Political Rewind: Lewis, Johnson Back Trump's Impeachment

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Rep. John Lewis, D-Ga. during a television news interview at the Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, July 16, 2019. / AP

On this edition of Political Rewind, Rep. John Lewis (D-Atlanta) and Rep. Hank Johnson (D-Lithonia) are calling for impeachment proceedings in the aftermath of President Trump’s alleged efforts to pressure the president of Ukraine to look into the business dealings of Joe Biden’s son, Hunter.

Lewis and Johnson join congressional Democrats who say the president has crossed the line in his political dealings with foreign government officials. The number of Democrats who have come out in favor of impeachment grew after reports that the president ordered $400 million in potential aid to Ukraine to be held back before a phone call with the Ukrainian leader.

The president has continued to deny reports and Tuesday afternoon vowed to release the transcript from the conversation in question. Trump tweeted that he would release a "complete, fully declassified and unredacted transcript of my phone conversation with President Zelensky of Ukraine."

As the story continues to shift will more Democrats call for articles of impeachment as the movement gains momentum?

Georgia's new state law that effectively bans abortions around six weeks into pregnancy made its first appearance in federal court Monday. The American Civil Liberties Union and several reproductive rights groups opposing HB 481 asked U.S. District Court Judge Steve Jones for a temporary injunction on the law.

If an injunction is granted, as has been the case in many states with similar laws, it would block the law from taking effect on Jan. 1, 2020, while the larger case is decided.

Panelists:

Amy Steigerwalt — Political Science Professor, Georgia State University