Pelosi: Dems Won't Impeach

I'm not sure how wise it was for Pelosi to say this now. I know a lot of people will be upset by it, but I think she's simply stating a fact. Bush will not be impeached if the Democrats win the election. People who are waiting for that to happen need to get over their illusions now.

Simple fact, even with a big win, pro-impeachment Democrats wouldn't be able to muster enough votes in the House to moveon to the trial phase in the Senate. And it's certain the Senate wouldn't convict, anyway. So, starting impeachment proceedings would be a waste of time, just like Pelosi says. Add to that the fact that the mood among U.S. citizens is just not supportive of impeachment at this time and there's not even going to be much pressure on wavering members of Congress to take a pro-impeachment stand.

Also, like it or not, if the Dems win Congress, part of their task is going to be to begin to heal the divide in this country that has been created and exploited by the radical right. Driving moderates away by initiating impeachment proceedings is just going to make that task more difficult and could squander any gains the Democrats make in the election by creating a rift between liberals and moderates in the Democratic Party.

For now, Pelosi's stance is the right one for her to take. I would have preferred her to say that the Democrats have no intention of impeaching Bush if they win, which would leave open the possibility that their intentions could change as new information comes to light, but that probably should be read into what she said anyway. All-in-all I don't find what she said particularly objectionable.

We've got to keep our eyes on the goal. Right now that means removing the Republican Party from power. Undoubtedly, what must be done beyond that will change significantly as the task of repairing the damage done by the Bush Administration gets underway.