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In reply to the discussion: What happens if fifty-one Senators vote to convict in the Senate?? [View all]bearsfootball516
(6,377 posts)3. It's a preventative measure to make sure removal is a bipartisan decision.
With how the country is set up, it's basically impossible to get 67 senators of the same party in the Senate at the same time. What the founding fathers didn't anticipate is one party becoming so corrupt that they refuse to convict even when the evidence is staring them in the face.
But...can you imagine the problems if you could convict with a simple majority? Republicans would have invented some reason to impeach Obama in the House after winning the Senate in 2014, then removed him from office with a simple majority.
Without the 2/3rds requirement, any party that controls the House and Senate could impeach and remove any president they want at any time, for any reason. It would be a nightmare.
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It's a preventative measure to make sure removal is a bipartisan decision.
bearsfootball516
Dec 2019
#3
The point of the OP was to ask if he could be removed with a simple majority of 51 votes
Polybius
Dec 2019
#39
What happens? Nothing. It's back to the everyday grifting and tweeting. Golf anyone?
Vinca
Dec 2019
#27
I'm not certain the general public would view a vote to convict Trump, 51 or more Senators...
kentuck
Dec 2019
#28
Great point, but the majority voted not guilty on one and then tied for the other
Polybius
Dec 2019
#41
Unless 25 Senators decide to take a vacation outside of DC on the day of the vote...
krispos42
Dec 2019
#45