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Impeach: The Case Against Donald Trump
Why President Trump has left us with no choice but to remove him from office, as explained by celebrated Supreme Court lawyer and former Acting Solicitor General Neal Katyal.
No one is above the law. This belief is as American as freedom of speech and turkey on Thanksgiving—held sacred by Democrats and Republicans alike. But as celebrated Supreme Court lawyer and former Acting Solicitor General Neal Katyal argues in Impeach, if President Trump is not held accountable for repeatedly asking foreign powers to interfere in the 2020 presidential election, this could very well mark the end of our democracy. To quote President George Washington’s Farewell Address: “Foreign influence is one of the most baneful foes of republican government.” Impeachment should always be our last resort, explains Katyal, but our founders, our principles, and our Constitution leave us with no choice but to impeach President Trump—before it’s too late.
No one is above the law. This belief is as American as freedom of speech and turkey on Thanksgiving—held sacred by Democrats and Republicans alike. But as celebrated Supreme Court lawyer and former Acting Solicitor General Neal Katyal argues in Impeach, if President Trump is not held accountable for repeatedly asking foreign powers to interfere in the 2020 presidential election, this could very well mark the end of our democracy. To quote President George Washington’s Farewell Address: “Foreign influence is one of the most baneful foes of republican government.” Impeachment should always be our last resort, explains Katyal, but our founders, our principles, and our Constitution leave us with no choice but to impeach President Trump—before it’s too late.
224 pages, Paperback
First published November 26, 2019
524 people are currently reading
745 people want to read
About the author
Neal Katyal
2 books16 followersNeal Katyal is the Paul and Patricia Saunders Professor of Law at Georgetown University and a partner at a law firm where he leads one of the largest U.S. Supreme Court practices in the nation. He previously served as Acting Solicitor General of the United States (the government’s top courtroom lawyer). He has argued more Supreme Court cases in U.S. history than has any minority attorney (39 in total), recently breaking the record held by Thurgood Marshall. American Lawyer magazine recently named him the very top litigator of the year nationwide and the Justice Department awarded him the Edmund Randolph Award, the highest award the department can give a civilian. A frequent contributor to MSNBC and the New York Times, he has been named one of GQ’s Men of the Year and has appeared on virtually every major American news program, as well as House of Cards, where he played himself.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 139 reviews
February 1, 2020
Since Trump got elected, I’ve been addicted to MSNBC, and my fourth favorite legal analyst there (right after Chuck Rosenberg, Joyce Vance, and Maya Wiley) is Neal Katyal, who is the Saunders professor at Georgetown Law, and a practicing a lawyer who has argued more than three dozen cases before the US Supreme Court. During the years 2010–2011, he was acting solicitor general of the United States, and, as a young Justice Department lawyer in 1998 and 1999, he drafted the special counsel statute which established the parameters for Robert Mueller’s recent investigations.
Impeach is a short, plainly written book with one purpose: to convince the American people that Donald Trump deserves to be impeached, and should be impeached now, for we must not wait and “let the election decide”:
In many ways, both political parties would be better off it President Trump’s fate were determined on Election Day. But the challenge we face is this: President Trump has shown that he will do everything in his power, legal and illegal, to ensure he wins reelection, even if that means working with a foreign power to undermine our democracy. So asking us to wait until the election to remove him from office is like asking to resolve a dispute based on who wins a game of Monopoly—when the very crime you’ve been accused of is cheating at Monopoly.Katyal believes Trump fully deserves impeachment according to what he calls “The Pence Standard.” after a speech Mike Pence made as to the Judiciary Committee in July of 2008:
”This business of high crimes and misdemeanors goes to the question of whether or not the person serving as President of the United States put their own interests, their personal interests, ahead of public service.”Katyal believes—as I do—that the “transcript” of Trump’s call to Zelensky (supported by the testimony of dedicated civil servants to the doings of Guliani and “The Three Amigos” in Ukraine) clearly demonstrates that Trump has placed his own personal interests ahead of our nation's interest, and has used the power of the presidency to pressure and attempt to bribe the leader of a foreign country.
In addition, the fact that he has gotten away with such conduct up until now makes the situation more dire:
I believe that if we fail to hold the President accountable for what he did in 2019—for what he’s doing right now—we might lose our democracy altogether in 2020.The book—as you would expect it to be—is cogently argued, and the prose is forceful too. In addition, Impeach possesses a useful appendix which contains: the whistleblower complaint, the July 25th call summary, the Volker/Taylor/Sondland text messages, and Pat Cippolone’s White House letter in response to the House.
I recommend this book highly. If you want a clear, concise argument in favor of impeachment, you will find everything you require in Neal Katyal’s Impeach.
November 26, 2019
I am not going to write a wild-eyed diatribe on why I think President Trump should be impeached. I'm going to review former US solicitor Neal Katyal's new book - written in three weeks - "Impeach: The Case Against Donald Trump". Yes, I think Trump should be impeached and convicted - the key word here is "convicted", because two presidents have been impeached by the House but not convicted by the Senate, so they didn't leave office. And, yes, Neal Katyal and Sam Koppelman believe in the same thing, and wrote this book to explain to the political and legal laymen that the process to impeach would be.
