# The Trump Impeachment Inquiry **URL:** \ **Category:** Politics & Elections\ **Created:** [September 24, 2019, 8:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-impeachment-inquiry/840771 "2019-09-24T20:23:47Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 97
**Author:** ![SlackerInc](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/slackerinc/32/275_2.png) [@SlackerInc](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SlackerInc)\ **Post date:** [October 5, 2019, 3:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-impeachment-inquiry/840771/1921 "2019-10-05T03:48:05Z")
> [@Sherrerd](#): > > Another excellent post. The Democrats cannot and must not embrace the lawlessness exhibited by Trump and his enablers. Even if it looks like it’s the only way to win? I’m not saying that’s the case, just probing for how much you will give up to stand on principle. Also, what if Warren or the DNC don’t make any inquiries, but op-eds like this are a Dem-friendly nudge to these governments to do it themselves? Kind of like a super PAC that can’t coordinate with the campaign. ---
**Author:** ![steatopygia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/steatopygia/32/3132_2.png) [@steatopygia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/steatopygia)\ **Post date:** [October 5, 2019, 3:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-impeachment-inquiry/840771/1922 "2019-10-05T03:57:43Z")
> [@enipla](#): > > And investigate Trumps children. > > But, no. Ya gotta draw the line somewhere. Of course Trump has already crossed that line. Let’s not drop down to Trumps level. > > I’m not a parent, but I do know that you should not try to stop a tantrum, by throwing a tantrum yourself. Best to lead by example, someone needs to be the adult. > > When dealing with Trump, that means everyone that deals with Trump needs to be an adult. Wrestling pigs is perhaps a good analogy. > > Hard to be an Adult when handling a 250lb toddler, but that’s what we have to do. I think we can take comfort that Trump does not know how to deal with rational, reasonable responses to his tantrums. He expects to either be yelled at (wherein he just increases the volume) or coddled. When faced with facts, Trump does not know what to do. It isn’t only not sinking to Trump’s level. The republicans use of whataboutism is their go to move. The democrats have to be clean. About Trump’s children. I think American law enforcement will be sufficient. ---
**Author:** ![enipla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/54ee81/32.png) [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)\ **Post date:** [October 5, 2019, 4:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-impeachment-inquiry/840771/1923 "2019-10-05T04:02:16Z")
> [@Euphonious\_Polemic](#): > > Ha! I almost added a line at the end that I’m pretty sure that Miller is doodling plans like this at his desk as we speak… I see him scrawling his plans on the door of a toilet stall with a pair of toe-nail clippers. The man will always be able to get a job as the emotionless villain in a b rated movie. Or late night spray hair club for men informercials. Where does Trump find these people? ---
**Author:** ![eschrodinger](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/eschrodinger/32/122_2.png) [@eschrodinger](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/eschrodinger)\ **Post date:** [October 5, 2019, 4:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-impeachment-inquiry/840771/1924 "2019-10-05T04:08:43Z")
I would not be too worried about media encouraging people with intimate knowledge of damaging facts, whether those people are in the US or not, to come forward with evidence. I would not be happy with media inviting foreign governments to interfere. And there are (obvously) really important reasons why presidential candidates should not invite foreign interference in exchange for favors, even if Republicans decide not to hold Trump accountable for it. ---
**Author:** ![enipla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/54ee81/32.png) [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)\ **Post date:** [October 5, 2019, 4:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-impeachment-inquiry/840771/1925 "2019-10-05T04:12:37Z")
> [@SlackerInc](#): > > Even if it looks like it’s the only way to win? I’m not saying that’s the case, just probing for how much you will give up to stand on principle. When the day is done, you must be able to look yourself in the mirror and know you are fighting the good fight. It’s the only way good people can keep fighting. It can be a long row to hoe, but is the way to do it, least you turn into your enemies. ---
