Apr 21, 2019
Schiff: Trump's obstruction was far worse than anything Nixon did
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House Intelligence Chairman Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) said on ABC's "This Week" that he believes President Trump obstructed justice, and that the potential episodes of obstruction that special counsel Robert Mueller laid out are "far worse than anything that Richard Nixon did."
"The obstruction of justice in particular in this case is far worse than anything that Richard Nixon did. The break-in by the Russians of the Democratic institutions, a foreign adversary, far more significant than the plumbers breaking into the Democratic headquarters. So yes, I would say in every way this is more significant than Watergate."
Why it matters: As the chairman of a powerful committee in the Democrat-controlled House, Schiff will continue to lead aggressive investigations into the president and seek to obtain the underlying evidence collected by Mueller. On the question of impeachment, however, Schiff demurred, citing the unlikelihood of Republicans voting to convict Trump in the Senate.
"I think what we'll have to decide as a caucus is what is the best thing for the country? Is the best thing for the country to take up an impeachment proceeding because to do otherwise sends a message that this conduct is somehow compatible with office? Or is it in the best interest of the country not to take up impeachment that won't be successful in the Senate because the Republican leadership won't do its duty. That's a very tough question."
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