In one of the most solemn, most powerful press conferences two Democratic leaders stood before reporters to give the public an update. Just two weeks ago, Donald Trump’s infamous phone call coercing a foreign leader to get dirt on his opponent hit the media. This is what the Democrats said.
Chairman of the House Intelligence Committee Adam Schiff (D-CA) and Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) calmed the normally raucous room of reporters into serious quiet.
They had three issues before diving into the ongoing impeachment inquiry. Those were remembering The Washington Post columnist killed by Saudi Arabia’s Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Schiff pointed to the dangerous trend that made it more dangerous for journalists around the world.
Pelosi addressed current legislation on the table: Gun violence prevention and HR3 for lower prescription costs. She added this about the US-Mexico-Canada (USMCA) trade agreement, MSNBC reported:
‘The quiet you hear is progress.’
Then, Pelosi made this powerful statement about gun violence prevention:
‘We’re not going away until we get it signed into legislation to protect our children. The president has had HR8 for 200 days.’
Pelosi spoke directly to Trump, telling him:
‘I Pray for your safety. I pray god gives you illumination, enlightment to support America’s families.’
Next, she stunned the viewers:
‘Over the past week, we’ve learned a great deal about @realDonaldTrump’s abuses of power & betrayal of his oath of office.’
The Democratic leaders were concerned about Secretary of State Mike Pompeo’s (R) efforts to interfere with witnesses. Schiff stared right into the camera, right into Trump’s eyes and said that they would consider such efforts by the secretary or the president to be obstruction of Congress.
The committee has subpoenaed former mayor and Trump’s TV attorney Rudy Giuliani to come before the Intelligence Committee. He is a key figure in the investigation. Chairman of the Oversight Committee Elijah Cummings (D-MD) has also subpoenaed the White House to produce the documents it has withheld until now.
The ambassador to Ukraine will be testifying before the Intelligence Committee among others.
Schiff said that the Democrats were progressing “deliberately with a sense of urgency.”
A full house vote would not be required, Pelosi explained. Then, she added that some Republicans were very nervous about that vote. She was concerned the White House has been stonewalling the investigation:
‘[We are concerned] they will conceal facts. We”re not fooling around here. He tried to undermine the facts of him coercing a foreign leader to get dirt against Trump’s opponents. Stonewalling only strengthens the Democrats’ case.’
They will interview the whistleblower. However, according to Schiff, this person has:
‘[The] right to remain anonymous. We will do everything to protect the whistleblower. But do not make any mistake here. [When the president] Calls people who come forth treasonous, traitors, and spies, that is an incitement to violence.’
Pelosi pointed out to Trump that he was dealing in her “wheelhouse,” meaning the House Intelligence Committee. She has had 25 years of experience with the committee and was in the gang of four before there was a gang of eight.
‘Protecting whistleblowers is essential. Trump is making dangerous statements. This is a very serious challenge.
‘The framers were concerned with foreign interference and worked to ensure a president defends US interests. The president used the full power of office to coerce a foreign leader to intervene in our 2020 election.’
Then, Shiff asked:
‘Republicans, what conduct does rise to the level of impeachment if not this?’
He added that they questioned what was the State Department’s and attorney general’s role in this:
‘Is there no floor below which this president will drop that these Republicans would rise to condemn?’
Pelosi continued:
‘The president undermined his oath of office, tried to overthrow an act of Congress, undermined the integrity of our election.. but he told me the call “was perfect.”‘
Then, she told a brief story:
‘After Benjamin Franklin signed the constitution, an individual asked whether he had a monarchy or a republic. He replied “a republic if we can keep it.” The genius of the separation of power, three separate branches and the oath of office. All else can be saved for the election. We will proceed with dignity and respect worthy of the sacrifices our founders and now others made to protect the Constitution, and for the aspirations of our children.’
The speaker sent out this video after her press conference:
‘Over the past week, we’ve learned a great deal about @realDonaldTrump’s abuses of power & betrayal of his oath of office.’
Over the past week, we’ve learned a great deal about @realDonaldTrump’s abuses of power & betrayal of his oath of office. #TruthExposed https://t.co/J28dwDVNnZ
— Nancy Pelosi (@SpeakerPelosi) October 2, 2019
The Mueller Report Adventures: In Bite-Sizes on this Facebook page. These quick, two-minute reads interpret the report in normal English for busy people. Mueller Bite-Sizes uncovers what is essentially a compelling spy mystery. Interestingly enough, Mueller Bite-Sizes can be read in any order.
