XPost: alt.tv.pol-incorrect, alt.fan.rush-limbaugh, alt.impeach
XPost: alt.politics.usa
From: weberm@polaris.net

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez slammed 2020 Democratic presidential
hopeful Tulsi Gabbard for being the only House Democrat to vote
“present” on impeachment articles against President Trump and refusing
to take a stand.

“Today was very consequential, and to not take a stand one way or
another, on a day of such great consequence to this country, I think is
quite difficult,” Ocasio-Cortez told reporters after the historic vote Wednesday, adding, “We are sent here to lead.”

Rep. Gabbard (D-Hawaii) did not speak on the House floor, while most
other members gave 30-second to one-minute speeches to explain or
justify their stances.

During the second vote on charges of obstruction of Congress, Gabbard
was seen standing against the back wall of the House chamber on the
side where Republicans sit, according to Fox News.

After the presidential contender stunned House Democrats and
Republicans alike by refusing to opt for or against the two articles,
Gabbard released a statement explaining her decision.

“After doing my due diligence in reviewing the 658-page impeachment
report, I came to the conclusion that I could not in good conscience
vote either yes or no,” the Hawaii Democrat said.

“I could not in good conscience vote against impeachment because I
believe President Trump is guilty of wrongdoing.

“I also could not in good conscience vote for impeachment because
removal of a sitting President must not be the culmination of a
partisan process, fueled by tribal animosities that have so gravely
divided our country,” Gabbard added.

Gabbard’s “present” votes were essentially her way of abstaining from
taking a position on the issue, while still voting on the measures.

She went on to say in her statement that she would introduce a
resolution on the House floor censuring Trump.

Ocasio-Cortez didn’t buy her explanation.

“Whenever we have a vote, we should vote ‘yes’ and we should vote
‘no,'” the New York Democrat said. “Voting ‘present’ is a very tough
position to be in. To not take a stand in a moment that is so
consequential, I think it’s quite difficult.”

Gabbard wasn’t the only House Democrat to take a position separate from
the party line.

Reps. Collin Peterson of Minnesota and Jeff Van Drew of New Jersey both
voted “no” on the articles, while Jared Golden of Maine voted “yes” on
the abuse of power article but “no” on the obstruction of Congress
article.

--
"We need to impeach the President to find out what crime he committed."
-- Nancy Pelosi

--- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05
* Origin: www.darkrealms.ca (1:229/2)