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Senator Doug Jones, Facing Backlash In Alabama In Election Year, Gives One Of The Greatest Speeches In Modern US Senate History

  

Category:  News & Politics

Via:  john-russell  •  4 years ago  •  57 comments

Senator Doug Jones, Facing Backlash In Alabama In Election Year,  Gives One Of The Greatest Speeches In Modern US Senate History
His actions were more than simply inappropriate. They were an abuse of power. With impeachment as the only check on such presidential wrongdoing, I felt I must vote to convict on the first charge of abuse of power.

Barring something unforseen, Sen Doug Jones may have committed political suicide on the floor of the Senate today.  He stood tall as a Democrat in very red state Alabama and said he will vote for both articles of impeachment, laying out the reasons with startling clarity. 

Jones will go down in the history of the senate and the nation as a hero. 


S E E D E D   C O N T E N T



“On the day I was sworn in as a United States Senator, I took an oath to protect and defend the Constitution. At the beginning of the impeachment trial, I took a second oath to do ‘impartial justice’ according to the same Constitution I swore to protect.

“These solemn oaths have been my guides during what has been a difficult time for our country, for my state, and for me personally. I did not run for Senate hoping to participate in the impeachment trial of a duly-elected President, but I cannot and will not shrink from my duty to defend the Constitution and to do impartial justice.

“In keeping with my oaths, I resolved that throughout this process I would keep an open mind and hear all of the evidence before making a final decision on the charges against the President. For months, I have been studying the facts of this case exhaustively. I have read thousands of pages of transcripts, watched videos of testimony, taken copious notes, reviewed history and precedents and discussed this case with colleagues, staff, and constituents, in addition to having participated in the Senate trial over the past two weeks. After many sleepless nights, I have reluctantly concluded that the evidence is sufficient to convict the President for both abuse of power and obstruction of Congress.

“With the eyes of history upon us, I am acutely aware of the precedents this impeachment trial will set for future presidencies and Congresses. Unfortunately, I do not believe those precedents are good ones. I am particularly concerned that we have now set a precedent that a fair trial in the Senate does not include witnesses and documentary evidence, even when those witnesses have first-hand information and the evidence would provide the Senate and the American people with a more complete picture of the truth.

“I am also deeply troubled by the partisan nature of these proceedings from start to finish. Very early on I implored my colleagues in both houses of Congress to stay out of their partisan corners. Many did, but so many did not. The country deserves better. We must find a way to rise above the things that divide us and find the common good.

“Having done my best to see through the fog of partisanship, I am deeply troubled by the arguments put forth by the President’s lawyers in favor of virtually unchecked presidential power. In this case, the evidence clearly proves the President used the weight of his office and that of the United States government to seek to coerce a foreign government to interfere in our election for his personal political benefit. The President’s actions placed his personal interests well above the national interests and threatened the security of the United States, our allies in Europe, and our ally Ukraine. His actions were more than simply inappropriate. They were an abuse of power. With impeachment as the only check on such presidential wrongdoing, I felt I must vote to convict on the first charge of abuse of power.

“The second article of impeachment, obstruction of Congress, gave me even more pause. I have struggled to understand the House’s strategy in their pursuit of documents and witnesses and wished they had done more. However, after careful consideration of the evidence developed in the hearings, the public disclosures, the legal precedents, and the trial, I believe the President deliberately and unconstitutionally obstructed Congress by refusing to cooperate with the investigation in any way. While I am sensitive to protecting the privileges and immunities afforded to the President and his advisors, I believe it is critical to our constitutional structure that we protect Congress’ authorities also. In this matter it was clear from the outset that the President had no intention whatsoever of any accommodation with Congress when he blocked both witnesses and documents from being produced. In addition, he engaged in a course of conduct to threaten potential witnesses and smear the reputations of the civil servants who did come forward and provide testimony. The President’s actions demonstrate a belief that he is above the law, that Congress has no power whatsoever in questioning or examining his actions, and that all who do so, do so at their peril. That belief, unprecedented in the history of this country, simply must not be permitted to stand. To do otherwise risks guaranteeing that no future whistleblower or witness will ever come forward and no future President — Democrat or Republican — will be subject to Congressional oversight as mandated by the Constitution.

