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Conservative Congressman Who Voted for Impeachment Is Getting Blasted for Launching Independent Presidential Bid
29 April 2020
JIM WATSON/AFP via Getty Images // Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call
Congressman Justin Amash (I-MI) made waves when he left the Republican party on Independence Day of 2019 after growing criticisms of President Donald Trump and the Republican party's failure to hold Trump accountable for his constant lying and incessant instability.
Amash was the only non-Democrat in the House of Representatives to vote in favor of impeaching Trump late last year.
While Amash's willingness to hold his Republican colleagues accountable was met with admiration, his eagerness to make Trump a one term President just led to an extremely misguided decision that may put that very effort in jeopardy.
Amash announced on Wednesday that he was launching an exploratory committee for a potential third party presidential run.
Let’s do this. https://t.co/AhpQQhTauh— Justin Amash (@Justin Amash)1588119768.0
Today, I launched an exploratory committee to seek the @LPNational's nomination for president of the United States. Americans are ready for practical approaches based in humility and trust of the people.
— Justin Amash (@justinamash) April 29, 2020
We're ready for a presidency that will restore respect for our Constitution and bring people together. I'm excited and honored to be taking these first steps toward serving Americans of every background as president.
— Justin Amash (@justinamash) April 29, 2020
Let's get something clear: This is a super bad idea.
Few, if any, of those who intended to vote for Trump over Biden will find Amash to be a preferable choice. In fact, Amash is considered by most Republicans to be a textbook example of the "Never Trumpers" the President rails against on Twitter. Trump will not lose votes to Amash.
There are, however, plenty of moderate Republicans disgusted by Trump who intend to hold their nose and pull the lever for a moderate Democrat. But with a former Republican throwing his hat in the race, Amash may be the preferable choice, thereby siphoning potential votes from Biden—especially in Amash's native Michigan, a crucial swing state.
For this reason, the President seemed to praise Amash's decision.
No, I think Amash would make a wonderful candidate, especially since he is way behind in his district and has no ch… https://t.co/RMbhUCax4n— Donald J. Trump (@Donald J. Trump)1588172122.0
Trump was about the only person to roll out the welcome wagon for Amash.
Hard pass. Grateful for your principled stand on impeachment, @justinamash, but this bid could tip the election for… https://t.co/zmNIt9Oatk— Carrie Cordero (@Carrie Cordero)1588165495.0
@justinamash Pretty depressing that principled stances seem to always be a means to some personal end. The way to… https://t.co/cgmsMV0lDa— Brian Tyler Cohen (@Brian Tyler Cohen)1588123546.0
No, Justin Amash, let's not do this. You acknowledge that Donald Trump is an existential threat to our constitution… https://t.co/UHfT9XneUY— Publius (@Publius)1588167112.0
This will certainly help Trump get re-elected. In a two way race, Trump struggles to get to 50.1 in key states. Ev… https://t.co/bKQZkPYjwR— Dan Pfeiffer (@Dan Pfeiffer)1588121786.0
This is selfish & reckless. There is a time for you to step up & lead the right. I am actually hoping you do so, be… https://t.co/8sxNXeucdg— Pam Keith (@Pam Keith)1588170775.0
Pro-Biden Republicans called him out as well.
It’s great to do the right thing regardless of the consequences—unless the consequences make it the wrong thing to… https://t.co/9KzRSE7vat— George Conway, Noble Committee Chair (@George Conway, Noble Committee Chair)1588166631.0
“If Amash gets the Libertarian nomination and stays in until the end, he could wind up going in the books as the gu… https://t.co/QCceCMXKOa— Bill Kristol (@Bill Kristol)1588165841.0
No, let’s not. https://t.co/QK4ErxiFrP— Rick Wilson (@Rick Wilson)1588120411.0
@justinamash Asa former Republican and former Trump supporter I ask you to reconsider this. This will help Trump, I… https://t.co/YnhMsXDnjk— David Weissman (@David Weissman)1588126513.0
For a deeper look into defeating Trump from a former Republican strategist, check out Running Against the Devil, available here.
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