It’s not clear how Senator Joe Manchin of West Virginia will vote on the articles of impeachment. He represents one of the most pro-Trump states in the Union, so he’s going to take heat no matter what he does. But now that he’s calling for censure of the president, he’s provided himself with a bit of cover.
If he can’t get a commitment on a censure vote before the vote on impeachment, he can argue that he tried for a lesser punishment but he could not let Trump off clear and free. Or, he can tell Democrats pretty much the same thing as a rationale for voting to acquit. He’s been dealt a shitty hand, so it’s no surprise that the best he can do is offer up a shit sandwich. But, frankly, a censure vote would be far better than a mere acquittal, even if it cost the Democrats unanimity on the vote.
I believe Andrew Jackson is the only president to have ever been censured, so it’s not a common occurrence. It would add another stain to Trump’s record and make it harder for him to argue that he’s been vindicated and done nothing wrong.
I hope Manchin votes to convict, but I can’t get too angry with him for pulling this censure gambit.
Censure is the wrong outcome, but forcing Republicans to vote on it is pretty delicious. Especially if enough defect to pass it… “censured by the Republican-controlled Senate” makes endorsement for re-election rather tricky, or should. Might be enough to alienate another bloc of swing voters.