“Senators are elected to make tough choices. We are required to study the facts of each issue before us and exercise our independent judgment in keeping with the oaths we take. The gravity of this moment, the seriousness of the charges, and the implications for future presidencies and Congresses all contributed to the difficulty with which I have arrived at my decision.

“This has been a divisive time for our country, but I think it has nonetheless been an important constitutional process for us to follow. As this chapter of history draws to a close, one thing is clear: our country deserves better than this. We must find a way to come together, to set aside partisan differences, and to focus on what we have in common as Americans. We are facing great challenges both domestically and internationally, but it remains my firm belief that united, we can conquer them and remain the greatest hope for people around the world.”


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katrix
Sophomore Participates
1  katrix    4 years ago

In this matter it was clear from the outset that the President had no intention whatsoever of any accommodation with Congress when he blocked both witnesses and documents from being produced. In addition, he engaged in a course of conduct to threaten potential witnesses and smear the reputations of the civil servants who did come forward and provide testimony. The President’s actions demonstrate a belief that he is above the law, that Congress has no power whatsoever in questioning or examining his actions, and that all who do so, do so at their peril. That belief, unprecedented in the history of this country, simply must not be permitted to stand. To do otherwise risks guaranteeing that no future whistleblower or witness will ever come forward and no future President — Democrat or Republican — will be subject to Congressional oversight as mandated by the Constitution.

Hear, hear.

 
 
 
JohnRussell
Professor Principal
1.1  seeder  JohnRussell  replied to  katrix @1    4 years ago

Jones had nothing to gain personally, except his honor, and everything to lose , by voting for impeachment as an Alabama senator. 

He is a national hero today. 

 
 
 
Perrie Halpern R.A.
Professor Principal
1.1.1  Perrie Halpern R.A.  replied to  JohnRussell @1.1    4 years ago

test

 
 
 
Tessylo
Professor Principal
1.1.2  Tessylo  replied to  Perrie Halpern R.A. @1.1.1    4 years ago

I'm not being redirected now Perrie, but now I'm unable to like any posts.  

 
 
 
Split Personality
Professor Guide
1.1.3  Split Personality  replied to  Tessylo @1.1.2    4 years ago

yes the vote up hand is missing at the moment

 
 
 
Perrie Halpern R.A.
Professor Principal
1.1.4  Perrie Halpern R.A.  replied to  Tessylo @1.1.2    4 years ago

Yes I can see that. Let me check it out

 
 
 
igknorantzrulz
PhD Quiet
1.1.5  igknorantzrulz  replied to  Split Personality @1.1.3    4 years ago

yes the vote up hand is missing at the momement

it's missing on my digital clock radio as well, ...wtf ?

 
 
 
JohnRussell
Professor Principal
1.1.6  seeder  JohnRussell  replied to  igknorantzrulz @1.1.5    4 years ago

roz-chast-religious-sign-carrier-bears-sign-the-end-is-near-a-woman-who-appears-new-yorker-cartoon.jpg

 
 
 
Ender
Professor Principal
1.1.7  Ender  replied to  Split Personality @1.1.3    4 years ago

I am selfish. I thought it was directed at me.  Haha

 
 
 
katrix
Sophomore Participates
1.1.8  katrix  replied to  Tessylo @1.1.2    4 years ago

I kept getting redirected to 2-year-old comments by Gavin - I'm not any longer but also have no like button.

 
 
 
Ender
Professor Principal
1.1.9  Ender  replied to  Perrie Halpern R.A. @1.1.4    4 years ago

It is back now for me.

 
 
 
Raven Wing
Professor Guide
1.1.10  Raven Wing  replied to  Ender @1.1.9    4 years ago

Not for me,  and I don't see it for any others.

 
 
 
squiggy
Junior Silent
1.1.11  squiggy  replied to  Tessylo @1.1.2    4 years ago
but now I'm unable to like any posts. 

That's not a software problem.

 
 
 
Vic Eldred
Professor Principal
1.1.12  Vic Eldred  replied to  JohnRussell @1.1    4 years ago

I'll bet everything I have against everything you have that Doug Jones just lost any chance (which was slim) to get reelected!

