Listen to the Teachers

On Wednesday, the 4^th of December, the House Judiciary Committee heard from a panel of historians and law professors on the history of impeachment and under what grounds can it be brought against a president. As a history nerd, I was delighted to see this hearing announced. But I also recognized the importance and political strategy by Chairman Nadler in having it.

            There will be four professors attending this hearing, Noah Feldman from Harvard, Pamela Karlan from Stanford, Michael Gerhardt from UNC, and Jonathan Turley from GW. I have attended a talk with Mr. Feldman who is particularly skilled, though each come from fantastic schools and will shed an invaluable prospective on the current process. It will also be interesting to see the possible difference in opinions, Mr. Turley was invited to testify by the Republicans on the Committee, the rest were invited by the Democrats. While I am not sure of the personal political preferences of each of these professors, I think it is more than likely each will make a clear and accurate showing of what history and the law considers a proper impeachment. It also helps that each of these scholars are not politically beholden to any constituents.

            This is an important hearing for the Congress to have because it contextualizes the actions of President Trump in both the law and history. There have been many, many analysis from respected professors and news organizations that these actions are almost exactly what the framers had in mind when they wrote in the powers of impeachment. A politician using the power of their office to discredit other opponents while encouraging outside influence is a prime example of what a “high crime” would be. It is also important because it gives credence and weight to Congress’ decision to impeach the President.

            Donald Trump has never been shy about breaking norms. This impeachment inquiry has exposed various weaknesses and an ever-changing defense on why he withheld military aid for Ukraine. But the President’s utter dismissal of this impeachment inquiry as an illegitimate process, even calling it unconstitutional (it’s not), exposes a need for a history lesson. Donald Trump is very good at talking, muddying the water, and making people confused and disheartened by pointing out the flaws in others. These talents have led to people dismissing entire sections of the government, intelligence agencies, Congress, foreign allies, and new organizations because they do not fit in their world view. Citizens need to sit down and watch as several history professors explain what the constitution is, how it has been set up, and what constitutes a violation of that document.

            Even Mr. Turley, the Republican called witness, still leans on the facts of the case, only calling for caution and a slower process for this impeachment. He has said the current set of facts known are on the weaker side and if Congress wishes to keep this process as robust as possible, they should call on the upper management of the Whitehouse to testify. While I do not completely disagree, there are merits to the current speed of the process. First, the 2020 election is right around the corner. This means a few things, the Democrats do not want to interfere with that process by drowning it in an impeachment process, and the American people should also be informed not only on the character of the current President, but also the Congressmen who decide to stand with him. Second, the citizen is now in a different position to receive information. In order for this to fully land, it needs to be a quick bulldozer to truly allow the people to change their minds.

            Ultimately, more information is always better than less. Understanding the historical context to impeachment and what the constitution allows for is important. In this process, there has only been one side who has strove to withhold information from the American people: Donald Trump and his Republican allies. None have any criticism for the facts or the case itself, only the process. Time and time again they have claimed something not to be true, only for it to be exposed a week later. Once they are exposed, they say it doesn’t matter. This process is designed to hold a corrupt President to account by the true embodiment of the people: Congress. I urge all my readers to watch this testimony and understand that this is exactly what the impeachment process is for.

#FitzFile