Republicans accuse Dems of 'cancel culture' for impeaching Trump as he leaves office
Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, one of the president's staunchest supporters, began the House debate for Republicans by opposing impeaching Trump and railing against Democrats for what he called their attempt to "cancel the president."
"We should be focused on bringing the nation together. Instead Democrats are going to impeach the president for a second time, one week, one week before he leaves office. Why? Why? Politics and the fact that they want to cancel the president," he said.
"Impeachment round two. It's always been about getting the president, no matter what. It's an obsession. An obsession that's now broadened. It's not just about impeachment anymore. It's about canceling," he added.
Rep. Tom McClintock, R-Calif., told the chamber, "I cannot think of a more petty, vindictive and gratuitous act than to impeach an already defeated president a week before he is to leave office."
"President-elect Biden's promise to heal the nation becomes a hollow mockery in the harsh reality of this unconstitutional act," he said.
Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris have deflected when asked questions about impeachment, saying the decision is with Congress.