Comparing Hearings vs. Impeachment

[SHRED]

I have read that the impeachment process is superior to committee hearings in a couple of ways.

First, there is a greater chance at getting unfettered access to information and second the questioning is superior in the sense that the 5-6 minute rule per questioner isn't there as in a standard committee hearing.

Am I understanding this correctly?

[FBaggins]

1. Yes and no

The first one is true. While "unfettered" is a stretch, they would certainly have a better chance of getting access to things like grand jury testimony.

The second is generally true - one would expect an impeachment inquiry to have lots more time dedicated to it (though it would still have to be portioned out and each member would want their moment in the sun). However - it doesn't have to be an impeachment inquiry for that to occur. The rules can be tailored and are often a negotiation between both parties and the witnesses.

There is one potential downside though. There is an active debate on DU re: whether an impeachment that fails to convict (likely) would damage our electoral prospects. Both sides there have a reasonable case... but an impeachment inquiry that fails to result in impeachment in the House would definitely hurt us. Out majority is only large enough to deal with 18-20 defections.