MoveOn.org kicked off a nationwide campaign to impeach President Donald Trump Saturday with a series of “#ImpeachTrump” rallies and a “Day of Action” meant to inspire the far left to pressure Congressional legislators to undertake impeachment proceedings — even though the idea is generally unpalatale to most Americans.
But things didn’t quite go as planned.
The Washington Times reports that MoveOn.org expected massive turnout at 120 events in cities and towns throughout the country.
“Donald Trump’s abuses of our communities and country demand action from Congress, which has the responsibility and authority to hold Trump accountable. The next crucial step is an inquiry into whether to draft articles of impeachment,” MoveOn.org claims on their website, Impeach.org. “The time is now to push every member of Congress to act on behalf of the constituents, country and Constitution and begin impeachment now.”
MoveOn partnered with around two dozen organizations on the event, including activist group, Indivisible, the national Women’s March, Democracy for America, and CREDO, and looped in celebrities like Chelsea Handler and members of the cast and crew of “Modern Family” to help promote the event. Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), who is leading the impeachment charge in the House of Represetatives, was among those legislators and high-profile guests invited to speak at the rallies.
But if their intent was to create the impression that hundreds of thousands of Americans stood at the ready to impeach President Donald Trump, the effort failed miserably. Across the country, turnout was sparse, even in dedicated leftist strongholds.
In Portland, Oregon, “dozens” of protesters “packed” a park to listen to speakers talk about Trump’s sins against democracy.
#ImpeachTrump rally in Portland pic.twitter.com/uzJym2ZFnb
— Malcolm Nance’s Woodchipper of Justice (@mampdx) June 15, 2019
In Peoria, Illinois, protesters took up two whole street corners.
More from the #ImpeachTrump rally in Peoria, IL. @IndivisiblePIA @IndivisibleIL @IndivisibleMcL @MoveOn @IndivisibleTeam pic.twitter.com/l3GwXq2a5S
— Jill Blair (@jill_m_blair) June 15, 2019
The rally in Detroit, Michigan, where Rep. Tliab was scheduled to speak, was absolutely packed.
Nice turnout at the #ImpeachTrump rally in Detroit this afternoon. Soon to be joined by @RashidaTlaib! pic.twitter.com/m4loqRUVat
— Democracy for America (@DFAaction) June 15, 2019
There weren’t many protesters in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, but at least they had cake!
Shout out to the group in Milwaukee that gathered to mark @realDonaldTrump’s birthday with an #ImpeachTrump event. Join one of events today near you: https://t.co/wQHfGSXJbu pic.twitter.com/Oi8AA1KrII
— MoveOn (@MoveOn) June 15, 2019
Oakland, California’s rally featured Founding Father cosplay.
#ImpeachTrump #Oakland @IndivisibleEB @IndivisibleSF pic.twitter.com/pEWC1X7f6E
— Kelly Brainard (@kellybrainard) June 15, 2019
Even New York’s Indivisible, which boasted a “huge” crowd in Foley Square, probably had a tough time making that claim with a straight face.
Happening NOW: Huge crowd gathering in Foley Square to tell @TeamPelosi @RepJerryNadler that it’s time to FIGHT BACK, do your job & #ImpeachTrumpNow ! #ImpeachmentHearingsNow pic.twitter.com/ZCMLKnmga2
— Indivisible NationBK (@bkindivisible) June 15, 2019
That’s pretty tough. Worse, still, the President himself took notice of the meager turnout.
Yesterday was the Radical Left Democrats big Impeachment day. They worked so hard to make it something really big and special but had one problem – almost nobody showed up. “The Media admits low turnout for anti-Trump rallies.” @FoxNews “All around the Country people are…….
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 16, 2019
…..saying enough. Democrat voters want to hear the politicians talking about issues. This is a huge distraction and will only help Donald Trump get elected.” @JedediahBila “Greatest President since Ronald Reagan” said a counter-protester. LehighValleyLive
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 16, 2019
“Yesterday was the Radical Left Democrats big Impeachment day. They worked so hard to make it something really big and special but had one problem – almost nobody showed up. ‘The Media admits low turnout for anti-Trump rallies.’ @FoxNews,” the President tweeted.
“All around the Country people are saying enough,” he quoted. “‘Democrat voters want to hear the politicians talking about issues. This is a huge distraction and will only help Donald Trump get elected.’ @JedediahBila ‘Greatest President since Ronald Reagan’ said a counter-protester. LehighValleyLive.”
MoveOn.org which was, ironically, organized to oppose impeaching President Bill Clinton, promoted photos of the events, despite the rough result. They are promising a number of follow-up events which will, no doubt, be just as popular as Saturday’s rallies.