Think of the U.S. House hearings Wednesday with former special counsel Robert Mueller as a campaign-season debate over whether to proceed with impeachment proceedings against President Trump.
Judging by their muted reactions Thursday, congressional Democrats at least enough high-ranking Democrats realize they dont have a strong enough case to pursue impeachment now. And they know that nothing has changed for the Republican-controlled Senate, which wouldnt convict him. The only way hes leaving office, at least at this point, is by being voted out, Democratic Rep. Adam Schiff, who chaired one of the Mueller hearings, acknowledged Thursday on CNN.
For Democrats and others who dislike the president, thats the sensible takeaway from Muellers investigation and testimony. That also has been House Speaker Nancy Pelosis belief. She can say that _ for now at least Wednesday took the air out of the push to begin impeachment proceedings: That is not the answer to a vexing, divisive president. Putting up a strong challenger in 2020 is the appropriate Democratic response.
