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February 8, 2021
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As baseball great Yogi Berra said, “It’s deja vu all over again.” Didn’t we already go through a Trump impeachment trial? Gosh, time flies; that was a little over a year ago, when we should have been focusing rapt attention on more important things, such as a tiny virus making its way from Wuhan, China, to America, during the early stages of a growing pandemic.

But nothing is as important as attacking Donald Trump. For that, everything that normally would be on the agenda must be set aside, as if nothing else is happening in the world. A virus doesn’t put itself on hold.

Well, Trump-haters can’t go much longer than a year without impeaching and trying him all over again, even when he’s no longer in office, so settle in for “Trump's Impeachment Trial: the Sequel.” And, again, we have the virus, only now it’s full-blown and even mutating. This time we also have the looming prospect of unchecked immigration (as Americans are still masked-up to “stop the spread” –- makes no sense) and el presidente de Mexico getting ticked-off about invading Guatamalans, thanks to Biden’s insane new border policy. Still, everything going on in Washington DC will be tabled, probably for about a week, as they pull out all the stops to remove a President who is already gone.

Wisely, Trump won't participate in this charade at all. But as we reported last week, House Impeachment Manager Jamie Raskin of Maryland wrote him to call for his testimony under oath during the proceedings. In an unbelievable letter, he let Trump know that if he didn’t testify, his refusal to do so would be used against him by senators to assume guilt.

"If you decline this invitation,” Raskin wrote, “we reserve any and all rights, including the right to establish at trial that your refusal to testify supports a strong adverse inference regarding your actions (and inaction) on Jan. 6, 2021.” Um, has Raskin not HEARD of the Fifth Amendment? They don’t have such a right.

Smarmy California Rep. Eric Swalwell pulled a similar stunt during the first impeachment, when he said Trump’s citing of a defense such as privilege to avoid handing over documents should be taken as evidence of guilt on the underlying accusations. Swalwell, who is not above cozying up to Chinese spies while sitting on the House Intelligence Committee, has long demonstrated that he will repeat any lie and violate any principle for the sake of his party.

Anyway, legal expert Jonathan Turley, in a piece for FOX NEWS that appeared over the weekend, said that this idea of inferring guilt “contradicts not just our constitutional principles but centuries of legal writing.” He called the letter from Raskin “extraordinary and chilling.”

Turley rejects the idea that many have spouted that an impeachment is a political process, not a legal one. It’s simple even for a layperson like me to see why. If there were no legal moorings whatsoever, legislators could treat their “victim” virtually any way they chose. If something as basic as the Fifth Amendment isn’t to be taken seriously, we really are in banana-republic territory.

Yes, these are politicians –- first and foremost --- but as Turley pointed out, they are also bound by oath to abide by the standards and procedures laid out by the Constitution for impeachments. In other words, the accused do have rights, and the Senate doesn’t get to throw those rights out the window. They’ll sure try, though. As Turley put it, “No principle seems inviolate when it stands in the way of a Trump prosecution.”

“This is not a political exercise,” he said. “This is a constitutional exercise...It would make this process a mockery if, in claiming to uphold constitutional values, members like Raskin destroy the very foundation of constitutional rights.”

"It is true that this is not a criminal trial,” he said. “It is a constitutional trial. As such, the Senate should try an accused according to our highest traditions and values. That includes respecting the right to remain silent and not to have ‘inferences’ drawn from the fact that (like prior Presidents) Trump will not be present at the trial or give testimony.” Turley also cited decisions in two cases that make it very clear how important the Supreme Court thought this was, and he showed that Congress has historically amplified this right in the wording of laws it has passed.

He closed his piece with a zinger: “This is not the first time that reason has been left a stranger in our age of rage. There appears no price too great to pay to impeach or prosecute Trump. Now, the House is arguing against one of the very touchstones of our constitutional system and legal experts are silent."

Well, most legal experts. Fortunately, there are a few, such as Turley and Alan Dershowitz, who brave the tide of cancel culture and speak out for the Constitution. But this is rare.

For example, it certainly would have been helpful if Chief Justice John Roberts had commented on his decision not to preside at the trial. Perhaps, as I’ve speculated, he reasoned that his non-action should speak for itself. All right, Justice Roberts, it tells me that you think the so-called impeachment trial of a former President is not part of your constitutional duty and is, in fact, not a real trial. So far, they certainly haven’t been conducting it as one, and I don’t expect that to get better. One clue: Sen. Patrick Leahy is officiating.

For readers with a premium subscription to THE EPOCH TIMES (highly recommended), Jack Phillips has a good commentary on Turley’s concerns.

