Trump Impeachment Quotes: 'They Are After You. I'm Just In The Way'

The historic impeachment of President Donald Trump, predictably, drew reactions from all sides. Here is a selection from some of the important and colorful quotes and moments from prominent politicians.

The best from the debate was probably this one from Rep. Barry Loudermilk (R-Ga.):

"When Jesus was falsely accused of treason, Pontius Pilate gave Jesus the opportunity to face his accusers. During that sham trial, Pontius Pilate afforded more rights to Jesus than the Democrats have afforded this president in this process."

Loudermilk was referring to the House Intelligence Committee not giving Trump or his representatives the opportunity to participate in the hearings, both closed-door and public.

President Donald Trump was at a rally in Battle Creek, Michigan, when the impeachment articles were put to vote. He told the rally:

“It doesn't really feel like we are being impeached.”

“We did nothing wrong. We have tremendous support in the Republican Party, like we've never had before.”

After the vote, Trump tweeted out an image containing a seemingly profound message for his supporters, which said: "In reality they're not after me. They are after you. I'm just in the way."

All eyes were on House Speaker Nancy Pelosi during the proceedings. She tried to strike a somber pose and tried to infuse gravitas to the occasion with her conduct.

"December 18th, a great day for the Constitution of the United States; a sad one for America that the president's reckless activities necessitated us having to introduce articles of impeachment," Pelosi said.

"If we do not act now, we would be derelict in our duty. It’s tragic the President’s reckless actions make impeachment necessary. He gave us no choice.”

An interesting moment during the vote came soon after the first article of impeachment was passed. As some Democrats in the House started applauding, Speaker Pelosi was seen turning to her right and quickly signalling them to stop.

Kevin McCarthy, House Minority Leader, was quick to seize the moment and tried to turn the tables on the Democrats' narrative:

"Disgusting. Democrats just started cheering and applauding after the first vote on impeachment. Didn’t they claim this was supposed to be a sad and somber moment?" McCarthy tweeted.

House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff, is seen as a deeply partisan figure after the way his committee conducted the closed-door testimonies and public hearings. His statements in the debate were true to form, and he also used the opportunity to excoriate his Republican colleagues in the House.

“All that matters to this President is what affects him personally: an investigation into his political rival and a chance to cheat in the next election.”

“I think when the history of this time is written, it will record that when my colleagues found they lacked the courage to stand up to this unethical President, they consoled themselves by attacking those who did.”

House Judiciary Chairman Jerry Nadler, a New York Democrat

"[Trump's] conduct continues to undermine our Constitution and threaten our next election. His actions warrant his impeachment and demand his removal from office."

Eric Trump

"I couldn’t be more proud of this man! @realDonaldTrump #USA"