impeachment in january?

[unblock]

one possibility i haven't heard discussion of was that the NEW congress -- presumably with around 55 democratic senators instead of the squeaker we have now -- could impeach and remove shrub and cheney in january. the new congress would have a strong democratic majority and a mandate change, so the dynamics of impeachment might be different.

the new congress is sworn in january 3, i believe, whereas obama won't be sworn in until january 20. that gives a couple weeks to take action.

the merits would be in part symbolic and in part it might prevent some last-minute pardons or other rotten actions, at least if done very swiftly. on the other hand, there would obviously be a bit of "why bother, they're out in a few days anyway?"

hearings by the current congress could politically set the stage for that sort of action.


i wouldn't hold my breath, but it is a possibility.

thoughts?

[BOSSHOG]

1. I think the republicans will wait until March to impeach President Obama

The articles are most likely already written.

[Brotherjohn]

4. Let's see: Black, Muslim, oh, don't forget the "terrorist fist-bump"! Three counts right there.

(:sarcasm: heavily intended)

That's what's going on deep in the minds of Repubs anyway. Thankfuly, they'll be so out of favor, and out of power, that an impeachment resolution against Obama will get even less consideration than Kucinich.

[madinmaryland]

12. Fortunately with a democratic congress, impeachment would only be hot air

being emitted by the repubbs.

Nevermind. Will it be off the table with Nancy Pelosi and Joe Lieberman still around.

:grr:

[AndyA]

2. It would be nice, but I'll believe it when I see it.

The next Congress will no doubt have a lot of THIS Congress still in it. And this one is almost as bad as the one that preceded it (Republican majority).

[Richardo]

3. 55 < 67

[elocs]

6. There never has been any real concern here for actual conviction after impeachment.

I am betting that there are many who somehow believe that the impeachment part of the process is the whole thing and that after impeachment Bush would be frog marched to the Hague.

So when it was about Obama having the nomination wrapped up compared to Hillary, math was important. When it comes to conviction after impeachment, well, we won't talk about math in that case.

[Richardo]

10. You said it. And no one talks about the consequence of an acquittal

Namely, he will claim vindication, and apply that vindication to every charge ever made against him. Not sure if any further criminal prosecution in the courts would be considered double jeopardy or not.

Bottom line, if he's acquitted, he and his whole administration skate.

[unblock]

13. criminal prosecution is in no way double jeopardy

impeachment and removal is a political act. impeached officials are definitely subject to possible criminal prosecution.

not that it would actually happen in this country, at least.

[elocs]

14. Even if it was done in January, when Bush is acquitted he would act as if it were validation

for whatever he did, and millions of Americans would agree with him. Of course, all who want impeachment would feel better and believe that justice was semi-served. Bush would then go down into the records as impeached-acquitted, just like Clinton. I would not look forward to seeing the Bush strut and smirk over his acquittal, especially as he leaves office.

[unblock]

8. well that's certainly true, but with the electoral mandate, some republicans might go along

remember that republicans were involved in the impeachment movement against nixon....

[liberal N proud]

5. It has to start in the House of Representatives

They impeach the senate convicts.

[unblock]

7. i'm well aware of the procedures, it's the political dynamic that will be different

and the house will presumably have some pickups as well.

the house doesn't operate in a vaccuum, and it certainly looks to prospects in the senate before taking action on impeachment.

[Richardo]

11. Imagine the outrage of the American people, if, given all the problems they face today,

...inflation, energy, loss of civil liberties, the wars, health care, retirement, home mortgages - imagine the outrage if the first order of business for the new Congress was to impeach and try a President who is leaving office in less than three weeks anyway.

[cliffordu]

9. Forget impeachment. I want a war crimes tribunal in the Hague

[damntexdem]

15. Hey, I'll go for a late Christmas gift!

Just remember: "impeach both"!