Opinions
[Opinion] All This Talk of Impeachment…Not Gonna Happen!
Published
8 years agoon
By
Randy Ross
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN NEWS) – If you listen to mainstream media or the liberal left you might think our President is a hop skip and a jump away from impeachment. Well, I hate to disappoint the haters, but impeachment isn’t on the table. We’re not even close. What we’re witnessing is a modern day media ratings-driven lynching of our President and his administration. Even young Barron can’t walk across the White House lawn with a fidget spinner in his hand without making the news. “Pragmatically speaking, President Trump will not be impeached during this Congress,” says Attorney Robert Duchemin. Let’s explore the impeachment conversation and put this to rest once and for all.
Here’s the basic Wikipedia definition of impeachment:
“…The process by which a legislative body formally levels charges against a high official of government. Impeachment does not necessarily mean removal from office; it is only a formal statement of charges, akin to an indictment in criminal law, and is thus only the first step towards removal. Once an individual is impeached, he or she must then face the possibility of conviction via legislative vote, which then entails the removal of the individual from office.”
Let this basic definition be the framework for which we pivot to understand where we are with this subject matter. The United States Constitution defines impeachment most simply: Acts of “treason, bribery, or other high crimes and misdemeanors.” Certainly, as we know, our President has NOT committed any such crimes.
ONLY TWO PRESIDENTS IN HISTORY HAVE BEEN IMPEACHED
Can you guess who they are?
Andrew Johnson, our 17th President, and yes…wait for it…William “Bill” Jefferson Clinton.
ANDREW JOHNSON
Johnson, the 17th president of the United States, was accused of violating the Tenure of Office Act. The 1867 incident required Senate approval before a president could remove any member of his cabinet who had been confirmed by the upper chamber of Congress. The House impeached Johnson on February 24, 1868, three days after he terminated his secretary of war, a radical Republican named Edwin M. Stanton, allegedly in violation of the Tenure of Office Act. The U.S. Senate acquitted Johnson later that year by a narrow margin–he avoided conviction by one vote.
WILLIAM “BILL” JEFFERSON CLINTON
Clinton, the nation’s 42nd president, was impeached by the House of Representatives on December 19, 1998, for allegedly misleading a grand jury about his extramarital affair with White House intern Monica Lewinsky, and then persuading others to lie about it, too. The charges against Clinton were perjury and obstruction of justice. After a trial, the Senate acquitted Clinton of both charges on February 12, 1999. He went on to apologize for the affair and complete his second term in office, telling a captivated and polarized American public, “Indeed, I did have a relationship with Miss Lewinsky that was not appropriate. In fact, it was wrong. It constituted a critical lapse in judgment and a personal failure on my part for which I am solely and completely responsible.” Yet, as we all remember, the twice- failed Democratic Presidential Candidate Hillary R. Clinton stood by her man, making her a bit of a hero to many American women for doing so.
Duchemin offered up an interesting anecdote: “Without conviction in the Senate, impeachment in the House is meaningless. Bill Clinton was impeached but not removed because the Senate did not convict him. He still enjoyed all the benefits and powers of being president and continues to receive all the benefits of being a former president, even though he was disbarred by the State of Arkansas for being dishonest.”
Interesting, as yours truly never realized Clinton was disbarred. It certainly hasn’t effected his whopping $200,000-plus-per-event speaking fee.
WHICH PRESIDENTS WERE CLOSE TO IMPEACHMENT?
One of them, our 37th President Richard M. Nixon, was certain to be impeached and convicted in 1974, but he resigned before he would be prosecuted over the 1972 break-in at the Democratic Party’s headquarters in what became known as the “Watergate” scandal. Uniquely, Nixon is often referred to as one of the nation’s best statesmen and more revered post-Presidency than during this time as President.
The first president to come very close to impeachment was John Tyler, the nation’s 10th president. An impeachment recommendation was introduced in the House of Representatives after his veto of a bill angered lawmakers. The impeachment failed to occur. Remind you of how the repeal of ObamaCare has angered Democrats?