 
 
 
Texan1211
Professor Principal
1.1.13  Texan1211  replied to  JohnRussell @1.1    4 years ago
He is a national hero today. 

LOL!

 
 
 
sixpick
Professor Quiet
1.1.14  sixpick  replied to  JohnRussell @1.1    4 years ago
Jones had nothing to gain personally, except his honor, and everything to lose , by voting for impeachment as an Alabama senator.  He is a national hero today. 

What else could he do?  He had no choice in the matter.  He would have been the only Democrat to vote against the Party and believe me, he would have been treated even worse than Romney for doing so and there would have been no support for him when he ran for office again.  Honor, bull.  He was trying to save his neck.  He definitely would have needed to resign.

 
 
 
JohnRussell
Professor Principal
2  seeder  JohnRussell    4 years ago
Having done my best to see through the fog of partisanship, I am deeply troubled by the arguments put forth by the President’s lawyers in favor of virtually unchecked presidential power. In this case, the evidence clearly proves the President used the weight of his office and that of the United States government to seek to coerce a foreign government to interfere in our election for his personal political benefit. The President’s actions placed his personal interests well above the national interests and threatened the security of the United States, our allies in Europe, and our ally Ukraine. His actions were more than simply inappropriate. They were an abuse of power. With impeachment as the only check on such presidential wrongdoing, I felt I must vote to convict on the first charge of abuse of power.
 
 
 
Sean Treacy
Professor Principal
3  Sean Treacy    4 years ago

This is how you cash a check. He knows he can't win reelection, so he falls on the sword to serve the party and ensure a fortune in the future as a lobbyist.

 
 
 
JohnRussell
Professor Principal
3.1  seeder  JohnRussell  replied to  Sean Treacy @3    4 years ago

You are thinking like a Trump supporter. 

 
 
 
Sean Treacy
Professor Principal
3.1.1  Sean Treacy  replied to  JohnRussell @3.1    4 years ago

I'm thinking like someone who has watched Democrats in action for decades. Take one for the team on the way out, keep your mouth shut and get rewarded. A tale as old as Tammany.

 
 
 
JohnRussell
Professor Principal
3.1.2  seeder  JohnRussell  replied to  Sean Treacy @3.1.1    4 years ago

History will remember Doug Jones as a hero, and Mitch McConnell as a weasel. 

Thats the way history rolls. 

 
 
 
Dismayed Patriot
Professor Quiet
3.1.3  Dismayed Patriot  replied to  Sean Treacy @3.1.1    4 years ago
keep your mouth shut and get rewarded

That's exactly what every single Republican Senator is doing today. Not a single one of them actually believes Trump is innocent of the charges. Those Republican senators are just being held hostage by Trumps rabid base which happen to be a majority of these Senators constituents. So, like any weak willed spineless hostage would do, they shit on their oath to the constitution, they piss on the oath they took at the opening of the trial, refuse to hear any witnesses and reject all evidence so that they can give their hostage takers the pre-concluded verdict. Some do appear to have extreme cases of Stockholm syndrome and are foaming at the mouth with defense for their captors, but even the rabid mouth foamers defending this criminal President know they are forever tarnishing the offices they hold and the sacred trust to the constitution they swore to protect.

 
 
 
bbl-1
Professor Quiet
3.1.4  bbl-1  replied to  Dismayed Patriot @3.1.3    4 years ago

The best comment thus far in this vaunted year of 2020.

 
 
 
igknorantzrulz
PhD Quiet
3.1.5  igknorantzrulz  replied to  Dismayed Patriot @3.1.3    4 years ago
the rabid mouth foamers defending this criminal President know they are forever tarnishing the offices they hold and the sacred trust to the constitution they swore to protect

treasonous fckn traitors to the ideals our thoughtful forefathers based and built on the best foundation for a country to be built upon to date, 

but,

How the Hell could they ever envision a candidate such as Trumpp getting elevated to the position, now completely compromised, as

.President of the United States of America

???????

