I think you are right that something else is behind this but I dont think the trap was about impeachment ,it was meant to get the Bush administration voted out of office.
When that didnt happen I would think there would be payback, bigtime ...
My fantasy is that Bush at some point puts the cards on the table and ends wiping out the Democrats ...is this only a fantasy? If not when does it happen?
Rove was the target. There was even a Television show based on "frog marching" about the same time. I forgot which show...but it sure struck a chord!!