Throughout the impeachment proceedings against him, Republicans have defended embattled President Donald Trump by claiming that Democrats were hell-bent on impeaching the President since before his inauguration in January 2017.
This is neglecting that it took nearly three years before House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) launched an official impeachment inquiry against the President after constant resistance.
Neither does the argument address Republicans who bragged about the imminence of 2016 Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton's impeachment, when her election of Trump seemed certain.
Now, at least one lawmaker is doing the same with a frontrunner for the 2020 Democratic nomination.
Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) made waves late last month when she expressed hope that Republican smears against Joe Biden on the Senate floor during Trump's impeachment trial would negatively affect Biden's turnout in the upcoming caucuses in Ernst's home state.
Ernst targeted Biden again, assuring that the former Vice President would almost immediately be impeached if he should defeat Trump in 2020.
Ernst said:
"I think this door of impeachable whatever has been opened. Joe Biden should be very careful what he's asking for because, you know, we can have a situation where if it should ever be President Biden, that immediately, people, right the day after he would be elected would be saying, 'Well, we're going to impeach him.'"
Ernst cited the repeatedly debunked accusation that Biden, as Vice President, used his power to help his son Hunter avoid investigations into the Ukrainian gas company on which he served as a board member.
For his part, Biden didn't seem fazed, saying to potential caucus goers in Iowa:
"Why don't you all show Joni Ernst just how smart you are by caucusing for me? I promise if you stand with me, we will end Trump's reign of hatred and division."
People were astounded at Ernst's pettiness and partisanship.
Have I got this right? Impeachable: Joe Biden Not impeachable: The president whose adult sons travel the world pr… https://t.co/PMwQ8WA9AH— Robert Maguire (@Robert Maguire) 1580677284.0
JONI ERNST: We can't impeach Trump because ELECTIONS. Also JONI ERNST: If America elects Joe Biden, we're impeachi… https://t.co/4ZnQMXAfgI— Seth Abramson (@Seth Abramson) 1580679391.0
@kylegriffin1 @RealSethPittman The immaturity of the Trump infection is truly astounding it’s like dealing with 100… https://t.co/WcXtzSmHzF— Take to the streets! it’s the only option (@Take to the streets! it’s the only option) 1580691289.0
@kylegriffin1 @lolayeslola Republicans have no shame. What a bunch of grifters.— Michael Zee (@Michael Zee) 1580684370.0
@kylegriffin1 Go ahead dummies... it won’t matter. By acquitting Trump you’ve made the office of the POTUS above the law.— cryborg (@cryborg) 1580676575.0
Some hope Ernst's unconditional allegiance to Trump will mobilize voters, putting an end to her tenure as Iowa's junior Senator.
@kylegriffin1 Joni is going back to the farm real soon now....like after elections— Murf the Surf 🍑 (@Murf the Surf 🍑) 1580683007.0
@kylegriffin1 She won't be in office.— 🌊 Cheryl 🌊 (@🌊 Cheryl 🌊) 1580676381.0
@kylegriffin1 She will not be there to see it.— Steven Catrone (@Steven Catrone) 1580683068.0
The impeachment trial against Donald Trump continues today, with his acquittal expected on Wednesday.
You can donate to Ernst's 2020 opponent, Theresa Greenfield, here.