has pocketed pin money from charity foundations and bogus university scams.
Nobody seems to have honestly answered any of David A. Desautel’s questions. Admittedly, they’ve got to be difficult for any Trump supporter to think about. Possibly it’s because the MAGA hats are too tight.
@Greg: So who should run the country, a community organizer? Look where that got us!
@Richard Wheeler: So, after four weeks of intense media lying and Schiff manipulation, only those who believe in impeachment regardless of any actual reason still believe in impeachment (a few less, actually). Support for impeachment among blacks and Hispanics has crashed and burned.
Pelosi and Schiff have made quite the mess for Democrats. Well, that’s what happens when you trample the Constitution.
@Greg: #51 So much propaganda innuendo all in one post, bet you had to go through your entire rolodex.
The government is a damn business, but every single abc dept would need to be jailed by the IRS for lack of financial accountability. Accumulated missing money equal to the national debt. The Books of the government should balance as closely as any banks ledgers.
The Navy guy just fired did not account for contractor over-runs.
I would like a dept cut double dollars for every dollar improperly or unaccounted.
Why millions in inaugural donations can’t be accounted for, provide a link it was a beautiful expensive inaugral ceremony, while your at it give a full accounting for the last 3. See how desperate you all have become? Do you sit an imagine Trump personally arranged for and paid for every detail?
Who the F is David A. Desautel’s to question me? Another sky screaming Hillary mourner? 6 Billion missing from just the state dept in her time.
Yes I am voting Trump.
He didnt watch Ambassadors get tortured and killed and send no help.
He didnt steal billions of donated dollars from Haiti
He didnt destabilize the ME and Ukraine.
@Deplorable Me: Fxplain this please
Fox News says it’s still 50% for 43% against—If support among African Americans and Hispanics has “crashed and burned” I’ll call B.S, on that—support among Whites must be UP Sharply—very unlikely.
Common sense says you can’t have it both ways–think you’ll agree.
Why is Trump the only pol we know –other than possibly Rudy– who refuses to acknowledge Russians tampered with 2016 elections–Says the Ukranians were the problem
Are the Russians or the Ukranians our allies?–SERIOUSLY
@Richard Wheeler: Seriously no one no one including Rudy says the Russians didnt want to tamper in our politics.
That premise is insane certifiable · deranged · demented.
What Rudy is looking for is the premise for spying on the Trump Campaign. The renewal of a FISA warrant after the election. How involved was a then Oligarch run Obama puppet regime involved. What if anything was arranged by our weaponized IC to interfere or fix the election, then attempted coup.
The IG, Durham, Barr, and Rudy are seeking answers. The Russians are bad Putin is evil are not, repeat not grounds in our Republic for campaign spying.
The recent leaks of the report say documents were altered. Documents are evidence, Trump for all his warts and pimples is a US citizen and is entitled to better than police state treatment. SERIOUSLY
@KITT: Agreed one would be insane etc.—-Donnie has not acknowledged Russian involvement..
Re use of seriously—I gotta believe you guys are actually kidding in many of your assertions.
@Randy, #52:
From the worst recession since the Great Depression to 75 consecutive months of job growth? From the impending collapse of General Motors to year after year of profitability? Health insurance for 20 million more Americans? A homelessness rate for veterans reduced by 50 percent? Improved national energy efficiency, and a 50 percent drop in clean energy costs? Eight years without the presidency having serious personal or political scandals? Which of these do you not like?
@Richard Wheeler: He hasnt acknowledged his involvement with Russians that was proven by Mueller.
Its too bad you cant tell when we are being serious and when we tease, if your media were actually into something called journalism and not Democrat activism and you could put 1+ 1 together and know no matter what anyone tells you isnt 364 it would be clear to you.
Remember this, the next spin on the narrative will be but but but Putin is really bad sorry we altered evidence to spy on Trump, but Putin is a real bad dude.
Thats Police State crap.
@Richard Wheeler: Common sense says you should get out of your liberal bubble because devouring only liberal propaganda is not serving your intellect well.
Support collapses among blacks and Hispanics for impeachment
https://www.breitbart.com/2020-election/2019/11/25/support-for-impeachment-collapses-among-black-hispanic-voters/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+breitbart+%28Breitbart+News%29
See? More evidence of the problem. It isn’t that Trump denies Russia tampered, but he contends, with substantial proof, by the way, that Ukraine interfered as will, providing dirt to DNC operative Chalupa. The two are not mutually exclusive; in fact, the Democrats worked with numerous countries to aid Hillary.