Katyal examines the history of impeachment as it was formed in James Madison’s “Federalist No. 51”, stating “If all men were angels, there would be no need for government”. He follows through the impeachments (but no convictions) of Presidents Andrew Johnson and Bill Clinton. Then he goes on to the case of President Donald Trump.
Neal Katyal is a good writer and explains the “Pence Standard”, which was Congressman Mike Pence’s ideas in 2008 about the who’s and what’s of impeachment. Funnily enough, they cover today’s reasons quite nicely.
At this point, we have just finished the first part of the impeachment inquiry. It’s Thanksgiving 2019 and we’re going to be gathered with friends and family, where at many tables, the political talk will be fast and furious. I do think Neal Katyal’s book will help the pro-impeachmenters explain their reasons.
Katyal examines the history of impeachment as it was formed in James Madison’s “Federalist No. 51”, stating “If all men were angels, there would be no need for government”. He follows through the impeachments (but no convictions) of Presidents Andrew Johnson and Bill Clinton. Then he goes on to the case of President Donald Trump.
Neal Katyal is a good writer and explains the “Pence Standard”, which was Congressman Mike Pence’s ideas in 2008 about the who’s and what’s of impeachment. Funnily enough, they cover today’s reasons quite nicely.
At this point, we have just finished the first part of the impeachment inquiry. It’s Thanksgiving 2019 and we’re going to be gathered with friends and family, where at many tables, the political talk will be fast and furious. I do think Neal Katyal’s book will help the pro-impeachmenters explain their reasons.
December 13, 2019
I read this in paperback by Canongate. Well put together as there is a lot of information here and for most of us this information will be read and know about for the first time.
November 28, 2019
Extremely helpful
As I read the book, I was amazed at the amount of recent information included. Revisions must have been occurring till the last second. I was also amazed by the clarity and readability. Not all legal minds write as clearly and succinctly. Thank you, Neal Katyal and Sam Koppelman. History will decide whether your suggested post-Trump reforms will occur, but it is obvious that reform is needed to prevent another such disaster.
As I read the book, I was amazed at the amount of recent information included. Revisions must have been occurring till the last second. I was also amazed by the clarity and readability. Not all legal minds write as clearly and succinctly. Thank you, Neal Katyal and Sam Koppelman. History will decide whether your suggested post-Trump reforms will occur, but it is obvious that reform is needed to prevent another such disaster.
November 27, 2019
If you read this and don't also read
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/4...
you are part of the problem in America. I am a neutral observer (don't live and never would in the USA).
My ratings should speak for themselves as to which book I think better sums up the current situation with regard to 45, but in case you need it spelled out. This volume is partisan calamity howling, while the one I linked shows the real depths to which the insiders have gone in their attempt to oust a democratically elected president.
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/4...
you are part of the problem in America. I am a neutral observer (don't live and never would in the USA).
My ratings should speak for themselves as to which book I think better sums up the current situation with regard to 45, but in case you need it spelled out. This volume is partisan calamity howling, while the one I linked shows the real depths to which the insiders have gone in their attempt to oust a democratically elected president.
November 30, 2019
A must-read for everyone, whether you’re for or against impeachment. It clearly explains everything, and I do mean everything.
May 2, 2020
The title says it all. The author, no slouch himself, makes an excellent case, in terms of legally (as he is an attorney), for following through on the premise, and I couldn't agree with and support it more. Hugely recommended.
November 30, 2019
The day Richard Nixon failed to answer that subpoena is the day he was subject to impeachment because he took the power of Congress over the impeachment process away from Congress and became the judge and jury.
-p91, Lindsey Graham, 1998
Neal Katyal lays out a clear, unambiguous case for Trump’s impeachment and removal from office. Trump solicited interference in the 2020 election from a foreign government. This, by itself, is enough. He asked for interference (announcing an investigation into a main political opponent), that interference is a thing of value, and that is the crime.
He then bribed Ukrainian President Zelensky (if you had any doubt about the use of this term, you will not if you read this text. Bribery is the offer of a positive reward for compliance with an act in one’s favor).
DJT has subsequently gagged all WH employees from cooperating. He is obstructing a constitutional and lawful investigation that is Constitutionally enshrined.
Three clear articles for impeachment are therefore available.
All salient documents are reproduced in the Appendices (the very careful and clear whistleblower complaint, the jaw-droppingly immature letter from Pat Cipollone, the president’s counsel, to the Congress, and others).
Of course, as Katyal says: “Trump will not be impeached by Article I, Section 4; or by Article 1, Section 3; or by Article 1, Section 9. Those words are mere parchment. President Trump will be impeached by human beings…” (p155)
So Congress will decide this. The Senate will. Some of those individuals were capable of integrity once. Perhaps again.
