Judiciary Democrat says as a black man ‘the idea that elections can be undermined is not theoretical’

Rep. Hank Johnson (D-Ga.) said Wednesday that as a black man representing Georgia “the idea that elections can be undermined is not theoretical.”

Johnson said during the House Judiciary Committee’s hearing on articles of impeachment that Jim Crow laws demonstrated that elections could be sabotaged in the U.S.

“I’m a black man representing Georgia, born when Jim Crow was alive and well,” he said. “To me, the idea that elections can be undermined is not theoretical.”

He said his constituents, after living in a time when their voting rights were restricted because of their race, know democracy “is fragile.”

“I have constituents who remember what it’s like to live in a democracy in name only, and they can tell you what it’s like when powerful men undermine fair and free elections,” he said.

The Georgia representative spoke as the committee prepares to vote on articles of impeachment against President Trump Thursday.  

Democrats moved forward with articles of impeachment against Trump after a whistleblower report detailed him asking the Ukrainian president to look into his potential 2020 opponent Joe Biden. Days before he asked, Trump withheld military aid from the country.

House Democrats accused the president of abusing his power and obstructing Congress. A full House vote on impeachment could occur as early as next week.