Kamala Harris breaks with left flank, warns Dems that impeaching Trump is ‘not a good idea’
Kamala Harris has advised Democrats against pursuing another impeachment of Donald Trump if they regain control of Congress after November’s midterm elections. She said investigations and other forms of accountability would be a better use of limited time and resources, adding that the votes to convict Trump in the Senate are not there.
Harris also urged Democrats to act firmly on policy, including restoring Medicaid cuts and re-establishing checks and balances around the war referenced in her remarks. Some lawmakers, including Representative Al Green, have pushed for impeachment, while others warn that hearings could distract from voters’ concerns about the cost of living. Trump was impeached twice during his first term and acquitted by the Senate both times.
In short
- Harris says impeachment would be a poor use of Democrats’ resources.
- She favours investigations and work on policy and accountability.
- Democrats remain divided over impeachment and their midterm priorities.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Democrats could argue that impeachment is a constitutional means of addressing serious alleged misconduct and affirming that no president is above the law. Even if conviction is unlikely, pursuing it could document the conduct, satisfy a duty of oversight and signal that violations carry consequences.
The case against
Democrats could argue that another impeachment would consume scarce congressional time while conviction in the Senate appears unattainable, limiting its practical effect. Investigations and other accountability measures could establish the facts while leaving more time to address voters’ immediate concerns and advance policy priorities.
Explained simply
Kamala Harris is a Democrat who served as vice-president under Joe Biden and was the party’s 2024 presidential candidate. Democrats and Republicans are the two main political parties in the United States; control of Congress affects which laws can pass and how the government is scrutinised.
Impeachment is the process by which the House of Representatives formally charges a president with misconduct. A trial follows in the Senate, where a two-thirds majority is needed to convict and remove the president; Donald Trump was impeached twice during his first term, but the Senate acquitted him both times.
Democrats differ over whether another impeachment attempt would be worthwhile, particularly if they win control of Congress. Their choices also involve other priorities, including healthcare, the cost of living and Congress’s role in decisions about military action.
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