By John Q. Hosedrinker 
A recent poll indicates that a majority of likely U.S. voters support impeaching President Donald Trump for a third time, an unprecedented result early in a presidential term. This sentiment stems from grounds such as alleged atrocities in Latin America, the Caribbean, and the Middle East, as well as the militarization of federal law enforcement to punish political opposition and dissent. The poll, conducted by Lake Research Partners, found 52% of all voters in favor of impeachment, with support crossing partisan lines.
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The idea of impeaching Donald Trump for a third time is clearly resonating with a significant portion of the electorate, particularly among Democrats and Independents, according to recent sentiment. It appears that a substantial 84% of Democrats and 55% of Independents express support for such a move. This suggests a widespread desire to hold him accountable for actions perceived as detrimental to the nation, even if the practical implications of a third impeachment remain a point of contention.
For the 84% of Democrats who support a third impeachment, the sentiment often goes beyond the procedural aspect of impeachment itself. Some believe it’s a wholly inadequate measure, expressing a desire for more severe consequences, even suggesting a more forceful removal from power and subsequent justice without mercy for him and his associates. The idea of him facing justice and potentially rotting in jail for eternity, with no funeral afforded, highlights a deep-seated anger and a yearning for retribution that the impeachment process might not fully satisfy for some.
The 55% of Independents who favor a third impeachment also represent a notable bloc, indicating that the desire for accountability transcends strict party lines. This group may be weighing the evidence and actions attributed to Trump and finding them sufficient grounds for further impeachment proceedings, even if they don’t hold the same unified conviction as many Democrats. Their support suggests a pragmatic concern for the state of governance and a willingness to explore all avenues for addressing perceived wrongdoing.
However, the remaining 16% of Democrats who do not support a third impeachment are a point of curiosity and discussion. Some speculate that these individuals might be holding out for something more substantial than impeachment, believing that it’s a step that has already proven insufficient. Others suggest these Democrats might be politically strategic, understanding the hurdles of a Senate conviction and perhaps favoring alternative approaches for accountability. There’s also the possibility that this segment may be more concerned with political feasibility, recognizing that a doomed impeachment might not yield the desired outcome and could even backfire.
Similarly, the 45% of Independents who do not support a third impeachment also raise questions. It’s possible that this group prioritizes stability, views further impeachment proceedings as politically divisive or a distraction, or simply doesn’t believe it would lead to any meaningful consequences. Their hesitation might stem from a pragmatic assessment of the political landscape and the likelihood of a successful conviction in the Senate, a concern echoed by many across the political spectrum.
A significant undercurrent of the discussion around a third impeachment is the practical reality of Senate conviction. Many commenters express the view that without a guaranteed conviction, impeachment proceedings are akin to “pissing into the wind” or mere “theater.” The past failures to convict in the Senate, despite House impeachments, have led to a sense of futility for some, who argue that such actions, without the ultimate penalty of removal, do not serve a purpose and might even embolden the accused or his supporters.
The repeated impeachment of Trump, without conviction, has led some to question its effectiveness and whether it’s the most prudent course of action. The idea that the American people have, through re-election, “clearly shown that they do not fucking care if he is impeached” is a strong sentiment among those who see impeachment as an ineffective tool in this context. This perspective advocates for moving beyond what they perceive as partisan games and focusing on alternative strategies for accountability.
This leads to a broader discussion about what truly constitutes justice and accountability. Some believe that impeachment is a “light way to put it,” and that more severe measures are warranted, including imprisonment and prosecution for actions like sedition. The desire for a justice system that operates without mercy and ensures that wrongdoers “rot in jail for eternity” is a powerful expression of outrage for many.
Furthermore, the focus on Senate conviction highlights a desire for tangible outcomes. The comparison to Nixon’s impeachment, which led to resignation due to a guaranteed conviction, is often cited as a model for successful impeachment. This suggests that for many, the effectiveness of impeachment is directly tied to its ability to remove an individual from power, and without that, it loses much of its impact.
The question of political strategy also looms large. Some worry that impeaching Trump a third time, without conviction, could play into the hands of the GOP, allowing them to rally their base around the narrative of Democrats unfairly targeting Trump. This perspective suggests a need for careful consideration of the potential political fallout and whether such actions serve the broader goal of holding individuals accountable or simply create further division.
Ultimately, the support for impeaching Trump a third time, as reflected in the 84% of Democrats and 55% of Independents, points to a persistent desire for accountability and a deep dissatisfaction with his past actions. However, the significant discussion around the effectiveness of impeachment without conviction underscores the complexities and challenges involved in addressing such high-profile political figures and the enduring debate about the most impactful pathways to justice.