The intersection of political and legal issues involved in President Trump’s impeachment have become a complex chess game. Speaker Nancy Pelosi has been at the game a long time. By comparison, Trump is like the novice player at the table asking, “What does the horsey do again?” The odd, rambling missive the president sent to the speaker in reaction to his impending impeachment is true to form.

One move that was on the chess table would have been delaying the impeachment vote to further develop the public messaging about impeachment or further develop facts, a move Pelosi and her caucus declined. Her decision to call the vote at this time was likely the best strategy available.