GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) – It is just the fourth time that the word impeachment has been used against a US President. Innocent or Guilty, Lance Kelley, NWTC American Government Instructor says expect a long and noteworthy process.
“This is at some level pretty new, especially for our generation, so it does not happen very often.”
He says this is also different than the process against President Bill Clinton because Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi is calling on House Committees to look into the allegations rather than calling for a vote.
“She is doing something a little different, there are six committees looking into it, and once again we don’t have a timeframe so that is a little unique too.”
He says it starts with the House of Representatives taking a vote, which that may go in the Democrats favor.
“The Democrats can basically lose 18 votes and still have enough. All they need is a majority. Then it is taken to the Senate and that is where it is decided to remove a President with a two-thirds vote.”
Either way, Kelley says with the Senate being a majority of Republicans, it is not likely that they will even take up the issue.
“The Senate has to take upon themselves to accept this and to do this, which is most likely not going to happen.”
Kelley says since only three US Presidents have had these efforts taken against them, this is a big deal that can’t be handled carelessly.
“This word is a very serious word for any level or any person and I wonder if at some point it is not going to be used at the same level?”
He says he can’t figure out the Democrats motive but the timing could make an impact in the upcoming election.
“Within the Democratic Party, this could be one of those major issues that is either going to work out or not work out within the party.”
Republicans will have to weigh out the two stories and fears that could add more division between the political aisle.
“It is just another wedge that is separating even more now with this word and this proceeding.”
The last time the procedure was in place was against President Bill Clinton. Other Presidents to have the impeachment process used against them were Richard Nixon and Andrew Johnson.
No US President has ever been removed from office through the process.
