Professor of History, Boston College

North America

Making the Truth Matter

Justice in the impeachment proceedings may require Democrats to play the long game

January 24, 2020 • by Heather Cox Richardson

So ended Impeachment manager Adam Schiff’s closing argument yesterday in the Senate trial of Donald Trump. Within minutes, #RightMatters was trending on Twitter. Schiff (D-CA) leads a group of Democratic House managers who are shining in this moment as they weave televised testimony before the House, available documents, and public television interviews into ...

North America

Yesterday’s Impeachment News? Fact versus Fox

In the absence of evidence or an argument, the GOP floods the zone

January 22, 2020 • by Heather Cox Richardson

But for Trump and his enablers, this trial is not about the truth; it never has been. It is about dominance and power. Forcing someone to accept what they know to be untrue reinforces the dominance of the person telling the lies. Perpetrators will start with small, seemingly unimportant lies and ...

Yesterday’s Impeachment News? Fact versus Fox

North America

All the President’s Lawyers

Mitch McConnell’s desire to reign in the impeachment spectacle clashes with Donald Trump’s love for a political circus

January 18, 2020 • by Heather Cox Richardson

Ever since it became clear that the House would vote to impeach Donald Trump, the White House and Senate Republican leaders have struggled over the Senate trial. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell did not want the Senate to devolve into the circus that the House did. There, GOP representatives worked ...

North America

What’s at Stake as the House Transmits Articles of Impeachment

Donald Trump and Mitch McConnell have a lot to worry about — and they aren’t holding all the cards

January 13, 2020 • by Heather Cox Richardson

First of all, all the different players have different interests, and there is also a wildcard. While those of us on the outside are freaking out about a president who seems completely out of control, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY), who are masters ...