Whether you think it rises to the level of an impeachable offense, can we all agree that what President Trump did was profoundly wrong? He pressured a foreign government to dig up dirt on his political opponent. This is very different from the Russia investigation, which was at its core about whether, as a candidate, Trump had colluded with the Kremlin. In the case of Ukraine, the president is accused of using the awesome power of the United States — power that could make a life-or-death difference for Ukraine — to serve his personal political gain.
Sadly, this is part of a pattern of violations of democratic norms — and perhaps laws. The Mueller report reveals that Trump actively sought to curtail or end the special counsel’s investigation. Trump has allegedly dangled pardons for officials who might break the law in carrying out his immigration agenda. He has repeatedly lambasted the investigative agencies of government or, even worse, pressured them to investigate his political opponents. He has ignored congressional subpoenas and refused to turn over documents, including his tax returns, and he has enriched his businesses through his position. He has attacked the judicial branch and the media, often calling the latter “the enemy of the people.”