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| Pelosi on Trump impeachment: This is not about elections, it’s about the constitution – live | |
| (32 minutes later) | |
| Speaker of the House answered questions after articles of impeachment were announced this morning, disputing Republicans’ argument over motives | |
| Democracy is under attack … as are civility and truth. | |
| A message from the Guardian US editor-in-chief: | |
| These are perilous times. Lies infect the political discourse and hateful attacks on the media are commonplace. The US government incites fear and prejudice and undermines the judiciary. It sometimes feels like the truth is an endangered species. | |
| As we approach 2020, the need for a robust, independent press has never been greater. Many vital aspects of American public life are in play – the Supreme Court, abortion rights, climate policy, wealth inequality, Big Tech and much more. The stakes could hardly be higher. | |
| In 2020, the Guardian, as it has done for 200 years, will continue to argue for the values we hold dear – facts, science, diversity, equality and fairness. We’re asking our US readers to help us raise $1.5m by early January to support our journalism. We hope you’ll consider making a year-end gift. | |
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| Lots has been happening on Capitol Hill today. Here’s a quick catch-up on all that’s been happening: | |
| House Democrats publicly released their two articles of impeachment against Donald Trump, one for abuse of power and a second for obstructing Congress’ investigation. Trump and co. have already responded by saying the House Dems are on a “witch hunt” and are trying to compensate for the 2016 election, but the House could bring impeachment to a vote as early as next week. If this all makes your head spin, here are some succinct key takeaways from the articles brought for today. | |
| Almost an hour after the House Dems announced their article of impeachment, they scurried to another room in the Capitol to announce they made a deal with Trump on the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), a trade deal between the three countries. The deal includes their push for better worker and environmental protections. | |
| Attorney general William Barr told NBC News that the FBI was acting in “bad faith” when they were investigating possible collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia, directly contradicting the report that the DOJ’s watchdog published yesterday that said the investigation was justified. | |
| Believe it or not, there’s plenty more to come today, so stay tuned! | |
| In a just-published exclusive for NBC News, attorney general William Barr said that he believes the FBI acted in bad faith when it investigated collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia, contradicting his department’s watchdog. Here’s more from the story: | |
| Speaker Nancy Pelosi is being asked some fun questions at an event in DC right now. | Speaker Nancy Pelosi is being asked some fun questions at an event in DC right now. |
| On how she would describe her relationship with Trump: “Professional.” | On how she would describe her relationship with Trump: “Professional.” |
| On whether hearing that Lara Trump, the president’s daughter-in-law, admires her as a powerful leader surprises her: “Surprise is not a word in my vocabulary.” | On whether hearing that Lara Trump, the president’s daughter-in-law, admires her as a powerful leader surprises her: “Surprise is not a word in my vocabulary.” |
| Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi is at an event in DC hosted by Politico, taking the first batch of questions from Politico reporter Anna Palmer on impeachment since the articles of impeachment were announced this morning. | Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi is at an event in DC hosted by Politico, taking the first batch of questions from Politico reporter Anna Palmer on impeachment since the articles of impeachment were announced this morning. |
| “It’s a sad day actually, a solemn day. It’s something that no one comes to Congress to do, to impeach a president.” | “It’s a sad day actually, a solemn day. It’s something that no one comes to Congress to do, to impeach a president.” |
| Pelosi shrugged off a question of why the findings of the Mueller report weren’t included in the articles of impeachment. | Pelosi shrugged off a question of why the findings of the Mueller report weren’t included in the articles of impeachment. |
| “I wish everyone just focused on what we are bringing forward because this is very serious violations of our constitution, undermining the national security of the United States, jeopardizing the integrity of our elections,” Pelosi said. “Instead of talking about what isn’t, this is what is, and that’s how we’re moving forward.” | |
| Pelosi is emphasizing that the impeachment isn’t about the election, which the Republicans are arguing that it is, but instead it’s about the Constitution and Congress’ role in checks and balances. “We are saying goodbye to a republic... and saying hello to a king”. | Pelosi is emphasizing that the impeachment isn’t about the election, which the Republicans are arguing that it is, but instead it’s about the Constitution and Congress’ role in checks and balances. “We are saying goodbye to a republic... and saying hello to a king”. |
| House Republicans just wrapped up a press conference where they praised the finalization of the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) trade deal while criticizing House Democrats, especially speaker Nancy Pelosi, for bringing forth articles of impeachment. | House Republicans just wrapped up a press conference where they praised the finalization of the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) trade deal while criticizing House Democrats, especially speaker Nancy Pelosi, for bringing forth articles of impeachment. |
| House minority leader Kevin McCarthy of California delivered the usual Republican talking points about impeachment, but added that the only reason why Pelosi struck a deal over USMCA is because impeachment is unpopular. | House minority leader Kevin McCarthy of California delivered the usual Republican talking points about impeachment, but added that the only reason why Pelosi struck a deal over USMCA is because impeachment is unpopular. |
