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The scoffing of Heru, it seems clear, should only ever be taken as a compliment.
I agree with half of this:
"namely, if Obama establishes in people's minds that he is not vindictive, politically speaking, then that opens up the political space for him to do some real accountability without tearing the country apart in a new political war."
That is I think you accurately peg the trategy. He does seek to complete the narrative of his post-partisanship. But I doubt that there is any real noble reason behind this. On one level it is a continuation of the campaign branding that will take him into the next campaign (which should start in about eight months, if it ever ends at all). On another, it is a political tool to be used rhetorically in the national stage where all of our political discourse now takes place--the pundit shows. He may also appear to be 'bucking' his party, while at the same time exerting the velvet glove cast in iron; as the narrative seems to be that the senate dems carried out his wishes at the expense their own.
"impeachment has to be by the people, not by the party."
If you are saying that impeachment should be a bi-partisan affair, I also agree, though highly doubt that is possible. The people, however, are represented by the legislature. When they vote to impeach, they are acting as representatives of the people.
