Post # 85 , Bob McKnight's Florida Political Commentary
The Impeachment Hearing must be fair but firm.
I am a Democrat, but have been badly disappointed in what we are offering as an alternative to President Trump in the 2020 election. It is not like I do not have a lot of choices--with something like 25 candidates trying for the nomination. I have often said I was spoiled as an office holder in Florida in the '70's and '80's by three outstanding Floridians that would have been great presidents--Reubin Askew, Bob Graham, and Dante Fascell. I worked with all three of them and knew them well. But that will not happen. It means I have a lot more work to do in studying and evaluating all the candidates, Democrat and Republican. It is that important.
In the meantime, as I said in my last post, the House Democrats in Washington have no alternative but to proceed with the Impeachment process due to Trump's apparent multiple crimes against our country. I tried to point out at least one that is absolutely clear, with evidence of Trump's own confession on television and in writing. Yes, it tempting to pile all the other alleged crimes on top, Perjury, Obstruction of Justice, Treason, and Emoluments Violations, among many more. There is simply not time to pursue multiple Articles. By not pursuing those charges, the Democrats should not imply innocence, but rather time. Trump, no doubt, will claim innocence on them.
Probably the most important responsibility for the Democrats now is to conduct themselves as a serious and sober body. This is not a time of celebration, but a time of sorrow. It should be a very sad time for a majority of the House if they decide that the people's choice based on an election for President is not suitable for that office any more. They must carefully consider all the evidence, and treat the President in strict accordance with our Constitution and Law. Trump will try to lure the Democrats into delays. The President has and will lie...repeatedly, unfortunately. His base does seem to not care, but most Americans do.
The Impeachment conducted by Chairman Rodino against President Nixon in 1974 was a model for Speaker Pelosi and Chairman Schiff to follow. In many ways, the Democrats are on trial almost as much as Trump. Anything less than a fair and firm Impeachment process, regardless of the outcome, will lose the support of the American people.