There’s been lots of tough talk from House Republicans about impeaching Joe Biden recently. But what House Republicans are contemplating is political theatrics, not a solemn impeachment proceeding based on evidence. Impeaching is the Congressional version of a prosecutor indicting. An impeachment is a charging document; it charges one or more people with an impeachable offense, and that’s done in the House of Representatives. Then, the person who is name is tried on those charges before the Senate, which determines whether they are convicted on the articles of impeachment. In this case, the hard-right wing of the Republican party wants to impeach Joe Biden, which means they are supposed to have provable allegations of high crimes and misdemeanors to bring against him. But that’s the problem. They have speculation, rumor, and innuendo. Despite the best efforts to come up with something, Republicans are still empty-handed.
Both Trump and Alito have gotten away with a lot of mischief and bad behavior, possibly even criminal actions. I fear a worsening trickle-down effect if Americans continue to see people in high places facing no consequences for their unethical and illegal behavior. We're already seeing it among too many Members of Congress.
I try not to be judgmental or make comments about how women choose their wardrobes, but does that, um, representative from Georgia ever wear anything with sleeves? I mean, Congress is not Hooters and she’s not a waitress.
OK, I’ve been holding that in for a long time. Thank you for letting me vent.
Well, with Alito and Thomas as shining examples of The Supremes, I’d say anyone in any of the lower courts would have right much leeway in deciding whether or not to recuse. Good reasons, bad reasons; why bother with ethics at all? See how easy it is for things to go to Hell when personal integrity is lacking at the top? The rot is systemic now.
As to the MAGA Repubs wanting to impeach Joe Biden for impropriety in the possibility that he was involved somewhat in his son's business dealings overseas, they have not been able to turn anything discovered into actual proof. On the other side of the coin, former President trump definitely helped to enrich his daughter Ivanka during his initial visit to China when she was granted all of those trademarks for her fashion business. So, if the Republican House members want to score points in an impeachment, perhaps they missed their opportunity because trump is no longer President, thankfully, but he is definitely an emoluments criminal. Carry on!
Where’s Jimmy Breslin to write The Firm that Couldn’t Brief Straight? You don’t often see a motion that is much a self-own as this. “The Judge has said nasty things about January 6 (which was a perfect peaceful protest) and it was my idea, so she’ll say nasty things about me.” If I were trapped in a cave with the water rising, I’d concentrate on treading water harder with my mouth shut.
Is there a way to challenge an impeachment proceeding similar to a motion to dismiss or a demurrer so that the moving party has to at least allege a valid high crime or misdemeanor?
Second, re the 2nd Amendment. We did not have a standing militia at the time of the founding and the drafting of the Constitution which is why there is a 2nd Amendment. However, since every state now has a militia....the National Guard, should not there be a clarification of the 2d Amendment so that it does not relate to non-military personnel ownership of arms?
I find this impeachment display to be infuriating and disrespectful magical thinking. This is supposed to be a rare and serious action with evidence that the ex-president deserved twice (we heard and saw him in action) but it has been trivialized to random bullying.
Thank you, Joyce for this important article summarizing the stupidity of the vengeful MAGAs in trying to impeach President Biden with no plausible evidence. I have a legal question. Are the people (citizens of the United States over the age of 18) allowed to sue the House of Representatives for failure to pass any meaningful legislation - as the 118th Congress has failed to submit any legislation - and to further waste our taxpayer dollars on an Impeachment hearing that has no valid evidence and one which they probably will not be able to pass with 218 votes?
It seems to me the request for the recusal of Judge Chutkan (and probably of any Judge who might replace her, are just stalling tactics by Trump's legal team. If they don't like the judges, they shouldn't commit the crimes.
I don’t think the Americans who fought and those who died in the Second World War did it out of blind fealty to one man. In fact they fought against the idea of a one man dictator or tyrant. They fought for their country, regardless of what they felt about the man in the White House. They also fought for the guys next to them. Some fought even when they were mistreated at home. But they all fought for their country and its democratic republic. How has the Republican Party fallen so far from who we are as a country to support what so many fought and died fighting against?
