Pelosi Hits One out of the Park
Published at 16:25 on 14 November 2019
Her use of the term “bribery” was an excellent piece of messaging.
First, it’s accurate. What Trump did to Ukraine is by any common meaning of the term “bribery.”
Second, it’s damning. “Bribery” is explicitly mentioned in the Constitution about grounds for impeachment. There is no distinction made between being on the giving or receiving end of a bribe; as such, either is forbidden.
Third, it’s simple and direct. Not everyone knows what “quid pro quo” means, but the meaning of “bribery” is understood by nearly all.
A shockingly high fraction (and probably a decisive majority) of the electorate is either lazy, stupid, or ignorant. To admit this is electoral suicide, so no even marginally competent politician is ever going to say it out loud. (Just revisit where Hillary Clinton’s “deplorables” comment helped to get her.) But it’s still true. As such, keeping it as simple as possible is generally the best strategy.
Democrats often drop the ball when playing politics. Not this time.