Beto would impeach Trump and it doesn't really matter

UPDATE - I have an error below that has caused mass confusion.  I mean to say "if he weren't in the senate" which is structurally odd because it makes an assumption of future actions given a set of probable outcomes.  Beto knows and he can't vote to impeach the president from a senate seat.  However, he will not have an option to impeach while he's a member of the house because Republicans are not going to let that happen. So - the whole thing is hypothetical because Beto will never impeach the president because he won't be in the house when it, or if, it happens.  Sorry for the confusion. 

 

I heard, I heard, I heard - no need to keep emailing me.  Rep. Beto O'Rourke said he would vote to impeach Trump if he were in the Senate.  This isn't really a big deal for either side of O'Rourke's candidacy, folks

Let me explain.

First off, Texas is not as Trump-crazy as you'd think.  Granted he received more votes than Romney did in 2012... but the Libertarian candidate almost tripled the votes of the 2012 Libertarian candidate and believe it or not Hillary got way more votes than Obama ever did in Texas.  

Side note: Always remember that in Texas the Democrats had a hard time turning out the vote for a black man, but not so much for a white woman.  You might want to rethink your position on party affiliation and racism. 

Okay - back to the point.  Plenty of polls have shown that Texas Republicans - at least a good portion of them - see Trump mostly as a New York carnival barker who can't be trusted.  Polls show he does not evoke the kind of visceral respect and love Reagan and both Bush's do in Texas.  So, a candidate claiming they'd impeach Trump wouldn't necessarily be the worst thing ever to be said if you're looking for some moderate, middle of the road, lean Republican voters to impress.

Also... why not swing for the fences when you're in Beto's position?  You gotta say something to let people know you're still alive and kicking.  

HOWEVER...

Generally in Washington the electeds that start talking about impeaching presidents before there's any clear evidence to do so are considered silly and a little constitutionally slow - if you know what I mean.  And that goes for members of either party who make statements of this kind.  Never has the smartest guy in either caucus' room been the guy squawking about impeachment when no formal charges have been brought against the president.  (And let's not get into an argument over Clinton because he perjured himself and only crazy people were talking about impeachment before that crime was proven.)  Crazy Republicans threatened to impeach Obama just like crazy Democrats have threatened to impeach Trump.  I would say that Beto is likely the most sane person from the Democratic dugout to say it out loud so far - if that makes you feel better.

The problem with Beto's hypothetical vote to impeach Trump is that it's rooted in hyper-partisanship.  It says "I don't give a shit what the facts are, he's guilty right now and should go."  The truth is that we really don't know yet what the investigation will yield.  To claim you'd hang a man for a crime before his trial even starts is kind of un-American.  Due process is granted to everyone... in theory.  In this case Beto would hang the man simply because he's a member of the opposite party.  That's not really the outlook of a "statesmen" is it?

And we all agree that partisanship is the problem in Washington.  Beto should be trying to bridge that gap for two reasons:

1. Because voters need them to get work done.
2. He would appeal to those precious middle of the road voters who may have been turned off by Cruz's hyper-partisanship in the past. 

Yeah, think about it.  What better is Beto than Cruz if he's just going to be just as partisan?  

I'm not sure this does much bad to Beto, but it could have been left unsaid.  Not a big mistake, nor a big win.  Just something for the bloggers to bitch about on a slow news days. 

 

Comments

[Bernardo]

And, the Senate doesn't impeach anywho, anyway!

[Mary]

The House members vote to impeach but the impeachment trial is held in the Senate where the Senate would vote to convict or not.

[American Dreamer]

You should have been his Consultant. Beto is making dumb ass mistakes. First with the Mandatory Servitude straight out of high school, next with taking a “Dreamer” to the SOTU, signing a bill to ban guns, and finally Impeaching Trump?!?
He almost cried on tv when he was interviewed by Tucker. Can you imagine him debating Cruz?

[Carlos Lehder]

"Beto's hypothetical vote to Impeach is rooted in hyper partisanship?" You've got to be Kidding right?

Hyper partisanship, like what YOU are a prime example of,is what the Republicans are currently doing and have done for the past 8 years while Obama was in office. Mitch McConnel's crowed that his top achievement was from keeping President Obama from nominating a Supreme Court Judge. Or else, the Party of NO! (RepubliKKKans) always voting NO on whatever Obama proposed.

Instead of putting the country first and Party second, Republicans couldn't give a shit as as they shot down any idea, proposal, or even blocking federal judicial nominees.

Republicans have taken their undying loyalty to the R-Brand to such an extreme level. Their loyalty to Tribalism is breathtaking and grotesque.

I read your blogs to see what horseshit of the day you are writing about. David Karlsruher, whose parents still live in El Paso; for someone who constantly craps on the Democrats of El Paso but who lies in Austin (in your parents home) and D.C. as a PAC lobbyist.