IMPEACHMENT: The Liberal Left and Media Buzzword for 2017
What we’re seeing is spin suggesting our President has done or participated in obstruction of justice that would be impeachable. There simply is no such obstruction. But the liberal left and the media are creating what I liken to public perception reasonable doubt. With their pushing issues like the former FBI Director James Comey’s firing or Russian collusion, both sexy in their essence, the general public is fed a story that rivals a soap opera. But unlike a “Real Housewives” table tossing, this is our President they’re disgracing.
“The liberals’ use of obstruction of justice is another false narrative to keep the impeachment narrative alive and base it on Comey’s firing,” says political strategist LeLand McKee. “Democrats and the Assistant Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, and in his recommendation memo, indicated Comey, an at-will appointment, had to go due to continued missteps from 2016.” McKee added that Rosenstein and President Trump’s decision to fire Comey was correct “due to recent discoveries [that] he leaked privileged communications. Therefore, there cannot be any obstruction of justice claims.”
How can anyone look at the Comey ups and downs, in action and testimony, and see any validity? McKee continues, “In the twenty-four months since Donald Trump announced his run for the presidency and subsequently winning, not one false narrative, false name or false label has proven true…not even one!”
Duchemin furthers the understanding. “As the President continues to do what he promised and the nation improves, most of the politicians’ constituents will want him to remain in office. Let’s not forget who still makes the final decision: the American voters.”
The odds of impeachment of President Trump in a Republican-controlled House are dismal as you’d be hard pressed to find Republicans willing to go against the party or the President. In fact, it would take a majority of the House, or 67 senators, to remove him from office. Duchemin continued, “Because of the animosity that has developed between the political ideologies, it is unlikely that any congressman or senator will vote against party lines.” The numbers make the reality even more clear. “In the House the Democrats would have to pick up 25 Republican votes. In the Senate they would have to pick up 19,” Duchemin noted. “That is not going to happen absent a truly egregious act by the President.” Even with some in the GOP disliking the President, the reality of gathering that many votes is simply not plausible. And we can’t forget, there are Democrats that represent states that voted overwhelmingly for President Trump who need to consider their reelection as well.
All in all, impeachment is the 2017 boogeyman that liberals and the media are chasing. They can look under the bed or in the closet countless times and they simply won’t be able to find anything but the reflection of a sad clown that nominated a flawed losing candidate for President. We’ve watched the media and liberal left come at our President from nearly every angle and certainly once the impeachment shenanigans are debunked they will identify a new angle and pursue it to their fullest. Because instead of truly focusing on the country and the Americans that voted to “Make America Great Again,” the focus is on all available means of destruction of our President. And that makes the entire theatrics a sad state of affairs for our great nation. The good news? We elected a fighter not easily swayed by the noise of the left. We elected a hero. We elected Donald J Trump…For America! #Trump2020
_______________________________________________________
Randy Ross is a political contributor for Florida National News. He is also the host of “Trump Chat LIVE” and was Chairman of the 2016 Orange County 4 Trump Campaign.
Opinions
OPINION: Puerto Rican Political Power in Florida Faces Decline Post-2024 Losses
Published
4 months agoon
January 10, 2025By
Willie David
The 2024 elections marked a troubling turning point for Puerto Rican political representation in Florida. What was once a growing force of influence in state and national politics now faces a steep decline, raising alarms about the future of Puerto Rican voices in government.
In 2016, our community achieved historic milestones: Darren Soto became the first Puerto Rican from Florida elected to the U.S. Congress, Victor Torres won a seat in the Florida Senate, and four Puerto Ricans—John Cortes, Amy Mercado, René Plasencia, and Bob Cortes—held seats in the Florida State House. This wave of representation was a proud moment for Puerto Ricans, a sign that our voices were finally being heard at the highest levels.
2016 Representation Snapshot:
- 1 U.S. Representative Seat
- 1 Florida State Senate Seat
- 4 Florida State House Seats
Fast forward to 2025, and the numbers tell a much different story:
- 1 U.S. Representative Seat (Darren Soto)
- 0 Florida State Senate Seats
- 2 Florida State House Seats (Johanna López and Susan Plasencia)
The losses in 2024 have decimated our influence in state government. The Florida State Senate, once home to a Puerto Rican voice, is now silent. The reduction in House seats has further diminished our ability to shape policy and advocate for our community.
