August 1, 2019
The recent testimony by Robert Mueller was supposed to bolster the Democratic party's push to impeach President Trump. However, based on opinions of those who read the report in the media, especially the conservatives, there was really nothing new to be gained from the hearings. The Democratic plan backfired, and even though the party still pushes impeachment, public opinion on the matter has not moved favorably towards them.
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Elements within the media, most notably on the liberal side, promoted the hearings as a surefire way to garner public support to impeach President Trump. However, Mr. Mueller's testimony was not exactly how the Democratic party wanted it to go. At the hearing, he faltered in finding the specific details in the report, and when asked, he appeared at times to be indecisive. In fact, the battle lines were already drawn, and members of the House Judiciary Committee asked their questions to Mr. Mueller according to how they wanted to portray the so-called findings. Democrats asked Mr. Mueller questions trying to lead the witness to provide responses that aligned with their goals. Republicans asked questions to drive more doubt into what exactly the findings were, and attempted to paint the witness as lacking credibility.
However, to be fair, those who do not like President Trump feel that there is ample evidence to prosecute impeachment. Those who support Mr. Trump, who have read the Mueller Report, believe there is nothing in the report that can be used to effectively charge and impeach the president. Where does this lead the country? Americans at their core, despite their differences with each other, love their country and will never support any president who has shown to betray the country. If the Democrats get their wish and get to introduce Articles of Impeachment against Donald Trump, will they be able to sway the country to support a conviction in the United States Senate? For this to happen, the evidence must be damning and prove without a doubt that President Trump colluded with a foreign power. Is this the main goal of the Democratic party?
I personally believe that if the Mueller Report provided findings that could paint the Commander-in-Chief as having betrayed the United States, there is no amount of interference the Republicans could throw out that would protect a politically wounded Donald Trump. The report did not find anything conclusive. Media members alluded that prospective members of the Trump campaign team were lured into clandestine meetings with Russian intelligence assets. I say they need absolute proof in order to damage him permanently. If Articles of Impeachment make allegations of this and can show concretely, intent to obstruct justice or proof that President Trump's campaign team worked with a foreign government, he is toast and could spend the remainder of his life in prison. On the other hand, if this impeachment inquiry and subsequent trial are politically motivated, then the country will be divided even more. Neither Republicans or Democrats will be encouraged to work with the opposing party, and the government will perpetually grind to a halt, including appropriations (spending) bills. The government will neither have the money, including the Defense Department, and that scenario will embolden China and Russia to flex their muscles on the international stage. China will work to control the South China Sea, Russia will move to bring Ukraine back into a safe Russian orbit, and also work to openly undermine NATO instead of doing so covertly. Turkey might be the first domino to fall, especially since the US cut them from the F-35 program after Turkey purchased Russian S-400 anti-aircraft missiles.
Instead of impeachment, my take is that the Democrats should go after President Trump's economic record, and show that the rosy projections the administration is presenting to the country are not as good as they portray. In terms of jobs, what are the kinds of jobs? Are they well-paying and mid-level management, or are they part-time or seasonal? If the jobs do not allow Americans a high quality of life, then the Democrats must show they can do better. On foreign policy, the party must present better leadership regarding the Middle East, stronger force projection against China, and full-throated defense of the strategic NATO alliance. These things, along with an aggressive attempt to get their own voters to turn out, and to convince independents and moderate Republicans to give up on the president. This will work out better for the Democrats rather than a hostile and vindictive impeachment trial. Healthcare and immigration are the best bets to provide aspirational changes for most Americans. Additionally, having better healthcare and immigration proposals will put the administration on its heels to come up with something better, or at least make inroads to solving those problems together.
However, I don't think the Democrats are being led by savvy leaders. Speaker Pelosi wants to retain her speakership, but impeaching President Trump may not protect her position of power if the process backfires again, like the Mueller probe and public hearings. Senator Schumer of New York is too partisan and doesn't seem like he will help win back the Senate. The Democrats are better off being the adults in the room and showing the American people that their ideas will improve their lives. Time will tell if the party comes to its senses.
Instead of impeachment, my take is that the Democrats should go after President Trump's economic record, and show that the rosy projections the administration is presenting to the country are not as good as they portray. In terms of jobs, what are the kinds of jobs? Are they well-paying and mid-level management, or are they part-time or seasonal? If the jobs do not allow Americans a high quality of life, then the Democrats must show they can do better. On foreign policy, the party must present better leadership regarding the Middle East, stronger force projection against China, and full-throated defense of the strategic NATO alliance. These things, along with an aggressive attempt to get their own voters to turn out, and to convince independents and moderate Republicans to give up on the president. This will work out better for the Democrats rather than a hostile and vindictive impeachment trial. Healthcare and immigration are the best bets to provide aspirational changes for most Americans. Additionally, having better healthcare and immigration proposals will put the administration on its heels to come up with something better, or at least make inroads to solving those problems together.
However, I don't think the Democrats are being led by savvy leaders. Speaker Pelosi wants to retain her speakership, but impeaching President Trump may not protect her position of power if the process backfires again, like the Mueller probe and public hearings. Senator Schumer of New York is too partisan and doesn't seem like he will help win back the Senate. The Democrats are better off being the adults in the room and showing the American people that their ideas will improve their lives. Time will tell if the party comes to its senses.
