McConnell's the Gollum of the Senate. Shakespeare came up with Iago, but Mitch is more upchuck-worthy.
4
Wrong legislator in the column title.
McConnell is a traitor to his country. He doesn’t believe in the rule of law or the Constitution and is a disgrace to his party.
7
The two most-aggravating aspects of all of this are that:
1. the Trump Party insults America's intelligence with obvious lies that trump is a crusader against all corruption, obviously thinking that the American public is robustly stupid enough to swallow the ridiculousness that trump is an upstanding man of integrity fighting corruption, and
2. there actually are tens of millions of Americans who believe the lies.
4
On my husband's birthday, which happened to be day 1 of the Senate farce, for the first time it hit me like a ton of bricks; these people, McConnell, tRump, etc, are UGLY, they're morons & they're without morals. But this is just a show to keep us distracted as they destroy America. I, who had been confident that a Democrat would win 2020, suddenly realized these people will do anything to steal the election. McConnell isn't only UGLY, he's evil. Trump isn't only STUPID, he's evil. And that goes for the rest of them, all building a new government based on deception, corruption and evil intent.
11
All of the Republicans in the senate would rather destroy the Constitution not just Mitch, all are cowards.
2
Demagogue
take over
in progress
Which side are you on?
1
McConnell's sham trial emulates those of dictatorships around the world. He could give lessons to Maduro in Venezuela, Putin in Russia and Kim in North Korea.
3
McConnell made his prime goal with Obama : make him fail.
McConnell’s prime goal with Trump: shield the crook from consequences.
Disgusting.
4
This corrupt con man elected by a loser state that lives off the hand outs from high performing blue states leads the senate and strikes a decisive, fatal blow on our democracy!
How many of us can digest that?
3
The Republicans are like the three monkeys. See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil. The republicans cover their ears and close their eyes to the obvious corruption around them.
4
NYT: 01-22-2020...
"Trump Removes Pollution Controls on Streams and Wetlands". If you love Trump, keep voting so stuff like this continues. Have a nice Planet. https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/22/climate/trump-environment-water.html?action=click&module=Top%20Stories&pgtype=Homepage
2
McConnell's reward when he saves trump will be the
forever timeshare at Mar-A-Lago. Free golf for life.
2
Bread and circuses.
Mondale-Ferraro is coming.
McConnell presented 12 hour days, knowing that it would be the only compromise that the Republicans in the Senate would compromise on.
Really, does he think we are all that stupid.
He is colluding with the White House and should be charged with Impeachment himself.
6
Donald Trump is the most corrupt President in the USA's history. For some reason, he is being deliberately aided and abetted in his many crimes by the entire GOP organization - all the House GOP members, all of the Republican senators, all of the GOP organizations. What a bunch of unethical, immoral politicians we have elected. Unbelievable!!!
2
What a bunch of trash. Here's the scam: the House impeaches with "overwhelming evidence". I mean, wouldn't you want the evidence to be overwhelming when dealing with an impeachment? So the scam is that "we now need witnesses". To do what? I thought they had overwhelming evidence. No, the scam is to keep the attention away from all the great accomplishments of this president.
Shame on The New York Times. Again.
2
McConnell can never be impartial. His wife got a cushy job in the Trump Administration.
2
Oh, so Senate isn't getting the outcome that expected by the Left... The "overwhelming evidence" that the Prez was impeached ain't enough for trial to review and conclude to remove...? House lefties demand another investigation rather than a remove or not trial... since 3 years of investigating the "overwhelming evidence" doesn't seems to convince many other than hard adherents to the demagoguery of the Left...
Trump isn't a good person... bombastic, narcissistic... momentarily immature... but got many things right and center... Illegal immigration, economy, deregulation... knocking off Iranian terror mastermind... taxcut. House Left got nothing done for 3 years... mandated to change the outcome of '16 election... Only assuring Trump2020... :))
1
Time to "contact" Mitch McConnell to demand he allow all testimony and documents.
https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?p=contact
1
The Potemkin village trial.
The GOP are on record for denying witnesses and documents for a "trial." Yeah, they tabled Schumer's amendments to the rules.
And all so that they can shove it in at the tail end of the "trial."
Is there ANY courtroom in America where this would pass muster?
1
So frightening, Noah Bookbinder, that the future of our democracy rests in the human hands, the votes, of 100 Senators who will decide whether President Trump will be acquitted of his abuse of power or removed bodily from office. How can a trial take place without facts, witnesses and documentation? We want a fair and just verdict on Donald John Trump's Senate Impeachment trial. The trajectory of our democracy now rests in the judgment of our Republican Senators. Will American democracy prevail or will the Senators put party loyalty above allegiance to our country? We pray the Senators will vote their consciences.
56
Who is such a horrible person to keep up the Senators until 1:00 AM AND deprive them of coffee during session??
1
So how do we proceed to get rid of McConnell and this GOP Confederate scourge?
Just because they can, will they? Then hopefully they will be over once and for all. We hate cheaters a.k.a. Republicans in office. Good luck y'all.
There was once an angry Virginian and British throne sympathizer who shouted at Mr. Washington after signing the Declaration: "What did you just bloody give us?"
His retort: "A republic, madam. If you can keep it."
She then spat.
The old lady just won.
Is it really necessary to publish any more photos of McConnell?
"One suspects that they would react very differently if, for instance, President Barack Obama had been accused of asking a foreign government to investigate Mitt Romney."
Yeah. No kidding. But President Obama would have been impeached, removed, tried, convicted, and imprisoned long before, immediately following the revelation that he paid $130K hush money to a porn star paramour during his campaign.
2
Impeach them all!
And pack the supreme court! More judges everywhere!
What will it take for the fine people of Kentucky to rid us of this cynical soul?
1
This country started going downhill years ago; most likely around the Vietnam war. The imbalance of power and wealth, the blatant lies and corruption and the total lack of compassion and respect for our fellow Americans, let alone non-US citizens, is nothing short of, shall I say, deplorable.
With the election of this man, the single worst POTUS in history, and the inevitable pass he will get on his unabashed destruction of laws and our Constitution, will be one of the last nails in the coffin of democracy.
What is happening before our very eyes, in real-time, is the defeat of the United States of America.
This time.
This day
This moment.
These days will go down in history, alongside slavery, Post-Pearl Harbor concentration camps, Vietnam and the murders of JFK, MLK and RFK, as the worst in our history.
If this man is re-elected, our time as a nation is short lived, Like Rome and all other mighty empires, we will fall. It is not a matter of if, but when. The Republican party is doing what no foreign power, nuclear weapon or disease could do. And they are doing it in plain sight, without any guilt whatsoever.
I feel sad, truly sad for my kids and those who will come after us, long after we are dead and gone.
#TakeAmericaBack #VoteDemocrat
4
Mitch McConnell's legacy will be that of a man, for the sake of his party, allowed our constitution to be soiled and tarnished for his own personal gain. I loathe McConnell and I hope that history remembers McConnell for the gutless, cowardice human being that he is. I have no respect for McConnell or the Republican Party.
Vote Democrat like your life depended upon it. Send Republicans home (tails between their legs) in 2020.
2
This resume imparts zero credibility.
"Mr. Bookbinder is the executive director of Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington."
The problem with this "credential" is that I would have to do a lot of research to figure out if 1) this is a partisan organization and/or 2) a propaganda mill.
If this article is to be of any value you have to know these things first. The NYT needs to tell us this as I really don't want to invest the time to figure out if I am being played or not. This resume imparts zero credibility.
Articles like this make me chuckle. "Senators must conduct a fair and full trial", Noah Bookbinder cries. But what he really cares about is not that, but a conviction.
It's a little like a lynch mob who grabs a man they suspect of murder. Many in the mob shout, "Hang him!" But the leader is wiser than that. "No", he says. "We must first give him a fair and full trial, and then we hang him."
2
Mitch McConnell , Nunes , Ted Cruz... Pompeu. Pence. and rest of the Trump’s gang should be removed by force, all together. They have no interest to work for the american people.
2
Mitch McConnell is the most corrupt Senator in the office for a long period of time.
Now finally he found a partner in crime in trump also his corrupt wife Elaine Chao ,whose father is known to be a corrupt buisnessman..
It is impossible to understand most of the speech he utters with his clenched teeth or whatever, never apologizes for his onesided wrongdoings.
He has on motto, win the election by any means.
There must be someone in KY to beat this corrupt manipulator !
History will not be kind to him.
2
If you ate most of the cookies in the cookie jar, and your blabber-mouth sister saw you do it, then who is the last person you'd want your mother to talk to about the missing cookies?
The R's know Trump did everything he is accused of, and probably a lot more, but if somehow they can keep their chatty-Cathy sister quiet then Mom will never figure out what happened to the cookies.
It means these supposed smart people are using the logic of a somewhat precocious 3rd grader to defend the president. How embarrassing for them
1
If the Senate white-washes Trumps crimes against this country...i can no longer respect its laws, as they are no longer fair and impartial.
1
Mitch completed his the Mephisto Waltz long ago. His wife is beholden to his Master; cuckold by business and trade deals that benefit her family. In only a decade, he’ll be 87, and this will be his epitaph. The Trump family won’t even send flowers. And as only a very stable genius could say best, knowing words (in all caps)... SAD!
1
Simply disgraceful, Mitch. Shame on you!
4
McConnell and every senator who supports him are as corrupt as their gangster leader.
They all are traitors, every one, to our country’s ideals and will go down in history as a debased mob. They uphold no values of patriotism, honesty and integrity. Their eternal legacy of dishonesty and debasement will memorialize them forever as utter destroyers of American democracy.
8
Kentucky...this is your problem. 286 days...Colonel Amy McGrath is your answer!
4
Seriously, what is wrong with these people? What do they find so admirable about Donald Trunp that they will leap on the garbage heap of history along with the Vichy French and other Nazi collaborators. Trump is dangerously insane, surrounded by crackpots and grifters. That becomes more obvious daily, and all the facts they are hiding will come out before the election. It's like they are in a sinking rowboat, and bailing with a fork. Is there a moral cowardice requirement to run for office as a Republican?
4
What Mich is doing is stonewalling using the senile Dershowitz' opinion. Executive privilege has no meaning in an impeachment-trial. It is not a legal process. Invoking constitution is meaningless here. You must know history to understand why an impeachment-process was instituted for dealing with a constitutional crisis and dilemma when a misuse of power is involved.
Stupid republicans are under a delusion they are winning. Idiots do not understand that they will become the laughing stock of history. They will be eternal losers. They will also lose the 2020 election. By giving a chance for a fair-trial there is a small chance of their winning the election. Many of our president's lawyers and advisors are in jail. Reasonable people he appointed as well as the honest people with courage to stand up to him have all been fired. Others resigned in disgust. These are facts Mich knows!
2
McConnell is Trump's Mitch
2
'The American People Are Being Scammed by Mitch McConnell'
* that's exactly what Merrick Garland said
2
There is a cancer on the presidency and it has metastasized to only one side of the congress and senate.
4
Those who say McConnell will lose the long game are right. He has not only damaged the Republican Party but he will be remembered by history for his shameful groveling before Trump, the worst POTUS in history.
But McConnell doesn't care about history. He cares about the raw use of power. Now.
So don't try to shame him into valuing justice over partisanship. He, and many Republicans are literally shameless.
9
Let's be blunt. McConnell is a traitor, putting party and self interest ahead of truth. May he be remembered as such.
9
"The Law Is Dead! Long Live King Corruption!!!"
2
A fair trial requires unbiased jurors.
This disqualifies the following Senators, who have announced PRIOR to the trial, that they will vote for impeachment
Michael F. Bennet D-CO
Richard Blumenthal D-CT
Sherrod Brown D-OH
Kamala D. Harris D-CA
Martin Heinrich D-NM
Mazie Hirono D-HI
Amy Klobuchar D-MN
Edward J. Markey D-MA2020
Tom Udall D-NMRetiring2020
Elizabeth Warren D-MA
Bernie Sanders I-VT
At the minimum, of those in the list above who are running for President need to be disqualified.
Given their constituencies and their desire to win, they have an unsurmountable conflict of interest
1
And the idiotic Times does not publish comments that state the obvious: the constitution is trash. Needs to be rewritten from scratch.
Own up the problem or we will have a dictatorship like Russia or China.
1
House Democrats didn't seem to think they needed to convince anyone outside of their caucus before voting to impeach. It seems they may have rushed on purpose, opening the circus before getting their acts together, so they could feign defeat rather than failure.
7
@SSS
You cannot seriously believe that any member of the GOP caucus in the House would have been convinced. Devin Nunez was part of Trump’s conspiracy, for pity’s sake.
41
@SSS
Sorry. But it sounds like they've got their "acts together" to me.
And try as you might, you can't ignore the FACTS because they speak for themselves.
24
Like others writing I weep for your corrupted country.
4
America is used to being scammed. George W Bish scammed us into 2 unfunded wars. Now Trump scams us on a daily basis. The republicans taking cue from their president, scam all of us. We are very scammable. We are very gullible. The world knows it.
