In the US system of checks and balances, to date no US President has been successfully impeached (removed from office) although Andrew Johnson, Richard Nixon and Bill Clinton came close.

Two stories I woke up to yesterday were the expected court guilty verdicts on former Trump associates Paul Manafort and Michael Cohen. Rather than go through the details and as an introduction to the commentary on what took place and the what might happen next question, I refer to the following helpful news articles:

1. The Worst Day Yet of Trump’s Presidency
2. ‘It’s the only excuse they’ll need’: Legal blows fuel impeachment fears
3. Manafort convicted on 8 counts; mistrial declared on 10 other charges
4. Trump takes shot after guilty plea: ‘Don’t retain the services of Michael Cohen!’
5. Cohen willing to tell Mueller about ‘conspiracy to collude’: lawyer
6. World Exclusive! Mueller Preparing To Indict Donald Trump Jr.
7. A dark day for Trump. The darkest day for the presidency since Watergate

While the stories are interesting, as part of the Mueller “Russian collusion” investigation, few would doubt the big story is going after the President and impeaching him. It appears that these verdicts are likely to provide ammunition. Impeachment is something many Democrats have said they wish to happen and some from even before the time he was inaugurated. They haven’t been in a position to do so thus far, as they lack the necessary majority in Congress, and arguably dastardly plots to unseat him to date have been thwarted.  However, that could all change in November, with the mid-term elections, should the Democrats win that house majority.

I have no doubt there is much still to unfold, including further ‘bombshells’ from Cohen that might support the argument for impeachment and further indictments, including the President’s own family. It appears that Manafort remains loyal to the President whereas Cohen will do what he can to throw mud. I have little doubt there are moves afoot to undermine the President, notably the shutting down of conservative voices by the Internet gatekeepers: Google, Facebook, Twitter etc., and possible false flags. It appears, the voices of dissent toward and defiance of the President are growing bolder in their statements, believing they can get Trump.

It will be interesting to see how the President responds. I doubt he is squeaky clean or that he has been entirely honest. But then the same is true of Obama before him or the one that could have occupied his position – Hillary. I also have little doubt there forces from within government that are set to undermine the President including within his own Justice department. After a long time the Mueller investigation has still thrown little light on Russian collusion. I am perturbed investigations into Obama / Clinton and their misdeeds have not taken place when there were good reasons they should, and believe the people at the top (Sessions and Rosenstein) ought to go.

Meanwhile we watch with eager anticipation as events unfold and pray that truth will come out and justice be done. I hope unless there are outstanding reasons to the contrary that the Republicans will sweep the mid terms, the President will be vindicated, free speech will be restored and the swamp will continue to get drained.