February 12, 2021 

Dear Friend,

In order to move forward as a country from this extremely divisive and turbulent time, we need unity as well as accountability. Some say that we can’t have both, but I disagree. We will never be united if we don’t create real consequences for the people who have sought to divide us.

That’s why last month, I voted to impeach Donald Trump for his role in inciting the deadly insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. This week, the Senate held a trial to determine whether to convict. I think that my colleagues, the House Impeachment Managers, have done an excellent job creating a clear and compelling case for conviction -- which would stop him from running for office again. We cannot afford one more day, let alone four additional years, of Donald Trump’s recklessness and divisiveness as President. 

The January 6th attack didn’t happen suddenly. For years, Donald Trump primed his most fervent supporters to engage in this type of violence to help him maintain power. There is a mountain of evidence showing this. It can be found in his tweets, his rallies, his long-standing corruption, and elsewhere. As the Impeachment Managers so expertly proved, the would-be insurrectionists were standing back and standing by, just waiting for his command. What ensued was a violent and deadly assault not just on the Capitol and the people inside, but on our entire nation.

If the Senate doesn’t convict Donald Trump, it sends a message to him, and to countless others, that a leader of this country can subvert Democracy and get away with it. Thankfully, Trump's scheme to overturn the election was unsuccessful, thanks to Americans exercising their most sacred right to vote. 

Your Friend,

André