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This column reflects the opinion of the writer. Learn about the differences between a news story and an opinion column.

A duly elected president

The catchphrase that Republicans keep using during impeachment proceedings is that the Democrats are trying to upend the “duly elected” president of the United States. However, the Constitution lays out a means of impeachment of nothing but a “duly elected” president.

The term “duly elected president” is utterly meaningless, because only a “duly elected president” can be put up for impeachment proceedings. Trump is being impeached (i.e., accused) because evidence clearly shows that he has violated the exact words placed into our Constitution … and yes, they apply only to a duly elected president.

That president lost the popular vote by nearly 3 million, but won the Electoral College because of tight victories in several key states. Yet by U.S. rules, he is still the “duly elected” president.

Bruce Barnbaum

Granite Falls, Wash.

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