Some Marist Students Uninterested, Confused by Impeachment

By John Rohr

Over the past several months three syllables have dominated American political discourse, im-peach-ment. Yet, in an election year, students here at Marist College are confused about what it all really means.

“It’s too complicated,” said Sam Powers ‘22.

“It’s interesting, a lot of people thought that because he got impeached, it meant he wasn’t president anymore,” said Kate Frost ‘21, “Really, he would have to go on trial and be convicted by the Senate before he’d be removed from office.”

In late January, along with the start of a new semester, the Senate trial of President Donald J. Trump was set to commence. “I just don’t think it’s gonna get anywhere, [Nancy] Pelosi is trying to tell people why it’s taking so long, but I don’t really know if anything will come out of the senate,” said Janine Pultorak ‘21. 

On January 15, after a lengthy delay, the Democrat controlled House of Representatives delivered the articles of impeachment to the Republican controlled Senate. The argument posed by the articles stems from a phone call President Trump had in July with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. On the phone call, it’s alleged that Trump pressured Ukraine to dig up damaging information on a political rival, former Vice President Joe Biden, in order to benefit his 2020 re-election campaign. 

Much like Congress, students are divided on the subject. “It’s partisan,” said Paul Sandford ‘23, “The Senate will back Trump, but the House will continue to try to remove him from office.”

For just the third time in U.S. history, and the first time in the lives of most Marist students, the president is threatened with the possibility of being removed from office. “It’s tricky, I don’t think people fully understand the consequences.” said Gabrielle Yovane ‘20. “It has certainly been a learning experience for everyone.”

“I am glad people are being held accountable,” said Jackie Chase ‘21.

However, despite the monumental historical significance, many are just flat out uninterested. “I hear stuff, but I’m not really into politics.” said Chris Breen ‘23. “I’m not really following along, I just don’t care about it,” said Chad Hodson ‘20. 

While others have simply resigned to the idea of the Republicans holding serve in the Senate. “It’s not worthwhile,” said Patrick McShea ‘21, “I don’t think anything will come of it.” 

As it stands, the fate of the impeachment trial hinges on the Senate’s decision on whether to allow new evidence and witness testimony. “Witnesses are going to make or break the decision,” said Dillon Dunwoody ‘21. A decision is expected in the coming days. 

Cover photo: Wikimedia Commons