4
"The American People Are Being Scammed by Mitch McConnell. Again." There, fixed it for you.
3
It's becoming apparent that neither the Democrats nor the Republicans are prepared to conduct anything resembling a "fair and full trial".
Neither.
For the NY Times to unload on one side ONLY and not unload at all on the other is not exactly "fair and full reporting".
1
Whatever happens, McConnell's legacy will forever be one of corruption and the betrayal of his country. His disgrace will live on long after he is dead. His grave will become a site where people deposit offal as he is now and will forever be reviled.
5
You lie.
The Senate is required to hold a trial into the “treason, bribery , high crimes (felonies), and misdemeanors” alleged in the Articles of Impeachment.
There are no crimes in the Articles currently before the Senate.
There is no requirement to do anything but go thru the motions and get this farce over.
1
The fundamental judicial review has to be Trump's own behavior. The whole Trump drama is shouting for attention to the fact that Trump is totally unqualified for the White House. The chief quality of a leader is wisdom and Trump does not have it. He has a brilliant mind along with an emotionally challenged brain. Trump has two personalities. One projected by his brilliant mind and the other by his insane brain. His insane brain personality believe that he is the expert in chief, the boss in chief, the very law in chief and that he alone knows what is best for the country.
His brilliant mind figured out what the Republican majority was looking for in the next president and though he did not believe in their dreams he touted himself as the one to give them more than what they wanted. They wanted a bone he gave them steak sprinkled with his own fake sizzle. He has drawn his base into such a frenzy that the Republican leadership is trapped in his popularity.
Instead of going after Trump behaving illegally in just one affair the Democrats must go after his ineligibility for the White House on account of his insane brain
Focusing on Trump's insanity will highlight America's #1 problem. Our mind education ensures well educated minds but our missing brain education produces emotionally challenged brains. Emotional health (EH) is the foundation of health and yet there is no testing or manual for EH. Emotional baggage disorder (EBD) must emerge as our #1 priority out of this drama
1
This scam impeachment should be given the respect it deserves, which is....NONE. The obsessed Dems can't be trusted as far as you can throw them. As for new evidence and witnesses....a wise man (me) once said...."Never give cannonballs to someone who has a cannon aimed at you". Carve that in granite. One day Trump will be gone, but, the New York Times credibility is gone forever.
1
Republicans: you have no first hand witnesses!
Democrats: we do have first hand witnesses, you will not allow them to testify!
Republicans: you have no first hand witnesses!
rinse....repeat
by the way, and most of the republicans in the House and Senate are lawyers and know this: first hand witnesses are viewed the same in federal court as second hand witnesses and documents. The same. And they know this. They are counting on the press and the electorate to not understand this important distinction.
Red Herring justice. It's pathetic and disgusting.
McConnell & Co don't care.
We can't ever expect them to honor their oath.
Vote. Give money to campaigns that seek to overturn any GOP incumbent.
But the Democrat case should be: "Why do you refuse to allow witnesses? What are you trying hide?
You must be guilty".
Roberts should hang his head in shame. The Chief Justice presiding over and allowing farce to proceed.
"Scheming profile" photo - selected by design or happens chance!
If Trump is acquitted, the next Democratic president should ask Ukraine to launch an investigation into him and all his cronies.
"When senators take an oath to uphold the Constitution, they assume the grave responsibility to conduct a thorough and fair trial on behalf of the American people."
Oh, don't take oaths so seriously. You're such a baby. The truth is whatever we all agree it's is, so relax and don't expect people to be so honest. If you libs would stop looking for the truth and just believe what Trump says you'd be a lot happier.
(This comment was meant sarcastically.)
McConnell, in his safe and gerrymandered seat, cares not one wit for what NYT or other fair-minded folks think. Like Trump, he follows the money . . .
34
The Republican Party is a hoax.
The GOP does not exist anymore.
.
1
In a normal trial these "charges" would be dismissed with prejudice at the start, and there would not be any further proceedings. this editorial lacks credibility
All the DOJ documents implicating Trump are hidden in McConnell's neck.
The Republican Party is now nothing more than a perverse cult dedicated to it's false deities of personal political power and Donald Trump.
Never, never, never, never, never, never vote for another Republican. Even the least corrupt among them serve the machine.
3
Well well. Color me surprised.
No, they are not. He knows exactly what he's doing.
MM is securing blessings of liberty to himself and his posterity.
He knows the clock is running out on the power of the white man in the USA and with unlimited campaign financing, vote suppression, gerrymandering and court packing, he's ensuring the White Man Brand continues on for many generations.
It's calculating, diabolical, despicable--Written by a white guy who's not afraid of whatever these guys fear.
Very compelling case. But only if the Biden's are clean, and they are NOT. Joe even brags about it on video. Then an investigation into influence-peddling prior to issuing aid passes the common sense test.
https://www.breitbart.com/clips/2020/01/20/schweizer-no-coincidence-that-biden-family-deals-took-place-when-biden-was-vp/
https://twitter.com/i/status/1209301257107603457
McConnell is a true patriot who is protecting our President and our democracy. He ia a constitutionalist par excellance. He will go down as one of the greatest Speakers of the Senate. Forget about LBJ and his liberal cabal.
McConnell is a crook, plain and simple. He uses the government as a means to an end, mainly to serve the corporate oligarchs who are his masters. He cares not for the Constitution, the country, fairness or justice. He will go down as one of the most reviled politicians in our country's history.
2
Am I getting this right? I do not (perhaps) follow politics as attentively as I should.
Mr. Sessions--a member of the US Senate--was being considered for Attorney General.
"Considered" means "considered." You speak FOR the guy--you speak AGAINST the guy. If you have evidence pro or con, you introduce it. There is a discussion--am impartial weighing of the guy's credentials.
Then you vote.
Ms. Elizabeth Warren--another Senator--rose to introduce evidence. The evidence was contained in a letter written some while earlier by Coretta Scott King. A woman (I imagine) whose opinion might be relevant.
In this letter, Ms. King questioned the "civil rights" credentials of Mr. Sessions. He was unlikely to be a reliable friend to black people's civil rights.
Mr. McConnell SHUT THE LADY UP. Compelled her to sit down and be quiet.
She was (he declared) "defaming" (or whatever) a fellow Senator.
I decided way back then--and I had other reasons besides--
--THIS GUY IS CORRUPT.
Corrupt to the core.
A worthy champion for America's most corrupt president.
Miror non bene convenire vobis says Martial.
And here they don't even much like each other.
Odd.
McConnell Russian puppet. I am frankly shocked at the behavior of this guy.
What country, what constitution does Mitch McConnell actually represent in this trial?
Vladimir must be joyfully raising his glass to him this evening!
...while Our democracy dies in the darkness.
1
McConnell and Trump are the unfettered toxic twins destroying our democracy.
1
We now have proof, if any were needed, that the United States of America is no better than the shabby, junta-run, banana and drug cabals that litter the planet, bribing and extorting their way to wealth and power. We have lost any fragment of the honest, corruption limited paragon we once tried to be. Shame on these so-called 'republicans'. We couldn't "keep it".
2
McConnell is a complete disgrace ~ to his sworn duty as a Senator ~ to America ~ and, to himself. To block any and all pertinent Impeachment evidence from being heard is not only 100% wrong, it is coming from the depth of greed and corruption.
McConnell drives the Senate in the wrong direction. "Our" Supreme Court is now a stacked deck. And, "our" Attorney General is a pathetic lap-dog to Trump.
Where is honest "Justice" in America, anymore ?
Not in Washington, D.C.
1
You can't support the senate majorities opposition to a fair trial and still support America, it's founding principles, and democracy as a whole. It's that simple.
Trump drained the swamp and now all that's left is a field of mud. All that remains now are pigs. But pigs can be a stubborn bunch, just drive down to Texas and ask them about the hogs.
To my dismay, I saw a Republican senator on today's news actually complain about Adam Schiff not presenting any new evidence. Was he kidding?!? His party are not allowing new witnesses to be called. This is such a sham! The American people will have to speak up. I agree with Linus, CA; the only way to see the back of this president is for the Democrats to win back the Senate and vote for the Democrat's choice for candidate. So if you're sick and tired of this very unfair system and a President that cannot lead the country in a dignified manner, then go out and vote in the primaries and the election. I live overseas and will definitely be sending in my ballot this year. Just remember, our granchildren will be shocked when they read this in their history books.
38
Another absolutely disgraceful performance! I can only wistfully, perhaps niavely hope that on some distant day, Mitch, you will look back on this episode, and so many others like it, with something approaching shame and regret at your betrayal of so many Americans.
Given that McConnell is blocking witnesses and documents I hope Bolton gives a major media interview—and soon—to a reputable journalist, a la Lev Parnas, so that the public can learn the information that way. No matter what Bolton and other material witnesses would say under oath in the Senate trial, we know the Republicons will acquit. The most important thing is to get the truth out there to the American people. Doing it the proper way in the Senate trial is of course preferable, but in end truth will out.
Democrat pursuit of impeachment never had anything to do with justice.
You don't kick a player out of the game for pass interference (a highly subjective call in football).
Democrats have had only one goal, from the beginning, to disrupt a Presidency.
Let's be honest, liberals are still angry that Hillary lost...STILL throwing a tantrum.
1
If Mitch McConnell saw someone poison the Democrats’ water pitcher, the first thing he’d do is look around to see if anyone else had noticed. Does anyone who recognizes the name Merrick Garland not think so? Mr. McConnell announced that his oath would be a lie before he took it, for crying out loud. There is no trial, just an empty farce. And if there were no Internet he'd be sending the newspaper delivery routes to thugs tasked with overturning the trucks. But thankfully we CAN hear and see the facts, even as the Republicans in the Senate cover their ears and eyes. WE the people have to vote as the jury this November. Look, listen and VOTE!
The Democrats knew going in that they would never get enough votes to remove Trump from office. They should be applauded for having the integrity to go forward and expose Trump's corruption and the GOP's complicity. At any other time in my life, I would feel comfortable predicting that the process would guarantee Trump's loss in November. Sadly, my country has changed in a way that I never expected, and this pathetic, cruel, ignorant megalomaniac may get reelected. Very sad times.
McConnell, the most powerful man in the U.S. The world? For those who value truth, the most despised man in the world. A true hypocrite of the highest order. Can we impeach him, please?
1
Only the vilest of persons would let the most momentous act of their public life be determined by Mitch McConnell. Republicans will be irredeemable after this vote. The whole lot of them.
2
Trúmp & his merry men will win in 2020 not from votes but by cheating thanks to Putin. McConnell knows this, his soul was sold years ago.
Yes, so elect Amy McGrath. Veteran, patriot, American
2
Makes the McCarthy era look like horseplay...
1
Dear blind editorial writer,
Every single president in living history , all the way back to Clinton (probably further) has under gone impeachment trials that do nothing but smear their name.
Every single presidential impeachment trial has had the same out come. You don't have the 2/3 neccessary to impeach, it was all nothing but an abuse of process to smear a sitting president.
We have "Impeachment exhaustion" , I'm afraid.
We don't want to hear about it anymore.
“As I always say the three most important words in politics are: cash on hand.”
— from the memoir of Mitch McConnell, the most corrupt politician in the USA
1
Certainly says one heck of a lot for the people who keep re-electing him..
1
This is about old white men doing any and everything to keep to remain in power. It's been going on for centuries.
Just one quick question, did the democrats conducted a fair impeachment case, satisfied the American people? The answer is NO... the author unfairly wants McConnell to conduct a fair trail !!!
McConnell will go down in history as the destroyer of democracy. Trump's actions have been upheld only because of this corrupt enabler. The very name of McConnell will be used as a verb for dirty dealing.
2
McConnell is a traitor to Democracy because he refuses to allow independent thought and debate. If America converts to a Communism of Oligarchs or turns into a Monarchy, McConnell will be remembered for hundreds, if not thousands, of years as a traitor to humanity. He has already betrayed his state and his fellow statesmen. He still has a chance to help save the Republic. But not for much longer. Pretty soon, upon his current trajectory, he will become completely irrelevant to the future, apart from a pathetic legacy.
1
Mitch
Deep down
You know
There is no depth
No grace
To be found
When you are
Impinged
Beneath the ground
No rose to keep
A tombstone looking ‘well kept’
Or a passerby
Glancing
And knowing
It was you.
Mcconnell is the most anti-democracy US citizen ever!
1
Baloney.
It's not up to the Senate to do the work that the House failed to do.
The only substantive difference between the rules passed today and with Clinton is that the Republicans can object to hearsay and cross examine. And this, only because Schiff and his band if miscreants disallowed these processes in the House hearings.
This is a farce, as the text of the articles prove.
Abuse of power ?
"...that would benefit his reelection, harm the election prospects of a political opponent, and influence the 2020 United States Presidential election to his advantage...."
