File this one under: “What if a Conservative Had Said It.”
Harvard Law Professor Laurence Tribe Warns Dems Pushing Trump Impeachment: ‘You Have to Shoot to Kill’ https://t.co/0DXl0Cu2qP pic.twitter.com/LBVSdXtqNB
— Mediaite (@Mediaite) May 22, 2018
More from Mediaite:
Tribe explained that the impeachment is not about “garden variety crime,” but “abusing the authority that we give to high officials like the president.” The professor went on to give examples of offenses that Trump could commit that would not constitute crimes, but would be impeachable, including failing to protect the country in favor of enriching himself personally.
“But it will be available only if we don’t use it loosely, and ring the bell every time something looks amiss,” Tribe said. “You can’t be the boy who cried wolf and have a viable impeachment power. You can’t use it over and over again against the same president.”
“If you’re going to shoot him, you have to shoot to kill,” Tribe said. “And that requires an overwhelming majority of a bipartisan kind. Otherwise you’re just going to nick the guy, and make him feel empowered and vindicated.”
Funny … we could’ve sworn that kind of talk was frowned upon.
In an otherwise good interview I made a terrible word choice, saying an impeachment “bullet” can only be “shot once” so one must “shoot to kill.” I wasn’t speaking literally, but as one who works hard to reduce gun violence this was just inexcusable. I’m very sorry. https://t.co/CIB0NtWiW7
— Laurence Tribe (@tribelaw) May 22, 2018
Good thing Laurence Tribe’s a liberal … otherwise, he might really be in trouble.
Prof. Tribe = legal brilliance & decency
— Eric Levine (@ericmlevine) May 22, 2018
Recommended
Thank you. Using references to guns is commonplace, but it is important people be aware.
— Camerams ~ Be the Change ??? (@Camerams4) May 22, 2018
So appreciate the fact that u r self aware. Wish everyone was like that. Thank you.
— AJM? (@ajm510) May 22, 2018
Forgiven
— lyndajorn (@lyndajorn2) May 22, 2018
You make a good point, though.
— Cathy Pasternak (@cathy_cap2ax) May 22, 2018
https://twitter.com/Cybelline/status/998968338545020929
It was a fine metaphor.
— Mick Limerick (@Mick_Limerick) May 22, 2018
Do not apologize…if those watching don’t understand your idea…it’s on them
— peter zecher (@pztuc) May 22, 2018
No worries, Prof Tribe. We are all under stress.?
— RA (@rosieogrady53) May 22, 2018
Give yourself a break Mr. Tribe. Your legal input is invaluable to us who dont know the law. I saw the interview. I didnt relate what you said to shootings. No need for you to walk on eggshells. If Congress did their job none of us would have to.
— RL (@0MAiLHha4OSa8XI) May 22, 2018
We look forward to the next conservative who makes “a terrible word choice” getting a break from liberals.
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