@Randy:
Boy, that was an utter disaster, wasn’t it? Absolute failure, leaving messes all over the place for Trump to clean up, which he is excelling at, by the way.
Trump had to keep a team of lawyers and a full-time bagman on the payroll—currently serving a 3-year sentence for following his boss’s orders—to clean up his decades-long trail of messes. Nothing has changed, except he now has immunity from criminal prosecution, the DoJ in his pocket, and teams of lawyers working for him on the taxpayers’ dime.
@Richard Wheeler:
Wheeler, exactly when did Trump say that the Russians were not involved in our elections? Perhaps you can provide his quote. Use a reliable source, not CNN, with Trump himself saying what you claim.
Ukrainians did meddle in our 2016 elections. Are you denying that?
You put a lot of stock into polls. Never mind that many polls do not track your IP address when you answer the questions, only your email address. If you have ten email addresses, you can respond to the poll ten times. One thing that is a fact; Trumps approval rate among blacks and Hispanics is rising. Or do you deny that?
If Trump can take 20% of the black vote in November 2020, he wins the election.
@Greg: This post was a joke, right? You are such a kidder! Maybe you should have one of those late night comedy shows!
@retire05: I’d prefer you show me where he did say the Russians were involved–how’s that—we know virtually everyone else , including you and me have said so.
I only put faith in the final poll in 2016 which had Trump winning 46% of the vote—believe he’ll do about the same in 2020 and increase his share of African American vote from 8% to 10%–Probably have Kanye with his feet on Th Oval Office desk rapping some catchy campaign diddy..
Ukranians may have interfered minimally—certainly what Putin would have Trump believe–great diversion
@retire05:
Get that Richie is too lazy or internet handicapped to back up his own statements. You do it for him, and while your at it girl change the channel on his boob tube.
NYtimes January 11, 2017
@Greg:
Uh… NO. He went to jail for lying and cheating on his own taxes. It had nothing to do with Trump. But, keep on fantasizing.
@Richard Wheeler:
So tell us what the Russians did and how it affected the election.
“Senator Kennedy, who do you believe was responsible for hacking the DNC & Clinton campaign? Russia or Ukraine?”
Can these people tie their own shoes without assistance? A video clip from FOX News Sunday.
whoa girls—-I simply said Trump has never said Russians were involved–show me where
Never said he said Russians were not involved.
But he sure has blamed the Ukranians—for which Mr Putin is understandably grateful
Kitt FYI I watch –Fox primarily—FAer heads in far right sites like Breitbart and American Thinker
Dep –you seem to come from both sides on most everything–must be dizzying
Trumps current fixer may well go the way of his last fixer—Good riddance to a once great man who sold his soul.–for what? to be brought down by the same office he once so ably headed.
Have a great Thanksgiving.
@kitt:
Wheeler is just one of those guys who loves to run their pie holes but never want to back up their own claims. Like trying to get him to answer questions; he doesn’t but then claims he did. Of course, Wheeler is incensed by any woman who doesn’t bow to his perceived male superiority.
SSDD with him and Comrade Greggie, both.
@Deplorable Me:
Apparently, Comrade Greggie missed the memo that the Russian hacking of the missing DNC server probably happened in Ukraine. Oh my, do you think it could have been those Ukrainian Russian sympathizers Comrade Greggie was complaining about and who were the reason Obama didn’t provide Ukraine with hard aid to fight off the Russians?
@Richard Wheeler:
You are aware he was on a phone call with the Ukrainian President who had admitted that the previous government HAD interfered… right?
So, you have no idea HOW the Russians meddled, you just like to parrot the party line that they did. Got it.
@Richard Wheeler:
According to your buttbuddy, Comrade Greggie, the Ukraine is full of Russian sympathizers and that is why Obama didn’t give them hard support, only blankets and MREs. I asked Comrade Greggie if he thought Zelensky has had enough time to get rid of those Russian sympathizers, being in office less than a year and all, but Comrade Greggie is like you; he doesn’t’ answer questions that make him uncomfortable.
If the DNC server was hacked by the Russians in Ukraine, is it possible it was actually the Ukrainian Russian sympathizers that did the hacking? Or hasn’t your left wing hacks told you the answer to that yet?
@Richard Wheeler: To lazy to get up and change the channel or get batteries for the remote, just stuck with faux and their token liberals.
I provided source and date, now there is a thingee, open a new tab and put in the address window http://www.google.com, its called a search engine, dont worry google will always default to the most liberal slanted information, in the window type “trump says russia interfered”
It will then display many options for you to click on.