**Author:** ![SlackerInc](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/slackerinc/32/275_2.png) [@SlackerInc](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SlackerInc)\ **Post date:** [October 5, 2019, 4:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-impeachment-inquiry/840771/1926 "2019-10-05T04:44:49Z")
I guess I am more of an “ends justify the means” kind of thing, especially if I know the other side is already using those means. I mean, if you’re in a boxing ring and the other guy keeps kicking you in the nuts and getting away with it, are you going to stick to keeping all your punches above the belt? ---
**Author:** ![JohnT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnt/32/15048_2.png) [@JohnT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JohnT)\ **Post date:** [October 5, 2019, 4:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-impeachment-inquiry/840771/1927 "2019-10-05T04:50:38Z")
Guys… [Tucker Carlson and Neil Patel in op-ed: “Trump should not have been on the phone with a foreign head of state encouraging another country to investigate his political opponent, Joe Biden. Some Republicans are trying, but there’s no way to spin this…”](https://twitter.com/oliverdarcy/status/1180243400907460608) Tucker. Fucking. Carlson. A pivot from defending the call, to a condemnation which, while regrettable, doesn’t rise to the level of impeachment. This is an interesting change. We’ll see if he takes to this theme on the tee vee. > ---
**Author:** ![JohnT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnt/32/15048_2.png) [@JohnT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JohnT)\ **Post date:** [October 5, 2019, 4:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-impeachment-inquiry/840771/1928 "2019-10-05T04:59:50Z")
> [@SlackerInc](#): > > I guess I am more of an “ends justify the means” kind of thing, especially if I know the other side is already using those means. I mean, if you’re in a boxing ring and the other guy keeps kicking you in the nuts and getting away with it, are you going to stick to keeping all your punches above the belt? Here is how your plan works: Trump asks for aid to receive assistance for his 2016 campaign and gets it. He is investigated. He is all but convicted (stupid memo). But he isn’t, allowing him to claim exoneration. He then does the same shit with Ukraine, which people reported to various authorities. Also, he did it for China, Australia, Russia, more. House opens impeachment hearings. \ E Warren asks Great Britain to dig up dirt on Ivanka. They do so. Biden asks France to find dirt on Warren. Etc. After all is said and done it’s Cory Booker (D-India) vs Donald Trump (R-Russia). Cory wins. Then every politician now knows that the way to get to power is via utilizing a foreign government. Every foreign government knows that getting concessions from the US means owning a Senator or Rep or more. Every American learns that to gain power in America, you need assistance from a foreign power. So now, when people explore House and Senate runs, they see which country has the most attractive package for them. If a Democrat ever did this, especially while Trump is in office, is to effectively end the Republic. ---
**Author:** ![enipla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/54ee81/32.png) [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)\ **Post date:** [October 5, 2019, 5:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-impeachment-inquiry/840771/1929 "2019-10-05T05:03:58Z")
> [@SlackerInc](#): > > I guess I am more of an “ends justify the means” kind of thing, especially if I know the other side is already using those means. I mean, if you’re in a boxing ring and the other guy keeps kicking you in the nuts and getting away with it, are you going to stick to keeping all your punches above the belt? You make a good point. But. What should happen in your analogy, is that the crowd rushes the ring, and strings up the boxing referee for not doing his job. And make sure a fair fight can be had. We, every person of voting age, are the crowd. And are responsible for this current predicament. When ‘The end justifies the means’ becomes a system of government, the outcomes never turn out well. ---
