House Democrats are pondering impeaching President Trump for inciting last week's Capitol riot. But before that, they are trying another route, with a nonbinding resolution calling on Vice President Mike Pence to lead a palace coup.

Citing Section 4 of the Constitution’s 25th Amendment, Democrats propose and the House will soon vote on a measure calling for just that — for Pence to assume power, ousting his boss. This is a gimmicky attempt to shirk congressional responsibility, and it represents a threat to the constitutional order that is different from, but no less real, than that presented by the mob that swarmed the Capitol.