(01-30-2020, 10:28 AM)mikesez Wrote:

(01-29-2020, 06:51 PM)jagibelieve Wrote: In very simple terms.  "Abuse of Power" can not be proven.  All of the "evidence" presented in The House was second-hand information and opinion.  The "Abuse of Power" so-called charge is not a crime.  Remember, this charge was based on a "whistle blower" with second-hand information regarding a phone call.  The transcript of the phone call was declassified and released.  While digging more the democrats brought up the withholding of funds.  This was a precaution taken because Ukraine had a newly elected president and it was necessary to see how thy would address the clear corruption in their country (including former Vice-President Joe Biden doing a quid-pro-quo).

On the charge of "Obstructing Congress".  Again, this is not a crime and advising members of the current Administration not to testify unless it went to the Supreme Court is not a crime.  Supposedly, the democrats couldn't wait for the court process and had to push it through because The President presented a "danger to The Constitution".  Never mind due process.

Abuse of power and obstructing Congress are not crimes.  If he is removed on these counts, Trump wouldn't face any potential of prosecution for them.

The President and the Congress are supposed to be checking each other.  They are supposed to be in tension.  Congress is supposed to have the power of the purse, and the power to override vetoes.  The President is not supposed to abuse his power.  The President is supposed to make himself and his advisors available to answer, not necessarily all questions, but enough questions for Congress to understand what they are up to.  If the President won't respect these, the last remaining check is removal from office.

Impeachment and removal are not about crimes.  They are about maintaining a balance of power between the two branches of government.