Democrats must seize and define this moment. Otherwise, Trump will. By Eugene Robinson

[sinkingfeeling]

https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/democrats-must-seize-and-define-this-moment-otherwise-trump-will/2019/04/22/0856c736-652b-11e9-8985-4cf30147bdca_story.html?utm_term=.c30824e1dd2b

The political case for moving deliberately but fearlessly toward impeachment is even clearer: If timorous Democrats do not seize and define this moment, Trump surely will.

Anyone who thinks there is a chance that Trump will lick his wounds and move on has not been paying attention. Having escaped criminal charges — because he is a sitting president — Trump will go on the offensive. With the help of Attorney General William P. Barr, whose title really should be Minister of Spin, the president will push to investigate the investigators and sell the bogus counternarrative of an attempted “coup” by politically motivated elements of the “deep state.”

Here is the important thing: Trump will mount this attack no matter what Democrats do . And strictly as a matter of practical politics, the best defense against Trump has to be a powerful offense.

Does it “play into Trump’s hands” to speak of impeachment? I think it plays into the president’s hands to disappoint the Democratic base and come across as weak and frightened. Voters who saw the need to hold Trump accountable decided to give Democrats some power — and now expect them to use it.

[beachbum bob]

1. I put my faith in Pelosi as she is 100x smarter than trump and the people around him.

the steps are happening, day by day. All trump do is what he always does. He can't stop the House Leader

[BeyondGeography]

2. Yup

...strictly as a matter of practical politics, the best defense against Trump has to be a powerful offense.
I fail to see the benefit for Democrats, heading into the 2020 election, of being seen as such fraidy-cats that they shirk their constitutional duty.

[Stellar]

12. ABSOLUTELY!

McConnell says if Trump doesn't win in 2020, he will not allow anything from Democrats. Think Merrick Garland.
We need big bold ideas as well as a badass Congress against the likes if McConnell and the rest of the Republican thugs. There is no space for wimps in the Democratic party.

[no_hypocrisy]

3. It almost feels like reverse psychology with Trump taunting the Democrats to impeach him.

[Fiendish Thingy]

4. It's a question of courage vs. cowardice

An impeachment inquiry will circumvent Trump's court delays designed to run out the clock.

[in2herbs]

5. With certainty we can expect the courts will be involved in any impeachment proceedings, that is why

I believe it is imperative to ITMF NOW! By acting now we will have the court (likely USSC) on record with their decision(s), which will likely be in tRumps favor. However, the fact that the court is not supporting the Constitution will show Americans the future of the US if the status quo -- on the court and in the WH remains --- as these are the same judges ruling on voting rights and reproductive rights. Maybe the court's contrary decisions during impeachment hearings will energize voters to GOTV in 2020 so that we can expand the USSC with appointees and overcome the conservative majority we now have.

[Dream Girl]

6. He is exactly right. If they don't impeach, Trump will come after them with fake

“investigations” of his own, allegations of coups. They absolutely must control the narrative or he will He needs to be on the defensive otherwise he will come after them with everything he has

[Ztolkins]

7. Dem's will lose this..

Blumenthal on All In last night was not reassuring. It seems like they're playing two different games.

I could empathize with Reid's frustration at his answers. Perhaps the freshmen have something to say?

[Marcuse]

8. Yes, hold the appropriate hearings with all deliberate speed and impeach in due course.

There is no hurry since McConnell can stonewall the trial as he did the Garland hearing and, in the unlikely event of a conviction, the grand prize is a President Pence.

[calimary]

9. Yep. We have them the power last November.

They BETTER use it, or they’re gonna lose it.

[patphil]

10. My feeling exactly

Trump will see any hesitation or reluctance by the Democrats as both a sign of weakness, and a green light to double down on his attacks.
All bullies expect their victims to cower before them. That empowers the bully and means more of the same is coming.
The only way to deal with this president is through strong, determined, unified action to cut through his crap and bring forth the truth about him.
It will be a tough, long fight, but it is necessary.
And, the longer it takes, the closer to the election it gets. I don't think Trump will want this to continue into 2020.
We must let him know we will do whatever it takes for as long as it takes for the truth of his dishonest actions to come out.

Patrick Phillips

[mountain grammy]

11. Agree!

That's why they're in power, now use it!

[SunSeeker]

13. Couldn't agree more. We must immediately proceed to impeachment investigation hearings.