The MAGA members in Congress are despicable. Honestly, I am praying that Jack Smith is taking a deep-dive into these crazies. I was laughing hysterically when I heard that Trump’s attorneys asked for Chutkin’s recusal! He must be pistol-whipping them into taking this route. Unlike Alito who should recuse himself, Chutkin will not, in my opinion.
As someone, last January, who anxiously watched and waited while House Freedom Caucus extremists were extracting concession after concession from Kevin McCarthy as he desperately attempted to get enough votes to become Speaker, I rightly feared that far-right extremists would be setting the agenda for the next two years. If, like me, anyone is interested in a project currently underway aimed at peeling away the 30 or so House Republicans who privately abhor the extremists who are holding the Party hostage and who would be willing to join with Democrats for a vote to vacate the Speakership and find a consensus Republican who owes nothing to the MAGA faction, you can contact Substack host Jerry Weiss at FeathersOfHope.net.
I appreciate what seems a fair assessment of the issues at hand in tonight’s newsletter. 45’s vicious calling card is known to all of us and we know what he is trying to do. It’s on the judge to see through and clarify the injustice of this prank. Also we need to put more pressure on the Supremes to stand up and fly right. Do they not see the beating republicans will experience in the upcoming elections despite their flawed fake banter? They’ve given us the fuel we need to succeed and we can at least thank them for that. They’ve got nothing but nothing but innuendo to distract from the real issues that need to be addressed. It’s a shameful display of stupidity. I feel so much better after reading your thoughts tonight and look forward to some positivity amidst the hateful rhetoric (aka noise) 🇺🇸🗽
Mega Republicans represent nothing but corruption. They are literally abusing
their power for Trump. This is irrational behavior and its not governing for the people. Just the idea of impeaching Biden, is outrageous. To shut down the government, if McCarthy isn't compliant with their demands and take out on the American people, is inhumane and evil. The majority of seniors rely on their Social Security to live on. Representative Jeffries should have a press conference to inform the American people. This behavior by mega Republicans is unacceptable. They have to voted out office in 24.
Hate to say it, but I am just tired of them all. Saw a meme/cartoon today of a man agonizing and calling face to face with Trump saying, please just go away. Maybe I AM just tired tonight, tomorrow is a new day. How about some chicken news Joyce.
Of course there’s no evidence for an impeachment trial. That’s why the term is called “trumped up charges,” and we usually see them in kangaroo courts. The real marvel is that the term preceded the man himself.
Impeachment and Recusal
Both Trump and Alito have gotten away with a lot of mischief and bad behavior, possibly even criminal actions. I fear a worsening trickle-down effect if Americans continue to see people in high places facing no consequences for their unethical and illegal behavior. We're already seeing it among too many Members of Congress.
I try not to be judgmental or make comments about how women choose their wardrobes, but does that, um, representative from Georgia ever wear anything with sleeves? I mean, Congress is not Hooters and she’s not a waitress.
OK, I’ve been holding that in for a long time. Thank you for letting me vent.
Well, with Alito and Thomas as shining examples of The Supremes, I’d say anyone in any of the lower courts would have right much leeway in deciding whether or not to recuse. Good reasons, bad reasons; why bother with ethics at all? See how easy it is for things to go to Hell when personal integrity is lacking at the top? The rot is systemic now.
As to the MAGA Repubs wanting to impeach Joe Biden for impropriety in the possibility that he was involved somewhat in his son's business dealings overseas, they have not been able to turn anything discovered into actual proof. On the other side of the coin, former President trump definitely helped to enrich his daughter Ivanka during his initial visit to China when she was granted all of those trademarks for her fashion business. So, if the Republican House members want to score points in an impeachment, perhaps they missed their opportunity because trump is no longer President, thankfully, but he is definitely an emoluments criminal. Carry on!
Where’s Jimmy Breslin to write The Firm that Couldn’t Brief Straight? You don’t often see a motion that is much a self-own as this. “The Judge has said nasty things about January 6 (which was a perfect peaceful protest) and it was my idea, so she’ll say nasty things about me.” If I were trapped in a cave with the water rising, I’d concentrate on treading water harder with my mouth shut.
Is there a way to challenge an impeachment proceeding similar to a motion to dismiss or a demurrer so that the moving party has to at least allege a valid high crime or misdemeanor?