**Author:** ![enipla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/54ee81/32.png) [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)\ **Post date:** [October 5, 2019, 5:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-impeachment-inquiry/840771/1930 "2019-10-05T05:12:48Z")
> [@JohnT](#): > > Guys… > > [Tucker Carlson and Neil Patel in op-ed: “Trump should not have been on the phone with a foreign head of state encouraging another country to investigate his political opponent, Joe Biden. Some Republicans are trying, but there’s no way to spin this…”](https://twitter.com/oliverdarcy/status/1180243400907460608) > > Tucker. Fucking. Carlson. > > A pivot from defending the call, to a condemnation which, while regrettable, doesn’t rise to the level of impeachment. > > This is an interesting change. We’ll see if he takes to this theme on the tee vee. > > [https://twitter.com/oliverdarcy/status/1180243400907460608?s=19](https://twitter.com/oliverdarcy/status/1180243400907460608?s=19) Wait, that link really isn’t clear. I don’t do Twitter. Tucker Carlson agrees with Neil Patel? ---
**Author:** ![JohnT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnt/32/15048_2.png) [@JohnT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JohnT)\ **Post date:** [October 5, 2019, 5:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-impeachment-inquiry/840771/1931 "2019-10-05T05:27:39Z")
> **[Tucker And Patel: The Truth About Impeachment](https://amp.dailycaller.com/2019/10/03/tucker-and-patel-truth-about-impeachment)** > > Does Trump's controversial conversation with the Ukrainian prime minister rise to the level of an impeachable offense? Link to the co-authored op-ed piece between the two. Point being, there’s an internecine war going on at Fox between Trump supporters and people concerned about a post-Trump Fox. Tucker was seen as a pro-Trumper, but this is a pivot more towards the Shepherd Smith view and away from Hannity’s full-on support. ---
**Author:** ![Euphonious\_Polemic](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/euphonious_polemic/32/3002_2.png) [@Euphonious\_Polemic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Euphonious_Polemic)\ **Post date:** [October 5, 2019, 5:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-impeachment-inquiry/840771/1932 "2019-10-05T05:36:33Z")
Time for the Night of the Long Knives. Fox News and Republicans must be purged of Trump non-loyalists. ---
**Author:** ![SlackerInc](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/slackerinc/32/275_2.png) [@SlackerInc](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SlackerInc)\ **Post date:** [October 5, 2019, 6:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-impeachment-inquiry/840771/1933 "2019-10-05T06:09:09Z")
> [@JohnT](#): > > Here is how your plan works: > > Trump asks for aid to receive assistance for his 2016 campaign and gets it. > > He is investigated. He is all but convicted (stupid memo). But he isn’t, allowing him to claim exoneration. > > He then does the same shit with Ukraine, which people reported to various authorities. Also, he did it for China, Australia, Russia, more. > > House opens impeachment hearings. > > \ > > E Warren asks Great Britain to dig up dirt on Ivanka. They do so. Biden asks France to find dirt on Warren. Etc. > > After all is said and done it’s Cory Booker (D-India) vs Donald Trump (R-Russia). Cory wins. > > Then every politician now knows that the way to get to power is via utilizing a foreign government. Every foreign government knows that getting concessions from the US means owning a Senator or Rep or more. Every American learns that to gain power in America, you need assistance from a foreign power. So now, when people explore House and Senate runs, they see which country has the most attractive package for them. > > If a Democrat ever did this, especially while Trump is in office, is to effectively end the Republic. And what about if it’s Dem-friendly figures calling on them to do it, while keeping the candidates’ own hands technically clean? (Or clean-ish, anyway, since some of them would probably be big donors.) ---
**Author:** ![JohnT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnt/32/15048_2.png) [@JohnT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JohnT)\ **Post date:** [October 5, 2019, 6:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-impeachment-inquiry/840771/1934 "2019-10-05T06:56:35Z")
To involve foreign _governments_ to interfere with American _elections_ as to gain _political power_ in America? Heart reaction: Has the world gone mad? Head reaction: Will the true long-term result of all this be the destruction of the nation state as citizens are pitted against citizens by a proliferation of new entities attacking every nation in the world, weakening their control(s)? ---
**Author:** ![JohnT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnt/32/15048_2.png) [@JohnT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JohnT)\ **Post date:** [October 5, 2019, 7:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-impeachment-inquiry/840771/1935 "2019-10-05T07:00:05Z")
In 1939, Adolf Hitler teamed up with Josef Stalin to divide Europe. In 2016, Donald Trump teamed up with Vladimir Putin to divide America. Imagine if Adolf Hitler had teamed up with Josef Stalin to divide Germany… ---
