A methodical approach to impeachment (Elizabeth De La Vega thread from Twitter)

[swag]

https://threadreaderapp.com/thread/1120814474938732544.html


HOW to start official impeachment proceedings yet preserve the measured, nonpartisan gravity the issue merits? As in Watergate, before drafting articles of impeachment, the House authorizes the Judiciary Committee to open an inquiry into whether grounds for impeachment exist. 1/

At that point, you have opened an Impeachment Case. You are not rushing into charges, far from it. You are investigating. The Judiciary Committee beefs up its staff of attorneys, paralegals and investigators, just as Judiciary Counsels John Doar and Albert Jenner did after the 2/

House voted to authorize the beginning of the inquiry in Feb. 1974. They prepare a succinct presentation of impeachment law and history, so people have a way to assess conduct and they investigate. First, gather all existing evidence, including the unredacted Mueller report, 3/

witnesses' congressional testimony & relevant public statements. All of it. Create working timelines, interview witnesses & hold hearings. That's not a rush to judgment, it is simply a recognition that the overwhelming evidence of misconduct to date requires a focused inquiry. 4/

As the work proceeds, if the Executive Branch encourages people not to cooperate or respond to congressional subpoenas, Congress's legal position is solid. There is no reason to delay a House Res. to begin a solemn, dignified and focused Judiciary Committee process at this point.

I have two more things to add. First, this process will take a long time. The House Res. to authorize a Judiciary Committee inquiry into grounds for impeachment occurred 2/6/74. Counsel and staff prepared an impeachment history within a few weeks. Simultaneously,
they (over two dozen people), prepared "Statements of Information" that exceeded 7000 pages. Arts of Impeachment were not drafted until May, but three months is not a magic number. They had testimony in July. Nixon resigned August 9 after the infamous tape came out.

Second, this process is essential, regardless of what the Senate would do. People need to understand what the boundaries are (to put it colloquially) and they need to really know what has happened, is happening, here. It's not about punishing the president; it's about protecting the country

[fatrick]

1. Very important article

We don’t need to boil the ocean.

Pelosi needs to start with some steps in the process.

As it unfolds those first tentative steps will build momentum and great powers will come to support. Eventually even Republicans will join. Once it starts to snowball then it will be beyond the idiots control.

[BigmanPigman]

2. True...it is the law and the Constitution

not about playing politics. Call Pelosi [phone]. RESIST!

Call your reps too, tomorrow!

[marylandblue]

3. I can agree with that, but an investigation is not impeachment.

And I don't know of any Democrat who doesn't want to investigate.

[abqtommy]

4. Any competent investigation

will lead to impeachment!