Impeachment: An American History

This is a tiny, undersized little book that makes it look unserious, one that is written by committee and clearly aimed at capitalizing on current events to produce an easy-reading history of presidential impeachment for the masses.But darned if it doesn't work.This is an excellent primer on the justification, motives, procedures and partisanship of the impeachment process that would be a valuable and informative read regardless of whether impeachment was currently in the public consciousness.The opening chapter and the chapter on Nixon are particularly well-done. The opening because it very clearly explains the debates, discussions and eventual consensus on what the Framers of the Constitution determined would constitute an impeachable offense. And while Watergate has been well picked-over by now, the Nixon chapter tells the story from the point of view of the House Judiciary Committee, providing some fresh perspective on the well-told tale.And despite the fact that four individuals share authorship, the book comes together cohesively and flows seamlessly.The only place where the book falls a bit flat is in the very last paragraph, in which Engel concludes that "with the important caveat that so long as there remains no doubt that the next election will occur (and its results trusted), we would all be less frustrated if we focused on winning the next rather than litigating the last." That's quite the "caveat", given that President Trump stands accused of accepting, soliciting and/or benefiting from foreign influence in our electoral process. So suggesting that impeachment is so perilous and partisan that we'd be better off looking the other way and normalizing potentially impeachable behavior by relying on the next election - compromised as it may be - to hold a president accountable for his actions, just seems a bit tone deaf given our present situation.

It was nice to read a historical account of the past impeachment’s, and the politics around them, as opposed to all the crap being put out these day’s by the politicians. Are we really that stupid that we let one side or another dupe us into believing whatever they want? Apparently so, as this book points out it’s been happening a long time. Look at the facts voters, demand that you elected officials act upon the facts. They report to us, not their parties!

For those who aren't ready for a voluminous history of each of the individual impeachments (or Nixon's near impeachment), this is a nice book that compactly captures each case. At a time when there has been some growing debate about the merits of the first impeachment -- Andrew Johnson -- the book comes down on the side of the more traditional historical view that it was an unnecessary farce. Peter Baker, who wrote the definitive book on the Clinton impeachment, wrote the section here about the Clinton impeachment and summarized it well. He seemed to come down on the side that it didn't quite warrant removal. Nixon was the easy one. The Watergate scandal included multiple felonies that he seemed to at least be aware of.Perhaps the takeaway on impeachment is that in the case of Johnson, Nixon, Clinton (and later Trump), these presidents provoked a certain emotion among political opponents that brought the country to the brink of a constitutional crisis. While removal in the Senate is difficult, a House impeachment is rather easy. Still, it has been extremely rare for a reason. These presidents and the circumstances they governmened in prompted the partisan groundswell for what some characterize as overturning an election.

This book should be required reading somewhere along the line for all students .. either at the high school or college level. A fair and objective review both of the intent and now the attempted implementation of what is the current interpretation of the meaning of the word. It appears some of the worst fears of our founding fathers has come to bear. What is the real definition of 'high crimes and misdemeanors'? Should be more that whatever the House of Representatives thinks it should be.

"Impeachment" is, perhaps, the most perfectly timed book in years. It is the elephant in the room in most every discussion of politics nowadays. And, it appears, our president is willing to risk everything now to maximize his influence in American governance and history.He is supremely confident that he can do just about anything he chooses to do. Personally, I think the odds are in his favor. The only viable gamble to stopping him, is impeachment. But, as this well-researched book shows, forcing this leader out, with a Republican-Majority Senate, is probably not possible, since it requires 2/3 of the senate to vote for conviction, assuming the House of Representatives votes for impeachment.Some opine that the House can and will subpoena tax records and so forth. Such moves are likely to for rulings by the Supreme Court, which is pretty well stacked in Pres. Trump's favor.So, again, we come back to "Impeachment," as the only viable check on executive branch power.I was enthralled by this study and its pragmatic conclusions. Over the coming days I will be following by my understanding of the conclusions of "Impeachment" by researching the footnotes included in the back pages. Comprising some 60 pages of the 314 total pages, I will be kept busy.BOTTOM LINEFor folks disappointed by, and demanding impeachment of the current president, I suggest, no, I urge you to read "Impeachment," to understand the totality of the risk involved and the probability that Mr. Trump emerges even stronger, and more arrogant than he is today.Five stars out of five.

Informative and interesting. Went over some personal opinions and speculations repeatedly. Historical facts were very fun to read and reliving history was visual

A really informative and interesting book about impeachment. The way it was though to be used and in which way it's been used. If you're interested in American politics, this is the book for you!!

Great book and a well written book of American history of impeachment.