**Author:** ![Walken\_After\_Midnight](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/b487fb/32.png) [@Walken\_After\_Midnight](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Walken_After_Midnight)\ **Post date:** [October 5, 2019, 2:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-impeachment-inquiry/840771/1936 "2019-10-05T14:24:36Z")
[USA Today article on the DOJ cover-up](https://eu.usatoday.com/story/opinion/2019/09/29/trump-ukraine-scandal-requires-criminal-investigation-column/3805023002/): > [@](#): > > Despite compelling evidence implicating President Donald Trump and others in potential crimes, the Department of Justice declined to open a criminal investigation into them for their role in the Ukraine situation. This raises serious questions about the motivations and independence of decision-makers at DOJ and whether this decision was made in good faith. > … > This rapid conclusion raises red flags for two major reasons. > > First, the standards for opening an investigation are quite low. The Attorney General Guidelines make clear that to open a preliminary investigation, FBI agents need only have “information or an allegation” that a federal crime might have been committed. Given these standards, it is incomprehensible that anyone would determine that no investigation was warranted here. > … > Second, a campaign finance violation isn’t the only (or the most serious) federal crime suggested by these facts. In opening investigations, investigators are not limited to a particular crime mentioned in a referral. Here, DOJ should have considered federal bribery, extortion under color of official right, and theft of honest services. > > These statutes make it a crime to solicit or accept something of value in exchange for an official act. Soliciting an investigation of your political rival in the lead-up to an election while putting a hold on nearly $400 million in congressionally appropriated aid would seem to fall squarely within one or more of these statutes. > … > Barr must explain that decision, because right now DOJ’s decision not to investigate looks an awful lot like part of the cover-up. ---
**Author:** ![enipla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/54ee81/32.png) [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)\ **Post date:** [October 5, 2019, 3:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-impeachment-inquiry/840771/1937 "2019-10-05T15:54:44Z")
I kind of wonder why in the fuck Barr accepted the job in the first place? A seemingly well off and intelligent man (politics, morals and ethics aside, I do think he is reasonably intelligent) would agree to work for a corrupt abusive asshole? What’s up with that? Is it that “Absolute power corrupts absolutely”? ---
**Author:** ![Sage\_Rat](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sage_rat/32/399_2.png) [@Sage\_Rat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sage_Rat)\ **Post date:** [October 5, 2019, 4:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-impeachment-inquiry/840771/1938 "2019-10-05T16:01:22Z")
> [@enipla](#): > > I kind of wonder why in the fuck Barr accepted the job in the first place? A seemingly well off and intelligent man (politics, morals and ethics aside, I do think he is reasonably intelligent) would agree to work for a corrupt abusive asshole? What’s up with that? > > Is it that “Absolute power corrupts absolutely”? I think that Barr is a true believer in Executive supremacy and enjoys putting that into being. ---
**Author:** ![CarnalK](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carnalk/32/486_2.png) [@CarnalK](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CarnalK)\ **Post date:** [October 5, 2019, 4:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-impeachment-inquiry/840771/1939 "2019-10-05T16:03:16Z")
In his defense, if it’s DOJ policy that they can’t charge a President, why launch an investigation into him? ---
**Author:** ![Sage\_Rat](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sage_rat/32/399_2.png) [@Sage\_Rat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sage_Rat)\ **Post date:** [October 5, 2019, 4:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-impeachment-inquiry/840771/1940 "2019-10-05T16:16:04Z")
> [@CarnalK](#): > > In his defense, if it’s DOJ policy that they can’t charge a President, why launch an investigation into him? Is there a DOJ policy against informing Congress of impeachment worthy allegations? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-impeachment-inquiry/840771.md?page=96) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-impeachment-inquiry/840771.md?page=98)