From the White House to Capitol Hill, there was a sudden, 180-degree turn in the focus of official business. Republican leaders wrestled with the spectacle of impeaching a president in the middle of a war. On television, one set of familiar talking heads was replaced by another set. The Capitol was a virtual tomb, except for a few tourists. The House restaurant was ready for business with a special menu for the special session on impeachment, but shortly before 2 p.m. only three tables in the members' dining room were occupied.
People are pretty cynical.
It's a foregone conclusion he's not going to be convicted in the Senate. There was, perhaps, a similar attitude about action in the gulf that explained the absence of tension about the strikes. There may be a false sense of security. Minds on Other Matters All around Washington, the routine of the day was honored. In the morning, the Commerce Department put out its report on housing starts and in the afternoon, Agriculture issued its turkey hatchery count.