That, is a series of opinions with no substantiation and easy to refute, and could be said of almost every action the President has taken since he's been in office.
Simply put, there is no such thing as obstruction of Congress. Congress doesn't get to tell the Executive branch how to run its afairs, and vice versa. That's called separation of powers. Congress doesn't have to like it.
The radical left wing Democrats and their cohort are going to pay dearly for this in the next election cycle.
Couldn't happen to a better bunch.
1
All you have to do to see where Mitch McConnell's priorities lie is glance at the statistics about the state he has helped govern since the mid-1980s. By any measure, Kentucky is a mess*. It is poor, unhealthy, under-employed, non-competitive, poorly educated, addicted, and despairing. While Mitch has been off playing tactician, his state has continued to sink. McConnell is a heartless, cold, ruthless man who is out for himself. Maybe the chickens are finally coming home to roost.
* Kentucky: / #46 in Educational attainment.. / #46 in Poverty. / #43 in Employment. But #5 in receipt of federal subsidies & #1 in obstructionist politicians
1
McConnell should be impeached for withholding evidence of Trump’s crimes & for lying under oath to be impartial.
I beg every enraged person here to donate to Mitch McConnell’s opponent...
1
They are all his peons. These GOPers
Such hyperbole and spin
1
McConnell has been a cancer on the Senate for way too long.
1
Impeach McConnell.
Where's Bolton?
McConnell is a disgrace, but I think of how idiotic the Clinton impeachment was and can understand why some would embrace the option of a motion to dismiss.
Lawrence O’Donnell made 2 important points about the Framers’ inclusion of impeachment. First, there’s no judicial review, making it unique in American law. Second, and perhaps more important: Senators originally were selected by state legislatures, and were meant to resemble the House of Lords. The Framers never thought that Senators would be subject to the same petty concerns of electoral politics that governs the actions of the House of Representatives.
I don’t know what the answer is, but a couple of possibilities are term limits on Senators or moving impeachment to the Supreme Court. One of the best things about federal judges is that life tenure frees them from concerns about whether following their consciences will result in loss of position.
12
I have an above average IQ, so I process data well, and apply reason and common sense to make decisions. Trump is a very corrupt man who has been given a pass his entire life, enabling him to get away with unethical, dishonest, and amoral behavior. He thinks he is above the law. After this trial, he may very well be above the law, however, millions of people such as myself will remove him in November. The Republican Party is hopefully going to pay at the polls for their complicity in this tragic show of dishonesty in ignoring the facts that point to our President’s guilt.
1
Two things:
Why don’t the dems who speak; especially Adam Schiff who has been great; why dont they point out to the solid block republicans (who know full well Trump did what he is accused of) that they are scared of Trump’s wrath and what it will do to them? That is what prevents them from voting to impeach. They are scared.
They know this is far far worse than a sexual dalliance with an intern in the oval office, the subject of the last impeachment. I do not condone what Clinton did with Lewinsky at all, but compared to Trump’s behavior and trying to bribe Zelensky is far more dangerous to our country.
When pitted together these two facts make Ken Starr look absurd, Dershowitz a foolish showman, and republicans like cult members who cannot think for themselves and their oath of office.
4
They are terrified to live up to the standard of upholding the constitution they took an oath to do. Trump literally has them by the.....and he is squeezing hard. Its very simple and very despicable. History will not lie.
2
Mitch a scammer, you think?
This GOP , I call 'The posee of the Three Monkeys' sit and half-listen to testimony because the entire group made up their minds a long time ago. Djt will remain in the office no matter what. The common denominator they all share is that power is more important than our Democracy.
Maybe, just maybe the four 'swing' Republican senators will have the courage to cast a yes vote for witness testimony if it is for no other reason than to be remembered in our history books as true Patriots of our Constitutional Democracy.
I pray that our children read about this period in our short history as a time when our Democracy was badly bruised but not defeated.
It isn't just Mitch McConnell.
Every elected Republican to congress is part of this, and Justice Roberts just tries to look serious as he "presides" over a "trial" that lacks any essence of either. He is a stooge and this is what a show trial without any aspect of justice looks like.
The one thing Nadler got right is that Republicans are corrupt. They are devoid of ethics. It is time to stop playing both-sides games that don't check in with reality.
1
You can't say you're an Scalia-style Originalist and then ignore the constitution as it was framed by the writers.
1
Who's running against Mitch in the next election, I want to send them a donation.
1
What does "fair" mean? It's just a subjective take by those using the word. The traitor on trial, for instance, uses the word frequently, for anything or anyone he disagrees with, no matter the TRUTH, no matter the FACTS.
Here we are again, asking for "fairness". It doesn't exist.
McConnell with the tricky deals he has made with his father-in-law ( McC's wife is Secretary of Transportation) to benefit his home state should be impeached himself and then tried and thrown in the same prison that Trump will wind up in for all his crooked deals in and out of office.
1
The American people are always being scammed by every member of Congress. At the moment McConnell is one of the more obvious. Get used to it.
"They are being given a stark choice: do what is right for the nation or do what is politically expedient for the most corrupt president in American history." If they have an ounce of integrity, the choice is clear. We The People, too have a choice in the elections of 2020 and beyond. Senators, you have been warned!!
I am still have difficulty understanding how in every walk of life lying has consequences (lie to police, jail, to the spouse, divorce, in school, expulsion, etc, etc..) but not for a president. Thousands of lies, slander, malicious attacks, threats and more, yet, this criminal remains. Not only does he remain, he is aided and abetted by a host of nefarious actors. I think this is just the beginning for the United States, despite who wins the next election.
1
..imagine you're on a plane that's been highjacked. It is flying towards towards the most vital target in the country. The highjackers have fuel for another year, possibly five!
Flight 93 v2.0
This is the dilema
1
The sad truth is that Donald Trump has been a lying, cheating, racist, proudly ignorant failed businessman for decades. He will never change. The deceitful lack of fairness, civility, honestly, patriotism, and respect for the rule of law can be laid directly at the feet of Mitch McConnell, who is doing his very best to destroy the integrity of the impeachment while destroying the once-honorable functions of our Senate. McConnell will be described by historians as the man who did more than any other to destroy our nation's honor. Trump will be a mere footnote in the long and painful story about McConnell's cynical and self-serving behavior.
2
As an American, I am not being scammed so much as abused by McConnell. Scam implies deceit. There is no deceit here. McConnell is acting brazenly and the rest of the GOP is cravenly complicit.
2
As a former New Yorker who left decades ago, I had fond memories of reading the New York Times as a window to the wider world. I knew at that time that NYT pages transmitted a bias but it was cloaked in a coverage, countering viewpoints and veiled objectivity that one could accept. Flash forward to today - I have since lived and worked across the globe and been exposed to government and politically charged media - the New York Times has deteriorated into a sensationalist rag in which its sole business is now reinforcing a very narrow and shallow view that its readership shares of the world as well as America. It's articles are rooted in driving emotional rage driven politics rather than objectivity, moderation and understanding of the different views which are now driving this world and America at large. This 'Opinion' article is yet another log on the fire.
I urge readers of this newspaper to travel, work with and talk to Americans across this land to better understand how the media supported circus of the last few years only fuels their desires and hopes to continue to punish the 'political class' and 'intellectual elites' of the coastal cities who through attitudes reinforced in this and other coastal media have led to the rise of this current President. The disconnection is real and until it is bridged improved understanding which forms a common purpose and identity, this country will become increasingly divided -
1
OK, republicans, you're gleelful that Mitch McConnell scheduled no testimony, and until you heard some bleeting of protest from republican moderates, you had scheduled the 'hearing' of the prosecution's basis for these two narrow articles for impeachment to occur way past bedtime hours.
It's all a big joke to you all.
Trump tried to divert money meant to provide military assistance to an ally of the U.S. You are restricting testimony associated with this Trump action. Let's laugh uproariously....Ha, Ha, Ha.
Do republican senators have any sense of right or wrong?
Do they have no strength of character to demand that testimony and evidence be considered, and decide this trial on the merits and facts?
Do they honestly believe they exist solely to blow in the winds of whatever is released from Trump's mouth, and not to vote their consciences and moral beliefs they were taught by their parents?
Is staying in office more important than doing what is constitutionally right or wrong?
1
"We are doing very well. We have all the material. They don't have the material." D. J. Trump 1/22/2020
1
One of the most important and valuable lessons learned from Mitch McConnell in this never ending nightmare is to make sure the Democrats take back the Senate on November 3rd. Beating Trump is also imparative.
2
It would be exciting if the Democrat worthies in Congress like Schiff and Pelosi would get this excited about a Single Payer Health care plan or Free college tuition or a 4 day work week as they are about impeaching a man who is merely overtly corrupt as opposed to the smooth and legal corruption they enable everyday by taking corporate dollars from K-Street.
Republican Senators seem to forget that the President works for US citizens. For some reason these spineless Republican Senators think they work for Trump.
Pence for President ! Make America Sane Again. MASA
Get rid of Trump.
1
I believe that Mitch McConnell has finally sunk low enough to warrant an eponym.
An eponym is the person, place, or thing that something else is named after.
So, if a person is a totally corrupt and deranged politician they would be called a "McConnell".
I am at a loss to characterize Trump yet for an eponym.
Maybe after he is removed from office and successfully prosecuted...
We the people could reasonably be described as the "Trumpled masses".
1
And now we question leadership? So many in the sphere of Washington are simply protecting themselves and a career. Friends, we are in dark times. I fear the hands of fools are now
forging the future of America.
2
All this is a partisan farce, both sides, in this circus there are not good guys or villains only politicians acting like...well ...politicians, sorry for being so cynical
Trump's straw boss, McConnell, is serving his master and not the people. McConnell has no shame or conscious and should be called out.
1
Trump and McConnell have much in common. History may depict them as attached at the hip. Different heads, same heart.
Scammed? Only the Fox / Trump followers have the critical thinking deficit allowing them to be scammed.
The rest of us are being bullied by McConnell and his unified band of thugs.
This may be America's last chance to save itself. But the past three years have given me no evidence that any Republican will do the right thing.
2
The impeachment was a scam long before it got to the Senate.
LOL ethics. In it not dead yet? When democratic principles like rule of law are ignored, I expect democracies to come crashing down everywhere. Putin wins.
Keep voting for Republicans. I hope for the end of American Democracy because...it never existed.
Scam, sham, flim-flam man. I prefer 'farce'. Doesn't matter what you call it though, our great democratic experiment is over, our republic lost, it's ideals dead. There is no justice, because if there was, McConnell, Lindsey, Nunes, and all the other evil minions of Trump would be hanging from the rafters. It's too late. It's demise is sad and maddening beyond words or measure, but still, not even a ripple in the big ocean of All That Is. It doesn't matter in that Big Scheme of Things, because in our greed and ignorance, we have killed our planet too. Maybe that's best, that we leave and let life try to start over without us.
1
McConnell is the poster boy for term limitations. He should no longer be a senator; he no longer represents his voters - he represents Trump. He is Trump's lackey and puppy dog.
But being in his position, he wields incredible power. He has to be removed from the senate - feet first if necessary.
Whenever I see his tortoise-like face, I want to send him off the Galapagos to spend the rest of his life alongside his fellow creatures.
Hey catch up! McConnell has no interest in doing the right job or thing for the nation, or the sanctity of the US Constitution. He doesn't care for such nostalgia. He's long past that stuff. And neither does Trump. Or Graham. They have moved on, leaving the rest of usbehind in the aftershocks dust. There is but one solution - dethroning the wannabe King and his Princes thru the ballot box. Until then, they will flaunt their power and deem us all their miserable subjects, and laugh into the night.
1
The Republicans will not live up to any standard of decency.
They will protect Trump so they can protect their jobs.
They know he's corrupt. They know he is guilty of the charges. He bribed and blackmailed Ukraine. He obstructed justice. He knew the Russians were cheating and trying to get him elected. He encouraged it.
He obstructed justice. He continues to obstruct justice.
He is the most vile man.
And yet.
The Republicans will not do the right thing.
They won't.
What a horrible time in this country.
1
Have not heard trump bragging about the tv ratings of his Impeachment trial , or they higher than Clinton’s?
Say what you want about Mitch McConnell but he isn't trying to make fools out of the American people. He knows we aren't being fooled. He just doesn't care.
28
"...voters showed that 69 percent of Americans want the Senate to hear evidence and witnesses in the coming days." Senators ignoring this fact and continuing to aid and abet a cover-up are going to be targeted this election for removal because Americans won't put up with this level of blatant corruption. Disregarding our laws and Constitution for a political cover-up is beyond the pale. Worse than Nixon's Watergate. The senate is also on trial and they are failing the country miserably.
189
That poll result is ridiculous. Probably less than 10 per cent of voters have any knowledge of how impeachment proceedings work or what the constitution says. Most of them do not even know their senators’ names that represent them in the proceedings. Yet 69 per cent agree. Please!
