Democratic presidential candidates react to Trump impeachment: 'No one is above the law'

WORNSHOESBLOG August 27, 2020

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Most of the 2020 Democratic presidential candidates on Wednesday hailed the House vote in favor of articles of impeachment against President TrumpDonald John TrumpSenate advances public lands bill in late-night vote Warren, Democrats urge Trump to back down from veto threat over changing Confederate-named bases Esper orders ‘After Action Review’ of National Guard’s role in protests MORE.

The Democrats largely recognized that the moment was not one to celebrate but shared their respect for lawmakers honoring a responsibility to uphold the Constitution. 

Hawaii Rep. Tulsi GabbardTulsi GabbardGabbard drops defamation lawsuit against Clinton It’s as if a Trump operative infiltrated the Democratic primary process 125 lawmakers urge Trump administration to support National Guard troops amid pandemic MORE, however, was among the few House Democrats who did not back impeachment, opting instead to vote “present” on both articles, a move she defended as “standing in the center.” 

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“After doing my due diligence in reviewing the 658-page impeachment report, I came to the conclusion that I could not in good conscience vote either yes or no,” Gabbard said in a statement after the vote. 

“I am standing in the center and have decided to vote present,” she continued. “I could not in good conscience vote against impeachment because I believe President Trump is guilty of wrongdoing.”

Former Vice President Joe BidenJoe BidenHillicon Valley: Biden calls on Facebook to change political speech rules | Dems demand hearings after Georgia election chaos | Microsoft stops selling facial recognition tech to police Trump finalizing executive order calling on police to use ‘force with compassion’ The Hill’s Campaign Report: Biden campaign goes on offensive against Facebook MORE — who was invoked in Trump’s alleged solicitation of foreign interference in the 2020 election, a central element of the impeachment charges — told supporters in an email that Trump “did it all because he was afraid of how badly I will beat him next November.” 

Trump asked the Ukrainian president to investigate Biden during a July 25 phone call at the heart of the impeachment allegations. Trump has repeatedly defended the call as being “perfect.” 

“President Trump abused his power, violated his oath of office, and betrayed our nation. This is a solemn moment for our country,” Biden tweeted. “But in the United States of America, no one is above the law — not even the President.”

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South Bend., Ind., Mayor Pete ButtigiegPete ButtigiegScaled-back Pride Month poses challenges for fundraising, outreach Biden hopes to pick VP by Aug. 1 It’s as if a Trump operative infiltrated the Democratic primary process MORE tweeted that lawmakers “take an oath not to party but to country.” 

“That oath is all the more important in the most difficult of times,” Buttigieg tweeted. “Today it required Congress to defend the rule of law, our national security, and our democracy from a president who puts his own interests above America’s.”

Buttigieg added that the vote is not about “this president” but about “our democracy itself.” The 37-year-old mayor said that “more than ever we need leadership to pick up the pieces and move our nation forward.”

Some of the other White House hopefuls will play a central role in the next stage of the inquiry: a Senate trial. 

Sen. Elizabeth WarrenElizabeth WarrenWarren, Democrats urge Trump to back down from veto threat over changing Confederate-named bases OVERNIGHT DEFENSE: Joint Chiefs chairman says he regrets participating in Trump photo-op | GOP senators back Joint Chiefs chairman who voiced regret over Trump photo-op | Senate panel approves 0B defense policy bill Trump on collision course with Congress over bases with Confederate names MORE (D-Mass.) told supporters in an email that she will uphold her oath during the impeachment trial, which is expected to begin in January.

“Because nobody is above the law — not even the president of the United States,” she wrote. 

“But it’s important to remember that Trump is just the worst symptom — not the cause — of a rigged, corrupt system,” she continued, using the impeachment vote as a chance to double down on her campaign message. “A system that rewards the rich and powerful and leaves working people behind.”

Sen. Cory BookerCory Anthony BookerRand Paul introduces bill to end no-knock warrants Black lawmakers unveil bill to remove Confederate statues from Capitol Harris grapples with defund the police movement amid veep talk MORE (D-N.J.) tweeted that he will uphold his oath as the process moves forward in the Senate, adding that “today is a sad moment for our country.” 

“This trial demands an impartial & thorough review of the evidence,” he wrote. “We must be presented with relevant witnesses & documents, and follow the evidence where it leads.”

Sen. Bernie SandersBernie SandersThe Hill’s 12:30 Report: Milley apologizes for church photo-op Harris grapples with defund the police movement amid veep talk Biden courts younger voters — who have been a weakness MORE (I-Vt.) retweeted singer Lizzo, who asked, “WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?”

“A trial in the Senate,” Sanders replied. “Mitch McConnellAddison (Mitch) Mitchell McConnellSenate advances public lands bill in late-night vote GOP senator to try to reverse requirement that Pentagon remove Confederate names from bases No, ‘blue states’ do not bail out ‘red states’ MORE must conduct a full and fair trial to hold this president accountable.”

Sanders said he is calling on Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) to conduct a “full and fair trial to hold this president accountable” and that he is “fully prepared” to uphold his responsibility as a juror. 

He also used the chance to push his campaign message, tweeting a video saying he is running for president “to change the way the presidency functions.” 

“We cannot continue having a pathological liar in the White House,” he said. 

Former Housing and Urban Development Secretary Julián Castro took it one step further and called on McConnell to recuse himself from the Senate trial, noting that the senator has said he will work with the White House throughout the process. 

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Sen. Amy KlobucharAmy KlobucharHillicon Valley: Biden calls on Facebook to change political speech rules | Dems demand hearings after Georgia election chaos | Microsoft stops selling facial recognition tech to police Democrats demand Republican leaders examine election challenges after Georgia voting chaos Harris grapples with defund the police movement amid veep talk MORE (D-Minn.) tweeted that the House is “fulfilling their constitutional obligation.” 

“No one is above the law,” she added. 

Sen. Michael BennetMichael Farrand BennetSome realistic solutions for income inequality Democratic senators kneel during moment of silence for George Floyd 21 senators urge Pentagon against military use to curb nationwide protests MORE (D-Colo.) tweeted that he is “hopeful this process will make our democracy stronger” if lawmakers “reaffirm our commitment to the rule of law, and uphold the constitution checks and balances.”

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Former Massachusetts Gov. Deval PatrickDeval PatrickIt’s as if a Trump operative infiltrated the Democratic primary process Top Democratic super PACs team up to boost Biden Andrew Yang endorses Biden in 2020 race MORE, a late entry into the race, also characterized the vote as “grave and difficult” but “necessary.”

“President Trump’s reckless actions have proven ill-intended. He will be held accountable for jeopardizing the wellbeing of our democracy,” he tweeted. 

Former New York City Mayor Michael BloombergMichael BloombergEngel scrambles to fend off primary challenge from left It’s as if a Trump operative infiltrated the Democratic primary process Liberals embrace super PACs they once shunned MORE, another late entry into the race, noted that it is “increasingly” apparent that Senate Republicans will not vote to remove Trump. 

“That’s why it’s so important we nominate the candidate who gives us the best chance to defeat Trump and bring our country back together,” Bloomberg added in his statement.