And Beto "making mistakes?" Dont worry sweetheart. He was featured recently on Page 1 of the SUNDAY New York Times in an excellent feature by Frank Bruni. Also, his extensive coverage in the last few months indicate the increasing old media and social media he will be given. Vanity Fair and Bill Maher to just name a few.
Plus, he's out-raised your Republican heartthrob, Rafael Cruz with no PAC money. Cruz is the MOST Disliked Senator and has spent more time in Iowa and other states running for President instead of taking care of his Texas constituents.

[David K]

Carlos,

It's friday - have a beer, chill out. you're pretty angry for a guy who claims he's got it all figured out... maybe you don't believe your own words?

[Carlos Lehder]

David Karlsruher....I don't drink beer. I prefer a red Bordeaux in cooler times (I highly recommend the 2015's). Rose from France in Spring and Summer.

Of course, once in a while, my single malt McAllen. at my age, I am a multi-millionaire and can afford it.

YOU must be projecting how YOU feel. Angry? Not at all. In fact, I wrote the above piece feeling joy and with Wagner on the stereo. My favorite composer--I guess your's, not so much.

I never claimed I have it all figured it out. I do have clarity of thought and can analyze something pretty quickly. Like how I figured out how Juan Cabrera will soon be leaving his gig at the EPISD as more people realize how he and your girlfriend, Doris FennenBuck ($300,000 lighter these days) screwed the people of El Paso. Including their $1,500 per day "consultant" and how the bid rigging to GAFCON worked out. All while EPISD continues to drop in scoring/testing AND # of students.

Quit with the high school retorts and get on a diet. You are looking very chubby these days. It will be better for your health and YOUR peace of mind.

[Carlos is a bore]

Carlos is a pompous ass. Someone who has to brag that he is "rich" is a bore and a jerk. No one cares. BTW - When Dems were in control of house and senate they played games with appointments, legislation etc. with George Bush. It is not a unique strategy that only one party uses. Maybe you got too drunk on your Bordeaux to remember that.

[Braggart]

People that have money never talk about it. People that don't always talk about how much they have. He probably buys his wine at the supermarket, box.

The rich guy brags about the great low price he paid for his watch. The guy without money brags about how expensive his watch is.

Not impressed at all.

[Carlos Lehder]

I don't normally discuss my wealth. I believe in the motto "No Brag. Just Fact." But David Karlsruher is one of the biggest Assholes I've ever met, and I've met alot of Jerks.

He was born on 3rd Base and hasn't done anything in life, except for living off of his families money and connection all the while spouting off Republican Platitudes. As if he knows anything. And, he's done it all his Life.

He is an obnoxious Jew who perpetuates the stereotype of Kikes. A shyster just like Shylock the Jew.

"The rich guy brags about the great low price he paid for his watch." WRONG! The rich guy doesn't discuss anything--so you must be referring to the Jews of El Paso. Or, the Jews of the West Coast. Or, for that matter, the Jews of "Hymie Town."

I "Jewed down" the salesman on my wine. Case quantities of course. But it will just rest gently I'd never pay full list. I've had to deal with Jews my entire Lifetime and they are all the same. They take great pleasure in making money and hanging on to it. More than even sex. Israel? No, they won't live there, but they'll send their shekels over and sleep well at night feeling like they've at least donated to the Promised Land.

[Hebrew Harry]

Carlos, you are a jerk. For someone who professes to be a sophisticate, you showed your cards with your ethnically charged word "jewed." No one with any class whatsoever uses that word. Go pound sand.

[Hebrew Harry]

One more thing...if you're a prototypical Beto supporter, I'll go with Ted. Beto can have you.

[Carlos Lehder]

Oh my precious, I seem to have struck a nerve because I Jewed the wine salesman down. I never said I was sophisticated. I just said I’ve been around the block and you Jews\Kikes are all the same. 99.9% of you love money. You get a bigger thrill for haggling and getting a deal. I mean I never encountered a race that Loves Money like yours. And OBNOXIOUS. I mean Google all the scam artists and shysters and they are all Jews. Coincidence? No way! You would rather count money at night or think about ways to make money than anything else. 98% of your time is spent thinking about ways to make money and ways to avoid paying Taxes. Michael Cohen— Trumps “Lawyer.” A perfect example of a Jew. Parts 2,3 -15to follow. So,many Crooked Jews over history.Starting with Shakespeare and Shylock. Oh, the Merchant of Venice, and his pound of flesh!!!

[David K]

Carlos,

You would like Wagner given Hitler's fondness for the composer's work. I will assume you are a Soros liberal - full of money and hate. If we've met, I'm happy I don't remember it. At your urging I will do some pushups today, but you know we Jews are not the athletic type... save for Koufax.

I appreciate you visiting this blog during the moments of the day you aren't trying to buy Nazi memorabilia on line.

Yours in Christ,

David K

[Carlos Goebbels]

After Carlos's birth, his parents yelled never again.

[Yeshiva Lady]

Carlos,

Christians are never supposed to attack Jews. Touch not a hair on the head of the anointed. Quit your jew bashing. You're a sicko.