This was never a question of politics — Republican or Democrat, left or right, liberal or conservative.
It was always simply about right and wrong. The rule of law, what we believe is a cornerstone of our democracy.
In early June we called on Congress here to open an impeachment inquiry of President Trump.
Though some interpreted that call for an investigation as a call for the president’s impeachment — a virtual indictment — they were mistaken.
However, make no mistake about this: Nearly four months later we commend the House’s leadership for finally finding its spine and doing the right thing.
Yet, this is still about more than just that call to the Ukraine. Indeed, it’s about a president who is more intent on threats and personal gain than the rule of law.
It’s also about undermining a bedrock American principle that regardless of our differences, there are laws to ensure justice prevails.
Joe Manchin, West Virginia’s senior senator, was recently his normal noncommittal self on questions about this impeachment inquiry. But in this instance, being noncommittal in the face of an ongoing investigation is a good thing.
On the other hand, Shelley Moore-Capito, was anything but noncommittal. She has already shown her bias by labeling the inquiry “political and partisan theatrics.”
So what is Capito’s calling this inquiry “political and partisan theatrics” if not partisan politics? She has already made up her mind.
Other West Virginia Republicans, including Rep. David McKinley, said Democrats are using impeachment as a means to remove a political opponent on insufficient evidence.
We are not going to dispute the evidence here except to say the president himself has already admitted actions that appear to make him impeachable.
This week, there are even new reports that the president reached out to other foreign leaders for help to discredit former Special Counsel Robert Mueller.
For all the spin on the Mueller report, there is one consideration of it where there can be no debate: The threat of foreign meddling in U.S. elections has increased.
Our election laws prohibit passing along opposition research from foreign agents to aid a political candidate. Any such information should be reported to the FBI immediately.
Everyone should be able to agree our elections are not open to other countries and other countries cannot be allowed — or invited — to participate, interfere or help any candidate.
The House leadership is right to initiate an impeachment inquiry, regardless of its political risk or opinion polls.
The president may have broken the law and his administration may have attempted to cover it up.
Congress has a responsibility to investigate.
