By Katy Steinmetz
October 27, 2017
Billionaire environmentalist Tom Steyer has funded a multi-million dollar campaign to impeach president Trump on the charges of “being an immediate danger to the health and safety of America” and obstruction of justice with ads airing in all 50 states. In the ads Steyer himself accuse Trump of almost starting a nuclear war with North Korea as well as undermining the First Amendment by threatening to shut down news organizations. In addition Steyer claims that Trump’s firing of FBI director James Comey to be an obstruction of justice. Steyer made his fortune through hedge funds and has even donated over $165 million of his own money in the last two election cycles. Steyer is also considering running for Governor of California as Jerry Brown is nearing the end of his final term and also Senator Dianne Feinstein's seat in 2018.
Questions:
- Do you think that Trump’s offenses qualify as “treason, bribery, and other high crimes and misdemeanors” as stated by the Constitution as grounds for impeachment?
- Do you think Steyer has ulterior motives behind the impeachment campaign, such as furthering his own political interests as he may run for office?
- How could the next mid-term election possibly affect Trump’s chances of being impeached
I do not think that Trump's actions thus far qualify as impeachable crimes. At this point in time, nothing has been proven as treasonous. However, his words make people nervous about potential crimes. While his actions are questionable, they mostly consist of "almost wars" and threats to limit free speech. If Trump were to take steps to enforce his threats, Congress could find him in violation of the Constitution and its amendments.
ReplyDeleteTrump is walking on the line of what the Constitution states is grounds for impeachable. Although his words come off as harsh, he has yet to act upon them, nor have they led to something like a war. Now with the investigation on Trump's campaign with Russian influence, the line he is walking on grows thinner. Americans are worried by his words, but worries are not enough to be grounds for impeachment. Despite the impeachment campaign, there at the moment is no real reason to impeach Trump.
ReplyDeleteTrump is walking on the line of what the Constitution states is grounds for impeachable. Although his words come off as harsh, he has yet to act upon them, nor have they led to something like a war. Now with the investigation on Trump's campaign with Russian influence, the line he is walking on grows thinner. Americans are worried by his words, but worries are not enough to be grounds for impeachment. Despite the impeachment campaign, there at the moment is no real reason to impeach Trump.
ReplyDeleteTrump has done a lot of things that are in a gray area when it comes to impeachment. A lot of people have very strong feelings and want impeachment but don't fully understand the rules of how to impeach a president. The midterm elections pose a threat to Trump as the Democrats are poised to take control of Congress if Trump angers the public any more. If the GOP loses any more public support, the Dems can take control of Congress and for Trump to be impeached, there needs to be more Dems in Congress. So yes, the 2018 midterms pose a threat to Trump and have the chance of getting Trump impeached.
ReplyDeleteTrump's offenses currently do not qualify as "treason, bribery, and other high crimes and misdemeanors". He has made threats and said things that are questionable if acted upon, but since his term has just began, Trump has not had a chance to actually do anything. If he does act on some of the more extreme things he said, then his actions could be grounds for impeachment.
ReplyDeleteAlthough Trumps words were offensive and many feel as if he is close to impeachment, they do not qualify for them. Trump has made many threats but has yet to act on them. If acted upon there may be steps toward impeachment but for now it is unlikely.
ReplyDeleteI do not think Tom Steyer has ulterior motives in going after Trump. Although his role as an environmentalist and philanthropist makes him a possible candidate for the California gubernatorial race, going after Trump would be a premature action for an aspiring politician. Before he alienates Trump supporters, it would be wise to build his own repertoire in other ways. As a hedge fund manager and millionaire, Steyer of course has political motives, but this does not mean he will run for office. Taking a firm stance against a demonized man in the eyes of Californians helps him, but Trump is no different than the environmental degraders he had been going after before. Tom Steyer is mainly doing what he has been known for; speaking for the trees and Californian liberals as a philanthropist billionaire to counter the adversarial Koch brothers.
ReplyDeleteAlthough many may consider Trumps verbal actions to be along the grounds of impeachable offenses, he has not yet made any major decisions in office that qualify him for impeachment. Steyer’s claims against Trump have clearly gained attention, and may serve to raise his platform in the case he does end up running for a California position in the upcoming elections (still not telling of whether or not he will run).