Finally, as we await Leahy’s opening gavel, evidence continues to grow that the “insurrection” Trump is accused of “inciting” was planned well in advance, with some activity going back as far as November and accelerating after Christmas. They used social media to set up training, case locations, identify commanders on the scene, and request cash in addition to combat and communication gear. John Solomon says that over half a dozen have already been charged for conspiracy to commit violence because of activity predating January 6.

Because of the established timeline, we already knew that the people involved in the incident were already at the Capitol Building, far away from Trump, and weren’t even hearing his speech.

Two questions: 1) How much did the FBI know about this plan in advance of the Trump rally? And, 2) is it even possible --- is it in their DNA --- for Democrats (or at least the ten Republicans going along with this circus) to realize and admit they were WRONG? As Ken Starr said, “[House lawmakers] made a huge, colossal mistake. So walk back, and apologize to the former President, apologize to the American people [saying] that ‘I never should have voted in favor of this without the benefit of all the facts. I rushed to judgment.’”

Don't look for anything that sensible to happen. As Yogi Berra also said, "The future ain't what it used to be."


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Comments 26-50 of 76

  • Karen McKee

    02/08/2021 05:31 PM

    Regarding your comment "is it even possible --- is it in their DNA --- for Democrats (or at least the ten Republicans going along with this circus) to realize and admit they were WRONG? etc"

    Biden ran on "Unity" yet, this impeachment debacle is only driving the wedge deeper into this extremely wide expanse of division in this country. The EGO'S of Pelosi, Schumer, etc. are just as deep & wide; maybe more so. It's truly SAD that our elected "leaders" are so SMALL that they are unwilling to admit any mistakes or fault of their own. The "Catholics" representing should especially be showing HOW Forgiveness & Accepting Responsibility is done.

    I'm sure I'm not the only one that feels this way & I'd LOVE for Congress to read this & HEAR us. The HATRED MUST GO starting with our elected "Leaders." I'd rather have a government that takes responsibility for their actions & stops pointing fingers. Congress must recognize that any sort of "Unity" must begin with Forgiveness to bring about HOPE of RECONCILIATION.

  • Karen McGivney

    02/08/2021 05:26 PM

    Where can we go? I wish I could move. I can’t think of a place where evil doesn’t exist. McConnell needs to pack his bags he’s a traitor worse than Pelosi at least we KNOW what to expect from her.
    Our constitution is being trashed. No one is stopping this.
    I never thought this country could be taken apart by a handful literally a handful of hate filled, uneducated people.
    It’s devastating.
    This goes beyond Trumps rights. This is to destroy the nation. What they want is to remove his secret service detail so he can meet the fate of the Clintons friends.
    Dear God help us. All I can pray is, “ deliver us from evil”. We are besieged by Satan himself with baby killing, lying, ignoring the laws, ignoring the Constitution.
    I fear we are destroyed.

  • Burton Brodt

    02/08/2021 05:02 PM

    In spite of John Robers' apparant catelepsy, there are five more Conservatives on the court. Why are they so silent?

  • John W. King

    02/08/2021 04:56 PM

    You should call it what it is, Mr. Huckabee. Trump haters are not prosecuting Donald Trump, they are persecuting him, and have been doing so for longer than the last four years.

  • Bonnie Riley

    02/08/2021 04:14 PM

    You are so right! I pray for President Trump and our Country everyday!

  • FAURE

    02/08/2021 04:13 PM

    Hello Governor Huccabee, I am French and very saddened by what is happening in your country, I pray for President Trump and Americans like you, faithful to the founding fathers of the United States. I sincerely hope that true Republicans like you (and there are many that I admire, I think of the admirable Senators Cruz and Fowley who go to great lengths to defend their American people) like you. Mrs. Pelosi, Mr. Schumer and the others violate the Constitution of the United States THREE TIMES A DAY. We had never seen this !!
    I followed the November 3rd US election live and saw right away that something was wrong. That there had been an electoral coup. I am fighting in France with those around me to defend the real America, you need the support of the Europeans as we also need yours. I was very saddened that Mrs Greene was unjustly sanctioned in Congress. Mr. Biden stops a gigantic Keystone construction site which has already started, what economic nonsense !!!

    I wish you to be able to resist effectively with your Republican friends until the elections of 2022 to regain control of Congress. My thoughts are with Mr. Trump for tomorrow. I also hope that your wonderful daughter will be elected Governor of Arkansas.

    Sincerely from France

    Roger faure

  • Jan Russ

    02/08/2021 03:56 PM

    Several times this morning I have seen where an ABC poll says 56% want to see President Trump impeached. Can you find any demographics for this poll? Or should I just presume that since it’s an ABC poll, that only ABC puppets participated? Which would mean that 44% of the puppets are against impeachment, a good thing!

