Democrats eye impeachment after Mueller report

The much anticipated and redacted Mueller Report has been released, bringing a close to the whole Trump-Russia collusion debate, right?

Wrong.

While Trump and Republicans pound their chest in victory, and proclaim “Game Over,” as the president did, Democrats see the report as a political opportunity and launching point for their 2020 election narrative.

The report didn’t find enough to warrant indictments, but did cast Trump in a bad light, leaving the door open for Democrats to question (10) reported instances that Trump may have obstructed justice, like his termination of Comey.

These (10) points are what Democrats will harp during future congressional inquiries and hearings, not to mention what will beef up their impeachment case against the president.

Moments after the report was released, Democrats teed off on Attorney General Barr and his release of the report.

It is important to note that Barr did not have to release the report, but did not to appease detractors, who are not demanding that the un-redacted report be released.

The redactions in the report are necessary to protect ongoing investigations, secret grand jury and personal.

Here is what Florida’s congressional delegation said about the report, and Barr:

“The conclusions in the redacted Mueller report do not exonerate President Trump — not even close. The report provides insight on some troubling acts and behavior on the part of the President—and it calls into question his motives, at the very least. I agree with Speaker Pelosi and Chairman Nadler that we need to hear from Special Counsel Mueller directly to get the facts, instead of political spin from Attorney General Barr and the administration. Congress – but more importantly the American people we represent – deserves the truth and deserves information that is free of partisanship and politics.  It’s disappointing that we have to fight for such basic things.”-Rep. Donna Shalala (D)

“It is important that the full Mueller Report be released to Congress, not the highly-redacted version we were presented with today. Special Counsel Mueller’s investigation concluded potential obstruction, but that is being brushed over by Attorney General Barr. We know 25 Russian intelligence operatives were charged with interference, and six Trump aides were indicted or convicted for conspiracy or lying to investigators. There was also evidence presented that President Trump attempted to prevent an investigation into his campaign and his own conduct. The President has the responsibility to be transparent as we work to restore the trust of the American people.

“I would like to move forward and focus on the critical issues that matter most, but I also want to make certain that our leaders at the highest level are held accountable.”-Rep. Al Lawson (D)

“Despite redactions and spin from Trump and his loyalists, we know without a doubt that Russia interfered in our 2016 presidential election in aid of Donald Trump and that there is substantial evidence that President Trump engaged in obstruction of justice and other misconduct. House Democrats are taking immediate action to get the full Mueller report in order for Congress to perform our constitutionally-mandated responsibilities of oversight. Sadly, it is obvious that William Barr is acting as an agent of Donald Trump and not as the Attorney General of the United States.”-Rep. Lois Frankel (D)

“It’s clear from this Mueller report that the next step is for Congress to show that the rule of law actually means something in America and that we pick up this investigation and go full speed ahead.”-Rep. Ted Deutch (D)