A Twitter fight between billionaire environmentalist Tom Steyer and former senior adviser to former President Barack Obama David Axelrod highlights a debate over whether Democrats should drum up impeachment talk ahead of the midterm elections and pursue proceedings if the party retakes the House.
Though a handful of House Democrats have pushed for impeaching President Trump, the majority of Democrats want to stay away from the topic, arguing there isn’t enough evidence, and that such talk would only wake up Trump’s base.
Responding to a New York Times article detailing Republican candidates efforts to play up Democrats’ desire to impeach Trump in mailers and meet and greets with voters, Axelrod cautioned Democrats against sounding the alarm too early.
Dems should NOT commit to impeachment unless & until there’s a demonstrable case for one.
It is not just a matter of politics. It’s a matter of principle.
If we “normaiize” impeachment as a political tool, it will be another hammer blow to our democracy.https://t.co/vTcaDfknlC— David Axelrod (@davidaxelrod) April 8, 2018
Steyer, who launched a campaign to impeach Trump last year, shot back.
Let’s be clear: Trump has already committed 8 impeachable offenses. What are we waiting for? If you haven’t signed on yet, now is the time. https://t.co/xLZe31ulzC https://t.co/KeNgoh4kWB
— Tom Steyer (@TomSteyer) April 8, 2018
Democratic leaders in the House and Senate have shot down such talk, refusing to entertain the idea of starting impeachment proceedings. House Judiciary Democrats have quietly looked into what tools are available regarding impeachment, but many members are more interested in amping up oversight on Trump’s business dealings, tax returns, and potential conflicts of interest if they take the House.