2
Trump, Sen. McConnell and the other Republicans in the Senate seem to be under the misapprehension that the Senate is Trump's legal representative, and therefore claim that, like any other attorney for a party, the Senate doesn't have the obligation to prove the "other side's" case. But contrary to what Trump and the Republicans may believe, the Senate is supposed to be JUDGING Trump, not representing him. Judges have a moral obligation to consider all of the available evidence.
393
@Jay Orchard "Judges have a moral obligation to consider all of the available evidence." They also have a legal obligation to do so as evidenced by the oaths they took.
36
@Jay Orchard "Moral obligation" is a phrase without meaning to today's Republicans.
21
I doubt there has been any behavior as dangerous or disgraceful, during my lifetime, as that now engaged in by the GOP Senators.
Sure, the government and individuals leading the government have done horrible things. But until today, I'm not aware of anyone in the government simply cutting the cord to the emergency brake which our founders provided.
514
@mitchtrachtenberg
Hmmm. How about HUAC or segregation now, segregation forever, how about Japanese internment camps? Of course, if you're younger there's always Guantanamo and the Vietnam War. Even though this is bad, it's actually a tough case to make that this is the absolute nadir.
5
@brooklyn I disagree. As I stated, the government and individuals leading the government have done horrible things in the past. Those horrible things, horrible as they were, were not systemic damage. The current GOP Senators are destroying the ability of our system to repair damage and heal itself.
Perhaps the November elections will, by luck, enable the United States to repair its government. I wish I had more faith that this would occur; I have next to none.
46
@brooklyn It's a tie at the bottom.
14
This trial is being held in two courts: in the Senate and in the court of public opinion. McConnell may win the Senate battle, he will lose the war of public opinion. The vast majority of honest and objective American voters will not stand for the GOP cover up and will vote to convict in November.
733
@rab
You hope, Trump once said he could shoot a guy in the middle of Fifth Avenue and get away with it. His actions with regard to withholding aid to the Ukraine is the political equivalent to that statement. Yet he still has 85% to 90% support along self-described republican voters.
There are other voters who simply don't care what Trump does as long as they get to keep their tax cuts and their portfolio value rises.
We are in very dangerous times.
158
@rab But with voter suppression, gerrymandering and who knows what voting machines, will our votes count?
57
@rab
Part of the problem is the 40% of Americans who approve of Trump listen to Fox News and will never hear the truth.
130
Was there anything fair about how McConnell handled Merrick Garland's Supreme Court nomination?
This is blood sport. Their's nothing fair about McConnell. Never was.
1166
@C Our Senate has devolved into an arena for bloodsport; not an august deliberative body, thanks to McConnell.
50
@C
And Obama should have countered in blood sport style by making the recess appointment he was too gentle to do. Dems need to play relentless hardball.
72
@C: If nothing else, Mr. McConnell is fascinating to watch and consider. It's as if he thinks he's in the court of Henry VIII, and his only role is to thwart all opposition in the most Machiavellian of ways. To keep "his man" on the throne regardless of the damage done. Do you think the ultimate frat boy (although never the president of the fraternity) refers to the rest of us as "the rabble?" Mr. McConnell is the ultimate bureaucrat. The only thing that matters to his dark soul is "the process" that brings about the desired result.
21
Things have come to a sorry pass in the United States as one political party denies public access to truth. As far back as I can remember (and I'm 81) Republicans have always wrapped themselves in the flag asserting their "Americaness", their devotion to "law and order", and moral superiority. Today the mask is off and what we are seeing in their behavior is, in the least, traitorous hypocrisy to the principles of Democracy and Truth. The most fundamental aspects of this country's belief system and social contract are under attack. We must ask, "What follows?"
5
There are not enough words, to describe how low McConnell and his actions are. He has in essence, gutted the Constitution.
He has doomed our democracy to at the very best an autocracy. With Trump at the helm, it could be much, much worse than that.
Trump supporters seem incapable to understand or recognize what is going on.
3
How can anyone expect McConnell to fairly preside over a charge of "abuse of power" against a fellow Republican after he robbed president Obama of a supreme court appointment.
3
For McConnell it will be short-term gain for long-term pain.
His reputation will be the same as Joseph McCarthy.
3
Trump doesn't need to cheat to win the next election which is why the Democrats are panicking and attempting this coup d'etat. They know that Sleepy Joe Biden can't win and neither can Liz Warren. The only person who can win is Bernie Sanders and that is just as bad for them as Trump winning. Oh the humanity.
2
We are not being scammed, tricked, or otherwise fooled into thinking one thing is going on while it is really something else.
Mitch is blatantly saying that his side will let the president from his side do whatever he wants, and there is nothing you can do about it.
3
If the Senate had a Democratic majority, there's a strong chance that conviction of Trump would still have failed to receive the necessary 2/3 majority. But at least there would have been a sincere effort to weigh existing evidence and press for more facts.
The GOP gag rule unleashes a sad progression: the ruthless promoters of a superficial, truthless trial shape the descent of a toothless democracy.
2
Are not Mitch McConnell’s actions to obstruct justice also impeachable?
3
Mr. Bookbinder ignores that fact that McConnell is simply following the rules that were agreed to by ALL the Democrats and ALL the Republicans for the Clinton impeachment -- those rules were passed with a 100-0 vote. He also ignores the fact that it is a bit hypocritical for the Dems to complain now about fairness when they showed total unfairness (to Trump and to the Republicans) in how they handled the House Impeachment process, from secret start, to refusing to let the Republicans call any witnesses, to refusing to let Trump's lawyers question the Dems witnesses, to delaying the forwarding of the Articles of Impeachment for a month. The Dems are losing this one big time, and their only hope is to falsely claim that the process now isn't fair. Nonsense.
Not only is Sen. McConnell scamming the public, but he seems to be conning his fellow Republican Senators as well.
Yes, McConnell seems to have been animated for years by some sort of dark force that led him to abdicate any greater purpose than defeating all attempts at governance by Democrats. But what are the rest of the GOP Senators thinking?
Has he really led them to believe that by holding the line as though this were a football game, and not a matter determinative of our nation's future as a democracy, they are going to accomplish something other than "win" in the hollowest of senses?
It seems he has -- and that's the con. Because by acquitting Trump, all that these senators will accomplish for themselves personally, and in their personal political careers, is the betrayal of their interests as Americans and the consequent foreshortening of their future in elected office.
For It's just a matter of time before the President's lack of ethics comes home to roost. If it hasn't happened already, and Trump remains in office, there is nothing stopping him from pulling the same monkey business when he stands to gain from manipulating domestic spending.
So, wake up GOP Senators. When Trump's corruption hits the headlines next, when his tax returns come public, when we learn of all the versions of Ukraine that have been going on here at home, not a single one of you Republican sheep are going to evade America's outrage.
2
We are watching this happen, tied to our seats. Schiff is speaking to history; there is no review, no recourse, and McConnell feels no restraints.
Roberts is reduced to feckless finger wagging exercises in both-side-isms. Imagine if he as a Supreme Court Justice were allowed to question the attorneys, as he and the others do in court.
We are left to wait for November. when the fate of the President is left to a relative handful of people in a few states who aren't even listening -- many of whom let Fox and the President's twitter account tell them what to think about it.
There is better hope that the Republican Senate majority will be overturned in the next election. But not much.
Reason is the grisly fatality in this McConnell-led murder.
1
Republicans like to make rules to benefit themselves. One day, we might have a Democrat president who does more outrageous things than Trump, and the Democrat senate leader will employ the same tactics as McConnell. And then the Republicans will rend their garments.
As sure as the sun rises in the east, so too is Trump's acquittal an absolute foregone conclusion -- I'd bet my retirement on that.
So, with that in mind, why not let McConnell's patently lop-sided rules prevail? I hope that Trump's team does call for a dismissal at the first opportunity. And I hope every single Republication senator votes in favor of it. I hope this entire thing wraps by next week. The scammier the better.
The worse the carnage to decency, fairness, and justice -- then, maybe, that many more disgusted citizens will vote out the GOP den of thieves come November.
1
I am appalled by all of these pundits who state in their opinion pieces that " The American People understand----).
It is abundantly clear that "the American People' understand little and care even less.
2
You can't Con an honest Man. McConnell could not scam a base that wasn't open to be scammed.It is no question Trump did wrong. Problem is to protect their Forty Acres The Right have put blinders on. The Left's argument that the polls say their should be witnesses in the trial I think will not move the unmovable. If there was a poll before the Civil War asking was it worth fighting a war to end Human Bondage I doubt if the war would have been fought. Doing the right thing is not always doing the popular thing. Real leaders bring people along not follow polls. McConnell's job as Trump's straw boss must have rewards for McConnell because it has none for the country. McConnell doesn't seem to care that in the history books he will be portrayed as a very small man whose claim to fame was being a lackey for Trump.
If Trump was innocent, he could have ended the "witch hunt" right away many months ago just by releasing documents and allowing testimony.
1
Separate of power is the foundation of our government. Each branch is given certain powers so as to check and balance the other branches. It was set up in the first place exactly in order to avoid the abuse of power or a dictatorship.
Trump, the House of Representatives, the Senate, the judge (John Roberts) are all given their powers, and they are executing their power.
The U.S. senate is doing nothing wrong. They are doing their job to check and balance. As a jury of the impeachment court, it represents the voice of the American people. The fact the senate is now controlled by the Republicans, means that the American people is getting sick of the Democratic's nonsense. The Democratic Party needs to rethink about their policy and strategy. Otherwise this impeachment chaos will hurt badly in the 2020 election.
Americans who consume nothing but Fox News and other right wing media have no clue whatsoever about any of the facts in this case. They are under the illusion that Republicans were excluded from the House investigation...not true, they were there pounding their fist, and not really asking the witnesses any real questions but decrying the fact that there were witnesses to ask questions of. They wanted some witnesses that are irrelevant - the "whistleblower" who should stay confidential (but they blew up his life anyway) who is irrelevant because the other witnesses told the same story--in fact some of them may have been the ones who reported to him in the first place. The Bidens...this is not about them, it's about Trump...whatever the Bidens did or didn't do (and what Trump and Giuliani has tried to accuse them of has already been investigated and debunked) was never the point of the hearings. There was enough in the hearing's testimonies though to go forward, and the complete and total disregard for the subpoena powers of Congress and obstruction of witnesses to impeach. Trump whining about not getting to defend himself....well, he was invited...and he declined...because lying to Congress as he most surely would -- that would impeach him for sure.
2
Trump and his lawyers have argued over the years that even if he shot someone on the streets of NY, he could not be investigated nor prosecuted. Mitch McConnell and his fellow Republican senators and congressmen seem to agree that the President is above the law. Here's the thing... what if Trump were in the act of shooting people randomly? Could anyone act to stop him? Would the secret service instead be compelled to act to prevent anyone from stopping him? Could he just walk down the street randomly shooting everyone in his path and no one could do anything because he was president? What if he didn't just try to get Biden investigated by a foreign government but actually shot him to death? Would Trump be held accountable for killing a political adversary? This is a slippery slope. When Republicans say he is above the law and can impede an investigation, fail to honor subpoenas, essentially do anything he wants as long as the economy seems to be going okay (I would argue it isn't), what are they doing to our country? Is there no way to prevent him from criminal behavior (such as conspiring with foreign nations against the USA)? My father and grandfather both saw serious combat to protect and defend our country and its great constitution. These guys won't even allow witnesses or demand that Trump release documents. I fear our democracy is in real danger, and that our generation of free Americans may be the last.
1
Mr. Bolton,
If you are reading this and have something to say that the American people should know about what Trump has done, you need to act now. If the GOP won't allow you to testify in the Senate, go to the House, if the House can't act quickly enough, go to the press. Whatever you do, DO something. Trump is fast on his way to ending our republic.
Clearly, Collins, Romney, and others are far too cowardly to step up to the plate.
1
The House didn't have a fair impeachment by denying the Republican witness, it is only fair that the Senate deny Democrat witnesses. That is what I call a fair trial.
1
If McConnell continues to protect Trump, clearly Trump will understand he's really gotten away with the scam of a lifetime & set off on a rampage.
Doubt if if it will help Republicans at the polls in November if Trump goes more rouge than he already has been.
You’d think there would be some outliers in the Republican Party. Some number of men or women who know what is right and act accordingly. Why is no Republican is granting interviews, saying this is wrong? No Republican is announcing that they’re not running again because they cannot walk in lockstep with their Party anymore. It is astonishing.
It’s as if we’re living through the actual Zombie Apocalypse. All these so-called moral, religious, righteous Republicans have joined a cult led by the most sinister, criminal, immoral President in the history of the United States. It is truly frightening. We, as a country, are going down in flames. The heart breaks.
2
I am exhausted, sad and disgusted about McConnell and all members of his Trump Party and their utter contempt those who would vote them into or out of office. They stand for nothing. They have no convictions besides winning. I agree with Rick Wilson that none of them will criticize their criminal leader and that these senators are part of a criminal and evil enterprise.
