The president does not thrive in chaos — in politics at least. His reaction to the prospect of impeachment shows why.

There are observers, including critics of President Trump, who are skeptical of the push for impeachment. Not because he hasn’t earned the contempt and sanction of Congress, but because the politics are too risky. Will the public support an impeachment investigation in an election year, or will it turn away in disgust over “dysfunction” in Washington? Does Trump, who thrives on attention and chaos, want impeachment? Does he want his opponents to devote their time and energy to something that can only divide and polarize the public?

Before tackling those questions, let’s look at what has happened since House Democrats committed to an impeachment inquiry.