Taking impeachment off the table is a Spot on the hands of the Democratic leadership of the 110th Congress that will not go away. Like Lady MacBeth, they will find it impossible to wash away this stain.
They are clearly derelict in their failure to uphold their oath of office (to defend the Constitution). This will become known as the Congress that Would Not Impeach, even though possessed of an abundance of evidence. Oh, yes, I know all the usual rationalizations ("We don't have the votes," "There's not enough time," and other self-fulfilling prophecies). I've also heard that Deals were Made for our welfare, but the deal has been made is that the Democrats have shot themselves in the foot, and will now walk with a limp forever (Hey, I can pile on the metaphors with anyone!)
Bob in HI