Image Credits: Jim Young / Reuters.
Jonathan Chait is pretty concise here:
Donald Trump is being impeached for using his office to pressure foreign countries to investigate his political rivals. It is not clear Trump understands that, because he simply continues committing this offense in broad daylight.
In remarks to reporters today, Trump was asked what he wants Ukraine to do about the Bidens. He replied, “If they were honest about it, they would start a major investigation into the Bidens.” While elaborating on his answer, he added that he would also suggest China launch an investigation of the Biden family.
I don’t really have anything to add except that it is obviously not a less of impeachable offense to commit crimes in broad daylight rather than in secret. The president may or may not have a defense strategy in mind here. I don’t know.
He’s really just making it unnecessary to hold any investigation at all. The House could vote to impeach him tomorrow morning based on solely on the statements he made today.