If you look to any of them to change their blanket support of their president, you will probably be disappointed for as long as they hold onto their power. It’s incumbent on some new and exceptional democratic strategies to defeat them at the polls.
2
One possibility is a Mike Pence presidency just scares the bejeezus out of Mitch. The other possibility is Mitch is just too much in love with the power he has and delights in throwing shade on anything he finds not worthy. Since his world view excludes much of today's realities he prefers the blinders he puts on as majority leader.
I listened to some senate speeches today...
The Republicans' statements are all obfuscations, redirections, denials and lies.
The Democrats backed up their statements with recorded testimony, and make an excellent case that Trump is guilty of violating laws and obstructing foreign policy with his own political needs.
3
I read the comments questioning whether or not Senate Republicans will choose party over country. It’s possible their choice is far more sinister. They might actually favor over democracy a form of government no one here ever expected, let alone contemplate. The GOP is either ignorant to the danger their one-sided impeachment “trial” poses, or in fact, they know exactly what they’re doing. Either way, we are one election away from deciding our republic’s fate.
1
If you agree with the author, vote in November. Get all your friends to vote in November. That's the only way that we can recover is to vote Trump, McConnell, and all the other Republicans we can out of office.
1
Mr.McConnell’s coordination with the White House was his outspoken strategy in advance of this trial. He had no intention of honouring the Oaths of office and this trial are concerned. He is blatantly prejudiced and has no business being counted in as a juror. He will be judged by the people now and history will not be kind to his corrupt character. It’s amazing to me that he would sell his soul for the likes of this President. But having said this, John Cronyn said today there was “nothing new” in Adam Schiff’s opening statement which is also amazing as he voted against having evidence and witnesses. Any Senator that votes against having evidence and witnesses is obstructing and disrespectful of this whole process, and the precedent of having a fair trial. They will not be judged as honest by their constituents especially considering they don’t know what the evidence and witnesses will even swear an oath to.
1
The saddest part of this whole impeachment affair is watching McConnell lie, cheat and steal his way to an impeachment acquittal. Because of his position and what he has done as Senate Majority Leader over the last several years, he is far more dangerous to our democracy than Donald Trump. I can’t help but think back to when he would not allow Obama’s SCOTUS nominee, Merrick Garland, a senate hearing; it was unethical and un-American, but it was also a mere preview of his evil to come. And now he now tops his blocking of Garland by creating a kangaroo trial for the Donald Trump impeachment. It’s both heart-wrenching and disgusting. It is thanks to what America used to be that there are now many other democracies on earth, and some of those far exceed what we have now become. If I was a younger person, I would consider relocating to one of those real democracies.
1
Go ahead, McConnell, rig the trial. It doesn't change the fact that those of us who've educated ourselves as to the facts of the assertions made by the House know those assertions to be truth. There is an election coming and you are old. Your time will end. And when it does, I hope the youth of America rise and take this country where it should be, where people work together and have respect for one another, not denigrate classes of people because of their lack of money and prosperity. Our founders envisioned a country where people have the power. McConnell is killing that dream.
1
'do what is right for the nation or what is politically expedient
for the most corrupt president in American history"
And what is politically expedient for the most self-serving, partisan Majority Leader in history. Mc Connell has done
and continues to do irreparable harm to the integrity of
the Senate , to the separation of powers as a founding
principle, and to the future of the Republic.
1
"The president’s allies in the Senate must ask themselves whether they would brush aside such serious allegations if someone else was occupying the White House."
Joke, right? You can't seriously think they're capable of any sort of self-reflection.
1
The good citizens of Kentucky need to bring impeachment charges against Mitch McConnell.
He has clearly not been true to his sworn oath of upholding the Constitution of the United States, now making a mockery of the duty of the U S Senate to conduct a fair impeachment hearing of a sitting president.
Bob Newman
1
Mitch is an obstructionist. He prevents Senators from fulfilling their constitutional duty.
1
Democrats, make continual motions and have Justice Roberts wake up and make some actual rulings. He knows he is presiding over a rigged process.
1
I have absolutely no doubt that 100 Senators have a pretty clear idea of the president's misconduct, criminality and obstruction and the extent to which it has infected the entire administration. The only question is whether they want the truth laid out in front of the Senate and the American people. I think we know the answer already to that question.
1
Until McConnell is removed, the US Constitution is effectively in abeyance.
1
Why do even have a Senate? Mitch McConnell is acting on behalf of the president's defense team. He has already reached his conclusion on impeachment, in advance of the hearings, and without witnesses and documents. He said as much in public.
In other words, the McConnell Senate is a rubber stamp for the Executive Branch. McConnell has no respect for the Senate, his own institution.
Mitch McConnell should just pack his bags and go home. We don't have a Senate any longer. We only have an executive branch.
There is a word for an unchecked executive branch: a dictatorship.
2
In my seventh decade, I have lived to experience an America that held out great promise of a prosperous and peaceful future and to witness a time as momentous in America's young history as the days of its birth. We are now present for either the death of the republic and the rise of tyranny, or proof that the Constitution, devised by the wisdom of the Founding Fathers, can prevail over the combined threats of a demagogue and a disloyal faction of his enablers. May the Constitution prevail!
2
Unless the “whistleblower” is called to testify then this trial is a complete sham. The whistleblower is not some employee of a corporation,; this person is responsible for setting in motion the impeachment of the president of the United States. As an alleged employee of the CIA, and as an Obama advocate, the American people demand the right to know if there was anything sinister and nefarious in his accusations and how much of a part did Adam Schiff and his staff play in pushing impeachment forward.
1
So the American people are onboard with what the majority leader is pitching? Hey, Mitch great job!
Enough of this constant badgering of the President and the Republican majority. The House produced an "indictment" that is incomplete and politically partisan, yet the commentariat says nothing while solemnly intoning about how the Senate is remiss in dismissing this farce with the speed appropriate to it.
1
The real scam here is that Mitch's wife Elaine Chao sits in Trump's cabinet overseeing an industry, transportation and shipping, that her family makes a lot of money on. If Mitch were to cross Trump then she's fired and the gravy train they are on flies off the rails. Conflict of Interest on a massively important scale.
1
I'm thinking of a new bumper sticker:
"Schiff Happens!"
McConnell is perhaps even more devious and dishonest than the Trump legal team, which has offered little more than ignorance of the facts, misleading on the Constitution and the law, and willful lies in a desperate attempt to undercut the House case among Trump's ill-educated sycophants.
This procedure is nothing like that used for the Clinton impeachment, which was tried in the Senate after four years of enforced witness depositions - including a couple by Clinton himself, who also turned over tens of thousands of documents. Yet, still, three additional witnesses were allowed at trial.
This abomination of a trial is intended to reach a singular goal: to get it done as quickly as possible, with as little public scrutiny as they can manage, and conclude with a pre-determined verdict established in active conspiracy with the defendant.
1
If the President has been "put there" by God and is his mouthpiece, he should be allowed to be governor as he is doing "God's work." It matters not if he is corrupt (and many other nasty things) as long as he stays there to get us ready for the Rapture. God will allow the righteous to prevail, even if they have to sell their souls along the way.
Seriously, the behavior of the entire GOP in the Senate is motivated by SOMETHING. McConnell can influence but they do have to agree to go along with bizarre bustles in hand.
Dear Mich, how can a senator from a state that provides so little to the American economy have so much power?
The Senate Republicans no longer serve the
American people. They serve just one man , Donald J Trump.
We the people have the power to remove each and every one of them at the ballot box.
1
You know what an “abuse of power” looks like?
It’s refusing to enforce laws you don’t like. It’s refusing to collect a tax Congress passed because you’re worried about the political/electoral effects of your own signature policy. It’s writing brand news statutes because you can’t get Congress to act. It’s spending $ without an appropriation. It’s ruling with your pen and your phone. ALL of this was illegal.
Asking Ukraine to investigate possible corruption, regardless of the identity of the subject, is not only not a high crime of misdemeanor, it’s not illegal and, indeed, should be precisely what we expect the President to do.
The Democrats started this impeachment process on 11/10/16. No one ca serious believes that the basis for it is anything other than their passionate hatred for Trump and their sputtering fury that his policies actually work.
And since when do the Democrats give a fig about what the Founders intended? They answer to the twitter mob, not the Framers.
The Constitution specifies three grounds for impeachment. While an actual high crime - perjury - wasn’t enough to persuade Democrats to put aside partisanship and convict, in the absence of any actual crime, they intend to let partisanship be their guide again.
The Founding Fathers of this country never even dreamed of the possibility of a President, who will do ANYTHING to further his own interests, including lying, bullying, obstructing and outright fraud, and a Senate with majority members putting their party and power above the Nation's interests. They assumed everyone would be on their best behavior with the Nation and Constitution paramount in their mind. They never envisioned a Trump and a corrupt Republican Party.
Too bad they did not select a Parliamentary form of government, which would have allowed the government to be booted out by a simple no-confidence motion instead of a long-drawn impeachment process. What they ordained has resulted in:
1. An Electoral college system that ignores the will of the majority of the voters, something that never happens in any other democracy. It goes against the very definition of democracy!
2. A "state" with just one congressperson can still have 2 senators, making its clout the same as that of California, a mini-nation that could be the 10th in the world if it were an independent nation.
3. To avoid "Tyranny of the Majority," which is an oxymoron in a democracy, they introduced instead the "Tyranny of the Minority"
How was one person (McConnell) allowed to exert so much power over the Nation? What a corrupt system!
And, we are stuck with this system forever, since no Constitutional amendment can pass through the fly-over-country states!
Very wise Founding Fathers indeed!
Republican Senators exhibit "Profiles in Cowardice and Hypocrisy". Woe is the American way of life when a President can invite foreign interference in American elections and 43% of the electorate are fine with that.
I'm happy I'm old...but I weep for my children and grandchildren.
1
I have a feeling that the only thing that would constitute a “fair” trial for some people is one that would guarantee Trump’s conviction.
One can only assume the Republicans are dear, they sure didn't hear themselves take the oath.
We have, in my opinion, two very critical and contrasting things at play, neither of which can nor should be ignored.
1) Removing a President from office in the final months before an election is a catastrophic and extreme action, the consequences of which cannot possibly be understood beforehand. Anybody who suggests that doing so does not create at least as good of a chance of "losing our Republic" as inaction is a fool. Why? Because only roughly half of the public believes in removing him from office. This is not a convincing statistic. I do not blame the Senate for not wanting to remove him with such weak support for doing so. Their inaction is a result of the position of the public, not the other way around. We must face the facts that the public simply does not support such a drastic action enough to warrant it (at this time).
2) The actions of the President are reprehensible and should not go unchecked. Perhaps the impeachment itself will provide him enough of a deterrence for the remainder of his term(s). I do not personally believe that it will, however, it is certainly possible. The problem more lies with what he does afterwords, if not removed. Most of us who have endured this Presidency realize that a quick acquittal by the Senate will only embolden the man. Hopefully these Senators who are about to publicly hide from avoiding this obvious injustice will have the courage to at least let the President know that they will not hesitate to remove him from Office.
Why not?
While I think the Democrats' impeachment effort is doomed to failure, I'd do the very same thing if I were them. Why not? Maybe it will work, and doing nothing certainly wouldn't work. Definitely worth a try! Why not?
The American people are being scammed by this administration and today Trump is proposing cuts to Medicare and Social Security. We knew that was coming. He needs to be impeached before he turns America into a third world country.
1
The only possible excuse for the spineless Republican Senators' response to Trump abuse of power and obstruction of Congress is that they know that kompromat exists on each of them. How much Russian/NRA money did Mitch McConnell distribute to his Senate colleagues?
1
I happened to hear some of the Fox "News" impeachment coverage late this afternoon (it was on at the gym and I didn't have control of the remote). So, I listened to the talking heads. I decided to remain optimistic and keep an open mind - maybe they'd have some reasonable thoughts about how a trial should be run?
No. For ten minutes several of them carried on about how 1) the trial was just boring and not good for TV ratings, 2) someone on the Democratic side sounded like the teacher in Charlie Brown cartoons and probably wears mom jeans, 3) the marble against which the speakers stood was ugly, and 4) this is all just a waste of time and the Senate should just get back to serving the people.
Clearly the strategy from the White House down through the Senate and all the way to Fox is to discuss everything and anything but Trump's misconduct.
Oh, and this afternoon Lindsey Graham also said this trial was unfair because the Democrats just want to "take down this man." (So next time you're caught red-handed committing a crime, folks, just remember this defense: you can get off if you feel that your accuser doesn't like you.)
So McConnell's "trial" is indeed a sad and dangerous travesty of justice. And since the GOP media arm is falling into line as usual, its audience will never understand this. Disturbing.
1
McConnell's actions in snubbing Merritt Garland and then ramming the Kavanaugh nomination through so outraged Democrats and others that voters flooded the polls during the midterms and gave us a Democratic House and almost a Democratic Senate. If Trump isn't removed, I hope the electorate again responds by voting Trump and his sycophants out. I know it's a long shot, but I can hope for the sake of the country.