ReplyDeleteWhile Trump has said many inaccurate and offensive comments, he has not committed any impeachable offenses. However, even if Trump were to say more comments that are grounds for impeachment, since Congress is majority republican, it would be difficult for Trump to be impeached by the House and trialed by the Senate.
ReplyDeleteThough Trump has made his opinions that many disagree on. I believe Trump’s offenses do not qualify as a “treason, bribery, and other high crimes and misdemeanors” as stated by the constitution. He states his opinions that are disliked by many, it purely comes off as just words because he didn’t execute his ideas yet that has lead to conflicts/war. His statements discombobulate many Americans that’s why they believe that he should be impeached, however, his words are not enacted that is why it’s unnecessary in this time for him to be impeached.
ReplyDeleteI do think Trump is up to no good in the White House. Firing the former FBI Director does raise some eyebrows but the media hasn't come across any hard evidence that could truly threaten Trump's presidency. However, in my opinion I think that impeaching Trump will be very hard given that both the House and the Senate are GOP majority. The senate needs at least 2/3 votes just to impeach him in trial and that is if the House can successfully vote on Trump.
ReplyDeleteI think that there simply hasn't been enough evidence to impeach Trump, even though he has made many vulgar and offensive statements that would cause people to believe that he should be impeached. He certainly hasn't done himself justice by threatening North Korea or having disagreements with GOP congressmen, but he has thus far not committed any offenses that would qualify him for impeachment. However, if the Democrats are able to take control of one or both chambers of Congress in next year's midterms, his chances of being impeached would increase.
ReplyDeleteI think clearly Trump's current actions have not been impeachable or really even near that. However, there may be potential scandals or pieces of information that the public does not know about. In the broad scope though while Trump's actions have not been impeachable, they have been abnormal for someone who holds the title of President of the United States. Therefore, I think it is important that he is closely examined and checked by congress and the American people.
ReplyDeleteAs of right now, I do not believe Trumps actions to be treasonous because he has not been found guilty for any of the allegations that have come his way. However, the way he addresses people and the way he speaks make people very nervous. He is very unpredictable and could possibly cause so much chaos by saying the wrong thing to the wrong person.
ReplyDelete2) I think Steyer definitely has ulterior motives. He is potentially running for governor in a state that overwhelmingly voted democratically in the last election and is probably trying to appeal to voters. Additionally, if he was to become governor, it would be more convenient for him to have a president who shares his beliefs.
ReplyDeleteDue to the qualifications for impeachment, Trump does not evidently show any of them. But the way he acts on television, on social media, and his inability to negotiate with other government officials is problematic. While there are people who will do anything to get him impeached, it will be a challenging process because 1) he has not been found guilty and 2) his party is the majority party currently in Congress.
ReplyDelete1: No, but I do feel like he is stepping close to the line in many instances. Such as negotiating with Russia and his continuous aggravated "Tweets" toward North Korea.
ReplyDelete2: More for his own beliefs. I believe Tom does not think Trump is fit for the position. Especially since reforming the EPA, may of pulled some strings on Tom.
3: With a coming mid-term it looks like it could be a democratic victory. With this victory Trump faces scrutiny from his congress, along with plots to throw him out of office.
Trump makes a lot of threats and tends to say a lot of things which would lead the general public to believe he is close to impeachment, however he has yet to act upon anything he is saying.
ReplyDeleteHis actions may not yet be impeachable, but he is on the track to doing something of that nature. His behavior is immature, which puts our country at risk if he says something to trigger a negative response from another country. For now, however, I do not believe he is acting in any way that is grounds for impeachment.
ReplyDeleteI feel that Trump has not made offenses that qualify as “treason, bribery, and other high crimes and misdemeanors” since his words are primarily empty rhetoric and he has not acted upon what he has said. As for Steyer, I believe that he is starting this impeachment campaign and considering running for governor to further his political career. By getting Trump impeached and attempting to become governor of California, an overwhelming Democratic state, both actions point towards appealing to liberals and getting their vote.
ReplyDelete