  • Glenda Lagerstedt

    02/08/2021 03:55 PM

    I so appreciate your calm voice of reason in this age, and in this case, of wild and rabid actions on the part of the democrats.

  • James rehak

    02/08/2021 03:52 PM

    I have followed you for years governor and in that time have developed a very highreguard to your views and opinions. I would enjoy the opportunity to have a conversation with you one day . I am just a guy , am turning 66 in a couple weeks and I am deeply troubled with the state of affairs today . I am a marine construction contractor in the socialist republic of Maryland , started my company at the age of 22 . I have always worked as hard as is possible in a difficult business . Started building residential piers and bulkheads and progressed through the years to now for the last 20 years all we do are government contracts . I employ several people with good paying jobs and have never laid any of them off . I eat the bad times because they have mortgages and families. At times this required me to rack up debt on my credit line to do this . Under Trump things were going better than ever got almost all paid up . Already believe it or not I can see things turning again. Pre bids have 15 attendees instead of 3 , bids are going low to unqualified people again just like 2008 . My son and daughter work in our company and they want to take over . I am worried for them and my grandchildren and this great nation itself . What are we to do? The nation is ran buy many some good , many many very bad . I am a train wreck since this election was stolen from the majority of us . Many of my friends and associates feel the same way . How do we function and not lose our moral compass. I believe in God and myself and my country and I would welcome the chance to talk one day. Your daughter is truly brilliant and I wish her week in her pursuit .

  • Mary Ann Karasiewski

    02/08/2021 03:40 PM

    They hate our President Trump so much it gives them red eyes. He did nothing wrong, they knew about this a week in advance. But, no one can get the Capital building out of their tiny brains. What about over the Summer, their were 100 Police officers hurt and killed. Shop owners hurt and their buildings burned. And they were told in plain English Stand Down. During this to President Trump now is a way were he can not run again. The American can only hold whats on their minds for so long. We are proud Americans and we Stand for our Flag. We will never unity at all. And I have heard that all over. There are still Trump signs in yards and business all over including mine. We believe in a man that did not kiss up to China, Russia or Iran. Gave us jobs not take them away. If they do this to President Trump their are 80 million voices out there. But we will never be like the BLM OR ANTIFA. God Bless our President Trump and to the Devil with the Democrats and Republicans.

  • Donald Tygart

    02/08/2021 03:31 PM

    One more time Gov! (and I hope I'll be able to say the same thing shortly concerning your daughter!
    We, honest and caring Republicans and Conservatives, carried the water bucket for the Democrats in their latest attempt at impeachment. I say this sadly due to our collective statements that, 'Yes, Trump misspoke - he was somewhat intemperate in his comments. But he never said anything that rose to the level of insurrection.'
    My thought is - the Democrats used the first part of what our leaders said - and forgot all that followed. They are nothing - if not selective in what they are spouting - and we walked right into it - just by being honest and forthright!
    It's a well known fact that not one Liberal / Democrat can hear with their mouth open!
    If I were the Trump Lawyers, I would provide a litany of COMPLETE, one or two sentence statements from selected Democrats, currently sitting - and those just departed the Chamber as to what they have and are saying about Trump. - maybe a total of 30 minutes long, Waters, AOC Illan, Tlaib, Pressley, Pelosi, Schumer at the Supreme Court, various governors, etc!
    I would start it and end it with first Clinton, 'What difference does it make, anyway', and then Cuomo, 'What difference does it make?' One - Beghazi, the other - COVID deaths. A useful and handy liberal statement?

  • Jeffrey Buttke

    02/08/2021 03:29 PM

    Governor,
    I am so relieved to hear a voice of reason! I am surrounded by folks that seem blinded to what's happening in our country. I'm sure quite a few would literally jump off a cliff if they believed it would show their support of the party in office right now. With all of the hatred, rage, and "official" calls to censor conservatives, Christian's, Jews and anybody that disagrees with the current mantra, that we will be able to resolve these issues peacefully? As a Christian, my relationship to Christ is paramount, and my witness to those around me is of great importance. It seems that disagreeing with people's politics, is taken as a personal insult. Some, I have agreed to disagree with in order to work together as leaders of our church. Deciding when to take a stand against what I see as inconsistent with Biblical teaching is becoming more frequent recently. When "Christians" are not distinguishable from non-Christians we have problems of Biblical proportions. I don't expect people to be sinless (myself included), but I see part of my responsibility as a church leader is to privately point out any actual sin is important. How do you maintain a proper balance of loving people, not their sin?

