MSNBC Nancy Pelosi - Impeachment is off the table.

[Freedom_from_Chains]

On Edit. While I agree with Nancy that impeachment is not the way to tee up for 08 I still would really like to see it. However, if Bush makes one more move that violates the Constitution I think impeachment needs to be back on the table ASAP

[tridim]

1. Off the table, until the investigations reveal that it's back on the table.

[DemPower]

14. NO INVESTIGATION NEEDED

Bush admitted "wiretaps require a court order, nothing has changed"

Bush then admits to illegal wiretapping on National TV and promised more of the same!

It's time to Impeach Nancy!

If you can't handle the job, we can find another speaker of the House...

[Bucky]

33. Ha! You want to impeach Pelosi? You're funny. Irrelevent & deluded. But funny.

I don't know who you are, DemPower, but you're not very bright. Welcome to DU, however. I recommend nonhysterics and quietly watching while the big kids say smart things.

[kwolf68]

2. Smart

... Practical. I know some in here want it, but its a bad idea...

instead of doing that, they should work tirelessly on fixing this shit. That is why the nation elected them. I support Congresswomen Pelosi and the Dems in getting to work and don't worry with impeachment.

[Freedom_from_Chains]

11. Yes, the Democrats will act like adults

and not wild eyed ideologues, that is what we have been putting up with for the last 6 years. Here speech was a very subtle way of saying look, we now have the power to impeach your sorry ass, but if you are a good boy and play ball you might still be able to keep your ass out of jail. However, one wrong move on your part and we will open the gates of hell on you. Got it!

[leesa]

39. Si you are saying it's A-OK for these guys to break the law and get away with it.

You are sanctioning their crimes.

[LittleClarkie]

62. So you are saying it's A-OK for you to put words in someone's mouth?

If that's the kind of conversation you wanted, you could just talk to yourself.

[Zhade]

48. So criminals shouldn't be held accountable?

Gee, I thought we "won".

Some victory - the criminals go free.

Yay, Dems.

[LittleClarkie]

61. Which candidate ran on the issue of impeachment?

Why exactly do you think people voted for us?

[Zhade]

64. Justice isn't about popularity. The rule of law isn't up for debate.

These men and women have committed crimes; our duty as citizens is to hold them accountable. We don't get to switch it off just because it's politically inconvenient.

[LittleClarkie]

65. Who's talking politics or popularity. The job we were mandated to do

has to do with the war and health care etc.

And if want to talk about the rule of law, then oversight and investigation comes first. The "impeach NOW" people are out of their minds if they think we can just blink our eyes like Jeannie.

[AntiFascist]

59. How can we fix a problem until we know its nature?

That is what investigations will bring to light, and we should not be making any deals with the devil until we know what the light brings to the surface.

[AndyA]

3. Bullshit! Pelosi cannot say that at this point. There needs to be an

investigation, and Democrats will DEMAND IT. We've put up with SIX LONG YEARS OF ABUSE, and an investigation must be held to determine if laws were broken.

Pelosi, you are speaking about things you have no knowledge of. INVESTIGATE AND THEN IMPEACH!

[colorado thinker]

7. Wait, wait.

I know you want to make them pay, they should pay dearly, and I want it to.

But don't you see that 1. The Senate is undecided yet. 2. The country is moderate and many may not support it = yet. 3. She can't do anything until January and there is no point in riling up ANYONE at this time.

She just said it's off the table, not that it is permanently out of the question.

Breathe, breathe,

[Zhade]

49. Moderates don't already support holding criminals accountable?

NT!

[Jackpine Radical]

10. Impeachment is off the table. OK by me.

Then John Conyers will have a little investigation, and publicize the results.

Then the public will demand impeachment be put on the table.

Works for me.

[Zhade]

52. But that's not what some are saying.

They're saying we should move on, forget the theft and corruption and death caused by these fascists.

Are they crazy, or am I?

[kwolf68]

27. Yea that is the way to maintain our majority

While most Americans dislike Bush I'd bet most also don't want him impeached. Impeachment didn't help the Reps when they did it to Clinton.

Expose every lie, every half-truth, mis-step, and mis-representation...expose it, shine the light of sun on it, but let the process work itself out. Bush will be gone in less than two years, the damage he has done has been done. I support bringing him up on criminal chargers, but the American populace (many of whom voted for Dems yesterday that probably voted for Bush) won't like it and we'll get crucified in the media ...

the "other things" the Democrats are doing will not even be reported...It will just be written that the Dems only interest is "tearing down the American pResident" in "a time of war" ... Yea Yea, I know they did it to Clinton, but we need to do the real work of the people and THAT needs to be what the people see the Dems doing.

The real work is health care, limiting corporate power over our nation, shutting off the war profiteers, protecting the environment, keeping abortion legal and safe, providing good jobs, promoting fair trade policies that don't undermine local rule, etc., etc...

I wanted Democrats elected to change policy, not to remove Bush-bad and corrupt as he is. If we remove Bush, then what? We have a President Cheney...a desperate and pissed of Cheney, he'd probably start dropping nukes on Northern California for god's sakes.

