(Reviewed by JD Jung)
I just finished reading Impeaching the President: Past, Present, and Future right as Trump was being unjustly though predictably acquitted of both impeachable offenses.
Political science professor Alan Hirsch takes an in-depth look at the impeachments of Andrew Johnson in 1868, Richard Nixon in 1974 and Bill Clinton in 1998 from both a historical perspective and from that of the political environment of the time. He also examines similarities and differences between the three and includes a chapter of lessons learned.
Hirsch studies the writings of the Founding Fathers as they framed the U.S. Constitution, and gives his perspective on what their possible motivations on impeachment laws were. Where it can’t be determined, he maintains that we can also look at history as a guide. What “high crimes and misdemeanors” were in 1787 may not be the considered as such today, or vice versa.
In addition to impeachment, he presents a curious take on the 25th Amendment and its history. He also looks at our past when the vice-presidency has been vacant and the potential issues.
His section on the history of presidential pardons is particularly interesting. Alexander Hamilton feared that pardons would be used as an act of favoritism. Still, George Washington pardoned those involved in the Whiskey Rebellion. He gives other examples when the pardon has been used for humanitarian purposes. Conversely, Hirsch also explores when they are improper, such as when Trump pardoned Sheriff Joe Arpaio.
Even though this book was written during the Mueller investigation, and thus before the Ukrainian bribery scheme, a chapter “The Case of Trump” is included. Though obviously incomplete due to the publication date, he still poses many thought-provoking questions.
I found it admirable how Hirsch manages to stay objective throughout this book. Enhancing the content are relevant illustrations and photographs (used sparingly) from the particular impeachment cases.
The fascinating Impeaching the President: Past, Present, and Future is a must-read for those interested not only in American political history but in our current political and social climate. After all, Hirsch reminds us of the famous George Santayana quote, “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.”
