impeachment safeguards elections
‘Corrupt Motives’ Charge Will Haunt Politics
When debating whether to make presidents impeachable, the founders noted: “If he be not impeachable whilst in office, he will spare no efforts or means whatever to get himself re-elected” (Constitutional Convention, Madison Debates, July 20, 1787). Clearly, at least some “efforts or means” were considered beyond the pale. If wielding state power against challengers was not, what was?
When debating whether to make presidents impeachable, the founders noted: “If he be not impeachable whilst in office, he will spare no efforts or means whatever to get himself re-elected” (Constitutional Convention, Madison Debates, July 20, 1787). Clearly, at least some “efforts or means” were considered beyond the pale. If wielding state power against challengers was not, what was?