Democrat Senator Says Trump Committed ‘Impeachable Offenses’ — But Won’t Commit to Impeachment

Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) told MS NOW that President Donald Trump has “committed impeachable offenses.” He would not say Democrats should impeach him if they win the House.

Host Peter Alexander asked whether grassroots Democrats were right to push another impeachment if they take power. Van Hollen said the party should focus on “the affordability crisis” and “ending the senseless war in Iran.” Then he pivoted to accountability.

He accused the administration of failing to hold DHS agents accountable in Minneapolis and of “going after Renee Good’s partner.” “We do need absolutely to hold this lawless Trump administration accountable,” he said.

Alexander asked the question again: should Democrats impeach if they win the House?

Van Hollen repeated the charge and ducked the strategy. “I think he’s committed impeachable offenses. I think our focus should be on dealing with these big economic issues and taking other measures to hold members of this administration accountable.”

That is the split in the current Democratic message. Activists want a third impeachment track. Elected officials want the phrase “impeachable” without the vote. Van Hollen split the difference on television.

The clip gives both sides something. Conservatives hear a senator declaring the president a criminal without a case on screen. Progressive activists hear a senator who will not promise the fight they want.

Van Hollen named no article of impeachment. He named priorities, then the accusation, then the dodge.