Ex-GOP Lawmaker: ‘The Eyes Of The Nation’ Are Now On Pelosi

Ed Mazza

Former GOP Rep. David Jolly is urging House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) to act after President Donald Trump said he would listen if a foreign adversary offered dirt about a political rival.

“What the president said behind the Resolute Desk in and of itself is an impeachable moment,” Jolly said on MSNBC Wednesday.

Jolly was referring to Trump’s claim earlier in the day that “there’s nothing wrong with listening.”

“They have the information,” Trump said. “I think I’d take it.”

Trump also said he didn’t view that as foreign interference in an election.

The president of the United States suggested “he would be willing to engage in the commission of a crime to benefit his own reelection,” Jolly said.

And that means it’s time for action in the House.

“The eyes of the nation tonight must look to Nancy Pelosi,” Jolly said, adding:

“It is not her fault that this moment has occurred. She has not had a hand in Donald Trump’s behavior. But she occupies the highest constitutional office outside of the White House. This is the moment where we’re begging for leadership.”

Jolly, who represented a Florida district from 2014 until 2017, has been a frequent Trump critic. He left the Republican Party last year.

See his full discussion with Brian Williams above.

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Andrew Johnson (1808-1875) served as vice president under Abraham Lincoln, taking office as president in 1865 after Lincoln's assassination.
Andrew Johnson (1808-1875) served as vice president under Abraham Lincoln, taking office as president in 1865 after Lincoln's assassination.
Mathew Brady studio portrait of the House of Representatives impeachment committee of President Andrew Johnson in 1868. Standing from left are James F. Wilson, George S. Boutwell and John A. Logan. Seated are Benjamin F. Butler, Thaddeus Stevens, Thomas Williams and John A. Bingham.
Mathew Brady studio portrait of the House of Representatives impeachment committee of President Andrew Johnson in 1868. Standing from left are James F. Wilson, George S. Boutwell and John A. Logan. Seated are Benjamin F. Butler, Thaddeus Stevens, Thomas Williams and John A. Bingham.
The impeachment committee prepares the indictment.
The impeachment committee prepares the indictment.
Engraving depicts a courtroom scene during the 1868 impeachment of Andrew Johnson.
Engraving depicts a courtroom scene during the 1868 impeachment of Andrew Johnson.
George T. Brown, sergeant-at-arms of the Senate, serves the summons on President Johnson.
George T. Brown, sergeant-at-arms of the Senate, serves the summons on President Johnson.
Facsimile of a ticket of admission to the Impeachment Trial of President Andrew Johnson in the United States Senate on March 13, 1868. The Senate failed to convict Johnson by one vote.
Facsimile of a ticket of admission to the Impeachment Trial of President Andrew Johnson in the United States Senate on March 13, 1868. The Senate failed to convict Johnson by one vote.
Charles Sumner, a Senate leader in the impeachment trial of Andrew Johnson.
Charles Sumner, a Senate leader in the impeachment trial of Andrew Johnson.
Thaddeus Stevens closes the debate on the Andrew Johnson impeachment in the House in March 1868.
Thaddeus Stevens closes the debate on the Andrew Johnson impeachment in the House in March 1868.
Edwin McMasters Stanton, secretary of war under Lincoln, led the attempt to convict Lincoln's successor, Andrew Johnson.
Edwin McMasters Stanton, secretary of war under Lincoln, led the attempt to convict Lincoln's successor, Andrew Johnson.
The vote of the Senate, sitting as the High Court of Impeachment for the trial of Andrew Johnson. They failed to convict him by one vote.
The vote of the Senate, sitting as the High Court of Impeachment for the trial of Andrew Johnson. They failed to convict him by one vote.

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