There’s confusion about how impeachment works.
Impeachment isn’t the same as removal.
The process goes like this:
- First there are investigations into presidential misconduct;
- Then public hearings on the misconduct;
- Publicly (or privately) legislators cautiously use the “i” word or the “r” word. (Legislators using words like “impeach” or “remove” too soon is like a judge announcing “guilty” before the trial);
- After the evidence is collected, a committee is designatedto decide whether to impeach;
- The House debates and votes on the articles of impeachment;
- Impeachment requires a majority vote in the House. If a majority votes for impeachment, the president is impeached.
- The matter goes to the Senate for trial; and at the conclusion of the trial the Senate votes on whether to remove.
2/3 of the Senate is required for removal. Basically:
- Impeachment = indictment
- Removal=a finding of guilt
The founders deliberately made it hard to remove a president.
