Democrats Grapple with Potential Impeachment Strategies Ahead of Midterms
Democrats express optimism about regaining control of Congress in the upcoming midterm elections. Some Republicans seem resigned to potentially losing control of the House and possibly the Senate. If Democrats succeed, a critical decision could be whether to pursue a third impeachment of President Donald Trump.
This decision is not straightforward. Some Democrats argue that Trump’s actions warrant constitutional accountability, while others worry that impeachment could overshadow priorities like affordability and ultimately strengthen Trump politically.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries remains non-committal. He stated Democrats would investigate wrongdoing, follow facts, and uphold the Constitution.
The House can impeach Trump with a simple majority. However, convicting and removing him requires a two-thirds majority in the Senate, needing significant Republican support. Former Democratic Representative Joe Cunningham highlights the need to appeal to independents and Republicans, emphasizing issues such as corporate practices.
Impeachment could dominate Washington, overshadowing Democrats’ broader agenda. Cunningham warns against making impeachment the primary strategy.
Democrats Caution Against Impeachment
Prominent Democrats, like former Obama White House chief Rahm Emanuel, oppose another impeachment attempt. Emanuel argues such a move would likely fail and advises focusing on corruption investigations instead. Senator Tammy Duckworth and Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi echo concerns about prioritizing impeachment over legislative goals.
Past presidential impeachments, including Andrew Johnson, Bill Clinton, and Trump’s two impeachments, ended in Senate acquittals. Nixon resigned before a full House vote.
Impact of Past Impeachments
Public responses to past impeachments have varied. In Clinton’s case, a majority disapproved of his impeachment, while in Trump’s first impeachment, public opinion was nearly split. His approval ratings remained largely unaffected.
Arguments for Impeachment
Supporters worry that avoiding impeachment for fear of Republican opposition undermines constitutional safeguards. Officials like Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and law professors argue for maintaining constitutional accountability.
Representative Jamie Raskin notes Trump’s numerous impeachable offenses but differentiates between constitutional grounds and political strategies.
Public Opinion Data
- Clinton (December 1998): 35% approved of impeachment, 63% disapproved
- Trump’s first impeachment (January 2020): 51% wanted removal, 46% opposed
- Trump’s second impeachment (March 2021): 52% believed he should have been convicted
Potential Consequences of a Third Impeachment
A third impeachment could label Trump as the most-impeached president, possibly reinforcing views of impeachment as a partisan conflict. Failing to act could make partisan loyalty more influential than constitutional duties.
Trump’s Campaign Strategy
Trump uses the impeachment threat to energize his supporters. He frames investigations and impeachment as persecution and highlights the stakes if Democrats regain the House majority.
Ultimately, if Democrats secure the House, they face a difficult decision between constitutional duty and political strategy.