This is a moment for reflection and action. As a former Puerto Rican Florida State Representative, I understand the hard work it takes to elevate our community’s concerns and ensure they are heard. But these latest setbacks demonstrate that we cannot afford complacency.
We must:
- Prioritize leadership development by identifying and mentoring the next generation of Puerto Rican leaders.
- Strengthen voter engagement efforts to increase turnout and political awareness within our community.
- Build coalitions across Florida to amplify our collective voice and work toward shared goals.
- Focus on unity, setting aside partisan divides to protect and grow Puerto Rican representation.
Puerto Ricans in Florida contribute significantly to the state’s economy, culture, and community development. Yet, without strong political representation, our ability to advocate for critical issues—such as disaster recovery, housing, healthcare, and education—is severely hampered.
The time to act is now. If we fail to address this decline, the consequences for Puerto Rican communities across Florida could be dire. Let us remember that our representation is not just about holding titles but about driving meaningful change for the people we serve. Together, we can rebuild and ensure that Puerto Rican political power not only survives but thrives for future generations.
Daisy Morales
Former Florida State Representative
Advocate for Puerto Rican Leadership and Progress
_______________________________________________________________
To contribute to Florida National News, you can submit Letters to the Editor (up to 200 words) or My Voice columns (approximately 500 words) by emailing them to letters@FloridaNationalNews.com. Please include your address for verification purposes only. If submitting a My Voice column, also attach a photo and a 1-2 line bio about yourself.
Submissions are considered for publication based on space availability. All contributions may be edited for content, clarity, and length and may also be republished across any platform within the FNN News Network.
We value your voice and look forward to hearing from you!
Opinions
OPINION: Why Kamala Harris Should Run for President in 2028
Published
6 months agoon
November 9, 2024
As one of the most powerful Democrat in America, Vice President Kamala Harris has redefined the Democratic Party’s vision and laid a foundation that resonates across generations. Her recent race may not have led to victory, but it achieved historic milestones and undeniable progress, positioning her as a strong candidate for a presidential run in 2028. Harris’s journey is more than a campaign story—it’s a testament to resilience, vision, and the power of representation.
Key Campaign Successes:
Kamala Harris’s 2024 campaign set records and defined new standards, underscoring her influence and appeal as the Democratic Party’s future:
- Unmatched Fundraising Power: Harris shattered expectations by raising a staggering $1 billion in just 107 days, mobilizing grassroots supporters and influential donors alike. This financial prowess is a rare asset, proving Harris has the power to energize her base and secure the resources for a robust campaign in 2028.
- A Historic First: Harris became the first nominee for the Democratic Party who is both a woman and Black — and South Asian, opening doors for diverse leadership and setting a historic milestone that inspired millions. Her groundbreaking nomination broadened the party’s reach, engaging a new generation of voters and energizing communities that may prove even more impactful in 2028.
- Electrifying Rallies: Harris’s campaign rallies drew some of the largest and most energized crowds, uniting diverse demographics and proving her ability to mobilize on a massive scale. This enthusiasm and reach will be invaluable as Democrats seek to connect with younger voters and maintain turnout momentum in future elections.
- Debate Dominance: Known for her sharp debating skills, Harris outperformed Donald Trump on the debate stage, refocusing on critical issues and strengthening her policy appeal. Her clear stances on healthcare, climate action, and reproductive rights won over progressives and independents alike, highlighting her capability as a skilled and effective communicator.
Notable Endorsements and Widespread Support
During her campaign, Harris garnered endorsements from leading Democratic voices, including former President Barack Obama, major labor unions, and key progressive organizations. These endorsements amplified her message, validated her leadership, and set the stage for her continued influence in Democratic circles. These alliances could be a solid foundation for another potential run, ensuring she has strong backing in 2028.