We need to keep our heads and if there is something really really dirty then address it after Bush is out of office...he would be even freer and fairer game at that point and we wouldn't have to worry about the political spector of an impeachment...The American people did NOT vote for impeachment last night...they voted against the war, against unilateral authority, against ideological drones, against extremism...If we impeach, we lose.

[Zhade]

50. Something really really dirty?

Torture's not?

An illegal war's not?

Illegal wiretapping's not?

Does he have to have people SHOT IN THE STREETS before people will hold him accountable for his crimes?

This country is fucking insane. We have a majority, and people don't want to hold him accountable for his crimes.

This is just madness.

[AntiFascist]

60. The impeachment and investigation of Clinton didn't help the Republicans??!!

what planet have you been living on?

[mtnsnake]

4. She better be playing chess or ducking the issue. Impeachment is a must

If we don't impeach then we've got no spine...or pride.

[AtomicKitten]

24. both he and Shooter DESERVE impeachment

[Bryan]

47. I have no doubt that impeachment is somewhere in the back of Pelosi's mind

Years of painstaking labor and positioning have brought her one pretzel accident and one myocardial infarction away from being President. It strikes me as grossly unlikely that her ambition has suddenly run out. I tend to think that she will try for impeachment if-and it's a big If-she thinks she can pull it off.

[hijinx87]

5. smart lady. there is no point in impeachment

if you don't have the votes in the senate. it's insane.

we need to look forward to 2008, and create a strong record of
progressive legislative achievement so we can solidify our gains
in both houses of congress.

[Tamyrlin79]

9. No point?

You mean the flaming pile that would remain of this president's legacy wouldn't be worth it?

[hijinx87]

16. as opposed to tangible legislative accomplishments?

that is exactly what I mean.

screw his legacy. it is what he has made it already. and trying
to put an asterisk in the record book, so to speak, is a pretty
pathetic reason to compromise in your governance of the country.

[mtnsnake]

26. Jesus h balls I cant believe Im hearing this

[leesa]

40. I know. I just can't believe people have so little regard for the rule of law.

You would think they are Republicans or something. Commit the worst crimes in the history of our country...retire to your villa in Paraguay. We're too tired to deal with it.

[Zhade]

53. It's the "win at all costs" mentality that poisons this country.

They're already looking ahead to 2008...where they'll be looking ahead to 2010...where they'll be eagerly awaiting 2012...

It. Never. Ends.

[mtnsnake]

56. Excellent point

They're so busy worrying about what hasn't happened that they're willing to sacrifice the present for sake of the future.

[Zhade]

57. THANk you. That's an excellent point itself!

I'm just about done with this nonsense. We win, and we won't hold criminals accountable? Why the fuck should I even bother to vote then?

[GetTheRightVote]

6. I have lived for the day impeachment was possible, hope it happens yet

It has been a very long 6 years dealing with his lies.

:kick:

[partylessinOhio]

8. If Pelosi thinks she alone can make such a serious decision as

tabling impeachment, I hope a challenger steps forward and also runs for speaker of the House. Pelosi should not have a lock on it.

[bemildred]

12. Speaker Pelosi does not want to open that can of worms now.

She is right (much as I wish she were not).

[churchofreality]

13. Politics is more than revenge

The easy thing to do would be to impeach, but the american public is looking for more bipartisan cooperation. Why not be the bigger people and move the country forward. Keep your friends close and your enemies closer.

[Bucky]

34. Welcome to DU, Church. Good post.

Impeachment by itself, as Mr Gingrich showed, is a pretty hollow act. If you can impeach and remove--and you have a publically supported argument for it--then you can consider it. Unless there's a groundswell, impeachment is about the dumbest thing we could try. I believe in fighting fire with fire, not pissypants with pissypants.

[leesa]

41. It is not politics. It is THE LAW. IT IS THEIR JOB.

[Zhade]

54. The rule of law isn't revenge.

Holding criminals accountable isn't revenge.

[RestoreGore]

15. No impeachment means I change my party affiliation to none...

because I don't want to be associated with any Party that would willingly look the other way regarding the crimes and misdemeanors committed against the people of this country, and allow the media to label anyone who seeks such justice as just some loony leftwing liberal looking for revenge... that is BS, and I'm sick of hearing it.

If they don't even entertain seeking justice for the egregious and criminal abuses of our Constitution by these thugs, I will not vote Democratic again. SIX LONG YEARS this country has seen one abuse after the other from stolen elections to torture. ANY so called appointed President that stole his way into the office in the first place that LIES to the American people to get a war of profit and convenience for his business cronies at the expense of our children and innocent lives regardless of their Party MUST be investigated and impeached according to the Constitution.

Our forefathers would never have stood for this, and I am deeply disappointed in Nancy Pelosi and the tone of her speech this morning. She sounded almost as if she were scared. I just wonder what Bush told her privately in his "congratulatory" call. If ever an administration deserved this it is this one, but alas, once again we see how afraid they are to really stand up for their Constitution and national security. Impeaching these people would be the first step to ensuring that this country is safer. And in response to the fact that Ms. Pelosi said the words bi-partisan a hundred times and that they will work with 'President Bush', I AM NOT WORKING WITH HIM. But what fun it will be seeing the next two years filled with nothing but Democrats playing nice nice and bending over for these crooks. I think I'm gonna be sick.