This business of high crimes and misdemeanors goes to the question of whether or not the person serving as President of the United States put their own interests, their personal interests, ahead of public service.
-p119, Mike Pence, 2008
-p91, Lindsey Graham, 1998
Neal Katyal lays out a clear, unambiguous case for Trump’s impeachment and removal from office. Trump solicited interference in the 2020 election from a foreign government. This, by itself, is enough. He asked for interference (announcing an investigation into a main political opponent), that interference is a thing of value, and that is the crime.
He then bribed Ukrainian President Zelensky (if you had any doubt about the use of this term, you will not if you read this text. Bribery is the offer of a positive reward for compliance with an act in one’s favor).
DJT has subsequently gagged all WH employees from cooperating. He is obstructing a constitutional and lawful investigation that is Constitutionally enshrined.
Three clear articles for impeachment are therefore available.
All salient documents are reproduced in the Appendices (the very careful and clear whistleblower complaint, the jaw-droppingly immature letter from Pat Cipollone, the president’s counsel, to the Congress, and others).
Of course, as Katyal says: “Trump will not be impeached by Article I, Section 4; or by Article 1, Section 3; or by Article 1, Section 9. Those words are mere parchment. President Trump will be impeached by human beings…” (p155)
So Congress will decide this. The Senate will. Some of those individuals were capable of integrity once. Perhaps again.
This business of high crimes and misdemeanors goes to the question of whether or not the person serving as President of the United States put their own interests, their personal interests, ahead of public service.
-p119, Mike Pence, 2008
November 29, 2019
The best feature of the book is that it puts everything that has transpired into historical and legal context. Neal clarifies the convoluted and often debated “high crimes and misdemeanors” written in the constitution that warrant impeachment. Crimes are not necessarily the crimes specified in laws or regulations but, as Hamilton puts in the federalist papers, “abuse or violation of public trust”. There is a clear violation of public trust here. The Q&A section on impeachment was very informative. If the president is found guilty even in just one count out of many, he will be removed.
What is scary is that enforcement of the law rests on “faithful enforcement” by the very people that may be implicated in violating public’s trust. Regardless of the enforcement entity, the law should be automatic in forcing people to comply, which is not the case now.
At the end of the day, even with the clear violation of public trust, the ultimate decision resides with the people. Jurors of impeachment are biased and influenced by public opinion; especially their constituents. Given the best economy, lowest unemployment in generations, highest consumer confidence, fewer wars and security threats, and highest approval among republican voters, I doubt the public’s opinion will be swayed by just moral argument. Only time will tell. Overall, the book is short and great!
What is scary is that enforcement of the law rests on “faithful enforcement” by the very people that may be implicated in violating public’s trust. Regardless of the enforcement entity, the law should be automatic in forcing people to comply, which is not the case now.
At the end of the day, even with the clear violation of public trust, the ultimate decision resides with the people. Jurors of impeachment are biased and influenced by public opinion; especially their constituents. Given the best economy, lowest unemployment in generations, highest consumer confidence, fewer wars and security threats, and highest approval among republican voters, I doubt the public’s opinion will be swayed by just moral argument. Only time will tell. Overall, the book is short and great!
January 21, 2020
This is a well-written and easy to read book! I didn't find a lot of new
information but I did get a different point of view on some of the facts. I
would hope people are open enough to take the time to read this book or
something similar for the facts of case.
Find Impeach: The Case Against Donald Trump at Westminster Public Library today!
And if you are in search of new books to read, try our services, What Do I Read Next. Our library staff are standing by to create a personalized recommendation list for you!
information but I did get a different point of view on some of the facts. I
would hope people are open enough to take the time to read this book or
something similar for the facts of case.
Find Impeach: The Case Against Donald Trump at Westminster Public Library today!
And if you are in search of new books to read, try our services, What Do I Read Next. Our library staff are standing by to create a personalized recommendation list for you!
January 13, 2020
Clear, concise and easily accessible for the layperson - this ought to be required reading to anyone who still fails to grasp what's going on, why it matters, and how it works. Mind you, IMO Katyal is being rather naively optimistic in thinking that there might be a snowball's chance in hell of the Senate actually convicting Trump given how entrenched partisan divisions are and how openly various Senators are declaring that they have no intention of being impartial or holding anything resembling a fair trial, but hey, I'm open to being positively surprised.
December 11, 2019
Best synopsis of why we need to impeach the president. Written without drama or partisanship. Easy to understand and digest.
I listened to the audio book.
I listened to the audio book.
February 17, 2020
Impeach: The Case Against Donald Trump by Neal Katyal and Sam Koppelman
“Impeach: The Case Against Donald Trump” is an accessible and concise case for impeachment against Donald Trump. Professor of Law at Georgetown University and partner at a law firm, Neal Katyal and respected speechwriter Sam Koppelman bring their talents together that lays out a clear case for impeachment. This lucid 224-page book includes the following five chapters: 1. A Brief History of Impeachment, 2. The Evidence, 3. The Case Against President Trump, 4. Questions and Answers, and 5. Out of Many, One.
