I should've been clearer. The impeachment proceedings began just prior to a mid-term election that Republicans earnestly believed would give them 20-30 seats. Instead, they lost seats, primarily because Democrats showed up in force, galvanized by what was considered to be a ridiculous charade being done by the Republicans. Now Democrats are trying the same tactic, stalling the official proceedings until right before the election, with the hope that Trump will be damaged by it. It's a helluva gamble. If the Right galvanizes behind Trump the Democrats could possibly lose the election and house seats, giving Trump the power he needs to move his agenda forward, only this time he won't have the resistance from within his own party, and can see the wins as a mandate.