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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsJeff Flake says 'at least 35' Republican senators would privately vote to impeach Trump
Former Arizona Sen. Jeff Flake made a bold claim on Thursday when he said "at least 35" GOP senators would privately vote for President Trump's impeachment.
Appearing at the 2019 Texas Tribune Festival, Flake, a frequent critic of the president, offered his own reaction and predicted that close to three dozen Republican senators would back impeachment.
"I heard someone say if there were a private vote there would be 30 Republican votes. That's not true," Flake said during a Q&A. "There would be at least 35."
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I hope he's right. We need 20 to flip to rid the country of this scourge.
BeyondGeography
(39,377 posts)Toomey, Portman and Cornyn have already said theyre not seeing an impeachable offense. Its going to a be a real slog getting the necessary votes in the Senate.
DeminPennswoods
(15,290 posts)He's likely to have a formidible opponent in 2020 in current Lt Gov John Fetterman. I suspect Toomey knows he won't be able to keep backing Trump without consequences - like losing his seat.
BeyondGeography
(39,377 posts)Its going to come down to the temperature level of their base and imponderables such as Fox going wobbly, more people stepping forward with dirt on Trump and/or Trump self-destructing. I dont rule it out, but these reassurances that half the R Senate or more would really like to do the right thing if they could only not put their name on it are an indication we still have some road to travel.
TwilightZone
(25,473 posts)He's rubber-stamped everything Trump has done and defends him at every opportunity. Trump's approval in Texas is ~50% and 90% among Rs.
Cornyn's political career means more to him than anything, including taking a stand.
"these reassurances "
It's not a reassurance. It's an opinion from a former "moderate" Republican Congressman that has no basis in anything tangible.
BeyondGeography
(39,377 posts)Ill do better just for you next time.
karynnj
(59,504 posts)He can't move away from Trump because of that 90%. He will be seen as kicking Trump when he is down. Even if that Trump number among Republicans falls to 60 or 70%, a big drop, that could still be true.
Yet, even before all of this Trump's overall approval is 50%. I wonder how yesterday's video of Trump calling whistleblowers, spies and traitors will play.
BumRushDaShow
(129,374 posts)Wish he was up now though. Casey just got back in during the 2018 election so 2020 will be an "off term" (by Senate class) for PA.
DeminPennswoods
(15,290 posts)election cycle for Senators up then will be starting shortly. 2022 will be the end of Wolf's 2nd term. Fetterman evidently isn't interested in running for gov, leaving him free to run for senate.
BumRushDaShow
(129,374 posts)when he did his listening tour, so he's got a lay of the land!
DeminPennswoods
(15,290 posts)and his family is from York. That's 2 of the 3 big regions already covered.
BumRushDaShow
(129,374 posts)BIG TIME!
empedocles
(15,751 posts)trump to impeach trump. The Pelosi strategy is much more likely to work effectively in the general election.
[It's no secret that most of DC hates trump, even more than trump hates everyone. McConnell's in particular can't barely tolerate trump - cite Wolff]
Funtatlaguy
(10,885 posts)ritapria
(1,812 posts)The GOP Senators will buckle if 1 more person spills the beans on Trump ...His monstrous Presidency is hanging by a thread...
lagomorph777
(30,613 posts)Dont forget the whistleblower alleging possible interference with the IRS audit of the presidents tax returns.
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/trump-tax-whistleblower-irs_n_5d8bafc6e4b08f48f4ae8978
HopeAgain
(4,407 posts)We have a very significant part of our population willing, for whatever reasons, to accept lawlessness, corruption and bigotry. Most of these politicians are just a reflection of their people at home. Mostly white, with questionable education and/or greed, religious zealotry and bigotry has turned them into a threat to democracy and decency.
beachbumbob
(9,263 posts)enough not to understand what happens to their party in Nov 2020
McConnel will never allow the trial to happen
superpatriotman
(6,252 posts)When theres nothing left to gain
PJMcK
(22,045 posts)What if Articles of Impeachment are passed by the House and sent to the Senate. After the trial, McConnell announces that the vote to convict or acquit will be by secret ballot allowing for Senators to vote their honest feelings without political retribution.
I bet the conviction vote would be around 90 Senators.
ProfessorGAC
(65,151 posts)Not impeach? Flake should know this