Positives:
1. A clearly written, concise book.
2. The latest hot topic in America, the Impeachment. “That is why we have no choice but to impeach and remove President Trump: because he wielded the powers of the presidency to serve himself instead of the people he represents; because he was willing to undermine our democracy to help his prospects of reelection; and because he has stated, repeatedly and unapologetically, that he would do it again.”
3. The authors are fair, I can’t stress that enough. “I live my life by this Yardstick Rule, because the only way to preserve the rule of law is to apply the same standards to everyone, regardless of whether or not you agree with their views.”
4. Founding fathers wisdom. ““In framing a government which is to be administered by men over men, the great difficulty lies in this: You must first enable the government to control the governed; and in the next place oblige it to control itself.”
5. Explains plainly why Trump’s offense is impeachable. “All that matters is that President Trump asked for Ukraine’s help in compromising a political rival, without the American public knowing about it. My answers to the other questions, like whether there was a quid pro quo (there was) and whether there was a cover-up (there was), are gravy. The central issue here is the one we’ve known about since September 2019: President Trump’s solicitation of election interference from a foreign power.”
6. Provides a brief history of impeachment. “The reason Nixon was going to be impeached, if he had not resigned, was that the crime he was covering up—a burglary of his political opponent’s headquarters—was an “abuse of public trust,” in that it undermined our democracy itself.”
7. Similarities between Nixon and Trump. “These are the stakes of President Trump’s impeachment. Like President Nixon, he abused the public trust by wielding the powers of the presidency to serve himself instead of the public. But unlike President Nixon, he didn’t do it solely with the assistance of fellow Americans; he did it by seeking help from a foreign power.”
8. Provides and explains the evidence against Trump. “In the course of my official duties,” the whistleblower wrote, “I have received information from multiple US Government officials that the President of the United States is using the power of his office to solicit interference from a foreign country in the 2020 US election. This interference includes, among other things, pressuring a foreign country to investigate one of the President’s main domestic political rivals. The President’s personal lawyer, Mr. Rudolph Giuliani, is a central figure in this effort. Attorney General Barr appears to be involved as well.”
9. Abuse of power disclosed. “That’s why the decision to lock down records of this phone call was a blatant abuse of the system—because it blocked people who needed the information from obtaining it, and did so for no reason other than to protect President Trump.”
10. The author connects the dots that lead to his conclusion. “He has: Abused the public trust by soliciting foreign interference in the 2020 presidential election; Abused the public trust by engaging in bribery—repeatedly—through his quid pro quo exchanges with President Zelensky of Ukraine; Abused the public trust by obstructing justice into the investigations of his conduct, adopting an unconstitutional view of executive power.”
11. Provides very specific examples. “President Trump asked President Zelensky of Ukraine to investigate Vice President Joe Biden. This, alone, would be reason enough to impeach him.” “The first came when President Zelensky mentioned wanting to purchase Javelins from the United States, prompting President Trump to say, “I would like you to do us a favor though.””
12. Explains how an impeachment actually works. “When articles arrive in the Senate, per Article I, Section 3, Clause 6 of the Constitution, senators take a special oath to “do impartial justice according to the Constitution and the laws.””
13. Explains the concept of high crimes and misdemeanors. “High crimes and misdemeanors are abuses of public trust, in which the president wields the powers of his office to serve himself at the expense of the people he represents.”
14. Quid pro quo explained. “This is as simple a case as you will find: President Zelensky asked for something (Javelin missiles). President Trump in turn asked for a “favor.” That’s the definition of a quid pro quo exchange.”
15. Provides policies that would make it easier to hold a president accountable for misdeeds. “All presidents and presidential candidates should have to release their tax returns well in advance of an election, because the public has a right to know whether their commander in chief is in debt to a foreign power.”
16. Notes and a very helpful Appendix included.
Negatives:
1. I would have added a glossary of legal terms applicable to the impeachment. Otherwise, a very solid Appendix. A timeline of key events wouldn’t hurt either.
2. No formal bibliography.
In summary, this is a very helpful and concise book that provides a compelling case for Trump’s impeachment. The book is written very clearly and provides valuable lessons in government checks and balances. If you are looking for a fair and straightforward book on why Trump warranted an impeachment, this is it. I highly recommend it!
Further suggestions: “A Warning” by Anonymous A Senior Trump Official, “American Carnage” by Tim Alberta, “Everything Trump Touches Dies” by Rick Wilson, “The Man Who Sold America: Trump and the Unraveling of the American Story” by Joy-Ann Reid, “The Enemy of the People” by Jim Acosta, “A Higher Loyalty” by James Comey, “Fire and Fury” by Michael Wolff, “Trumpocracy” by David Frum, “The Threat: How the FBI Protects America in the Age of Terror and Trump” by Andrew G. McCabe, “Can It Happen Here?: Authoritarianism in America” by Cass R. Sunstein, “Fantasyland: How America Went Haywire” by Kurt Andersen, “It’s Even Worse Than You Think” by David Cay Johnston, and “How Democracies Die” by Steven Levitsky.
