DEAR EDITOR:
Earlier in his term, when Donald Trump was accused of misdeeds committed while in office, Republicans said (relying on a dubious Justice Department decision from nearly 50 years ago), “He can’t be charged with anything while he’s still the president.”
But now, when he’s accused of misdeeds committed Jan. 6 while still in office, Republicans say “Trump can’t be convicted after his impeachment he’s not the president any more.”
Nice work if you can get it, eh? (And Republicans would say exactly the same thing if it were a Democratic president in this situation.)
Maybe a little story problem will help clarify things. You’re hauled into court on charges of spouse abuse. When you take the stand, you present the following defense: “Well, that happened when we were married. Now that we’re divorced, you don’t have the right to charge me with anything.”