Dec 16, 2019

Freshman House Democrat explains why she'll vote to impeach Trump

Axios

Photo: Michael Brochstein/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images

Rep. Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), a former CIA analyst who was elected to the House in a swing district during the 2018 midterms, laid out her reasoning for voting to impeach President Trump this week in a Detroit Free Press op-ed on Monday.

"But in the national security world that I come from, we are trained to make hard calls on things, even if they are unpopular, if we believe the security of the country is at stake."

Why it matters: Some polls indicate voters in that Michigan, a key battleground in 2020, aren't convinced by House Democrats' argument for impeaching Trump — so Slotkin's decision could be important, especially as Cook Political Report rates her seat as a toss-up for Democrats.

Go deeper: These Michigan Obama/Trump voters are just Trump voters now

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Alexi McCammond

Focus group: These Obama/Trump voters are just Trump voters now

Illustration: Aïda Amer/Axios

SAGINAW, Mich. — Some swing voters here who voted for Barack Obama and then Donald Trump are firmly in Trump’s camp now — and they're sick of impeachment.

Why it matters: The two-plus hour conversation revealed major warning signs for the Democratic Party in a crucial swing county that will be a pivotal area to win in 2020.

Go deeperArrowDec 16, 2019
Alexi McCammond

Focus group: Pennsylvania swing voters unhappy with McConnell's impeachment comments

Illustration: Aïda Amer/Axios. Photo: Drew Angerer/Getty Staff

WILKES-BARRE, Pa. — Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell's public comment that he will not be an "impartial juror" in President Trump's Senate trial has alienated some swing voters here — even though they support Trump and are fed up with impeachment.

Why it matters: These voters told us they think all 100 senators on both sides of the aisle have a responsibility to be impartial under the Constitution. (Their oath requires them to promise "impartial justice according to the Constitution and laws.")

Go deeperArrowJan 13, 2020
Ursula Perano, Jonathan Swan

Trump rallies Michigan supporters minutes into his impeachment

Photo: Scott Olson/Getty Images

President Trump called his impeachment a "political suicide march for the Democratic Party" as the House of Representatives cast two fateful votes Wednesday night.

The big picture: Trump became America's third president to be impeached after the House voted on charges of abuse of power and obstruction. But supporters remained unfazed at a rally in Battle Creek, Michigan, showing up through slushy snow wearing MAGA hats and "deplorables" gear to get a look at the president.

Go deeperArrowDec 19, 2019