I'm imagining that They could NEVER envision a 'man' of Trumpps' character being elected by the Electoral College they would/could never have anticipated would still be in use today, as what landowners does it serve now...All it does is allow ignorant fools to be further fooled into voting against their best interests, as they are too ignorant to even have a clue as to where they lie, like Trumpp, as with him, everywhere , but for the middle America Trumpp free basin addicts, addicted to hearing what they wish were true as opposed to what actually is, and just refusing twoface reality.

They would  certainly be disgusted with behavior that puts a 'party', 

ABOVE THEIR DREAMS OF A COUNTRY

so many truly

GREAT AMERICANS, did fight and sacrifice so much for.

.

The Republican Party is a Disgrace, and that is my 2 cents.

N

i want CHANGE 

 
 
 
Dulay
Professor Expert
3.1.6  Dulay  replied to  Sean Treacy @3.1.1    4 years ago

Except he didn't keep his mouth shut Sean. He stood up and gave an eloquent speech to cite his heart felt reasons for his vote. Nothing required him to do so.

You scenario fails. 

 
 
 
Sean Treacy
Professor Principal
3.1.7  Sean Treacy  replied to  Dulay @3.1.6    4 years ago

Except he didn't keep his mouth shut Sean.

Not about opposing Trump silly. why would a Democrat who wants a lobbying job be silent about that? 

Democrats stay silent about their motives ( I want to be rich) and behavior that could embarrass the party (Vote to impeach, give up on winning your Senate seat, and you'll be taken care of). I

Sometimes I wonder if Democrats have ever met Democratic politicians.  Watch a rerun of the HBO series The Wire. It captures Democratic politics as well as anything ever has. 

 
 
 
Dulay
Professor Expert
3.1.8  Dulay  replied to  Sean Treacy @3.1.7    4 years ago

Did you just call me silly?

jrSmiley_10_smiley_image.gif

 
 
 
Texan1211
Professor Principal
3.1.9  Texan1211  replied to  JohnRussell @3.1.2    4 years ago
History will remember Doug Jones as a hero, and Mitch McConnell as a weasel. 
Thats the way history rolls. 

In 30 years, ain't nobody gonna even remember who Jones is.

McConnell will be remembered as a long-term Senator who was the Majority Leader in the Senate.

 
 
 
JohnRussell
Professor Principal
3.1.10  seeder  JohnRussell  replied to  Texan1211 @3.1.9    4 years ago

McConnell has pissed away any good standing he may have had in the history books by becoming a tool of Trump. 

His reputation is toast. 

 
 
 
Texan1211
Professor Principal
3.1.11  Texan1211  replied to  JohnRussell @3.1.10    4 years ago

I know that is how YOU feel but many do NOT feel that way.

Guarantee no one will remember Jones. Heck, you probably had never really even heard of him until today.

He was just one of all the Democrats who voted today to convict.

People tend to remember the winners more than the losers.

Democrats lost big time today.

Maybe they are getting used to it.

 
 
 
Vic Eldred
Professor Principal
3.2  Vic Eldred  replied to  Sean Treacy @3    4 years ago

Schumer only needs to flip 4 Senate seats to become Senate leader. You think he might let the 3 Senate democratic moderates have a little cover for their political careers and to help himself as well?  Nope! This hate of Trump demanded the symbolic gesture of all Senate democrats sticking together on these preposterous articles of impeachment!

 
 
 
Dulay
Professor Expert
3.2.1  Dulay  replied to  Vic Eldred @3.2    4 years ago

You are all mixed up on this Vic. 

McConnell was the one demanding that his caucus vote in lock step, NOT Schumer. 

 
 
 
Sean Treacy
Professor Principal
3.2.2  Sean Treacy  replied to  Dulay @3.2.1    4 years ago
, NOT Schumer.

You are really showing your naivete. Imagine actually believing that. 

 
 
 
Dulay
Professor Expert
3.2.3  Dulay  replied to  Sean Treacy @3.2.2    4 years ago
You are really showing your naivete.

You are really showing your superciliousness. 

Imagine actually believing that. 

Imagine being able to prove otherwise. Please proceed. 

