The NPR Politics Podcast A Few Republicans And The American Public: Democrats Target Their Impeachment Message
Jan 24, 2020
The podcast delves into the Senate impeachment trial, focusing on the Democrats’ strategic arguments aimed at persuading key Republican senators. It emphasizes the tension between personal gain and official policy in determining impeachable actions. Listeners hear insights on public opinion's role in shaping legislative strategies and the dynamics of bipartisan dialogue amidst the ongoing trial. Notably, there are concerns voiced by some Republicans about the White House's defense approach as the trial unfolds.
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Abuse of Power as Impeachable Offense
- Impeachment managers know Trump's team will argue his actions weren't criminal.
- They countered that abuse of power, like leveraging official acts for political gain, is impeachable, even without a crime.
Lindsey Graham's Past Words
- Democrats played a 1999 clip of Senator Lindsey Graham arguing that "high crimes" don't have to be actual crimes.
- This challenged Graham's current stance and highlighted inconsistencies in Republican arguments.
Dual Audiences
- Adam Schiff acknowledges speaking to two audiences: the Senate and the American public.
- Democrats emphasize the public's interest and potential influence on the trial's outcome.