Day 990: Impeachment inquiry sends top Republicans into hiding

Last month, Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) announced her intention to bring an impeachment inquiry of Donald Trump’s actions as they relate to Ukraine. Ever since, Republicans have been in an ever-fluctuating state, struggling to find a cohesive or reasonable message.

Trump is torn between saying his actions have been “perfect” while doubling down and looking for an easy scapegoat.

Republicans in Congress have done everything from pretending Trump is joking about his requests to blanket defense of Trump’s actions.

But as every day seems to bring more evidence of widespread corruption and more whistleblowers, Trump’s defenders aren’t going on TV.

Sunday shows, such as Meet the Press and Face the Nation, are traditionally a White House’s ally in that an administration can push policies directly to Americans. Top aides and elected officials can provide more insight into decisions. Even if they get tough questions, they are prepared to give answers that allow them to spin a story in a more favorable light.

That the White House and GOP leadership is passing up the opportunity to be on such shows is telling. That’s especially since Trump loves to watch himself be defended on TV. Republicans’ story on Ukraine continues to change with very little efficiency or believability: there’s nothing wrong with Trump’s dealing of Ukraine; even if there was something wrong, it wasn’t Trump’s fault; even if it was Trump’s fault, it’s not a big deal; this wasn’t about politics; Trump should be allowed to investigate corruption; why aren’t the Bidens being investigated more; who is the whistleblower; it’s another partisan witch hunt.

None of these have stuck because they’re all transparently false. Tasked with no real defense, the GOP is stuck saying and doing nothing publicly that can dig their hole even deeper.

990 days in, 472 to go

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