Second, re the 2nd Amendment. We did not have a standing militia at the time of the founding and the drafting of the Constitution which is why there is a 2nd Amendment. However, since every state now has a militia....the National Guard, should not there be a clarification of the 2d Amendment so that it does not relate to non-military personnel ownership of arms?
I find this impeachment display to be infuriating and disrespectful magical thinking. This is supposed to be a rare and serious action with evidence that the ex-president deserved twice (we heard and saw him in action) but it has been trivialized to random bullying.
Thank you, Joyce for this important article summarizing the stupidity of the vengeful MAGAs in trying to impeach President Biden with no plausible evidence. I have a legal question. Are the people (citizens of the United States over the age of 18) allowed to sue the House of Representatives for failure to pass any meaningful legislation - as the 118th Congress has failed to submit any legislation - and to further waste our taxpayer dollars on an Impeachment hearing that has no valid evidence and one which they probably will not be able to pass with 218 votes?
It seems to me the request for the recusal of Judge Chutkan (and probably of any Judge who might replace her, are just stalling tactics by Trump's legal team. If they don't like the judges, they shouldn't commit the crimes.
I don’t think the Americans who fought and those who died in the Second World War did it out of blind fealty to one man. In fact they fought against the idea of a one man dictator or tyrant. They fought for their country, regardless of what they felt about the man in the White House. They also fought for the guys next to them. Some fought even when they were mistreated at home. But they all fought for their country and its democratic republic. How has the Republican Party fallen so far from who we are as a country to support what so many fought and died fighting against?
The MAGA members in Congress are despicable. Honestly, I am praying that Jack Smith is taking a deep-dive into these crazies. I was laughing hysterically when I heard that Trump’s attorneys asked for Chutkin’s recusal! He must be pistol-whipping them into taking this route. Unlike Alito who should recuse himself, Chutkin will not, in my opinion.
As someone, last January, who anxiously watched and waited while House Freedom Caucus extremists were extracting concession after concession from Kevin McCarthy as he desperately attempted to get enough votes to become Speaker, I rightly feared that far-right extremists would be setting the agenda for the next two years. If, like me, anyone is interested in a project currently underway aimed at peeling away the 30 or so House Republicans who privately abhor the extremists who are holding the Party hostage and who would be willing to join with Democrats for a vote to vacate the Speakership and find a consensus Republican who owes nothing to the MAGA faction, you can contact Substack host Jerry Weiss at FeathersOfHope.net.
I appreciate what seems a fair assessment of the issues at hand in tonight’s newsletter. 45’s vicious calling card is known to all of us and we know what he is trying to do. It’s on the judge to see through and clarify the injustice of this prank. Also we need to put more pressure on the Supremes to stand up and fly right. Do they not see the beating republicans will experience in the upcoming elections despite their flawed fake banter? They’ve given us the fuel we need to succeed and we can at least thank them for that. They’ve got nothing but nothing but innuendo to distract from the real issues that need to be addressed. It’s a shameful display of stupidity. I feel so much better after reading your thoughts tonight and look forward to some positivity amidst the hateful rhetoric (aka noise) 🇺🇸🗽
Mega Republicans represent nothing but corruption. They are literally abusing
their power for Trump. This is irrational behavior and its not governing for the people. Just the idea of impeaching Biden, is outrageous. To shut down the government, if McCarthy isn't compliant with their demands and take out on the American people, is inhumane and evil. The majority of seniors rely on their Social Security to live on. Representative Jeffries should have a press conference to inform the American people. This behavior by mega Republicans is unacceptable. They have to voted out office in 24.
Hate to say it, but I am just tired of them all. Saw a meme/cartoon today of a man agonizing and calling face to face with Trump saying, please just go away. Maybe I AM just tired tonight, tomorrow is a new day. How about some chicken news Joyce.
Of course there’s no evidence for an impeachment trial. That’s why the term is called “trumped up charges,” and we usually see them in kangaroo courts. The real marvel is that the term preceded the man himself.
Hey Siri: “Define irony”
Siri: “When Donnie argues to disqualify Judge Chutkan using the "reasonable person" standard.”