| Of course public opinion on impeachment is heavily partisan, but the most recent polls show that a higher percentage of Americans support impeachment compared to the percentage of those who don’t. | Of course public opinion on impeachment is heavily partisan, but the most recent polls show that a higher percentage of Americans support impeachment compared to the percentage of those who don’t. |
| Here’s what some of Trump’s friends are saying today in light of the articles of impeachment. | Here’s what some of Trump’s friends are saying today in light of the articles of impeachment. |
| Trump’s acting chief of staff Mick Mulvaney was at an event for the Wall Street Journal today and said that he will “do whatever the president wants us to do” and is “not going to talk about the facts until the president tells me to”. | Trump’s acting chief of staff Mick Mulvaney was at an event for the Wall Street Journal today and said that he will “do whatever the president wants us to do” and is “not going to talk about the facts until the president tells me to”. |
| Lindsey Graham, a senator from South Carolina, said in a statement that “this is a sad and dangerous moment for the American political system”, adding that the “House Democrats are turning impeachment into a tool to be used when you don’t like a president’s policies or style. | Lindsey Graham, a senator from South Carolina, said in a statement that “this is a sad and dangerous moment for the American political system”, adding that the “House Democrats are turning impeachment into a tool to be used when you don’t like a president’s policies or style. |
| Republican US representative Jim Jordan of Ohio said the articles of impeachment are “the product of a baseless attempt to upend the will of the people less than 11 months before the election. Democrats remain in denial about the results of the 2016 election and our country’s undeniable success under President Trump’s leadership.” | Republican US representative Jim Jordan of Ohio said the articles of impeachment are “the product of a baseless attempt to upend the will of the people less than 11 months before the election. Democrats remain in denial about the results of the 2016 election and our country’s undeniable success under President Trump’s leadership.” |
| Next year America faces an epic choice ... and the results could define the country for a generation. | Next year America faces an epic choice ... and the results could define the country for a generation. |
| A message from the Guardian US editor-in-chief: | A message from the Guardian US editor-in-chief: |
| These are perilous times. Over the last three years, much of what the Guardian holds dear has been threatened – democracy, civility, truth. This US administration is establishing new norms of behaviour. Anger and cruelty disfigure public discourse and lying is commonplace. Truth is being chased away. | These are perilous times. Over the last three years, much of what the Guardian holds dear has been threatened – democracy, civility, truth. This US administration is establishing new norms of behaviour. Anger and cruelty disfigure public discourse and lying is commonplace. Truth is being chased away. |
| In the coming year, many vital aspects of American public life are in play – the supreme court, abortion rights, climate policy, wealth inequality, Big Tech and much more. The stakes could hardly be higher – and the need for a robust, independent press has never been greater. | In the coming year, many vital aspects of American public life are in play – the supreme court, abortion rights, climate policy, wealth inequality, Big Tech and much more. The stakes could hardly be higher – and the need for a robust, independent press has never been greater. |
| As 2020 approaches, we’re asking our US readers to help us raise $1.5m by early January to support our journalism. We hope you’ll consider making a year-end gift. | As 2020 approaches, we’re asking our US readers to help us raise $1.5m by early January to support our journalism. We hope you’ll consider making a year-end gift. |
| We also want to say a huge thank you to everyone who has supported the Guardian in 2019. You provide us with the motivation and financial support to keep doing what we do. | We also want to say a huge thank you to everyone who has supported the Guardian in 2019. You provide us with the motivation and financial support to keep doing what we do. |
| Make a contribution. | Make a contribution. |
| The text of the articles of impeachment say that Donald Trump should not only be removed from office, but should also be disqualified from holding “any office of honor, trust, or profit under the United States” again. | The text of the articles of impeachment say that Donald Trump should not only be removed from office, but should also be disqualified from holding “any office of honor, trust, or profit under the United States” again. |
| While there is no mention of former special counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation, the text of the articles of impeachment say that the president’s actions around Ukraine were consistent with “previous invitations of foreign interference in the United States elections”. | While there is no mention of former special counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation, the text of the articles of impeachment say that the president’s actions around Ukraine were consistent with “previous invitations of foreign interference in the United States elections”. |
| The House just released the text of their two articles of impeachment. You can find them here. | The House just released the text of their two articles of impeachment. You can find them here. |
| Back to impeachment: Trump’s press secretary Stephanie Grisham released a statement this morning that called the articles of impeachment “a baseless and partisan attempt to undermine a sitting president”. | Back to impeachment: Trump’s press secretary Stephanie Grisham released a statement this morning that called the articles of impeachment “a baseless and partisan attempt to undermine a sitting president”. |