1
..."only these 100 senators "-- Founding Fathers could not think of a scenario wherein some senators would not behave as objective jurors--and just think of the Right only!
This is a trial. The Chief Justice is the Judge. Senators are Jurors. Since when does a juror get to define how the trial goes. That is the responsibility of the Judge.
Mitch McConnell needs to sit down, shut up and be a juror.
Why do we still spend enormous energy hoping that the Republicans do their duty when they’ve clearly stated their allegiance is to the dirty lying Trump. We (still) have a vote in November. Let’s either elect every Democrat on every ticket or quite simply stop moaning about how the country is lost- we’ve got 1 chance to do what is right, if we don’t vote blue up & down (regardless of who wins the nomination) then I’m sorry to say, we deserve this lot.
Watching from the outside, I am utterly flabbergasted to see a nation that speaks so eloquently of honour, duty and love of country utterly fail at basic justice and call it legal. What am I missing here? How can this be happening and not have people rise up and call this villainy? If this were theatre it would be cheap farce. But it is the highest level of American democracy and it is unrecognizable as anything that could be called “government”.
You are all sleepwalking over the edge of a cliff? Is no one going to wake from the evil trance and sound the alarm? Who would answer?
1
By continuing with the Senate trial, Democrats unwittingly build sympathy for President Trump. We will not know the final verdict until the American people cast their ballots. That will happen on November 4, 2020. If Democrats wonder what might happen, why not examine the elections of 1972 and 1984? As George Santayana wrote, "Those who do not learn the lessons of history are condemned to repeat them".
“Republicans livid over Nadler’s ‘cover-up’ accusation” Title of a Politico article. Of course they are conducting a cover up by refusing to allow witnesses and documents. Do they think we, the American People are naive? We will show them we are not naive at the poles this November.
The best remedy for democracy is another election.
Nobody's being scammed. The people of this country know exactly what's going on (it's being blasted in our faces 24/7 by every media outlet in existence), and we will have a chance to vote on it November 3rd. Democrats, if you're so sure Trump is wrecking havoc on our country, put your money where your mouth is and let's have an election. If you can't convince the public you don't deserve to be in power.
If we impeached Presidents on a regular basis for various sorts of criminal malfeasance we might end up with some Presidents who are not criminally malfeasant. As of now it seems that at best most of them are, if not all of them are criminal wrongdoers--starters of wars, facilitators of lies, hustlers of money and pride.
Mr. Trump certainly has pushed the envelope more extremely than his predecessors, but we'd be far better off if we made impeachment far more common. Next time a President declares the right to kill people on his word alone, throw him out. How can we expect decent leaders until we show those in positions of power that they will be held accountable when doing wrong?
Let's start now. Better late than never.
The Republican Senators are bums.
They don't deserve to hold national office.
The next several elections hopefully will put an end to this nightmare.
The American people are learning we must pay much closer attention to whom we elect to office. One seemingly mild or admirable and responsible seeming person - witness Susan Collins or Martha McSally - can turn out to be someone who has only the loosest intention of protecting our democracy. If that intention is there at all. And may not be if they believe acting with conscience threatens them remaining in office.
And that's a generous description.
And some of them are much worse.
1
“But honestly, we have all the material. They don’t have the material.”
That's what President Trump said yesterday in front of news cameras, essentially bragging about obstructing Congress and denying documents to Democrats.
How Mitch McConnell or any of these other GOP toads can even look themselves in the mirror is beyond me. Absolutely appalling.
1
Mr. Bookbinder, I'm not being scammed. Republicans are enabling Mitch McConnell to obstruct justice and undermine democracy and the rule of law. It's not JUST McConnell; it's the entire GOP supporting a corrupt president, obstructing justice, undermining our military, intelligence and foreign services and their experienced personnel. And if too many Americans keep siting on their hands or just tut-tutting, McConnell and the GOP will succeed. Vote them out, people!
1
The fact that this “scam” can happen in broad daylight is the real problem. No one wants to say they the emperor we call our wonderful constitution written by slave-owning oligarchs two and a half centuries ago and 100 years before Maxwell showed the unity of electricity and magnetism, has NO CLOTHES.
The rest is empty commentary at best.
Mitch McConnell continues to weaken the Senate’s power— he and his wife profit, the Executive branch gains power, Russia gains advantage— but Congress weakens under his grip.
1
"The Coverup is always Greater than the Crime"....
McConnell has ZERO credibility...!
Let We the People Speak at the Polls....
The Dem's should focus more on how many ways the crime
was covered up through pattern and practice...
Either way as much as we would ALL like to see Trump Impeached....
The actual crime committed by Trump did Not go anywhere and was Not fully realized....
Its the way the WH lawyers and all other players took steps to Cover up for the criminal misconduct of Trump which parts of the coverup was directed by Trump himself
Along with the withholding of evidence with the heavily redacted doctored documents....
McConnell has ZERO credibility...!
Let We the People Speak at the Polls....
And yet he keeps getting elected. Sort of telling really.
So this the hill that either the USA, or the Republican party dies on. What a waste. We need to tax the super wealthy at a much higher until their influence is no longer a dangerous threat to the Republic.
American Conservatism has become the great lie.
Is the US suffering from mass delusion? It's incredible how little people understand about how dangerous the current administration is, not just to the country, but to the world at large. Basically what is transpiring now is an endorsement of dictators everywhere. Should Trump be allowed to get away with his obvious and quite transparent abuses of the presidency, then kiss this countries ethical and moral arguments as a world policing force goodbye. America will be relegated to that which it's underpinnings of formation was designed to prevent, a kingdom ruled by the forces of greed, apathetic to the basic needs of it's people. The US will forever be known as the country which put the final nail in the coffin of democracy.
1
Umm...scam implies there is some attempt at subterfuge. He is doing this brazenly, without compunction. He is without moral or honor. And it infuriates me that Kentucky (or any state) has the deciding vote ultimately on what is happening to the country at large. The House Speaker and the Senate Majority should be a generally elected office, of the major party. Then even if it were a republican, it would necessitate a more moderate position.
1
Just surprised that McConnell isn't the least concerned for the second amendment rights of the minority. This is a free country Mr. McConnell. You know that, right?
Nobody is being scammed. Everyone knows what's going on with the mock trial and like many things we are all fed up with only winning in 2020 will begin to correct all this corruption.
1
"The Coverup is always Greater than the Crime"....
McConnell has ZERO credibility...!
Let We the People Speak at the Polls....
The Dem's should focus more on how many ways the crime
was covered up through pattern and practice...
Either way as much as we would ALL like to see Trump Impeached....
The actual crime committed by Trump did Not go anywhere and was Not fully realized....
Its the way the WH lawyers and all other players took steps to Cover up for the criminal misconduct of Trump which parts of the coverup was directed by Trump himself
Along with the withholding of evidence with the heavily redacted doctored documents....
McConnell has ZERO credibility...!
Let We the People Speak at the Polls....
When a sitting president has no defense for his misgivings or dirty dead's, the best offence is to subvert the trial.
1
"The Coverup is always Greater than the Crime"....
McConnell has ZERO credibility...!
Let We the People Speak at the Polls....
The Dem's should focus more on how many ways the crime
was covered up through pattern and practice...
Either way as much as we would ALL like to see Trump Impeached....
The actual crime committed by Trump did Not go anywhere and was Not fully realized....
Its the way the WH lawyers and all other players took steps to Cover up for the criminal misconduct of Trump which parts of the coverup was directed by Trump himself
Along with the withholding of evidence with the heavily redacted doctored documents....
McConnell has ZERO credibility...!
Let We the People Speak at the Polls....
I'm sure McConnell thinks of himself as a slick operator. But history will remember him as a political hack.
If Republicans really believed Trump did nothing wrong, they would not be blocking witnesses and doing everything they can to throw sand into the impeachment wheels. They know very well that he's guilty; they know he's a disgrace; they know he's a serious threat to our national security and to our democracy. But...are terrified of him and his base and fear not being re-elected more than they 1) fear our democracy unraveling at Trump's hands; 2) care to uphold their oaths of office.
1
Mitch has betrayed his oath and America. The Republicans that blindly follow him are no better. The idea that Clinton’s lying under oath about an extra-marital affair is worthy of impeachment but Trump’s withholding of aid to Ukraine in violation of an Act of Congress in an effort to solicit foreign interference in an election is not is a laughable assertion. These Republicans and Trump’s base are suffering from cognitive dissonance. They can’t cope with the fact that they have been had by this con artist and do they dig in their heels. Our Republic and Democracy are under attack and we slide toward tyranny. The Founders’ fears realized and come to fruition.
1
We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, ESTABLISH JUSTICE, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.
This lead-in sentence, this Preamble to the Constitution has as its first order, the establishment of JUSTICE. Mitch McConnell, you and your followers are making a mockery of that. Think of all the Americans who have given their lives and fortunes to protect the entity to which you've been selected to lead, The United States Senate. Was their sacrifice all for naught. It would appear so. To say you should be ashamed isn't a strong enough statement to say the least, but for the moment, that will have to do. Shame on you.
1
The American people seem not only to be being scammed by Mitch but also by Trump and Putin. Astounding that Trump still being in the White House is still not seen full blown National security issue. Chilling.
1
And the House had a responsibility to have a fair and impartial investigation.....Why do they get away with it?
1
Repubs reportedly unhappy that Jerry Nader accused them of enabling a cover-up. He’s only giving voice to what most Americans are thinking.
1
Now think about what the rest of the 2020 election campaign will look like if (when) Mitch's Senate minions acquit Trump. Will Trump feel in any way limited in tactics he will then use? He quid pro quo'd Ukraine the day after Mueller testified. When the Senate grovels to his demanded outcome he will feel empowered to do anything and everything to just win, baby.
He will want to make our votes as meaningless as Mitch's Senate.
2
McConnell has no scruples, look what he pulled with Merrick Garland. Authoritarianism, here we come. The damage to the separation of powers is already significant. Running this like a Putin courtroom.
1
In historical terms he might be known as
Mitch the Meretricious
Mitch the Manipulator
Mitch the Malevolent
Mitch the Mendacious
Mitch the Mercenary
Which is the best descriptor?
All of the above.
1
It takes a twisted mind to ignore all the blatant evidence of wrong doing in the impeachment trial.
OTOH if I were to play devil’s advocate, and give the benefit of a doubt, well maybe, just maybe, I suppose it was all just a grand hoax after all, as Trump insists. If so, his loyal defense should be relishing the opportunity to cross-examine the phony witnesses and expose this elaborate hoax against this poor helpless victim of the shameless “do nothing Democrats”.
No one is demanding cross examination on behalf of Trump. And who would be shouting out the loudest at the very moment when there is a chance to expose these allegations as a hoax and not in the slightest bit true?
The great mystery is not why the dog barks, but why the dog doesn’t bark when it senses that the danger is very near and very real.
As I write this, the top article on the NYT webpage is about Democrats presenting testimony and evidence. There may be live bodies yet to come at the appropriate time. Probably not however as the Democrats are afraid of what the whistle blower and the Binden's may say. Too bad, it would be interesting to hear now that it has been taken this far.
1
The Republican leader is not attempting to fool anyone. He announced that he was working hand in glove with the president and his caucus followed him down the road. The only solution to this problem is to vote Trump and the GOP out in November.
Why can't he be recused or removed from office?
McConnell shouldn't be shocked when the Chinese announce an investigation of him and his family. Better walk the line.
Perhaps the impeachment process is giving the voters of Kentucky a great chance for the kind of open look at McConnell that he so far has managed to avoid.
A fine legacy you're leaving behind you, Mr. McConnell. In the final years of your career, your conduct here will be what defines you.
1
Democrats are not happy that it came down to impeachment. It’s the right thing to do but let’s face it- who want Pence as President?
to understand why this is happening, it's helpful to remember that this is the year of the RAT.
Why isolate this home grown version of an autocratic power grab? Every serious NY Times reader interested in history remembers various instances where duly elected governments have been overthrown from within. Power is a magnet and grabbing it attracts those with great cunning. World history has a long list of McConnels .
The Republicans, especially McConnell, have no honor.
The world already knows the outcome, for this was never about holding a fair and impartial trial in which the evidence was going to weighed to decide if Trump was was either guilty or not guilty by a Republican Senate. Anyone who’s actually read or followed anything of the details already knows he’s guilty, for he most assuredly did solicit a foreign power using a quid pro quo arrangement to corrupt the election in his favour, and then has done virtually everything possible to obstruct being held accountable when caught virtually red handed. Why else would you suppress evidence and testimony which could exonerate your innocence? From the very beginning, why give us only an edited transcript of the perfect call and not just the actual voice recording? Because obviously neither could prove your innocence.
