Don’t go to MSNBC for facts on the Constitution. For the second day in a row, the network attempted to explain the process of “how Impeachment works.” Once again, the cable channel screwed up. MSNBC Live host Ali Velshi on Thursday lectured his viewers: “Think of the House as a prosecutor and the articles of impeachment is a document detailing the alleged crimes.” So far so good.
But then, an MSNBC graphic incorrectly trumpeted the number of senators needed to convict a president: “60 VOTES out of 100 SEATS.” No, it’s 67 senators.
Though his graphic got it wrong, Velshi himself gave the correct information. Today, that is. On Wednesday, he incorrectly asserted: “Two-thirds of the Senate, 60 as it stands right now, are needed to vote guilty for impeachment.” On that day, Velshi said of the House’s role in impeachment: “Next, the House votes. At least two-thirds of the chamber has to approve the impeachment.” No, just a simple majority is needed.
On Thursday, Velshi managed to get that section right, noting: “A simple majority is all that's needed to approve the impeachment.” BUT he made another error. The host claimed: “The Senate acquitted Andrew Johnson and Bill Clinton without impeaching them.” No, they were impeached in the House. Just not convicted in the Senate.
One might ask: Why is MSNBC giving daily updates attempting to explain the impeachment process? Another question might be: If they are going to explain impeachment, could Velshi and the network at least do so properly?
After the latest error was pointed out to Velshi by the MRC’s Curtis Houck, the host tweeted a reply.
A transcript is below. Click “expand” to read more.
MSNBC Live
8/23/18
3:30ALI VELSHI: Let's take a closer look at how the impeachment process works. It starts in the House of Representatives, which draws up the articles of impeachment. Think of the House as a prosecutor and the articles of impeachment is a document detailing the alleged crimes. Only the House can bring charges against a president. But any individual Congress member can start that process. Next, the House votes. A simple majority is all that's needed to approve the impeachment, which is about 218 votes, give or take a few for vacancies.
Now, once the House approves the articles of impeachment, it goes to the Senate, which essentially holds a trial, essentially acting as the courtroom and the jury. [MSNBC GRAPHIC: 60 votes out of 100 SEATS.] The Senate needs two-thirds or 67 members to vote for impeachment. That means where things stand right now, 18 Republicans would have to vote to impeach the President. Now, if that were to happen, the president would very likely be removed from office. The Vice President would take his place.
We've never gotten to this step before. The Senate acquitted Andrew Johnson and Bill Clinton without impeaching them. Richard Nixon resigned before impeachment proceedings could begin. Although at that time the House Hudiciary committee had already passed three articles of Impeachment. I want to talk now with a man who served as legal counsel to the judiciary committee during that time, Michael Conway. Michael, good to have you here. Thank you for being with us. Are we at a time where we should be talking about impeachment?
MICHAEL CONWAY (FMR. COUNSEL TO HOUSE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE DURING NIXON IMPEACHMENT): Absolutely.
