Welcome as it is as a repudiation of executive overreach, Jackson’s decision will not have an immediate effect. The notion of absolute immunity was conjured up by prior administrations, not Congress or the courts. And in his full-on obstruction of the House, Trump has advanced the absurd notion that presidents should be able to dictate how that chamber exerts its constitutional impeachment power. The impeachment machinery is humming along despite the lack of potentially useful testimony from McGahn, Bolton and acting White House Chief of Staff (and budget director) Mick Mulvaney. No doubt the record would be more complete with the testimony of McGahn, Bolton, Mulvaney and others.

Source: Los Angeles Times November 27, 2019 00:07 UTC