The question then really is, so what if he did? Well the consequence of cheating, or least being so inept as to being caught cheating while even still failing to gain any benefit, is that you have to take your lumps and accept the fact your dirty laundry will be hung in public. Yes you were impeached for something you actually did do, and no you won’t be removed from office by a Republican senate, but without being cleared in a fair trail that includes evidence and witnesses to exonerate, you will face a general election wearing that stain of being the hapless cheat who tried and failed to subvert a fair election. That much is guaranteed.
I have grown weary of people portraying McConnell as this master tactician who is always two steps ahead of his opponents. When you are leader of people of little note you look like a King. There used to be Senators of Stature in days gone by who where statesman. Senators like Kennedy and Moynihan were bigger than their jobs. Hearing the Senate called the worlds greatest deliberative body in the world has become a joke line for late night comics.McConnell being the leader of Lemming is something to be proud of?
He is following the same rules used by the Senate for Clinton's impeachment trial when the Senate was controlled by the Democrats. Did the Democrats not conduct a fair trial?
Do we really want to give our leaders permission to engage in this kind of underhanded shenanigans in the future? I don't think so, but this is exactly what we'll be getting if Trump gets away with it. This is corruption. Period. When McConnell said "fair is fair", he cemented his place as the most scurrilous and venal creature in American history
1
I’m sad to say this, but Mitch McConnell knows what he’s doing. He never underestimates the ignorance of the American people.
2
This is correct:
"...the facts are not in serious dispute [so] what's the point of witnesses ?"
True, though Trump strikes me as guilty here, and he should be removed. I don't mind a President deciding to withhold $$ that have been appropriated by Congress IF the President concludes IN GOOD FAITH that that is best for the US -- even if the President benefits personally from the decision. But I DO object if the President does NOT reach that conclusion but withholds the $$ anyway, since that begs the obvious question:
"Why, then, DID the President withhold those $$?"
Here, if Trump could argue that delaying the $$ was GOOD for America, he'd have done nothing wrong even if he benefitted personally from his "delay" decision. But I don't think that's what happened: Trump withheld those $$ PURELY for selfish reasons, not because he'd concluded the delay was good for Americans. Trump should try to persuade us that that's not what happened, because it sure looks like it did.
This why the senate is the only elections that matter - this is why Beto, Castro, Abrams, and Bullock should have run for the senate. No president can get anything done with an obstructive GOP. Want healthcare,
Infrastructure you must elect democrats.
1
Calling out McConnell’s actions as a scam—which they are—is rather pointless in a nation where almost 63 million people voted for a con artist with a long history of scams and cons.
2
Can anyone actually sit through these presentations? They are incredibly boring and tedious. One keeps wondering why any of this is big deal. OK, Trump asked Ukraine to investigate Biden and his drug addict son, who had a super high paying job he was clearly unqualified for, while his Dad was pushing for a a corruption investigation into Ukraine. So what? It seems like Biden and Son should be in bigger trouble than Trump. If my life is better under Trump, then why should I want the Senate to throw him out for looking into the Dem frontrunner's corruption? I just don't get it.
1
How could you say such things about senator "who's-my-mitch" McConnell?
I am no longer certain at this point in time who I distrust the most, Mitch or Donnie.........
Mitch scamming the country. Well yes, but not for the first time. They clearly have a lot to hide and are acting like it. The karma that may well come back to Mitch is the results of the next election. IF the vote is fair there is a very strong chance that he and his fellow Republicants will be swept out of office.
If they were not afraid of allowing the named witnesses to testify then they surely would. The same goes for the mountains of documents. The obstruction of justice/congress is so clear that there can be only one conclusion. GUILTY AS CHARGED.
Do the people in the red states and or swing states care enough about the principles of our country to vote them out for this ongoing conduct ? One hopes and prays. Unfortunately the people in these red/ swing states are likely to be subjected to the most noxious deceptive media mind control operation ever in the run up to the election.
You can sink so low that there are no longer any words to describe it- This GOP: gross, obese, poisonous.
I come from a long line of Republicans, and I can tell you they really do feel as if they own the country and are justified in literally anything they do to hold onto power.
In pursuit of that they have grown into monsters.
It's both fascinating and frightening to see Moscow Mitch's absolute control of his caucus and the ruthless political power he wields so expertly against his weak and seemingly powerless opponents. The Democrats seem incapable of changing the rules of the game, or figuring out a way to win. No JFK's anymore, nor anyone with the guts and gumption to go all out to sway the majority of Americans looking for a leader to lead them out from this Republican nightmare. In competitive marketing terms, they appear resigned to losing, with neither a coherent message nor an exciting brand.
1
Rob K: Don't you think democracy is an "exciting brand"? It seems to be really hard to come by these days.
1
McConnel abandoned even the appearance of following the Constitution long ago, so his sham impeachment is not a surprise.
He refused to even consider Obama's Supreme Court nominee as he was required to do and has sat on numerous bills which passed in the House and had sufficient bipartisan support to pass in the Senate. He decides what your government can and cannot do and your elected representatives do not.
Wake up folks. The US is not actually a democracy and since the people who control your government like it that way, don't expect that to change.
6
For [53 Republican] senators, the coming days and weeks will see the most consequential votes of their lives. They are being given a stark choice: do what is right for the nation or do what is politically expedient for the most corrupt president in American history. History will be decided on their watch. We know what the founders intended them to do in this situation. But only these [53 Republican] senators can decide whether they can live up to that standard.
3
The situation is clear: if McConnell gets away with his scheme, then the government of the United States is no longer legitimate. It then falls upon the citizens of the former Republic to set the situation straight. I know exactly what the Founding Fathers would expect from citizens. The question is: do the American people today deserve better than dictatorship? That is the open question.
4
If America has died along with its integrity, separation of states does look more promising. California might actually benefit from being a country for itself, by itself, but it is becoming a question of whether or not states can remain united, because neighbors certainly can't stand each other anymore. Is that what Republicans want- to force people to choose to divide to keep to true to their ideals? America did not need England and maybe Democrats do NOT need them, but population centers are mixed so any separation process would be messy and undesirable, not to mention the economic and international impacts. But certain states might be able to function better as trade ports. manufacturers if they choose other allies than the original USA. That's sad.
2
The outcome of the impeachment ultimately will decide whether we really are a great nation, or whether we have been spoiled by our riches, our power, and our egos. While it is fair and proper to point fingers at McConnell, and certainly our duty as proscribed by the Constitution to impeach Trump, we need to look in the mirror and ask who really is responsible for the chaos, the mess we are now in and the fragility of our Republic whose flag so many of us ardently claim and defend.
60,000,000 people voted for Trump. Advisors around him (wake up, "Anonymous"!) abet him, the press fell in love with the headlines and the media with their ratings (money, money, money) and the votes that put those GOP Senators into office to "represent" you are the REAL reason we are now where we are at. WE are the ones who have not cared for and nurtured our liberties and pleasures. We have not paid attention to the civics that are the machinery of our government.
As I listened to Schiff read Hamilton's words at the opening of the testimony yesterday, I felt my heart swell...and Schiff went on to eloquently tell the tale of deceit and remind us that there is a clear line between right and wrong. I hope there is still hope for our nation, but we shall see whether we weather this storm.
Meanwhile, Trump is representing us abroad and is not only lying about the facts of the impeachment, but about the impeachment itself. THIS is the man we chose to put on the cover of the History of America!
8
The fix is in, the path is clear, the end is near. Henceforth this country can no longer call itself a democracy. Therefore, those who allowed this to occur can and should be called un-American. The rest is just noise.
2
Often we hear, "Congress isn't doing their jobs." However, for the past 3 years, it hasn't been "Congress" not doing its job... It's been the Senate in concert with Trump's puppet, Mitch McConnell. Many also say, "It's Congress that makes the laws and they could be helping to solve the problems of our country." I say, "How many of those House-passed bills that McConnell is sitting on were designed to help do exactly that?" Some say, "Since the GOP has a majority in the Senate and the tie-breaker in Pence, why doesn't McConnell allow a discussion and a fair vote on these House-passed bills?" The answer is, he knows that for many of these bills, a handful of GOP Senators would vote to pass because the content of the bills appeals to their own state and they are good of America. And now the final question, "Why doesn't McConnell let the Senate vote, and if it passes, Trump can veto it." That my friend is exactly why these bills are pigeonholed rather put up for a vote. It takes 67 votes to override the veto and that means 24 Republicans have to vote against the president's veto, (24+43=67), which is pretty unlikely. So even though the bill fails Trump looks bad because of his veto. On the slim chance that the veto is overturned, Trump takes an even bigger hit because he now has the stink of the veto on his record, plus something not in his agenda is now law! And that is why that patriot Mitch McConnell, as directed by Trump, sits on most of the House passed legislation.
5
If given a choice between Trump being re elected and McConnell losing, or Trump losing and McConnell getting 6 more years, I’d opt for the former
2
"The president's allies in the Senate must ask themselves whether they would brush aside such serious allegations if someone else was occupying the White House."
I don't believe contemporary Republicans have the integrity or spine to even entertain that question.
8
Ironically could it be Republicans who have most to lose from a failure to convict Trump? Imagine what the next Democratic President could do under the precedent it would set in US law, or with no useful mechanism to remove them. This could be strategic error of historic proportions for the American right, if there's any winner at all.
1
This president often ignores or breaks the rules for his own personal gain. By avoiding the fair trial most Americans believe in, senators from his party are choosing to do the same thing. If (or when) the Senate majority votes to keep him in office, it would be very appropriate to begin the impeachment of Senator McConnell for his obstruction of justice.
11
It would be good for America to do the same (impeachment) to Devin Nunez, who turns out to have been on the Trump team with the quid pro quo in Ukraine...yet magically and baldly presided during the testimony in the House.
1
I wrote to both of my Indiana senators to request they honor their oaths of impartiality and to respect traditional American values of honesty, fairness and openness to full disclosure, no more. Shockingly, Senator Mike Braun replied with a foregone argument and conclusion - prior to the trial but after having sworn an oath of impartiality - that his mind was made up. Need I tell you which way? Procedurally, I would have thought that was perjury, unless, of course, the Senate does not need to abide by rules the rest of us citizens must obey.
9
Beware, what is politically expedient today can quickly become the political death knell of tomorrow.
In the short term, in the 2020 electoral season, the result will come down to how hopelessly people are hitched to their political party.
Casting aside moral and legal values is extremely hazardous, for these values are the glue that holds any society together.
When the winners of today inevitably become the losers of the future, they will not be able to throw the line " it's not constitutional" at the new winners.
3
An excellent, precise analysis by Noah Bookbinder. Thank you.
I am very impressed by the efforts of the Democratic side.
Speaker Pelosi made outstanding use of the time she held back the Articles of Impeachment: the Impeachment Managers are extremely well-prepared, and highly effective.
Trump's lawyers look & sound like hacks.
The GOP Senators are acting like juvenile delinquents in an SNL sketch -- a parody of themselves.
Its. Constitution vs. Trumpstitution.
11
We are going to find out whether the American people care that they are being scammed. That may have less impact on us than the embarrassment we suffer as a nation that prides itself on the rule of law but can’t hold a fair trial. Can you imagine what goes through the head of the Chief Justice as he sits there listening and watching what may turn out to be a sham rather than an actual trial with evidence in the form of documents and witnesses? The embarrassment of the American people would be my warning if I were the House managers and wanted to apply public pressure.
2
The appeals in this comment section to register to vote and wait for the November election to save our democracy are naive to say the least.
The majority of the electoral college votes will be decided by a handful of swing States. It won't matter how many actual votes the Democratic candidate will receive. Furthermore, expect an even bigger manipulation effort to smear the Democratic candidate, to suppress the Democratic vote, and to spread propaganda and conspiracy theories than in 2016.
The Russians are ready, the Trump campaign has never stopped fundraising and will have a war chest of $1 billion to influence their base.
I'm worried if we don't start with sustained public protests now, and take it to the streets all over the country, we won't have much of a democracy left by next year.
16
It is obstruction of justice.
Senator Mitch McConnell has personal reasons for protecting Mr. Trump.
Mr McConnell’s wife, Elaine Chao, is Trump’s Secretary of Transportation.
Ms Chao has directed lots of DOT projects to Kentucky, giving her husband the opportunity to tout how much work he’s bring to the state.
Mr McConnell is not all that popular in Kentucky, but Mr Trump is. By protecting Mr Trump, Mr McConnell hopes to gain the approval of Trump voters in Kentucky.
McConnell said he was not an impartial juror.
14
Mr. Bookbinder,
Thank you for explaining the Senate trial procedures and the dire consequences of this sham if GOP Senators fail to stand up and do their duty.
I have come to believe that the flagrant partisan obstruction in the Senate trial is beyond fixing and we need another remedy. Though it would be fraught with its own tensions, nevertheless, its time for rules to be changed so that the final verdict would be rendered by the people when a trial for impeachment fails in the Senate.
I think that would make a lot of our politicians "clean up their act" before things ever got on the impeachment track. We have got to do something about the kind of venality we are seeing from McConnell and his riffraff band.