U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris gives remarks in the Statuary Hall of the U.S. Capitol during a ceremony on the first anniversary of the January 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol by supporters of former President Donald Trump in Washington, D.C., U.S., January 6, 2022. Greg Nash/Pool via REUTERS
Takeaways and Implications for 2028
While the 2024 outcome wasn’t in her favor, Harris’s campaign was a transformative experience, positioning her as the Democratic Party’s top hope to retake the White House in 2028:
- A Diverse Coalition: Harris has built a powerful coalition of young voters, women, people of color, and progressives. If she can retain and expand this base, she has the potential to bridge party divides and strengthen Democratic appeal in a way few others can.
- The Absence of Trump: With Donald Trump out of the 2028 race, Republicans may lack the singular, polarizing figure who drove voter turnout in 2024. This void could open the door for Harris to expand her base and draw in moderates looking for fresh, inclusive leadership.
A Campaign Beyond Politics
Harris’s 2024 bid wasn’t just a run for office; it was a bold vision of the Democratic Party’s future. Her achievements, historic firsts, and groundbreaking influence reflect a leader whose determination and resilience are unmatched. She has shown that every setback is an opportunity to regroup, rethink, and rise stronger. Success doesn’t come solely from victories but from the courage to persist, the flexibility to adapt, and the unyielding drive to try again.
Harris’s journey represents not only the thrill of competition but also the profound growth that emerges from the challenges. In politics, as in sports (the Super Bowl, the World Series), resilience fuels the comeback, and Harris’s experience has crafted her into a contender ready to lead in 2028. Her return to the national stage would embody the resilience and strength that the Democratic Party—and America—needs.
_________________________________________________
Florida National News
opinion@FloridaNationalNews.com
Opinions
OPINION: Trump’s Victory Turns Florida into America’s Political Powerhouse
Published
6 months agoon
November 9, 2024
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (FNN) – With a historic victory, President-Elect Donald Trump’s return to the White House has solidified Florida’s role as the center of American political power. In a stunning upset, Vice President Kamala Harris’s campaign fell short, and with additional Senate control, the Republican Party has made Florida home to some of the nation’s most influential leaders.
With Trump’s victory, Florida emerges as the undisputed command center of Republican influence, where leaders like President-Elect Trump’s Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, Governor Ron DeSantis, US Senators Marco Rubio and Rick Scott, and Congressman Byron Donalds are set to drive national-state policies from the heart of the Sunshine State.
Florida’s Power Players and the Potential Impact of a Trump White House:
- Donald Trump, President-Elect – A resident of Palm Beach, President-Elect Trump’s home base brings presidential influence directly to Florida.
- Susie Wiles, Trump’s Chief of Staff – Florida-based political strategist Susie Wiles will make history as the first woman Chief of Staff, bringing her expertise and loyalty from Trump’s past campaigns to the West Wing.
- Governor Ron DeSantis – Trump’s longtime ally and the state’s governor, DeSantis is expected to play a critical advisory role in federal-state relations.
- U.S. Senator Rick Scott – Likely to be tapped as the new GOP Senate Leader, Senator Scott could amplify Florida’s power in national legislation.
- U.S. Senator Marco Rubio – A strong contender for a Cabinet role, Rubio’s foreign policy expertise could shape Trump’s national security agenda.
- Congressman Byron Donalds – As Trump’s key ally, Donalds may receive a Cabinet position, strengthening Florida’s influence within the administration.
With Trump set to be sworn in on January 20, 2025, Florida’s status as a Republican stronghold solidifies it as a state of unprecedented influence, with powerful leaders guiding both state and national policies from the Sunshine State.
_________________________________________________
Florida National News
opinion@FloridaNationalNews.com
Trending
- Politics2 days ago
Alan Grayson Shakes Up Senate District 15 Race, Targeting ‘Family Feud’ Candidates, an Attorney, and a GOP Hopeful
- Entertainment2 days ago
Get Ready for a Soulful Night with Fantasia Barrino and Anthony Hamilton at Addition Financial Arena
- Politics1 day ago
Jason Pizzo Quits as Florida Senate Democratic Leader, Declares Party ‘Dead’