More Impeachment talk from Biden: "...you better impeach Cheney first"

[Kurt_and_Hunter]

Sure, it's just talk, and seems procedurally odd, since he's in the Senate. But it still does my heart good to hear the "I" word from any of the non-Kucinich candidates.

“The President has no authority to unilaterally attack Iran and if he does, as foreign relations committee chairman, I will move to impeach,” said Biden, which was followed by a raucous applause.

Biden said he is in the process of meeting with constitutional law experts to prepare a legal memorandum saying as much, and intends to send it to the President.

When resident Joel Carp asked Biden why not impeach now given what has already been done, Biden said it was a valid point but might not be constitutionally valid and potentially counterproductive. A case for impeachment must have clear evidence, he said, and blame should be directed at the right parties.

“If you’re going to impeach George Bush, you better impeach Cheney first,” said Biden, which also received applause.

Biden said the best deterrent to prevent preemptive military action in Iran is to make it clear, even if it is at the end of his final term, action will be taken against Bush to ensure “his legacy will be marred for all time.”

http://www.seacoastonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071129/NEWS/71129018

[datadiva]

1. Very happy to recommend n/t

[gateley]

2. Good to hear that Biden doesn't consider it "off the table". nt

[1corona4u]

3. oohh...go get em' tiger.

:-)

[frogcycle]

4. see, there I go again

I am frustrated all to hell when a lot of our supposed leaders say it might be counterproductive - I just go "you chickenshit!"

But when Biden says it, I go "Oh, ok, Joe."

I can't help it. I believe the guy. I trust the guy. I want him to be my President.

[PatSeg]

5. Same here

When he explains it, it makes sense.

[gateley]

6. You're too funny! Love your post!

:headbang:

[Kurt_and_Hunter]

10. .

[K Gardner]

14. I'm right there with ya ! "Joe is Right" has become my motto.

That's what it's like to TRUST a politician again :-)

[superkia]

17. I think he is to the point in the debates and doesnt really spin...

but we shouldn't forget that he sounded just like Bush, Cheney, Edwards and Clinton as he pushed for an illegal war supported by no evidence. There are some quotes of him even in 2004 still supporting it and pushing for it. I think too many people give those candidates that supported and pushed for an illegal war, a free pass on the thousands of lives lost and the hundreds of thousands hit by it. There was no evidence for war with Iraq, Dennis Kucinich was screaming this in 2002 and those candidates ignored it why? Because they all are on the same team with the same agenda and that team includes Bush. Americans need to wake up before its too late and giving out free passes on such a horrible occurrence is just ignorant and dangerous for all of us.

[PatSeg]

19. Been a LONG time since I could say I trust a politician

at least one that's running for president. I just can't listen to soundbites and slogans anymore. We have almost a year to go and the political jargon is going to drive me insane. At least when Biden speaks he actually says something and I actually learn something.

[Steely_Dan]

7. I Like This Guy...

more and more.

-P

[bdamomma]

12. he shouldn't be kicked to the curb.

Biden needs our attention and observations.

[Kurt_and_Hunter]

13. He's not out of it in Iowa yet. (up to 8% in latest)

[1corona4u]

15. Nice huh!?!

[AntiFascist]

8. K&R, but I wish Biden would acknowledge that...

if impeachment is going to happen against anyone at all, it better happen now. If we wait until war is declared on Iran then the media and most political leaders will be rallying around the president. Anyone who brings up impeachment at that point could be made to look like a traitor and aiding the enemy.

[pat_k]

9. Nothing "procedurally odd" about a Senator calling for impeachment. . .

While Impeachment may have some of the trappings of a judicial process, it is a 100% legislative process. Formally charging is up to the House, but there is absolutely no reason why (aside from a lack of political will) that the Senate couldn't pass a resolution calling on the House to impeach. Given the well-known facts, there is no legitimate reason for a Member of the House or Senate to "reserve judgment."

Biden's statements make it clear that he believes Bush and Cheney are deluded enough to unilaterally order bombs to be dropped on Iran, and yet he refuses to demand immediate impeachment and removal.

Does he actually think we would somehow be relieved to hear that he would move to "disarm" the outlaws after they "shoot"?

It's Judgment Day

The facts are known. Bush and Cheney have offered their intolerable "defense." There is nothing to investigate. Nothing to debate. All that remains is to say "NO!"

"Drowning torture" ("waterboarding" to the propagandists) is absolutely and unequivocally forbidden under U.S. Federal Law. It is as clearly forbidden as "The Rack" and "Thumbscrews." Bush and Cheney refuse to acknowledge that subjecting any person drowning torture is immoral, inhumane, and prohibited in ALL circumstances. They refuse to acknowledge that arbitrarily seizing and indefinitely committing any person to U.S. custody is prohibited in all circumstances.

Our treatment of the people who are in the custody of the state and the processes by which they are committed to state custody are central to our identity and moral authority as a nation. Their refusal to acknowledge these laws, in and of itself, is intolerable.

The necessity for impeachment and removal has been crystal clear since February 7, 2002, when the White House issued the "Fact Sheet" that declared Guantanamo to be a Geneva-free zone. On that day, Bush and Cheney officially put torture "on the table." Ever since they have been engaged in a campaign to keep it "on the table," while they futilely seek cover that would protect them from prosecution. They attempted to "interpret" away all restrictions imposed under Common Article 3 in executive orders and public statements. They seek cover for their violations in their infamous claim of unitary authoritarian power.

With every new ploy Bush and Cheney confirm their guilt and deepen our national shame.

We "hire" Members of Congress to do three things: 1) put our will into law; 2) keep watch on the people we "hire" to execute and apply the law; and 3) "fire" the "bad apples." Lawmaking is perhaps the least critical of the legislative functions. If corrupt government officials are allowed to corrupt the existing body of law, making new law is meaningless.

The legislative enforcement function -- impeachment and removal of bad apples -- is as central to the integrity of our government as the criminal justice system is to the integrity of civil society. If the Attorney General publicly and proudly pledged to keep the prosecution of a mass murderer "off the table" we would be shocked. His job is clear; pledging not to do it is lunacy.

Pelosi's job is just as clear. Her pledge to keep the impeachment of Bush "off the table" is more appalling because the stakes are so much higher.

The bottom line is that each and every Member of the House and Senate faces an inescapable choice: Duty or Complicity. There is no finessing. Pelosi's pledge doesn't let them off the hook. There is no legitimate excuse for refusing to publicly demand impeachment and removal.

[DCKit]

16. pat_k, this should be it's own post.

Rec'd for this and the OP.

[bdamomma]

11. one thing why not impeach now, before * causes more damage.

and of course Cheney should be first. What ever happened with Scott McClellan's statement about how the top five officials were involved in the leak, the media should be held accountable. Sweep under the scandalous rug. again

[K Gardner]

18. Pucker actually just led off with Biden's threat today to Impeach if Bush

went to war with Iran. Of course, he's talking to John (wanttonukeeverybody) Bolton. But at least Biden got some air time !