We previously discussed how polls do not show a shift in favor of impeachment after the much covered impeachment hearings in the House Intelligence Committee. Indeed, a poll in the key state of Wisconsin shows a shift against impeachment after the hearings. Now, a poll from Emerson College shows a surprising shift among independents with 49 percent now oppose to impeachment. Over all, Trump popularity have also shifted with a gain of five points to 48 percent favorability.
It is dangerous to put too much on such polls, but what is clear is that there has not been a significant shift in favor of impeachment after the hearings. Marquette University survey found 40 percent support impeachment while 53 oppose it.
I do not believe that impeachments should only go forward with public support. If members believe that a president has committed impeachable acts, they should impeach. Indeed, some impeachable offenses could well be popular with the public. However, the polls are interesting because of the abbreviated schedule of the Democrats. I have been critical of the rush to a vote by the end of December because it not only would leave an incomplete record but not allow the public to fully consider the merits of the impeachment. As I have said before, successful impeachments require a period of saturation and maturation. The Democrats are not giving the public enough evidence or enough time. It is not surprising that this approach has not moved public opinion.