Hundreds of people gathered for a demonstration in front of the Capitol on the eve of a House impeachment vote. (Saphara Harrell/Salem Reporter)
The word “impeach” flashed across the Oregon State Capitol on the eve of a House vote to impeach President Donald Trump.
Hundreds of people stood on the Capitol steps on the chilly December evening, joining cities across the country to rally in support of impeaching the president. The demonstrators skewed older, but many young professionals were in the mix.
Deborah Maloney stood on the side of the road waving a sign, waiting for cars to honk their horns in support.
“We want to reclaim our democracy,” she said.
During the rally, there was no set schedule. People would pick up a microphone and lead the group in chants or speak their minds about Trump.
Joseph Gramer said he was hoping there would be a demonstration about the impeachment so he could be part of the energy and “help keep the country from sliding into fascism.”
“This administration has assaulted truth and justice,” he said. “It’s horrendous.”
Gramer said he came for one simple reason: “Democracy. I would like it to continue in this country.”
In a place where the happenings of Washington D.C. are very distant, many said attending the rally made them feel empowered.
Jackie Hovey held up a lighted sign that read: impeach and remove.
“I wanted to come and hold up my sign to add my voice to the people calling for impeachment,” Hovey said.
She said she can’t really do anything until Trump is taken out of office and the problems that led to him are dealt with.
Even though Jo Hockenhull said the Senate will likely vote no on ousting the president, she said, “every time you put your face forward it helps.”
People chanted during Tuesday’s demonstration in support of impeaching President Donald Trump. (Saphara Harrell/Salem Reporter)
People waited for passing cars to honk in support of impeaching President Donald Trump the night before a House vote on the matter. (Saphara Harrell/Salem Reporter)
People held signs supporting impeachment during a demonstration Tuesday. (Saphara Harrell/Salem Reporter)
Salem joined a host of other cities leading demonstrations to support the impeachment of Trump. (Saphara Harrell/Salem Reporter)
Have a tip? Contact reporter Saphara Harrell at 503-549-6250, [email protected] or @daisysaphara.