You will find in the list an article dated January 11, 2017 from the New York Times.
And others, WSJ, WaPo
Even then he says other countries may also have had a hand in it.
@retire05: @<a We don't even know if the DNC was actually hacked.
@kitt: I think you intelligent enough to remember when Trump stood next to Putin and when asked by reporters about Russian involvement——said he–meaning Putin says they were not involved and I HAVE NO REASON NOT TO BELIEVE HIM.
Trump never, to this day, has changed that stance.
Re answering questions it’s kettle/black most of the time—you folks go 24/7 with same ol same ol–patting each other on the rear—boring
05 You can postulate all kinds of scenarios—Trump loves anything that distracts from the truth—been doing it all his life–ask his many wives and mistresses-he’s a master.-
@Deplorable Me: · MADDOW: Fusion GPS still investigating Trump/Russia. … that Fusion GPS is still not finished with their Trump/Russia investigation, and that they have another donor funding their investigation…
A George Soros NGO the same one that is in…. ready for this…Ukraine.
https://bongino.com/ep-1120-get-ready-for-the-next-anti-trump-hoax/ at about 43 mins mark
@Richard Wheeler: I didn’t ask you to answer anything just back up your statements not order someone to do it for you like some girl friday.
@Richard Wheeler: Do you remember the IC saying that Trump was a traitor and colluded with Russians to win in 2016? Unfortunately for the nation, they have been turned into a Democrat political weapon. Anything they conclude that has domestic political implications needs to carefully considered with a bucket of salt.
Speaking of distracting from the truth, there’s that needling little question NO liberal I have encountered has the guts to address… whatever happened to all that “evidence” all Democrats said they had, at their fingertips, that PROVED Trump colluded with Russians to win in 2016? When Mueller released his report, it all suddenly vanished. Poof. Gone, over night. Disappeared.
What EVER could have happened to all that TRUTH? Mysterious.
@kitt: What statement did I fail to back up—read again what 05 and I said.
For the record Donald J. Trump is a grifter and a con
man—-many other New Yorkers like myself have followed him for years—are there any other New Yorkers here at FA?
He’s fooled many who know him only from The Apprentice Days-even his ghost writer of Art of The Deal says he’s a liar
Can’t blame those that know him wanting him out–it will happen in 2020 election and no sooner.
Dan Bongino lol—right wing nut –have you seen him on Fox? Acts and looks like a hit man–why don’t you follow some sensible and sane people?
@Richard Wheeler:
Wheeler, while you like to represent yourself as the smartest kid on the block (Mensa, and all that) you clearly don’t understand diplomacy and the fact that you catch more flys with honey than you do vinegar. What did you want Trump to do? Call Putin a liar on national TV? Are you looking to go to war with Russia? Because that seems to be what some Democrats want with their Russia, Russia, Russia!!! crap every damn day.
And how laughable, and hypocritical of you, to even address Trump’s history with women when you voted for a man who settled a sexual harassment case out of court and misused an impressionable young woman barely in her early 20’s. It’s like when you whine that Trump didn’t serve in the military but voted for major draft-dodger, Clinton, TWICE and Obama, TWICE. who showed absolute disgust for our military.
But then, you lost your honor a long time ago. So I expect nothing different from you.
@retire05: My honor is absolutely in tact O5.
Enjoy Thanksgiving
Semper FI to my fellow Vets—We served honorably for our country—We are the true one per centers.
@Richard Wheeler:
Continue to lie about yourself all you want, Wheeler. You have no honor. You are just another liberal in a failing state that is rapidly becoming nothing more than the haves and the have nots with no middle ground due to the Democrats that run it and the liberals like you who support them. California, and New York which you also claim, have some of the highest taxes and the worst infrastructure in all the nation. California has the highest housing costs of any state.
BTW. Wheeler, I find it absolutely heartbreaking that people like you have destroyed what was once one of the most beautiful states in our nation. Now, it is just one large porta-potty.
@Richard Wheeler:
Here here, Sir. You exemplify that we can disagree, but still be Americans, and still be a band of brothers.
Happy Thanksgiving!
@retire05: What have a lied about 05?
You obviously have nothing better to do than personally insult people .Seems to turn you on in some weird way—-Greg an example—always acts like a gentleman —you insult and denounce him personally on a regular basis—you get something from that?
I’ve destroyed California?—that’s ridiculous but par for the course—still a GREAT state —-
Texas–Been there you can keep it.
@Nathan Blue: Thank you Nathan—for your service and your kind words.
