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Like 'Pearl Harbour, Jesus Christ': Republicans' florid defence of Trump during impeachment debate
By Matthew Knott
Washington: Republicans in Congress have compared Donald Trump's looming impeachment to Japan's attack on Pearl Harbour and argued Jesus Christ received more justice before his crucifixion than the US President has in the impeachment process.
At one stage Republicans also rose to their feet and held a minute's silence to honour the Americans who voted for Trump at the 2016 election.
The US House of Representatives is currently having a passionate debate about the articles of impeachment against Trump before a final vote on Wednesday night (Thursday Australian time).
Democrats have accused Trump of abusing his power by pressuring Ukraine to investigate his potential 2020 rival Joe Biden and of obstructing Congress, actions they say amount to "high crimes and misdemeanours".
The Democrats are expected to comfortably muster the votes required to make Trump just the third president in US history to be impeached. No Republicans are expected to vote for impeachment.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi opened the floor debate by saying: "It is tragic that the president’s reckless actions make impeachment necessary. He gave us no choice."
She said: "Very sadly, now our founders' vision of a republic is under threat from actions from the White House.
"That is why today, as speaker of the House, I solemnly and sadly open the debate on the impeachment of the president of the United States.
"If we do not act now, we would be derelict in our duty."
Republican Matt Gaetz speaks as the House of Representatives debates the articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump.Credit: AP
Pelosi wore all black, as if attending a funeral, to reflect what she said was a solemn occasion.
Speaking on the House floor, Republican congressman Barry Loudermilk said that Pontius Pilate, who ordered the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, had showed more fairness than Democrats had to Trump.
Republican Mike Kelly likened impeachment to Japan's attack on Pearl Harbour.
“On December 7, 1941, a horrific act happened in the United States, and it's one that President Roosevelt said, 'This is a date that will live in infamy'," he said.
"Today, December 18th, 2019, is another date that will live in infamy," thundered Republican Mike Kelly."
Trump started the morning by tweeting: "Can you believe that I will be impeached today by the Radical Left, Do Nothing Democrats, AND I DID NOTHING WRONG! A terrible Thing. Read the Transcripts. This should never happen to another President again. Say a PRAYER!"
Number of votes needed for impeachment
The tweet echoed the tone of an incandescent six-page letter he wrote to Pelosi the previous day opposing the impeachment vote.
US President Donald Trump leaves the White House for a campaign trip to Battle Creek, Michigan as impeachment debate continues. Credit: AP
Speaking at an event in Michigan, Vice President Mike Pence said: "They’re trying to run down this president because they know they can’t run against our record.
"They’re pushing this partisan impeachment because they know they can’t stop you from giving President Donald Trump four more years in the White House."
Before calling for a minute's silence to recognise Americans who voted for Trump, Republican congressman Bill Johnson said: "This partisan impeachment sham seeks to disenfranchise 63 million voters."
Will Hurd, a centrist Republican, said the President was guilty of "bungling foreign policy decisions" but had not committed an impeachable offence.
"Today, we have seen a rushed process divide our country," Hurd said.
"Today, a dangerous precedent will be set - impeachment becoming a weaponised political tool."
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi opened the House of Representatives debate about the articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump.Credit: AP