  • Dean Slade

    02/08/2021 03:25 PM

    Hi Governor,

    I live in El Paso, TX. I recommend you read the following local news article about immigration.
    https://kfoxtv.com/news/coronavirus/el-paso-anticipates-changes-to-immigration-policy-as-pandemic-threat-poses-new-challenges?utm_source=second-street&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=KFOX14+Newsletter+for+February+8%2c+2021
    I’m sure you find several things to comment on in a future newsletter (btw I love your daily newsletters).
    Best regards,
    Dean

  • Eugene Staudinger

    02/08/2021 03:10 PM

    Hello Mike best wishes to your daughter on running for governor. Should be a breeze. Now the democrats and republicans blame each other for not getting things done. Trump got the most done in four years probably more than any president ever. All While he's being held up by both republicans and democrat idiots. Now Obiden what a pathetic joke. Out of spite ripping the country apart more than ever. Where's the unity.

  • Judy Campbell

    02/08/2021 03:09 PM

    It is so painful to see people who are so consumed hatred. It is venomous. And why? Because Hillary didn’t win the last election. They were so excited that she was going to get us involved in WWIII with Russia. She and Obama had it all planned out. The Global Elite and New World Order Establishment are consumed with the spirit of Lucifer whose only desire is to remove Almighty God from His Throne, kill off all humanity, and control all that Almighty God has created. Do not be deceived: Lucifer, the number one of the fallen spiritual beings hates humanity. He will destroys all of them even his followers once he gets what he wants.

  • Donald Tygart

    02/08/2021 03:07 PM

    Life is like a 'bowl of cherries'. Until you find the pit. They will keep taking more and more - until they reach too far. What eludes me is even as the AG's from the various states see the illegality of this - they for the most part remain silent. The smell of collusion, as sulphur, is in the air.

  • David Colonna

    02/08/2021 03:01 PM

    All I can say is it makes me, yes a gown man, want to cry to see how evil and destructive the Liberal left Democratic Party has become. We the true Americans have no clue what to do to change the tide and eventually the tears turn to pure remorse on how much President Trump and his family had to deal with. How can anyone with any, in a minute amount of common sense can not see how President Trump was truly for the people, he loved us and for sure loves our great country. I honestly think President Trump is/was the best President this country has ever had, sorry even better than Ronald Reagan, minus the NY style demeanor. When have you heard a past Democrat state they loved the American people...

  • Connie S Eggen

    02/08/2021 02:57 PM

    I guess they never heard of "Innocent until proven guilty"...

    Impeachment Fraud to accompany voter Fraud!

  • Michele Wilhelmsen

    02/08/2021 02:55 PM

    Spot on! Great article. Our President Trump refusing to show up for their circus-event shows that he's holding aces. "You've got to know when to hold 'em...Know when to fold 'em."

  • Bart Sherrer

    02/08/2021 02:54 PM

    Good Afternoon Governor,
    I'm not much of a writer so please forgive any and all mistakes. Like you I'm tired of the third party talk also, like a lot of other people the Republican party let me down and angered me. I thought why vote republican if they aren't going to be Republican, then I thought instead of not voting for Republicans why not just not voting for incumbents? I'm from Texas so I will vote for Ted Cruz as he has shown that he will stand up for us, but he's probably the only incumbent that will get my vote. If this is a good idea please pass it on, if it isn't lease let me know why. Thank You for you and your teams work.

  • Suzanne M Utts

    02/08/2021 02:46 PM

    Despite all that the media and certain Christian preachers want us to believe, President Trump is still President! They can't impeach a citizen. HE is calling himself "Former President" but apparently the Dim Dems and the RINOS THINK he is still President.

  • Margie Babik

    02/08/2021 02:45 PM

    Dear Governor Huckabee:
    If they are hanging on the words that the President spoke with conservatives protesting peacefully (which we know they picked out the words that make it inflammatory) why aren't the GOP showing all the demoncrats inflammatory words to the people to use violence, force and whatever else they could to get riots started?

  • Pete Strand

    02/08/2021 02:23 PM

    I agree, it was a great ad! I think you are very powerful in Repub. party, If we have any hope for 2022 & beyond, must have voter ID at least in the 26 Repub. states, & full legal charter schools, tell UFT to drop dead, no more Howard Zinn. Thank you....pete

  • Rosemary Kaufman

    02/08/2021 02:17 PM

    Governor, Each new administration should build upon and improve what the last has done; tearing down all the good ideas is like throwing the baby out with the bath water. We stand on the shoulders of giants, not madmen!

  • Carina Windsor

    02/08/2021 02:03 PM

    Hello Governor:

    Thank you for your very insightful and true news. I watch your program live and follow your newsletter. Is there any news on the whereabouts of Hunter Biden and is there any chance at all that he and his father will be brought to justice?

    P.S. I like your choice of putting the Bible Verse entry at the start of your newsletter. Thank you.