I do not believe that David French is being dishonest when he speaks of the need for grace when dealing with the GOP, not with us. I do believe though he's not yet come to terms with how much the fear of Democrats having a weak counterbalance has hamstrung his good sense.

But what precedent exists that, once behavior is excused, whether it be enabling or active participation (and refusing to vote to impeach was both), that it becomes less likely to recur? The GOP is lost until the party and its voters are forced to reckon with sustained defeat.

All they will learn from being excused is that so long as you maintain just enough distance from whatever evil you enable you will not be held accountable. That you do not have to risk your power to do what is right because others will also compromise their principles to save you

This isn't about revenge, it's about sending a clear signal that no policy alignment will save you from judgment if you compromise on fundamental elements of our form of government. Defend liberal democracy or be retired from public life in shame.

Since when is that too much to ask of our elected leaders? That they not be willing to sacrifice the rule of law, a stable world order, and hundreds of thousands of lives, to keep their seats and at best get some judges that may weave in policy wins for them between affronts?

If you can't demand that of every person you wish to see elected then I genuinely have no idea what it is you want from our government.