It’s Impeachment Day…Again! | Ep. 1172

Legal Grounds

The impeachment of President Trump centers on a single charge of incitement, with Democrats arguing that his actions on January 6th endangered national security and democracy. Ben Shapiro questions whether impeachment is warranted or prudent, noting the distinction between legal and political grounds for impeachment 1. He explains that if impeachment is viewed as a remedy for high crimes and misdemeanors, it may be challenging to justify, whereas as a political remedy, it appears more legitimate 2. Shapiro also highlights the constitutional provisions and the 14th Amendment's role in the impeachment rationale, questioning its applicability to Trump 3.

The notion that Trump falls under the 14th Amendment is an extraordinary stretch.

--- Ben Shapiro

The debate continues over whether Trump's actions constitute a breach of constitutional standards.

   

Against Impeachment

Shapiro outlines several arguments against Trump's impeachment, emphasizing the legal standards for incitement and the impracticality of the impeachment timeline. He references the Brandenburg test, which sets a high bar for legal incitement, arguing that Trump's speech does not meet this standard 4. Additionally, Shapiro points out the logistical challenges, noting that the impeachment process cannot realistically be completed before Biden's inauguration, rendering it moot 5. He also questions the constitutionality of impeaching a former president, suggesting that it appears politically motivated 6.

Realistically speaking, there will be no impeachment before the actual inauguration of Joe Biden.

--- Ben Shapiro

These arguments highlight the complexities and potential futility of pursuing impeachment at this stage.

   

Political Impact

The political ramifications of impeachment are significant, with Shapiro arguing that it could deepen national divisions and provoke backlash. He suggests that Democrats need to show magnanimity to foster unity, warning that impeachment might instead rally support for Trump by framing it as a political witch hunt 7. Shapiro also discusses the narrative that impeachment aims to tarnish all Trump supporters by associating them with the Capitol riots, a strategy he views as dangerous and divisive 8. Furthermore, he criticizes the political maneuvering by Democrats, implying that impeachment is more about political gain than principle 9.

What impeachment is truly about is targeting his supporters.

--- Ben Shapiro

These insights underscore the potential for impeachment to exacerbate political tensions rather than resolve them.