On that question, they have failed to reconcile themselves to the polls. A post-acquittal CBS poll finds that 78 percent think he's guilty, though only 32 percent think his crimes merited expulsion from office. A few have conceded Clinton's guilt on the perjury charge, but the rest have either denied that the case was proved or have dodged the question by arguing that either way, the alleged crimes wouldn't merit the President's removal. And while their censure resolution may immunize them against the charge of moral indifference, it doesn't protect them from the charge of indifference to Clinton's apparent lawbreaking. Its language pointedly avoids accusing him of perjury or obstruction of justice.
Republicans smell their opportunity.
Pa. Rep. Jim Rogan, R., Calif., cited the same figure. Republican strategists will make Democrats carry that burden into the elections. Pundits often say history is written by the winners. They think this maxim shows how clever and cynical they are. Actually, it's half of a circular argument, and their failure to grasp this irony exposes their naivete.