CNN "The Lead with Jake Tapper" - Transcript: Interview With Rep. Ami Bera

Interview

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I want to bring in now Democratic Congressman Ami Bera of California.

Good to have you with us today, sir.

So, if Don McGahn were to say something that you feel incriminates the president, would you really expect that there could be more articles of impeachment in the House?

REP. AMI BERA (D-CA): Certainly.

I think it's important to understand the process we just went through. The House is responsible for doing the investigation and doing the oversight. And impeachment isn't recommending removal from office. Impeachment is actually bringing the charges.

So we thought there was enough evidence to bring article one, which was abuse of power. We thought there was enough evidence to bring article two, which was obstruction of Congress. And there was debate about a potential article of obstruction of justice.

I think that's what's taking place right now. We're still doing the investigation into that potential obstruction of justice. And that's where Don McGahn comes in.

HILL: The McGahn case, of course, heads back to federal appeals court next Friday.

Initially, Democrats wanted to move things along quickly. But would you now support a delay on the Senate trial until you know whether you would actually here, could hear from Don McGahn?

BERA: Possibly.

Again, we do have some concerns that Mitch McConnell, who kind is your foreman of the jury, which is the Senate, saying that he's already made a decision to acquit the president. That doesn't suggest a fair trial.

And I think the president ought to have a fair trial. They ought to see witnesses. Again, if there's additional evidence for a potential third charge, maybe you do delay for a bit, but you don't want to delay forever.

HILL: Maybe a bit, not forever.

You voted, of course, in favor of the two articles of impeachment. As we know, Speaker Pelosi is refusing to send those articles over until she learns more about how Leader McConnell plans to conduct the trial.

I'm curious. Now that you're home in California, what are you hearing from folks in your district about that decision? BERA: You know, I think folks understand that they'd like to see a

fair trial and understand the parameters of the trial.

I also think there are a lot of Americans that are ready to move beyond the impeachment back and forth and want to start focusing in on bread-and-butter issues like prescription drug prices, infrastructure, et cetera.

HILL: So, if they want to move beyond, we know Mitch McConnell had said, look, there's not going to be a resolution until the new year.

And there has been some pushback on the decision by Speaker Pelosi. Are you concerned that holding out on these articles is starting to negatively affect Democrats?

BERA: Well, I would hope everyone goes home for the holidays, and comes back with some Christmas cheer, and we're actually able to come to some consensus.

I know Leader Schumer and McConnell are having trouble kind of agreeing on what the parameters of a trial would look like. It's their responsibility. And, again, I would hope they come to a conclusion that there will be a fair and impartial trial.

HILL: Democratic Senator Doug Jones of Alabama signaling that he sees some gaps in the evidence that's been put forth. Take a listen.

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SEN. DOUG JONES (D-AL): But if those dots aren't connected, and there are other explanations that I think are consistent with innocence, I will go that way too.

[16:40:00]

There are gaps. Now, people can make up their mind with gaps in testimony. But I would like to see a full and complete picture.

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HILL: He would like to see a full and complete picture. Do you agree?

And are you concerned at all the impeachment case that's been put out there, what we know thus far from House Democrats, is not rock-solid, especially if there's a chance there may not be additional witnesses or evidence?

BERA: Well, I think Senator Jones is absolutely correct.

Again, remember, what we did last week was, we brought the charges against the president. Now it's about the trial presenting the evidence and presenting the case.

And then those jurists, like Senator Jones, will have to make a decision guilty or not guilty. HILL: And is there enough there if there is not additional evidence

or witnesses that are ultimately presented, if there is not an agreement here? Do you think there's enough to truly make a case at this point in the Senate?

BERA: Yes, there was enough to bring charges.

I think the reason why Senator Schumer is pushing for witnesses is Mick Mulvaney was in the room. He can either exonerate the president or support and corroborate the evidence that's been presented.

Mike Pompeo was in the room. John Bolton was in the room. These are folks that have direct facts. And they ought to be at that trial, so Senator Jones and all of the senators can hear all the facts and they could come to their conclusion.

HILL: Let's talk quickly 2020 before we let you go, of course, just days away from the new year. And the 2020 race will certainly dominate the headlines and politics.

Today on CNN, your fellow California Tony Cardenas endorsed Joe Biden for president. Which candidate are you endorsing in 2020?

BERA: Yes, I have endorsed Joe Biden as well.

And, again, I think he's the one candidate who can step into office on day one, reassure our allies. The president's been very disruptive in foreign policy. And, right now, we need someone who's ready to lead on day one. And I think that's Vice President Biden.

HILL: Democratic Congressman Ami Bera of California, appreciate you joining us, and happy holidays.

BERA: Thank you. Happy holidays.

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