Ken Derow

Swarthmore, Pa.

To the Editor:

Re “Why I’m Voting to Acquit President Trump,” by Rob Portman (Op-Ed, nytimes.com, Feb. 5):

Senator Portman, you and your party have made three arguments. First, that soliciting foreign interference in an American election does not “rise to the level” of an impeachable offense. I’m sure you’re aware that many constitutional scholars say that this is exactly what the framers worried about. I suspect you’d see it differently if a Democratic president did exactly the same thing. By ignoring this blatant attempt at manipulating an American election, you’re opening a floodgate that will not easily be closed.

Second, you argue that the Democratic investigation was slapdash. If you were sincere you could have made it less so by voting to call witnesses. Moreover, Republicans also argue that this impeachment is too close to an election. You can’t have it both ways — every additional day that Democrats spend investigating is an additional day closer to the election.

Finally, you argue that the Senate should be addressing America’s problems. You will have ample opportunity to show that you are sincere by urging your Republican colleagues to take up some of the many bills that the House of Representatives has passed. As a voter in your state, I hope you do this, but I will also be surprised.

Keith Warren

Bexley, Ohio

To the Editor:

Re “Collins Will Not Support Removal of the President” (news article, Feb. 5):

Senator Susan Collins said President Trump has learned a great deal from impeachment. She is absolutely right. He has learned that his fundamental working assumption — that he can get away with anything — is correct.

He has learned that the Republicans will sacrifice the norms of liberal democracy to get re-elected. He has learned to use the White House and his presidential powers to enforce protection racket politics at home and abroad. And he has learned that the Democratic Party doesn’t have a clue how to stop him.