Fact Check

Were GOP Senators Overheard Saying 'We're Up Shit's Creek' About Impeachment?

A tweet prompted some conversation about fake conversations.

Published Jan. 23, 2020

US Senator John Cornyn, Republican of Texas, speaks with reporters during a break in the Senate impeachment trial of US President Donald Trump at the US Capitol in Washington, DC, January 22, 2020. - In a somber and hushed Senate chamber, Democrats began presenting their opening arguments in the impeachment trial of President Donald Trump on Wednesday, accusing him of using the power of his office to cheat in the upcoming election. (Photo by SAUL LOEB / AFP) (Photo by SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Images) (SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Images)
Image Via SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Images
Claim:
Republican senators were overheard saying they were "up shit's creek" in regards to impeachment proceedings.

On Jan. 22, 2020, Joe Lockhart, a political analyst for CNN and former press secretary for U.S. President Bill Clinton, tweeted that he overheard the following comments exchanged between Republicans in the Senate:


The tweet received a large number of retweets and likes, however it wasn't true, as Lockhart pointed out in a subsequent tweet (which received significantly fewer retweets).

Lockhart admitted inventing the conversation he described, however, he didn't escape criticism for spreading misinformation.

U.S. President Donald Trump was impeached by the U.S. House of Representatives on two articles of impeachment, obstructing Congress and abuse of power. Impeachment proceedings began on Jan. 20, 2020.

Bethania Palma is a journalist from the Los Angeles area who started her career as a daily newspaper reporter and has covered everything from crime to government to national politics. She has written for ... read more

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