Impeachment Shabbat — what happened?
By Halie Soifer, JDCA CEO
Sadly, the second impeachment trial of Donald Trump ended as we predicted — he was acquitted by a vote of 57–43 — with only seven Republicans voting with all 50 Democrats to convict, because Republicans lack the political courage to do what’s right. Here’s how events transpired on this first, and hopefully last, “impeachment Shabbat.”
Last night around 10pm, Washington Republican Rep. Jamie Herrera Beutler courageously came forward with a statement confirming that she knew GOP Leader McCarthy called on Trump to “publicly and forcefully call off the riot” amid the insurrection on January 6, and Trump chided him and refused. We commended Rep. Herrera Beutler for coming forward, offering to testify, and urging other Republicans to do so as well.
Given this new development, earlier today the Senate unexpectedly voted to call witnesses in the trial, and the measure passed 55–45. This development threw the Senate into chaos.
Amid the Senate’s uncertainty, Republican extremist Marjorie Taylor Greene took it upon herself to issue a threat to Rep. Herrera Beutler, calling her a “tool” for Democrats and ominously asserting “the Trump loyal 75 million are watching.” Just like Donald Trump, Marjorie Taylor Greene acts with impunity. After the Republican Party refused to punish her for espousing bigotry, hate, and dangerous conspiracy theories and threats against other elected officials, she clearly feels emboldened, and will only continue her vile behavior.
The Senate then resumed and announced an agreement to dispense with calling witnesses. As heroic impeachment manager Rep. Jamie Raskin later explained, even if they had called thousands of witnesses, the Democrats made a overwhelmingly compelling case against Trump, and the votes were set. They had the testimony they needed from Rep. Herrera Beutler, which they included in the record and started closing arguments, shortly followed by a vote on conviction that ended with an acquittal. Seven Republicans joined all 50 Democrats in voting to convict Trump — Senators Burr, Cassidy, Collins, Murkowski, Romney, Sasse, and Toomey — two of whom have already announced they are not running for reelection.
Today’s vote underscored that the Republican Party lacks the political courage to do what’s right. They all know the truth — they were physically endangered by Trump on January 6, perhaps no one more than Mike Pence himself — and they’re not willing to say it. Minority Leader McConnell actually did say it, in a bizarre speech that made the case that Trump engaged in a “dereliction of duty” and could be held criminally responsible. Unfortunately, this speech took place immediately after McConnell voted against conviction, further demonstrating that he and all 43 Republicans who voted to acquit are cowards.
The vast majority of Republicans are effectively still in “hiding” from the January 6 insurrectionists and Trump himself, and would rather stay there than face the wrath of Trump and his supporters; it’s pathetic, unpatriotic, and unconscionable. The GOP is officially the party of extremists, like Taylor Greene, and it’s a danger to us all. Our democracy cannot function properly if one party excuses, tolerates and legitimizes insurrection.
We share the disappointment many of you feel that Trump was not convicted, and the sad reality that the Republican Party is unwilling to hold him accountable. That said, we know that history will judge Trump and those who acquitted him harshly, and we’re relieved that Republicans are no longer in control of the Senate, House, and White House, thanks in part to JDCA’s unprecedented efforts.
Today’s vote demonstrates that while Trump may be in Mar-a-Lago, his grip on Republicans and his insidious impact on our country remain strong. As a result, JDCA is redoubling our efforts to combat Trumpism and defeat those in the Republican Party who have debased our democracy, threatened our community, and endangered our country.
The 2022 midterms are just 21 months away, and JDCA is doing all we can to hold Republicans accountable, support Democrats, and further our values. Please join us, and let’s ensure there’s never another “impeachment Shabbat.”
Halie Soifer is the CEO of the Jewish Democratic Council of America