 
 
 
lady in black
Professor Quiet
4  lady in black    4 years ago

Good for him..someone that sees through the republican bull shit and sees crooked donnie for what he is a crook who wipes his ass with the constitution

 
 
 
Tacos!
Professor Guide
5  Tacos!    4 years ago
In this matter it was clear from the outset that the President had no intention whatsoever of any accommodation with Congress when he blocked both witnesses and documents from being produced.

No, this is not sufficient grounds for an obstruction conviction. Refusal to cooperate with an investigation has never amounted to "obstruction." You have to actually do something to interfere. We're usually talking about things like destroying evidence, bribing witnesses or judges, lying to investigators - that kind of thing.

Simply not going along with an investigation or expressing a negative opinion about an investigation are within the rights of any American. This is especially so in the case of the president, who does have the right to exercise executive privilege over his advisors and if there is a dispute it can be resolved in court.

 
 
 
Ronin2
Professor Quiet
5.1  Ronin2  replied to  Tacos! @5    4 years ago

You mean the things that Bill Clinton did; Perjury and Witness tampering (obstruction of justice).

Real crimes that many of those self same Democrats in the House and Senate voted against impeachment. Schumer especially didn't even bother to deny Clinton actually broke the law. Of course the Republicans had an air tight case; since the House actually did it's job and used the courts to compel witnesses Clinton had under EP to testify.

Love the hypocrisy of the House and Senate Democrats.

 
 
 
Dulay
Professor Expert
5.2  Dulay  replied to  Tacos! @5    4 years ago
No, this is not sufficient grounds for an obstruction conviction.

Gee then it's good that Jones said MORE than that isn't it? 

 
 
 
Tacos!
Professor Guide
5.2.1  Tacos!  replied to  Dulay @5.2    4 years ago

No, it’s not. You’re either saying something that speaks to guilt or innocence, or you’re spouting irrelevant rhetoric. The latter is what we have here. The point of it is to attack the character of the accused and imply guilt as a consequence. It’s ad hominem and generally not admissible as evidence.

 
 
 
Dulay
Professor Expert
5.2.2  Dulay  replied to  Tacos! @5.2.1    4 years ago
No, it’s not. You’re either saying something that speaks to guilt or innocence, or you’re spouting irrelevant rhetoric.

Says WHO? Here's what Jones said:

In addition, he engaged in a course of conduct to threaten potential witnesses and smear the reputations of the civil servants who did come forward and provide testimony. The latter is what we have here.

That isn't rhetoric nor is it irrelevant, that is a FACT. 

 The point of it is to attack the character of the accused and imply guilt as a consequence.

False. 

Jones didn't attack Trump's 'character', he attacked Trump's ACTIONS. 

It’s ad hominem and generally not admissible as evidence.

False again. 

BTFW, as far as Trump is concerned ANYTHING against his position is against HIM. 

 
 
 
Tacos!
Professor Guide
5.2.3  Tacos!  replied to  Dulay @5.2.2    4 years ago
Says WHO?

Says me, that's who. Geez, pay attention.

That isn't rhetoric nor is it irrelevant, that is a FACT. 

It's like a word salad or that thing with refrigerator magnets. You have typed words and yet said nothing. Whether an assertion is fact, opinion, or full on bullshit, as we saw in that quote, does not prevent it from being irrelevant or used to rhetorical purpose.

False

True. Wow! Great exchange! /s

Jones didn't attack Trump's 'character', he attacked Trump's ACTIONS.

It's like you're not even reading the things you reply to. Or not understanding them. 

False again. 

True again.

BTFW, as far as Trump is concerned ANYTHING against his position is against HIM. 

blah blah blah drool

 
 
 
Dulay
Professor Expert
5.2.4  Dulay  replied to  Tacos! @5.2.3    4 years ago
Says me, that's who. Geez, pay attention.

In that case, it's BS. 

It's like a word salad or that thing with refrigerator magnets. You have typed words and yet said nothing.

Really Tacos!? That said nothing? Perhaps you are the only one that didn't understand what it meant. 

Whether an assertion is fact, opinion, or full on bullshit, as we saw in that quote, does not prevent it from being irrelevant or used to rhetorical purpose.

I have long known that your position is that fact is irrelevant. 

True. Wow! Great exchange! /s

You are starting your game WAY too soon. 

