House Democrat pulls Trump impeachment resolution after backlash from own party
A Michigan Democratic congressman opted not to force a vote on a resolution to impeach President Trump Wednesday in the face of certain defeat and objections from his own colleagues.Rep.Shri Thanedar (D-Mich.) had until the end of Wednesday’s business to force a vote on his so-called privileged resolution, which contained seven articles of impeachment for alleged crimes including abuse of trade powers, bribery and corruption, obstruction of justice and tyranny.“After talking with many colleagues, I have decided not to force a vote on impeachment today,” Thanedar, 70, told Politico in a text message.
“Instead, I will add to my articles of impeachment and continue to rally the support of both Democrats and Republicans to defend the Constitution with me.”Had Thanedar called up his resolution, Republicans would have immediately put forward a motion to table — tanking the measure without a direct up-or-down vote — and dozens of Democrats would have gleefully supported it.Thanedar, whose district includes parts of Detroit and its suburbs, announced plans to charge ahead with impeachment articles late last month, shortly after Michigan legislator Donavan McKinney launched a primary challenge against him.Justice Democrats, a far-left group supportive of socialist Sen.
Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), has pushed for McKinney, while “Squad” Rep.Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.) has also endorsed him.After announcing his impeachment plans, Thanedar then used taxpayer dollars to plaster a billboard in his district highlighting the effort and held multiple town halls bragging to constituents about his bid to drive Trump out of office.Democrats fumed at him for putting them on the spot, with caucus chairman Pete Aguilar (D-Calif) grousing to reporters that “this is not the right approach we should be taking.”“Right now, our focus is on health care being stripped away from the American people,” he added.
“Everything else is a distraction.”Thanedar’s colleagues were...