Band Of Brothers Aye Aye—those who have not served will never understand
Go Navy beat Army
@Richard Wheeler: #55 read it yourself.
Dan Bongino , Bongino worked with the New York City Police Department for four years, from 1995 to 1999.
Dan Bongino joined the Secret Service in 1999 as a special agent, leaving the New York Field Office in 2002 to become an instructor at the Secret Service Training Academy in Beltsville, Maryland.
2006 he was assigned to presidential protection until 2011 went he left.
Debunk ANYTHING 1 thing he has reported, then talk smack Marine.
Fox sought him out due to his very popular podcast shows.
@kitt: #55 read it yourself?? What are you saying Kitt?
For our esteemed leader Curt
“Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering if they made a difference in the world But The Marines don’t have that problem”—Ronald Reagan
Oh Rah
@Richard Wheeler:
Wheeler, you would not know the truth if it bit you in the ass.
Tell me; do you live in California? Do you vote in California? Do you vote for Democrats, and one Socialist, in your California elections?
If the answer to those questions are all “yes”, then you have helped destroy a once great state that offered opportunity to those who went there. Now it is just a left wing pit where the rich do nothing to help it. All that Hollywood money and not one health clinic in poor neighborhoods in their name. What’s wrong with that picture? Human feces and drug needles on the streets of some of the once greatest cities in our nation. What’s wrong with that picture? You are losing your middle class who actually pays taxes. Remember, the guy you voted for in the 2016 California primary says that no one should be a billionaire.
How many billionaires does California have? Don’t bother looking it up. The 2018 list had 145 and yet, your governor can’t seem to get rid of the human waste in San Francisco just blocks from San Fran Nan’s office.
I am sick of you and Comrade Greggie railing on Trump who has done more for this nation in 3 years than Obama did in 8.
And I insult Comrade Greggie because he is an idiot.
And please, continue to stay out of Texas. We don’t need you and don’t want you and people like you that destroyed the state of California. Stay where you are.
@Richard Wheeler:
Isn’t that “Oo-Rah”?
@Richard Wheeler: Back up the inane statement. You cant. You might not make such statements if you didnt swallow propaganda by the quart.
That statement inferred both Trump and Rudy dont think Russia wanted to influence our politics. A line you bit on hook line and sinker, because you dont like or are jealous of Trump.
We know Trump isnt a perfect man nor a messiah to lead the government back to a true constitutional republic. He isnt an evil Russian operative ready to sell out the USA either. Nor many of the ridiculous names the left favors to insult everyone that will not join the resistance, or coup.
I would like you to answer what is it about the Democrat platform that holds you?
@Deplorable Me: What I’ve seen most often is Ooh-Rah—but I’ve also seen it shortened omitting an “h” or “o” in first syllable–pronunciation the same
@Richard Wheeler:
To repeat Kitt’s question to you, Wheeler:
what is it about the Democrat platform that holds you?
@Richard Wheeler:
Hell Yes!!!
Going to be a great this year, as always.
Obviously, Democrats thought making imaginary accusations was going to be the silver bullet and are amazed everyone is not as gullible and ignorant as they are.
https://www.newsbusters.org/blogs/nb/curtis-houck/2019/11/26/so-its-not-winning-issue-cbs-surprised-voters-arent-talking-about
@Nathan Blue: Where did Richard go, I thought he was going to give me compelling reasons to vote Democrat?
SNL depicted his girl as Cruella de Vil, I even thought that was a far far reach.
Tulsi as a Russian agent that wants to make fur coats out of puppies? Not that she had a chance because of how Democrats treat women, she did back Bernie not Hillary that will teach her.
@kitt: Therapy appointment.
@Randy: The politically correct way he states it is “work out” I think. 😉
@kitt:
Have you not by now learned Wheeler’s tactics? When asked a question he doesn’t want to answer, oft times he just toddles off for a few days then comes back and ignores he was ever asked a question. This time he can use the holiday as an excuse so you will have to ask him again. Be prepared for the game he plays.
Of course, your question was almost identical to what I asked Comrade Greggie. And I got the same answer from him you got from Wheeler; silence.
@retire05: Oh I’ve seen it, get a quick subject change. Greg’s 3rd world education has him imprinted to be a socialist despite what it has done to PR.
Im sure you remember his (Greg)squirming about the USA being a representative Republic not a Democracy.
Wheeler wont go there at all he just drags up polls, when that fails sports, then time travels back to the 60s.
Who but a demon could impeach God’s chosen one?
@Greg: Now you are getting it Greggie!