All of this after Pelosi repeatedly stated how “sad” and “solemn” the occasion of the impeachment was.
Never mind that something similar happened during Bill Clinton’s impeachment trial, the pen incident angered Republicans and reinforced the view of many Americans that Democrats were playing partisan games.
History shows that impeachment failed to remove Donald Trump from office and only succeeded in rallying Republicans behind the president.
Nancy Pelosi and her allies are taking the path of impeachment again, and they will hope they do better in their fight to win over the public.
This time things are different.
While some of it, like Colonel Vindman’s testimony, was compelling. These were problems that did not directly affect many Americans.
This time, the case of the Democrats is joined by the support of some Republicans.
While much attention has been paid to the president’s speech before the riots, many in Donald Trump’s party are more angered by his inaction to stop the violence.
The President was at a rally in Michigan when the first impeachment vote took place and announced with glee that no Republicans in Congress voted for impeachment.
This time around, while the majority of Republicans are still arguing against impeachment, it is telling that the majority have not defended the president. Instead, they are saying that impeachment proceedings are being rushed and divisive.
Capitol fenced off after a day of chaos
Many of these Republicans are also not innocent of hypocrisy. Some are the same ones who stood by, or even promoted the false and divisive claims that the elections were stolen.
Ultimately, the fate of Donald Trump may well rest with Mitch McConnell.
The Republican Senate leader is the one to watch, as only he can change the figures to convict the president, which would almost certainly result in his being banned from office.
McConnell is known for playing a long political game, but this one is moving fast.
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