“Impeach: The Case Against Donald Trump” is an accessible and concise case for impeachment against Donald Trump. Professor of Law at Georgetown University and partner at a law firm, Neal Katyal and respected speechwriter Sam Koppelman bring their talents together that lays out a clear case for impeachment. This lucid 224-page book includes the following five chapters: 1. A Brief History of Impeachment, 2. The Evidence, 3. The Case Against President Trump, 4. Questions and Answers, and 5. Out of Many, One.
Positives:
1. A clearly written, concise book.
2. The latest hot topic in America, the Impeachment. “That is why we have no choice but to impeach and remove President Trump: because he wielded the powers of the presidency to serve himself instead of the people he represents; because he was willing to undermine our democracy to help his prospects of reelection; and because he has stated, repeatedly and unapologetically, that he would do it again.”
3. The authors are fair, I can’t stress that enough. “I live my life by this Yardstick Rule, because the only way to preserve the rule of law is to apply the same standards to everyone, regardless of whether or not you agree with their views.”
4. Founding fathers wisdom. ““In framing a government which is to be administered by men over men, the great difficulty lies in this: You must first enable the government to control the governed; and in the next place oblige it to control itself.”
5. Explains plainly why Trump’s offense is impeachable. “All that matters is that President Trump asked for Ukraine’s help in compromising a political rival, without the American public knowing about it. My answers to the other questions, like whether there was a quid pro quo (there was) and whether there was a cover-up (there was), are gravy. The central issue here is the one we’ve known about since September 2019: President Trump’s solicitation of election interference from a foreign power.”
6. Provides a brief history of impeachment. “The reason Nixon was going to be impeached, if he had not resigned, was that the crime he was covering up—a burglary of his political opponent’s headquarters—was an “abuse of public trust,” in that it undermined our democracy itself.”
7. Similarities between Nixon and Trump. “These are the stakes of President Trump’s impeachment. Like President Nixon, he abused the public trust by wielding the powers of the presidency to serve himself instead of the public. But unlike President Nixon, he didn’t do it solely with the assistance of fellow Americans; he did it by seeking help from a foreign power.”
8. Provides and explains the evidence against Trump. “In the course of my official duties,” the whistleblower wrote, “I have received information from multiple US Government officials that the President of the United States is using the power of his office to solicit interference from a foreign country in the 2020 US election. This interference includes, among other things, pressuring a foreign country to investigate one of the President’s main domestic political rivals. The President’s personal lawyer, Mr. Rudolph Giuliani, is a central figure in this effort. Attorney General Barr appears to be involved as well.”
9. Abuse of power disclosed. “That’s why the decision to lock down records of this phone call was a blatant abuse of the system—because it blocked people who needed the information from obtaining it, and did so for no reason other than to protect President Trump.”
10. The author connects the dots that lead to his conclusion. “He has: Abused the public trust by soliciting foreign interference in the 2020 presidential election; Abused the public trust by engaging in bribery—repeatedly—through his quid pro quo exchanges with President Zelensky of Ukraine; Abused the public trust by obstructing justice into the investigations of his conduct, adopting an unconstitutional view of executive power.”
11. Provides very specific examples. “President Trump asked President Zelensky of Ukraine to investigate Vice President Joe Biden. This, alone, would be reason enough to impeach him.” “The first came when President Zelensky mentioned wanting to purchase Javelins from the United States, prompting President Trump to say, “I would like you to do us a favor though.””
12. Explains how an impeachment actually works. “When articles arrive in the Senate, per Article I, Section 3, Clause 6 of the Constitution, senators take a special oath to “do impartial justice according to the Constitution and the laws.””
13. Explains the concept of high crimes and misdemeanors. “High crimes and misdemeanors are abuses of public trust, in which the president wields the powers of his office to serve himself at the expense of the people he represents.”
14. Quid pro quo explained. “This is as simple a case as you will find: President Zelensky asked for something (Javelin missiles). President Trump in turn asked for a “favor.” That’s the definition of a quid pro quo exchange.”
15. Provides policies that would make it easier to hold a president accountable for misdeeds. “All presidents and presidential candidates should have to release their tax returns well in advance of an election, because the public has a right to know whether their commander in chief is in debt to a foreign power.”
16. Notes and a very helpful Appendix included.
Negatives:
1. I would have added a glossary of legal terms applicable to the impeachment. Otherwise, a very solid Appendix. A timeline of key events wouldn’t hurt either.
2. No formal bibliography.
In summary, this is a very helpful and concise book that provides a compelling case for Trump’s impeachment. The book is written very clearly and provides valuable lessons in government checks and balances. If you are looking for a fair and straightforward book on why Trump warranted an impeachment, this is it. I highly recommend it!
