The Conservative Case for Impeachment
Donald Trump has scrambled our politics to the degree that it's hard for me to predict where my conservative friends will come down on impeachment. Some of them prioritize the rule of law, but many of them are more interested in tribalism--in defending "our guy," no matter the cost.
The best word I can use to describe my conservative friends who see nothing wrong with Trump's behavior is... disappointing.
I want to be clear that my politics haven't changed. I'm still a center-right columnist who believes in the right to life, a strong national defense, and free markets. It's just that all of these things--as important as they are--are subservient to the preservation of the American republic and the rule of law.
As such, when it comes to impeachment, I would suggest that the principled conservative position is to judge it on the merits, irrespective of whether the president is a Republican or a Democrat. However, this sort of intellectually honest and principled standard is not popular, at least, not among Republican politicians.
Listening to all the rhetoric and statements that have already come out, you've got to wonder: "Are there even three or four House Republicans who might eventually support impeachment?" If so, that’s probably the ceiling.
Back in July, only four House Republicans (plus Justin Amash—who has already come out in favor of impeachment) voted to condemn Trump’s "go back home" tweets, aimed at the Squad.
These Republicans are from purple districts, they barely won, and this could be all it takes to end their careers (indeed, some have announced retirement—and others are rumored to be considering it).
The nail that sticks out gets hammered down.
And so, politicians begin to come up with rationalizations, like: What good does it do me to be a decent, honorable conservative if I lose my re-election?
How can I help steer Trump in the right direction if I don't win?
Everyone from Lindsay Graham to Ben Sasse seem to have (to one degree, or another) made this Faustian bargain.
Perhaps they should ask another question: What use is it to get (re)elected if—when faced with obvious examples of abuse and impropriety—I can't do anything about it?
When getting re-elected is not just a means, but the end, politics becomes a pretty nihilistic endeavor. When that's the case, John Nance Garner’s line about the vice presidency not being worth a “warm bucket of piss” applies to Congress, as well.
In my opinion, the things that Donald Trump (and his personal attorney, Rudy Giuliani) have already copped to are deeply troubling, and (in my estimation) impeachable.
Conservatives who care about conserving the rule of law, separation of power, and congressional oversight, once saw the GOP as the party most interested in preserving these things.
Amazingly, we find ourselves in the unenviable position of having to look to the Democrats (!) to defend them.
I, for one, never thought I would live to see this day.
In case you missed it on Matt Lewis and the News podcast ...
Tom LoBianco on Mike Pence Tom Lobianco talks about his new book, Piety & Power: Mike Pence and the Taking of the White House... > Click here to listen to our conversation.
Chuck Klosterman on Impeaching Trump, Cancel Culture and First Blood Chuck Klosterman is the bestselling author of eight books of nonfiction and two novels. He also served as the Ethicist for The New York Times Magazine for three years. During this podcast, Chuck and Matt discuss Donald Trump and the impeachment story, cancel culture and whether conservatism is the new "punk rock," the perils of Twitter and the brilliance of Sylvester Stallone's First Blood... > Click here to listen to our conversation
Bill Weld – Live From The Texas Tribune Festival! William Weld, former Massachusetts governor, joined Matt on stage at the Texas Tribune Festival on September 26, 2019. During this interview, Weld talks about the Trump impeachment scandal, whether Trump's behavior constitutes "treason," and why he is seeking the Republican nomination for President... > Click here to listen to our conversation.
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