| Interesting point on the timing of the US-Mexico-Canada trade deal in light of questions on why the deal was announced the same day as the impeachment inquiry moves forward. | Interesting point on the timing of the US-Mexico-Canada trade deal in light of questions on why the deal was announced the same day as the impeachment inquiry moves forward. |
| Here are details of the negotiations, according to a release handed to reporters during the press conference: | Here are details of the negotiations, according to a release handed to reporters during the press conference: |
| House speaker Nancy Pelosi was just asked whether it was a coincidence that the trade deal was announced the same day House Dems revealed their articles of impeachment against Donald Trump. | House speaker Nancy Pelosi was just asked whether it was a coincidence that the trade deal was announced the same day House Dems revealed their articles of impeachment against Donald Trump. |
| “No, it’s not a coincidence, it’s just as we get to the end of a session, there have to be some decisions made. The timetable for impeachment is the timetable of the committees, and that came to an end over the hearing yesterday. But for us, we didn’t know what day this will be.” | “No, it’s not a coincidence, it’s just as we get to the end of a session, there have to be some decisions made. The timetable for impeachment is the timetable of the committees, and that came to an end over the hearing yesterday. But for us, we didn’t know what day this will be.” |
| When a reporter remarked that it must have been a long morning for House Dems, Pelosi remarked “the day is young!” getting laughs from the room. | When a reporter remarked that it must have been a long morning for House Dems, Pelosi remarked “the day is young!” getting laughs from the room. |
| An hour after House Democrats announced their articles of impeachment against Donald Trump, they are now announcing the details of the deal with Trump on his US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), a trade deal between the three countries. | An hour after House Democrats announced their articles of impeachment against Donald Trump, they are now announcing the details of the deal with Trump on his US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), a trade deal between the three countries. |
| At a press conference happening now, a group of House Dems are touting the changes they got through in USMCA, including stronger rules that will help litigate disputes and enforce worker and environmental protections. | At a press conference happening now, a group of House Dems are touting the changes they got through in USMCA, including stronger rules that will help litigate disputes and enforce worker and environmental protections. |
| House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said that US trade representative Robert Lighthizer is on his way to Mexico today to signed the agreement. | House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said that US trade representative Robert Lighthizer is on his way to Mexico today to signed the agreement. |
| Nearly an hour after House Democrats announced their two articles of impeachment against Donald Trump, Trump finally responded on Twitter. | Nearly an hour after House Democrats announced their two articles of impeachment against Donald Trump, Trump finally responded on Twitter. |
| A second Tweet posted minutes after simply says “WITCH HUNT!” | A second Tweet posted minutes after simply says “WITCH HUNT!” |
| Trump then went off on House intelligence committee chair Adam Schiff, who gave extensive justification for why the Democrats are moving forward with impeachment during the press conference. | Trump then went off on House intelligence committee chair Adam Schiff, who gave extensive justification for why the Democrats are moving forward with impeachment during the press conference. |
| Here’s a quick recap of what’s happened this morning. | Here’s a quick recap of what’s happened this morning. |
| House Democrats announced two articles of impeachment against Donald Trump: One for abuse of power and a second for obstructing Congress. | House Democrats announced two articles of impeachment against Donald Trump: One for abuse of power and a second for obstructing Congress. |
| Jerry Nadler, House judiciary committee, explained the articles at a press conference at the Capitol this morning. First with abuse of power: | Jerry Nadler, House judiciary committee, explained the articles at a press conference at the Capitol this morning. First with abuse of power: |
| “It is an impeachable offense for the president to exercise the powers of his public office to obtain an improper personal benefit while ignoring or injuring the national interest. | “It is an impeachable offense for the president to exercise the powers of his public office to obtain an improper personal benefit while ignoring or injuring the national interest. |
| That is exactly what President Trump did when he solicited and pressured Ukraine to interfere in our 2020 presidential election, thus damaging our national security, undermining the integrity of the next election, and violating his oath to the American people.” | That is exactly what President Trump did when he solicited and pressured Ukraine to interfere in our 2020 presidential election, thus damaging our national security, undermining the integrity of the next election, and violating his oath to the American people.” |
| And second with obstruction of Congress: | And second with obstruction of Congress: |
| “President Trump engaged in unprecedented, categorical and indiscriminate defiance of the impeachment inquiry. ... | “President Trump engaged in unprecedented, categorical and indiscriminate defiance of the impeachment inquiry. ... |