[GregW]

17. Buh-bye

[RestoreGore]

22. Typical intelligent response

I suppose you don't care if Bush and his thugs subverted the Constitution? You don't believe in standing up for principle? "Buh -Bye." How absolutely childish. Do you have any idea how many Americans support impeachment? But yeah, let's just kiss their asses the next two years because we "won" because that's now enough. Their crimes don't matter anymore. Right? Do you know what an accomplice is?

[Freedom_from_Chains]

32. No, she doesn't have any idea what those things are.

That's how she got herself in the position of being the next potential speaker of the house. Maybe you should give her a call and explain all these things to her so that she can be more "informed" as she moves into her new role. It would be the patriotic thing for you to do, it would be the American thing for you to do so that our Republic will still be able to prevail.

[RestoreGore]

36. She got it...

Because Americans hate Bush more than they like Democrats and Republicans and did what they had to do. And I sure will remember to drop her a note to let her know how I feel about it.

[mtnsnake]

43. I feel your pain

To look the other way when we have the power to hold the fucker accountable and put an "impeached" next to his name in the history books would be almost as bad a crime as the ones we've been complaining about all along.

[Zhade]

51. Some of us warned of this outcome.

I've already been warned about "working against a Dem majority" for daring to point out that lieberman is in a position to extort the party; now I'm hearing people say we shouldn't hold criminals - CRIMINALS! - accountable for their crimes that have killed HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS.

This country is insane. I'm convinced of that.

[LittleClarkie]

63. 'K. Bye. Don't forget to write.

I think we're putting the cart before the horse here. Investigations and oversight first. Impeachment can follow organically from that if enough evidence is found. Meanwhile the Dems that got into office were elected on issues that had nothing to do with impeachment. People want to see us do something about the Iraq situation, about health care, about energy independance, things that affect their daily lives.

I see nothing wrong with what Pelosi is saying.

[Critters2]

18. Impeachment is necessary to get at the truth

Impeachment is the trial. Only once that's happened can a verdict be had. Pelosi should let the proceedings begin.

[RestoreGore]

37. Absolutely n/t

[Zhade]

55. Will she?

We should take bets - my cynicism will make me a rich man yet.

[Barack_America]

19. Smart move.

Impeachment and other out-of-control investigations will only swing voters back over to the Republicans.

[Dr Fate]

29. What if the investigations are not "out of control" though?

???

[HuffleClaw]

20. i rather doubt SHE speaks for all the democrats

though i think this is one of those 'well, after careful reflection, we have rethought the issue' things.

[Bucky]

35. Yes, how dare Pelosi presume that she's some kind of, um, Democratic leader. Um...

Nevermind.

[sebastianj333]

21. She's probably just saying that too...

After all, this is POLITICS...

[AtomicKitten]

23. She will begin oversight investigations.

From there, anything could happen.

Keep in mind we would have to successfully impeach both * and Shooter to get to a President Pelosi.

[Odin2005]

25. Get real, people, we; we don't have enough votes to impeach.

What we CAN do is to himiliate him and the Neo-cons thoroughly.

[yebrent]

28. Oversight, Investigate, Subpoena, Discover, Uncover...

Rinse, Repeat.

Let some new dirt float to the surface.

Let the Administration stonewall, block, lie under oath, tie their own noose, dig their own grave.

Then, let the public demand impeachment.

Pelosi is playing this one right, imo.

[Dr Fate]

30. I am for investigations & censure. Only for impeachment if a majority of voters is.

n/t

[oasis]

31. "Off the table" on what is known at present. When new charges surface all

bets are off.:think:

[leesa]

38. Shame on her for not doing her job.

[Ibleedgreen]

42. Yeah shame on her

Shame on her for being politically savvy enough to know that most people don't support impeachment right now and going for the jugular would only look vengeful. They're will be investigations I don't think we can ask for much more. Now if we dig up enough and the thug is wildly unpopular say 20-15% approval that is when we bring up the I-word. Let's show some restraint and keep our daggers behind our back.

[onenote]

44. what exactly do you think her job is?

Her job is Speaker of the House. It is a multifaceted job, one whose "duties" include presiding over the House of Represenatives and deciding its agenda. The Speaker also is the head of the majority party in the House. In this role, it is the SPeaker's role to ensure that the House pursues a course that is politically advantageous and strategically sound for that party.

Pelosi is doing her job.

[Barack_America]

45. Not doing her job? I thought her job was to push the...

Democratic agenda? Is that not fixing Iraq, raising minimum wage, fixing healthcare, etc.?

You sound like the Republicans who say that the Democrats have no plans other than to be anti-Bush!

[gardenista]

46. We won!!!11111 Let us convene the circular firing squad!!!!1111

[Zangal]

58. Some sanity please

Nancy taking it off the table for the time being is the SAME reason she said the Democrats would not de-fund the Military to get out of Iraq.

Messing with a sitting president while troops are in harms way is an extremely destructive thing to do politically, not to mention screwing the troops when you just said you wanted to protect them better than the President has.