As I write this, only seven of 50 Republican senators voted to convict Donald Trump in his second impeachment trial, resulting in his acquittal. Many have suggested that if the vote was anonymous, more than enough Republicans would have said “yes” to convicting Trump. Why the difference? Those 43 Republicans who publicly voted to acquit were apparently afraid of alienating Trump and/or his supporters. Trump supporters include the white nationalist terrorists who stormed the Capitol and might have killed many elected officials, given the opportunity.
Republicans put their political self-interest over their oath to defend the constitution. As Frank Bruni wrote in the New York Times on Feb. 13, “They’re fine with hell, so long as they’re re-elected.”
Jaime Herrera Beutler, R-Battle Ground, voted for impeachment in the House, making a choice to do what she believed was right, even though she lost support of the local Republican establishment. The Clark County Republican Party, when condemning her stance in a statement on Jan. 14, said that they stand for “truth and justice.” Though I don’t always agree with her politics, I appreciate her vote for truth and justice and for choosing country over party or self-interest.
