Gregory :
What was your vote for the impeachment of President
Clinton ?
Senator Graham:
I voted that the President was not guilty of high
crimes and misdemeanors that would justify his removal from office. This
does not mean what he did was right. His actions were disgraceful. When
the president leaves the office, he could still face indictment,trial, judgment,
and punishment according to law for his actions.
Laura:
What role did you play in the impeachment process?
Senator Graham :
As a member of the United States Senate,
I sat as a juror during the impeachment trial of President Clinton. As required
by the Constitution, I took an oath to render justice impartially. As a
juror, I looked to determine whether the high standards for impeachment
which are in the Constitution "bribery, treason, or other high crimes
or misdemeanors"--were met, I concluded that they were not.
Omar :
What were your thoughts while the President of
the United States was on trial ?
Senator Graham:
I was very concerned that my actions uphold the
belief and intent of our Founding Fathers. They made clear their belief
that impeachment and removal from office should only be an option in situations
where a President becomes a threat to the government and the people it serves.
Samantha:
What was your reaction upon hearing of
the possible impeachment of the President?
Senator Graham:
I was sad the President's self-indulgent, reprehensible
actions could -- and, I suspect,will---be recorded in history as dishonoring
himself and the highest office and our American democracy.
Edward :
Should the President of the United States be impeached
while in office?
Senator Graham:
Yes, if his actions warrant it. Our nations'
founders had personal knowledge of and experience with English history,
in which both Kings and Parliaments had at times exerted excessive power
over the people. They realized that freedom could be in jeopardy if any
one political power became too strong. That is why they wrote our Constitution
in a manner that decided the power and made it possible to impeach and remove
a President if he or she becomes a threat to our liberty. | 