It's like you're not even reading the things you reply to. Or not understanding them.

No it's not like that at all Tacos!. You commented about attacks on character and so did I. 

You're not even trying anymore, you're just jumping right to personal comments. Proof of that is your next 'sentence':

blah blah blah drool

I find the devolution of the quality of your comments quite sad. 

 
 
 
Tacos!
Professor Guide
5.2.5  Tacos!  replied to  Dulay @5.2.4    4 years ago
In that case, it's BS.

If that's how you feel, there's the door.

I find the devolution of the quality of your comments quite sad.

Perhaps you should lower your expectations. Then you won't be so sad. I'd tell you what I thought of your comments, but since you aren't taking the hint, and multiple other people have tried to tell you, I no longer see the point in trying.

 
 
 
Dulay
Professor Expert
5.2.6  Dulay  replied to  Tacos! @5.2.5    4 years ago
If that's how you feel, there's the door.

Your comment illustrates a delusion of grandeur. 

Perhaps you should lower your expectations.

I already have but the devolution continues. 

BTFW, I hope it doesn't surprise you that I could not care less what you or the others think about my comments. 

 
 
 
bbl-1
Professor Quiet
6  bbl-1    4 years ago

In a nation increasingly under the spell from autocratic propaganda, Senator Jones is patriotically defending the Constitutional principals of America and doing so in the face of vitriolic hate and fear thrown at him by the vengeful right wing Putin sympathizers.

Most importantly, the GOP has not only failed America, it has also failed itself.  It's undying support of Trump will be fatal.  This president walks in fields of landmines, all of them placed by himself.

 
 
 
It Is ME
Masters Guide
7  It Is ME    4 years ago

"Oaths" ….. coming from just another "Politician".

"Oath", a funny word !

Seems "Oath" only goes as far as an unhappy "Political Party" goes !

Lot's of "Feelings" words used by him. Just like the "Witness's we heard from used.

"We must find a way to come together, to set aside partisan differences, and to focus on what we have in common as Americans."

Time for a "One Party State" ?

They don't work well ! jrSmiley_89_smiley_image.gif

 
 
 
evilone
Professor Guide
8  evilone    4 years ago
Jones will go down in the history of the senate and the nation as a hero. 

I'm happy with the vote, but this statement is a bit hyperbolic. 

 
 
 
igknorantzrulz
PhD Quiet
8.1  igknorantzrulz  replied to  evilone @8    4 years ago

pretty sad when just doing what any should see, as just the right thing to do, makes one a hero.

.

our country has become pathetic

 
 
 
bbl-1
Professor Quiet
8.2  bbl-1  replied to  evilone @8    4 years ago

Except I have a feeling-----this----is not done.  It could be long hot Summer for the Trump and his sycophants.

 
 
 
Jeremy Retired in NC
Professor Expert
10  Jeremy Retired in NC    4 years ago

A democrat voting FOR impeachment?  

Come on, who DIDNT see that coming.  

 
 
 
Ender
Professor Principal
11  Ender    4 years ago

I feel bad for him. I think he is actually a decent person yet he is in a damned if you do damned if you don't position.

He mainly won his race because his opponent was just horrible. If he gets a good republican opponent I think he is toast.

 
 
 
evilone
Professor Guide
11.1  evilone  replied to  Ender @11    4 years ago

Both Roy Moore and Jeff Sessions are running along with Bradley Byrne, Arnold Mooney, and Tommy Tuberville. I can't believe Moore and Sessions. They must be masochistic. 

 
 
 
Ender
Professor Principal
11.1.1  Ender  replied to  evilone @11.1    4 years ago

I am always Leary of people that cannot stay out of government.

Moore is just despicable and Sessions needs to just fade away.

 
 
 
evilone
Professor Guide
11.1.2  evilone  replied to  Ender @11.1.1    4 years ago

Moore is completely unhinged. Sessions is just sad now trying to pander to Trump.

 
 
 
bbl-1
Professor Quiet
11.2  bbl-1  replied to  Ender @11    4 years ago

Yeah.  Hard to believe a person of the caliber of Roy Moore lost so narrowly.  Says much for the people of Alabama, right?

 
 

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