While articles of impeachment are not to be filed against a president unadvisedly or lightly, the feigned reverence and melodrama of the media is getting old. Open talk of the so-called “I-word” is nothing new.
The last five presidents have been threatened with impeachment, and four of them actually had impeachment resolutions drawn up against them. In every instance but one, the talk was idle and the resolutions equally meaningless.
For invading Grenada in 1983, Iraq in 1991, and Iraq again in 2003, Presidents Reagan, H.W. Bush, and W. Bush had separate articles of impeachment drawn up against them in dramatic fashion. Each of those resolutions was filed in the House to much media hysteria. Each went absolutely nowhere.
Obviously President Clinton was not so lucky. But though he was impeached for lying under oath and obstructing justice, the charges against Clinton were dismissed in the Senate and haven’t subsequently stuck in the court of public opinion.
Apparently none of this sunk in with juice box journalists and fresh-faced operatives. Even a political veteran like Zac Petkanas, who helped run Hillary Clinton’s failed bid for president, was too busy to be bothered with recent history.
“Impeachment is being openly discussed on cable news. We are at a new phase” the liberal politico breathlessly tweeted, apparently forgetful of the fact that anything and everything is a topic of conversation on daytime television.
So why all the hysteria about the possibility of impeaching Trump? Because it makes for sexy tweets, exciting soundbites, and provocative headlines. And because apparently it’s a real possibility, judging solely from the statements of liberal politicians jockeying for influence.
Texas Rep. Al Green did exactly that, boosting his profile this morning by calling for impeachment from the House floor. Otherwise, nothing is going on quite yet, as articles haven’t been drawn up.
None of this should be confused as a dismissal of Trump’s conduct. But as things now stand, it’s all a bunch of idle, self-serving talk until hard evidence surfaces. If and when that happens, serious consideration should be given to the charges. Until then, journalists should drop the melodrama.
Philip Wegmann is a commentary writer for the Washington Examiner.