| A president who describes himself as above accountability, above the American people and above Congress’ power of impeachment, which is meant to protect against threats to our Democratic institutions, is a president who sees himself above the law. | A president who describes himself as above accountability, above the American people and above Congress’ power of impeachment, which is meant to protect against threats to our Democratic institutions, is a president who sees himself above the law. |
| We must be clear: No one, not even the president, is above the law.” | We must be clear: No one, not even the president, is above the law.” |
| Report from the press conference | Report from the press conference |
| Shortly after 9am on Tuesday, Nancy Pelosi filed into a conference room with gold-trimmed mirrors and wood paneling. She was trailed by the six House chairmen who have led the investigations into Trump since the party took control of Congress nearly one year ago. Each wore a solemn look, as if to emphasize that the gravity of the moment. | Shortly after 9am on Tuesday, Nancy Pelosi filed into a conference room with gold-trimmed mirrors and wood paneling. She was trailed by the six House chairmen who have led the investigations into Trump since the party took control of Congress nearly one year ago. Each wore a solemn look, as if to emphasize that the gravity of the moment. |
| Pelosi began by thanking the chairman for their work over the last year, as the party has navigated special counsel Robert Mueller’s inquiry into Russian interference and then, later, impeachment. | Pelosi began by thanking the chairman for their work over the last year, as the party has navigated special counsel Robert Mueller’s inquiry into Russian interference and then, later, impeachment. |
| Then Pelosi stepped away from the podium to welcome Jerry Nadler, the chairman of the House Judiciary Committee. | Then Pelosi stepped away from the podium to welcome Jerry Nadler, the chairman of the House Judiciary Committee. |
| “Today in service to our duty to the constitution and to our country the House Committee on the Judiciary is introducing two articles of impeachment, charging the President of the United States, Donald J Trump, with committing high crimes and misdemeanors,” Nadler said. | “Today in service to our duty to the constitution and to our country the House Committee on the Judiciary is introducing two articles of impeachment, charging the President of the United States, Donald J Trump, with committing high crimes and misdemeanors,” Nadler said. |
| He outlined the two articles, which have been brought against a president only three other times in US history: abuse of power and obstruction of Congress. | He outlined the two articles, which have been brought against a president only three other times in US history: abuse of power and obstruction of Congress. |
| “A president who declares himself above accountability, above the American people and above Congress’ power of impeachment, which is meant to protect against threats to our democratic institutions is a president who sees himself as above the law,” Nadler said. “We must be clear. No one, not even the president, is above the law.” | “A president who declares himself above accountability, above the American people and above Congress’ power of impeachment, which is meant to protect against threats to our democratic institutions is a president who sees himself as above the law,” Nadler said. “We must be clear. No one, not even the president, is above the law.” |
| Then House Intelligence committee chair Adam Schiff, who led the initial phase of the inquiry and oversaw two weeks of public hearings, stepped forward to offer the evidence underlying Democrats’ charges against the president. | Then House Intelligence committee chair Adam Schiff, who led the initial phase of the inquiry and oversaw two weeks of public hearings, stepped forward to offer the evidence underlying Democrats’ charges against the president. |
| Schiff called impeachment an “extraordinary remedy” against presidential wrongdoing, and something he had been reluctant to support. “The actions of President Trump gave Congress no alternative.” | Schiff called impeachment an “extraordinary remedy” against presidential wrongdoing, and something he had been reluctant to support. “The actions of President Trump gave Congress no alternative.” |
| “We stand here today because the president’s continuing abuse of his power has left us no choice,” he said. “To do nothing would make us ourselves complicit in the president’s abuse of his high office, the public trust and our national security.” | “We stand here today because the president’s continuing abuse of his power has left us no choice,” he said. “To do nothing would make us ourselves complicit in the president’s abuse of his high office, the public trust and our national security.” |
| When Schiff finished speaking, the Democratic leaders filed out of the room in the same way they entered it, solemnly and without answering questions. | When Schiff finished speaking, the Democratic leaders filed out of the room in the same way they entered it, solemnly and without answering questions. |
| Less than an hour later, Pelosi is set to appear at a second press conference to announce that the US, Mexico and Canada have reached an agreement over a new trade deal (USMCA) – a top priority of the president that will give the president a major legislative victory as he runs for re-election next year. | Less than an hour later, Pelosi is set to appear at a second press conference to announce that the US, Mexico and Canada have reached an agreement over a new trade deal (USMCA) – a top priority of the president that will give the president a major legislative victory as he runs for re-election next year. |
| Trump just chose to tweet about the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) trade deal, a press conference for which is slated to start at 10am. No word from him about the articles of impeachment against him that was just announced. He is, instead, touting Democratic support for USMCA. | Trump just chose to tweet about the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) trade deal, a press conference for which is slated to start at 10am. No word from him about the articles of impeachment against him that was just announced. He is, instead, touting Democratic support for USMCA. |