Further suggestions: “A Warning” by Anonymous A Senior Trump Official, “American Carnage” by Tim Alberta, “Everything Trump Touches Dies” by Rick Wilson, “The Man Who Sold America: Trump and the Unraveling of the American Story” by Joy-Ann Reid, “The Enemy of the People” by Jim Acosta, “A Higher Loyalty” by James Comey, “Fire and Fury” by Michael Wolff, “Trumpocracy” by David Frum, “The Threat: How the FBI Protects America in the Age of Terror and Trump” by Andrew G. McCabe, “Can It Happen Here?: Authoritarianism in America” by Cass R. Sunstein, “Fantasyland: How America Went Haywire” by Kurt Andersen, “It’s Even Worse Than You Think” by David Cay Johnston, and “How Democracies Die” by Steven Levitsky.
January 11, 2020
So I am not a Donald Trump fan - never have been, never will be - which meant that reading this book I wasn’t trying to be convinced of anything. The book was clear and laid out why Trump should be impeached based on his behavior. It had a history of how our founders cane to include impeachment as an option for our government to undertake, when it has been used, discussed the specifics of Trump’s situation and how his behavior qualifies as impeachable behavior, etc. It is actually rather infuriating to read just how blatant his actions were and to know that no GOP reps will hold him accountable for them (but man, if Obama had tried 1/10th of what Trump has dove...). The book has several included document copies in the appendix for readers to review. Honestly, my only complaint with it is that it seemed really repetitive. Maybe the author does that to hammer home his points to people on the fence? I just felt like I read the same thing in every chapter, which made it less interesting to me. Still a very good read for anyone who wants to understand Trump’s actions in the context of how they relate to impeachment.
December 21, 2020
While it seemed like another of a couple of hundred Trump-tell-alls, Impeach by Neal Katyal stands out to me.
It's very well written and maintains academic and scholarly integrity while still following a gripping narrative. The Ukraine issue was dealt in great detail and I was surprised as to how absurd the situation is even compared to mainstream reporting so far. It was also neat that this issue was analysed in comparison with previous similar instances including and beyond Watergate. The history of impeachment and its role in American history itself also made fascinating reading.
Clearly, the Trump impeachment situation is even more of a dumpster-fire than I realised. And the pace of the story and its twist and turns are so rapid and unpredictable that a lot has changed in the 1.5 months since publication. But I think that still makes this book a worthwhile read to get perspective on what impeachment means for the future of American presidency and society itself.
It's very well written and maintains academic and scholarly integrity while still following a gripping narrative. The Ukraine issue was dealt in great detail and I was surprised as to how absurd the situation is even compared to mainstream reporting so far. It was also neat that this issue was analysed in comparison with previous similar instances including and beyond Watergate. The history of impeachment and its role in American history itself also made fascinating reading.
Clearly, the Trump impeachment situation is even more of a dumpster-fire than I realised. And the pace of the story and its twist and turns are so rapid and unpredictable that a lot has changed in the 1.5 months since publication. But I think that still makes this book a worthwhile read to get perspective on what impeachment means for the future of American presidency and society itself.
December 26, 2019
The first half of the book was review for anyone who has tracked Trump's high crimes, misdemeanors and general boorish, self-involved behavior since 2015. Katyal and Koppelman explain the reasons why impeachment was part of the constitution, and how it's been used, over 250 years. And they explicate legal arguments for/against impeachment, the process. All of that is easy to read, but--as noted--an academic exercise.
The best part of the book is where they debunk the weak arguments Republicans have put forth, and explain why is was, in fact, essential to impeach this president--he's still trying to influence the election, for starters. The final chapters--how we can clean up constitutional language and common practices to improve oversight, and build unity--are terrific. Four and three-quarters stars.
The best part of the book is where they debunk the weak arguments Republicans have put forth, and explain why is was, in fact, essential to impeach this president--he's still trying to influence the election, for starters. The final chapters--how we can clean up constitutional language and common practices to improve oversight, and build unity--are terrific. Four and three-quarters stars.
January 11, 2020
This book, along with the Constitution of The United States, should be MANDATORY reading for ALL members of Congress!! In fact, every American, whether for or against impeachment, should be required to read this book!!! Donald J. Trump is a threat to our national security and must be removed from office!!! Neal Katyal, a prominent lawyer and professor, and Sam Koppelman have laid out the facts for this in a very succinct, readable manner. They have also provided us with the steps we need to take in the future so that this never happens again!!! PLEASE, PLEASE , PLEASE read this book!!!
December 5, 2019
To say this book is "topical" is quite an understatement. Katyal is one of my favorite talking heads during the descendence of 45, and he's also a good Twitter follow as the story develops in real time. How this book could be so current will amaze you - breaking a few of the usual publishing-calendar barriers, no doubt.
