Not surprisingly, Americans deplore the declaration of their current or former head of state as a criminal; in the 246-year history of the United States, no president, no matter how corrupt, has been charged with a crime.
Preserving the prestige of the republic defended, at least in part, the decisions not to continue the trials of former presidents Richard Nixon and Bill Clinton. But former President Donald Trump never paid attention to tradition, as did New York prosecutors who apparently announced on Thursday their intention to file criminal cases against him.
The Times editorial sees the beginning of a drama that will capture Americans' attention next year and further polarize their already divided country. The upcoming trial is expected to be a central issue that will cast a shadow over the presidential campaign, for which Trump hopes the Republican Party will choose him as its nominee.
Trump's impeachment set a potentially dangerous precedent for retired presidents, including President Joe Biden, who could find themselves victims of legal scores. For Trump, the stakes will be severe, not limited to his freedom, but politically his fate is also at stake.
If Trump gets the nomination, Biden may be the beneficiary if he runs for a second term. She added that Trump's base may remain with him, but the rest of America is likely to reject a man mired in scandals.
The battle sparked by Trump's impeachment will test America's devotion to the principle that no man or woman is above the law, she said, noting that he faces a host of other investigations, any of which could be fatal to his political career.