Meanwhile, a word about impeachment

by Tim Grieve

We've been locked into the indictment watch today, but there's always time for checking in on that other I-word. As lawmakers in Vermont and Illinois mount from-the-ground-up efforts to impeach George W. Bush, Democrats.com points us to this small nugget from a speech about the role of the Senate Robert Byrd gave upon returning to Washington Monday:

"Despite more than two centuries of pressures to change and 'modernize,' the Senate, as an institution, remains remarkably similar to the body created at the Constitutional Convention in 1787," Byrd said. "It retains all of its original powers, including providing advice and consent -- yes. You said it. You better read that again in the Constitution. It retains all of its original powers, including providing advice and consent to presidents on nominations and on treaties, serving as a court of impeachment. You better believe it, Mr. President. The Senate can send you home. You better believe that. If the House impeaches you, the Senate will try you."