January 21, 2020
Not the best choice in books (darn you Amazon freebies). It was a rehash of CNN, MSNBC and quite frankly I am just over this entire administration. There was a fairly good review of constitutional law and history but I have had enough of both sides "presenting" their cases knowing full well nothing will change.
January 31, 2020
Very informative read by a knowledgeable source- Georgetown University law professor with extensive experience in government law and arguing before the Supreme Court. Cleared up a lot of misconceptions I had and that I’ve heard. Well researched, substantiated with credible sources. Hope it’s not obsolete tomorrow as the Senate votes to acquit.
November 14, 2019
An extremely timely book that feels like it was written right now, syncing with what we are seeing at the impeachment hearings. Also provides a solid historical background on impeachment.
April 6, 2020
Author Neal Katyal is a law professor at Georgetown University, and previously served as Acting Solicitor General of the United States. He has argued 39 cases before the Supreme Court, and has taught a law school course on impeachment 20 times. Therefore, it is safe to say he is a preeminent authority on the history, purpose, and procedure of impeachment, and he lays out his expertise in this short book in a scholarly, but very accessible, manner.
Because media on both sides of the issue seemed hysterical with hyperbole and exaggeration during the impeachment proceedings, I found it very difficult to sort out fact from fiction. This book is by far the best source of information on the matter I have seen. The first part of the book discusses in some detail the history of impeachment--how it came to be included in the Constitution and how the particular language of the impeachment clause was selected.
Katyal then moves into a discussion of the evidence that was the basis of the impeachment inquiry and vote against President Trump. He concludes with a fascinating Q&A section that I found very illuminating. Perhaps most importantly, the book's appendix contains the full text of the documents that were at the center of Trump's impeachment--the whistleblower complaint, the transcript of Trumps phone call with Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky, the transcript of multiple texts between multiple Trump appointees and ambassadors following the call, and the letter from the President's legal counsel, Pat Cipollone, to Congress, indicating that the President would not in any way cooperate with the impeachment investigation.
Regardless of your political persuasion or whether you feel like President Trump's impeachment was warranted, this book is important reading if you really want to understand impeachment--why we have it, when it should be used, and its function as a critical part of our system of checks and balances on government.
Because media on both sides of the issue seemed hysterical with hyperbole and exaggeration during the impeachment proceedings, I found it very difficult to sort out fact from fiction. This book is by far the best source of information on the matter I have seen. The first part of the book discusses in some detail the history of impeachment--how it came to be included in the Constitution and how the particular language of the impeachment clause was selected.
Katyal then moves into a discussion of the evidence that was the basis of the impeachment inquiry and vote against President Trump. He concludes with a fascinating Q&A section that I found very illuminating. Perhaps most importantly, the book's appendix contains the full text of the documents that were at the center of Trump's impeachment--the whistleblower complaint, the transcript of Trumps phone call with Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky, the transcript of multiple texts between multiple Trump appointees and ambassadors following the call, and the letter from the President's legal counsel, Pat Cipollone, to Congress, indicating that the President would not in any way cooperate with the impeachment investigation.
Regardless of your political persuasion or whether you feel like President Trump's impeachment was warranted, this book is important reading if you really want to understand impeachment--why we have it, when it should be used, and its function as a critical part of our system of checks and balances on government.
December 8, 2019
For a succinct, well-reasoned and powerful argument for impeachment, look no further than Neal Katyal's small tome "Impeach." Katyal methodically marches through the history of impeachment under the Constitution, the facts behind the Trump-Ukraine scandal, why impeachment is appropriate in light of such facts, and the possible protocols for the impeachment trial.
Katyal makes a strong argument that (i) even though the Mueller allegations did not rise to the level of an impeachable offense (at least in Katyal's thinking), the Ukraine ones certainly do; and (ii) if you apply the same facts to Obama, or any other president of your own political persuasion, and would vote to impeach, then you owe it to hold Trump to that same standard.
What is fascinating about the Trump-Ukraine scandal is that it seems to be a clear-cut case of abuse of power that directly implicates the national interests: not the tangential, if personally scandalous, stuff of Clinton's impeachment and the cobbled-together case against Andrew Johnson for partisan reasons. Trump's actions reflect the worst parts of Watergate; however, The Donald stands a greater chance of remaining in office than Tricky Dick. That may say more about our society, and how divided the nation is in 2019, then whether Trump in fact committed high crimes and misdemeanors.
Katyal makes a strong argument that (i) even though the Mueller allegations did not rise to the level of an impeachable offense (at least in Katyal's thinking), the Ukraine ones certainly do; and (ii) if you apply the same facts to Obama, or any other president of your own political persuasion, and would vote to impeach, then you owe it to hold Trump to that same standard.
What is fascinating about the Trump-Ukraine scandal is that it seems to be a clear-cut case of abuse of power that directly implicates the national interests: not the tangential, if personally scandalous, stuff of Clinton's impeachment and the cobbled-together case against Andrew Johnson for partisan reasons. Trump's actions reflect the worst parts of Watergate; however, The Donald stands a greater chance of remaining in office than Tricky Dick. That may say more about our society, and how divided the nation is in 2019, then whether Trump in fact committed high crimes and misdemeanors.
