When the Mueller Report was anxiously awaited for its conclusion, I saw little hope that it would produce anything in the way of solid evidence that would persuade Americans to change their opinions of Trump in either direction.
Fox Network opinion shows would have his back. He has an army of trolls spinning for him on social media. Hannity, Judge Jeanine, Fox and Friends, and other talking heads on Fox will twist facts, deflect scrutiny, and justify his craziness.
Sure, there would be questionable concerns about his and his associates conduct in the Mueller Report, but unless it was found he was actually an agent for Russia, his request for Russia to find Hillary’s emails was done by a candidate. He wasn’t President at the time.
While it wasn’t a “Witch Hunt,” as it did root out problems with some of Trump’s appointees, resulting in convictions along the way, an impeachment inquiry wasn’t called for.
The latest revelation involving President Trump seeking help from foreign governments for political gain is different. Much different.
A whistleblower came forward and it’s a matter that couldn’t be ignored.
Trump solicited Ukraine for dirt on his opponent, Democrat presidential hopeful, Joe Biden. Trump wanted Ukraine to investigate Biden and his son, Hunter, while holding back money for military aid that Congress already approved for release.
Then there is the problem of a potential cover-up of the impeachable offense. The call was moved to a server used for the most highly sensitive information, such as covert operations, which limited access and would hide the conversation from all but those with the highest clearance.
Conservative media tried their best to present the complaint as, the whistleblower is a liar and didn’t hear it himself. It’s “hearsay.”
Trump called his conversation with the Ukrainian President, “Perfect.” He did nothing wrong, he insisted.
To prove he was a “stable genius” and the call was “a perfect 10″, Trump released the summarized transcript of the call. Doing so proved Trump is an idiot, because he blew up the game plan his minions were spending time and effort to promote – convincing the public that the whistleblower was wrong in his “hearsay” complaint.
Trump believed his release of the transcript would validate his argument of having “done nothing wrong,” because he wasn’t hiding his conversation.
Only an idiot would willingly provide proof of wrong doing.
The transcript made it clear Trump asked Ukraine to investigate a political opponent, believing there was dirt to be found. The whistleblower was on the mark in his complaint.
Trump, being the narcissist he is, may actually believe he did nothing wrong.
If there was any doubt about the the whistleblower, or the summarized transcript of the Ukraine phone call being accurate, Trump proved they were both spot on.
On the White House driveway, in front of every major news outlet, he loudly and publicly said not only should Ukraine investigate, but China should investigate Biden and his son.
No mistaking what he said, no possible transcript errors, and no hearsay. Trump impeached himself in front of the world.
His request for China to investigate the Bidens was Trump’s fatal political error. China – a communist foreign government whose investigations consist of arresting a suspect, holding a 10 minute trial, and declaring their guilt was asked to participate in influencing our elections.
Fox Network hosts and newscasters are now openly sniping with each other, regarding Trump’s calls for foreign countries to investigate the Bidens, with some like opinion broadcasters Hannity and Jeanine sticking to the “Witch Hunt” theme, while true journalists like Wallace and Smith are asking legitimate questions about Trump’s conduct. Even long-time supporter Tucker Carlson criticized Trump’s call with Ukraine.
While most GOP representatives in Congress and the Senate have now disappeared into the tall grass after initially supporting Trump, a few are openly using words like “concerned” and “questionable” about Trump’s conversation and statements. Pretty strong words from GOP members.
One who isn’t hiding is Senator Mitt Romney. He pointed out that Trump asking for Biden to be investigated, to influence the election, is no coincidence, noting that “it strains credulity to suggest that it is anything other than politically motivated.”
Another who isn’t hiding in the brush is GOP Senator Marco Rubio, who tried to convince the public that Trump was trolling the news media. He really didn’t ask China to investigate the Bidens. It was a set-up to get the media chasing their tails. Sure it was, Marco, but you might want to get on the same page with Trump.
Trump wasn’t trolling anyone, because according to him, he is seeking out corruption and believes China can help. He takes corruption seriously.
Formal impeachment charges will likely be coming from Congress. They are still uncovering more information, such as Pompeo being on the call, but not disclosing that fact when asked about the call between Trump and Ukraine’s President. Pressure on Australia and the UK to provide dirt is also being looked into. Text messages mentioning holding back Ukraine aid for information have come to light.
Pandora’s box has been opened and Trump knows he won’t be able to bully or threaten his way out of this one.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell stated if impeachment charges are received a trial will be held, as is required by the Constitution.
Will the GOP Senators protect their political careers, or the Constitution of The United States?
That may depend largely on public opinion and it appears the public isn’t buying Trump’s newest argument that he was simply seeking out corruption.
All it took was one question from CNBC’s Eamon Javers to destroy Trump’s newest talking point.
“Have you asked foreign leaders for any corruption investigations that don’t involve your political opponents?” Javers asked.
The answer, it quickly became apparent, was no.
Polls taken on the impeachment issue show rising support to impeach Trump. Numbers for impeachment are now above those who are against. That’s a reversal of opinion polls taken less than two weeks ago.
Disclaimer: On January 4, 2016, the owner of WestEastonPA.com began serving on the West Easton Council following an election. Postings and all content found on this website are the opinions of Matthew A. Dees and may not necessarily represent the opinion of the governing body for The Borough of West Easton.
