Team,
When I ran for Senate, I never imagined being part of an impeachment trial. And I never imagined it would happen twice in my career -- let alone twice in one year.
Today, the second impeachment trial of former President Donald Trump will begin.
It’s once again a sad, shameful reminder that Trump made history by becoming the first U.S. president to be impeached twice, this time for inciting a violent insurrection on the U.S. Capitol with his dangerous lies and debunked conspiracy theories about the 2020 election.
His words and actions led to the death of a Capitol police officer and severe injury to many others.
Blood was spilled, windows were smashed, and this sacred building that symbolizes our democracy was desecrated for the first time since the British invaded in the early 1800s. Many of my friends and colleagues in the House and Senate feared for their lives. Just over one month ago.
Instead of putting out the flames of hatred and violence, Trump fanned them. He promoted lies and conspiracy theories. He blamed Democratic leaders and even his own Vice President, who received death threats as Trump’s vicious mob of supporters wreaked havoc on Capitol Hill.
And yet, some of my Republican colleagues believe we should let Trump walk away, forget about this ugly day in American history, and simply move on.
The only way we prevent this kind of attack on our democracy ever again is by holding those responsible accountable. And it starts with Donald Trump.
Last time the Senate carried out an impeachment trial, Trump was acquitted despite overwhelming evidence, and went on to do more damage to our country. It was a deeply demoralizing day, and set a very dangerous precedent for what an American president can get away with.
We can’t let it happen again.
The evidence is clear: Donald Trump incited an insurrection against the U.S. government. He should be held accountable and disqualified from ever holding public office again.
We need every Democratic Senator and at least 17 of my Republican colleagues to stand on the right side of history if we are to succeed at holding Trump accountable and preventing him from ever causing this kind of harm to our nation again.
Please, add your name to urge every member of the Senate to vote to convict and disqualify Donald Trump for inciting an insurrection. We can’t afford the possibility of Trump running for office and threatening our democracy ever again.
I said it last time we held an impeachment trial, and I’ll say it again: In a moment like this one, it’s up to us to keep speaking truth to power and never let up. The future of our democracy depends on it.
Thank you for speaking up.
Sincerely,
Cory