December 24, 2019
Trump has now been impeached. Does it matter? As one Trump supporter said on Fox News, "only if you care about the facts." Some people do. Some people don't. If you do, this book may be for you.
Katyal lays out the facts that led to Trump's impeachment, inasmuch as we know them now, and the process used by Congress to hold him accountable for his actions. He discusses the legal arguments, including the reasons Americans like Alexander Hamilton and James Madison feared foreign interference in our elections. He explains the impeachment process, and addresses the differences and similarities between this impeachment and that of Johnson and Nixon.
The book is brief and straight forward, like the facts in this case. It's not complicated when the defendant admits his guilt and bases his entire defense on the supposed triviality of his crime. As Americans we simply need to decide whether our laws are so trivial that the President is above them. It comes back to the question: Does it matter? Or should we just get over it, and allow other nations, even enemy nations, to participate in opposition research for the candidate of their choice...
Katyal lays out the facts that led to Trump's impeachment, inasmuch as we know them now, and the process used by Congress to hold him accountable for his actions. He discusses the legal arguments, including the reasons Americans like Alexander Hamilton and James Madison feared foreign interference in our elections. He explains the impeachment process, and addresses the differences and similarities between this impeachment and that of Johnson and Nixon.
The book is brief and straight forward, like the facts in this case. It's not complicated when the defendant admits his guilt and bases his entire defense on the supposed triviality of his crime. As Americans we simply need to decide whether our laws are so trivial that the President is above them. It comes back to the question: Does it matter? Or should we just get over it, and allow other nations, even enemy nations, to participate in opposition research for the candidate of their choice...
January 12, 2020
I want to say straight off that I disapprove of Trump and think he should be impeached, so I’ll put my bias (if that it be) out there.
That said, I didn’t find this book particularly useful, but if you need a good primer on the mechanics and history of impeachment, or if you haven’t been paying attention to the news and want to catch up, this is the book for you.
Conservatives, please don’t get turned off by the subtitle. If you need a primer on the mechanics and history of impeachment, this is a good one, and it’s useful information that every citizen should have.
Liberals, if you’re well informed and support impeachment, don’t bother with this book. It won’t tell you anything new.
I had a hard time giving it a star rating, I felt like it was worth three from my perspective but added another because I could see other people getting more out of it than I did
That said, I didn’t find this book particularly useful, but if you need a good primer on the mechanics and history of impeachment, or if you haven’t been paying attention to the news and want to catch up, this is the book for you.
Conservatives, please don’t get turned off by the subtitle. If you need a primer on the mechanics and history of impeachment, this is a good one, and it’s useful information that every citizen should have.
Liberals, if you’re well informed and support impeachment, don’t bother with this book. It won’t tell you anything new.
I had a hard time giving it a star rating, I felt like it was worth three from my perspective but added another because I could see other people getting more out of it than I did
December 23, 2019
Five stars only for the political relevance in our particular political moment. Talks about the history of impeachment, the reasons for its inclusion in the Constitution, and lays out the case against Trump. Katyal is much more of a centrist than I am, but he still comes down on the side that impeaching Trump is not only more than warranted, it is in fact essential to preserving our democracy. Includes an appendix with the whistleblower complaint, relevant text messages, the call summary, and a letter from the WH.
December 5, 2019
This book will not persuade or change anyone’s views. I wanted to read it more for the historical perspective because I’m too lazy to actually read Federalist #65 or to listen to hours and hours of constitutional law professors (been there, done that). That part of the book was interesting, if a bit dry. He did a good job of explaining the “high” in “high crimes and misdemeanors.”
As for the rest, anyone who pays attention to current events will be familiar with most of it.
As for the rest, anyone who pays attention to current events will be familiar with most of it.
January 16, 2020
Although Katyal expresses early that he does not like Trump, in the book he sticks to "rule of law." He advises anyone to look at the other side and ask, "How would I feel about this if it were Obama.?"
Katyal explains the points under consideration in the upcoming impeachment trial and the history and thinking of the founding fathers who absolutely included the possibility in our guiding documents.
I'm very glad I read it.
Katyal explains the points under consideration in the upcoming impeachment trial and the history and thinking of the founding fathers who absolutely included the possibility in our guiding documents.
I'm very glad I read it.
January 27, 2020
This was one of the clearest, most informative books I have ever read. I not only understand better the case against Trump, but I understand impeachment and the Constitution better, not to mention the history behind these and the thinking of the founders. I can not recommend this book highly enough, regardless of the reader’s politics.
February 28, 2020
Short simple and succinct book that documents the charges against Donald Trump for Impeachment, and why it matters to charge him. Of course by now we know he was declared innocent by a senate that refused to put documents and witnesses on the stand. This book contains documents and testimony from witnesses. It was good for me to read.
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