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Probably. I can't think of any other reason to want him to leave so badly a week before his term is over, especially when he has repeatedly been saying he want
by briefcomment 6y ago
Probably. I can't think of any other reason to want him to leave so badly a week before his term is over, especially when he has repeatedly been saying he wants a peaceful transition.
- jcranmer 6y agoThe biggest reason I can think of: the sitting president attempted to overthrow the lawful results of an election by inciting insurrection. That is the sort of "high crime and misdemeanor" that clearly falls in the remit of impeachment, and Congress has the ability and the moral duty to say that the president is not above the law and should face punishment for his actions, even if it is at the very end of his term. > he has repeatedly been saying he wants a peaceful transition I don't believe him. I don't think he has actually conceded that he lost the election yet (he hadn't as of last Thursday--his video was only "the closest he's come to conceding", not an actual concession). Some of the reports of last Wednesday have said that he was initially happy that the mob had invaded the Capitol, and I haven't seen any signs of genuine remorse. As far as I'm aware, he has yet to criticize any of his followers who had done actions such as break into and vandalize federal property, which he was oh-so-incensed about 6 months ago.
- jimmydorry 6y agoTrump was calling for peaceful protest before the riot, and his final tweets (while continuing his message of 'stolen election') called for the protesters to go home and remember the day. Trump has since conceded and criticized the protestors that entered the building [1]. It took some concerted Googling to find a single source I could cite... even though I saw his speech broadcasted in the media. >"America is, and must always be a nation of law and order. Like all Americans, I am outraged by the violence, lawlessness and mayhem. I immediately deployed the national guard and federal law enforcement to secure the building and expel the intruders." >"Now Congress has certified the election results, a new administration will be inaugurated on January 20. My focus now turns to ensure a smooth, orderly, and seamless transition of power. This moment calls for healing and reconciliation." [1] https://www.business-standard.com/article/international/republicans-resign-democrats-talk-impeachment-aftermath-of-capitol-siege-121010800406_1.html https://www.business-standard.com/article/international/repu...
- jcranmer 6y agoThat's the speech I'm referring to... he doesn't actually quite concede that he lost to Biden. As some people have pointing out "a new administration will be inaugurated on January 20" could mean "my second administration" and not "Biden's administration." I realize that's splitting hairs, and I don't think that Trump is so clever as to rely on such a level of plausible deniability, but there are several among his supporters who will hold to that interpretation. And after he put out that video, he went back on Twitter to complain about election fraud, which rather undercuts his message.
- dragonwriter 6y ago> I realize that’s splitting hairs, and I don’t think that Trump is so clever as to rely on such a level of plausible deniability He might not be clever enough to come up with it, but not only does he still have staff, but Secretary of State Pompeo (after the election results were clear but earlier in the attempts to reverse them) actually said on November 10 in response to a question about the transition to the Biden Administration, “There will be a smooth transition to a second Trump administration.”
- ineedasername 6y agoSaying the word "peaceful" a time or two during a 70 minute speach doesn't get him any deniability after he 1) spent 70 minutes telling them how angry they should be then 2) telling them to go to the Capitol and 3) fight like hell His forced statements after the fact give him not help either, have the staff and lawyers.around you telling you just how bad he screwed up and what he has no choice in now doing to try and save his hide. While he admits the Senate certified the election, he says "new administration" and has not conceded or acknowledged that Biden will be president. That could be pettiness, or it could be him holding out hope for enough violent supporters causing enough chaos he can hold on to something.