Today, a friend of mine said that she is trying to watch the Senate trial but that she experiences a physical sensation of needing to vomit whenever the Senate leader speaks. As I write this, I feel exactly the same way. ...and I would even add that, in my mind, there is little difference between Bin Salman and McConnell. One, a murderer of his subjects and the other, a murderer of our Democracy.
14
Yes, McConnell is transmogrifying the impeachment process in order to cover up the shake-down of a foreign leader by our president. But he also faces re-election and has other issues: controversies about the business dealings of his wife Elaine Chow, Secretary of Transportation (a family member of a Chinese shipping conglomerate), and circumstances about a Russian oligarch investing in Kentucky. The prospect of jobs has locals salivating. They don't care where they come from and I don't blame them. Despite McConnell's control of congress,Kentucky is one of the poorest states. That makes no sense to me unless it serves him in some way. But the reason he controls the senate is his craven manipulation of judge confirmation. We are stuck with McConnell until he can't confirm conservative judges OR he is defeated in 2020. I hope that Kentuckians will give serious consideration to Amy McGrath, the veteran military pilot who is challenging McConnell.
14
I watched nearly every minute of the opening day when rules for the trial were debated, live. It was draining. Dems would propose an amendment, both sides would speak, McConnell would motion to table, and the motion would be approved by the same vote 57 to 43.
And the Chief Justice basically played the role of secretary.
I saw him admonish both sides at one point to be more respectful to the body (the senate) to which the managers and legal team were speaking. Probably was frustrating for him to listen to Mitch, the White House, and the Republican senators twist the concept of a fair trial into something wholly unrecognizable and surely not what the founders intended.
9
McConnell's handling of the Senate trail is of a piece with his refusal to consider Garland for SCOTUS and to bring the 200+ bills approved by the House up for a vote. He believes only in power for its own sake, not as a tool to achieve policy goals or to fulfill the oath that he and every congressperson takes re: the constitution. He personifies the degraded state of politics and governance in America. History will judge him and his colleagues harshly, but he clearly cares nothing about what comes after him. Mitch and Don are the two twisted faces of Yeats' "rough beast slouching toward Bethlehem."
21
@EB
Oh, no! Not merrick garland again! Sheesh!!!
1
It makes me wonder exactly what Mitch and company are hiding. Well, it must be worse than anything yet disclosed.
15
Did the shapers of our constitution ever envision a party that would play so dirty? Or am I naive and has it always been this way?
10
More than the evidence is being buried. This trial may go down in history as the last rites for the American experiment in representative, democratic government.
20
The founding fathers were wary that a partisan impeachment process would be divisive, ineffectual, and ultimately counter productive. The Democrats vitriolic hatred of Trump has led them to proceed down this very pathway and the result is playing out as predicted.
2
As if he weren’t eminently worthy of both, the hatred and the impeachment. To believe he’s a good man or a good president, at this point, demonstrates a serious lack of decency.
1
No surprise, Trump and McConnell have rigged the trail, just as Trump was trying to rig the election and McConnell has rigged the Supreme Court. The whole GOP has been trying to rig elections for years now with gerrymandering and voter suppression and have become an outlaw organizations supported by big businesses dark money. Off the wall Court decisions such as Citizens United and shakedowns of vulnerable governments like Ukraines are now suppose to be legitimate and the norm? We're in big trouble.
9
When Caroline Kennedy introduced her uncle, Senator Ted Kennedy, at the Democratic Convention in 2008, she explained that if you benefited from one of the myriad efforts (PELL grants, CHIP, Medicare, etc) then senator from Massachusetts was “your senator, too.”
Every voter needs to realize that, due to his obstruction and stranglehold over legislation, unfortunately, Mitch McConnell is EVERYONE’S senator. Let’s focus, folks, on making sure that changes in November.
10
Yes, McConnell is cheating us, but it sure didn't take Trump's impeachment to find that out.
12
Do what is right for their purse whose strings are pulled by McConnell - that is what will decide the votes by Republicans. Follow the money, not the morality.
Mitch McConnell has twisted the workings of our federal government over the past number of years such that he has converted our democracy into a dictatorship with himself in charge. McConnell decides the rules for the impeachment trial, he decides which bills come before the Senate, he decides when it is acceptable for a presidential Supreme Court nominee to be considered by the Senate. He even decides the impeachment trial will be brief and somehow has enough power over his GOP senator minions such that not one of them is brave enough to speak out against him.
The United States and our way of life are under attack, not only from by Russia, but from our own elected officials, including McConnell, Trump, and the GOP Congress members. These are extremely dangerous times.
12
Mitch has already lost.
2
USA ranks last in the top 20 democratic countries
I imagine we will be moved to the authoritarian regime category after this is over.
3
Let's face it, the Republic itself is on the line. And with the Party, which calls itself "Republican," that future has never been more in doubt.
4
The GOP opines that the House should have obtained testimony from witnesses such as Bolton and Mulvaney, so they missed their chance. Except for the fact Trump and his fixers ignored the subpoenas and would have had to wait for court challenges to play out - which would have taken months assuming this would end up at the Supreme Court. So for the GOP to say that they should not admit new testimony, when the testimony was blocked is laughable and outrageous. On top of that even if they were subpoenaed, Trump says he would immediately claim "Executive Privilege", and block them again - which would require another court fight. And don't expect the "moderates" to actually do anything. Collins, for example, is playing the same game she always does, but at the end of the day they will sell their souls for another chance to retain their seat. I despise the GOP more and more every day. I am "represented" by a GOP Congressman, who rabidly falls into the Trump cult - which means I have no representation at all. The only thing this entire circus is revealing is the GOP elected officials care nothing for the rule of law, the Constitution or at the very least objecting to corrupt behavior. In my mind that makes they all complicit and equally corrupt.
11
The GOP's attitude, in a nutshell: "We don't need the facts. We have the votes."
8
Is there any obligation for the house to act fairly and without prejudice? A 100% party line vote would seem not. We have to stop the nonsense. The Democrats aren’t interested in preserving the constitution they just want Trump out. I understand that. All they have to do you is run a reasonable candidate. I voted for Hillary last time and would again, but Bernie and Liz will never get my vote.
Hillary nailed it. Nobody likes Bernie and he has never done anything legislatively. Same goes with Liz.
America is being scammed by the entire GOP - the “sworn impartial jurors” lined up just before Day 2 of the “trial” to say their minds were made up - that they will “protect” Trump against this awful demand for a fair trial.
I ask Chief Justice Roberts to declare any Senator that s/he has predecided Trump’s innocence be removed from the pool of eligible jurors - for they have publicly announced they will not stand as impartial jurors - and, furthermore, they have met with either the respondent or his counsel to decide the course of the trial before they were gaveled into session.
9
We are seeing how far power can corrupt. Sadly, it seems to corrupt completely. I have no faith, in even one GOP senator, upholding the oath they swore to be impartial. May our faith in our democracy be restored someday.
5
While Justice Roberts sits there I recommend the House Managers look at him and tell how the Republicans are insulting not only the House and the Senate but also the Supreme Court. Do it as often as possible
5
Trump aides knew it was wrong right after the phone call because they moved the transcript to a Classified Server. That would not have occurred there was nothing wrong and nothing to hide. The reluctant release of a heavily redacted and edited transcript - which was edited to present the conversation in the most favorable light possible -then given a limited release. Add to that the Herculean efforts to withhold evidence, gag people from testifying, falsifying information at every turn, and label accusations towards others to deflect continued wrongdoing. That's the beginning of the cover-up to before the Impeachment Hearings. Now, with the Trump faction in control, there is so much effort to rig this hearing to favor Trump. None of it is legitimate. Add to that the global knowledge of just how corrupt Trump is, outside of this particular phone call and its aftermath.
4
I think the House managers, especially Rep. Schiff, are teeing this up right. They're making a very, very strong case for allowing witnesses and having a much more expansive trial--in which case, who knows?, the worm might turn. But failing that, they're laying the foundation for a wonderfully ironic 2020 scenario: A reprise of "the election is rigged," and "drain the swamp," but with Trump, McConnell, and the morally bankrupt Republican Party as the riggers of elections and the denizens of the swamp.
Schiff is also going to get my vote as Time's Man of the Year for 2020.
26
Re: [the senate trial plan] allows the admission of evidence developed in the House
Correction, unless a senator objects. I haven't seen any info about what happens after a senator objects. A majority vote is required?
1
And some Americans, like the republican senators themselves, don't mind being scammed it seems. I don't understand it, all they need to do is watch and listen to or read the evidence, instead they prefer to spout the party lines that is fed to them like pablum. And Fox News has the gall to pronounce the left employs group think.
In any case, no amount of shaming or calling out or proof of wrong doing will make a difference to the outcome of the trial. The senators see the evidence and they are willfully blind to it. I think the only positive thing, if it happens, is if a few republican senators, or even if just one, vote to convict so that the acquittal is not a clean sweep. That would say something if only a whisper of something.
Should or when the democrats get back in power, I should hope they will swiftly pass laws where good faith and good will failed.
4
Is there anything to stop the House from simply starting further impeachment hearings? Since there were only 2 charges, could the House keep calling witnesses, and keep accumulating charges, and keep sending them over to the Senate until the scofflaws there are finally exposed & ousted by their own constituents?
6
It is not debatable among constitutional scholars and even among rational citizens that an impeachment trial should be fair, and to be fair must allow presentation of evidence and the appearance of witnesses. However, the Republicans are playing a much different game here. The Republicans are desperate, and they are playing a no holds barred game of political hardball. The Republicans see the changing demographics of the US and they realize that they are in danger of becoming a losing party for the foreseeable future, especially for the Presidency. So they are fighting for their political lives. And they are willing to take significant risks to try to maintain power as long as possible. They are willing to risk that their hardball tactics in this impeachment trial will either fe forgotten quickly or will not anger enough voters to hurt them in future elections. They may be wrong, but they are willing to take that risk. The Democrats don't seem to realize that the Republicans are not going to play fair. They are going to play unfair, so long as their calculations are that it could perpetuate their political power. Only when the Republicans become convinced that their strategy will cause them to lose their political power will they change their strategy and behavior. If they can. But for now, this is who the Republican Party is. They are more like a cult fighting for their right to exist than a reasonable political party playing politics as we are used to.
14
Why should the Senate conduct a full and fair trial if a majority feels that the charges brought by the House are not enough to remove the president, even if proved? Isn't that just a waste of time?
It reminds me of when the Senate refused to hold a hearings on the nomination of Merrick Garland to the Supreme Court. Mitch McConnell said well before that nomination was even made that no hearings would be held on any nominee, as the seat would be left open until after the election. Why the cries for a hearing? It would have been a waste of time.
4
This trial is less about history and all about the future of the USA.
It is impossible to have fair election if the party in power can use other countries to criminalize the opposition.
Trump has just threatened Europe with 25% tariffs if they did not take Iran to the International Court for breaking the Iran deal that Trump walked away from. Of course the Europeans caved into Trump's demands.
We should start a pool to see which countries Trump pressures to smear whoever becomes the Democratic nominee if the Republicans "clear" him at the no-show trial.
I'd wager he would be on the phone within a week.
6
@JMC -
Either the Republican Party dies, or the USA dies.
We need to tax the super wealthy at a much higher until their influence is no longer a dangerous threat to the Republic.
8
McConnell should want the facts to be heard. If Trump is innocent why the cover up and refusal to cooperate. Any innocent person would want witnesses to testify as to their innocence, not Trump who is taking the position of a guilty man. I'm a registered Republican but will be voting for Democrat candidates for at least the next several years. Elected officials oath is to serve the people and honor the constitution but the republican senators seem to be scared of Trump saying something negative about them, so the cowards line up behind him.
22
I was thinking of the reverse: going from D to R, in hopes of helping to weed out the uncouth and hard-line Republicans in primaries. Alas, I would still carry no weight in Kentucky, but Tom Reed (R, West and central NY) would be a place to start. As one of his Democratic constituents, he has no interest in representing me. Meanwhile, my Senators are speaking out just fine (Schumer, Gillibrand).
1
Mitch McConnell and William Barr have written the playbook for effectively negating checks and balances and for obstructing justice. They are betting that the American public won't care enough to do anything about it. And they may well be right.
But gerrymandering and voter suppression will eventually be overcome by changing demographics. The other side will come to power. And they will have been shown formula for how to disregard the balance and separation of powers, to their advantage.
That is not a good thing.
Without limits and accountability for any of the branches of government, America, and the World, are worse off.
15
@chris This is not a good thing? Finally, after Democrats having been playing Peanuts' Charlie Brown to the Republicans' Lucy, who pretends to play a fair game but then snatches the ball away when Charlie tries to kick it, Democrats are finally applying their majority advantage.
Republicans don't like bullying unless they are in charge and doing the bullying.
Vote Republicans, especially Mitch McConnell, out of office. Send support to Amy McGrath, his Democratic opponent. And work to make sure that Republicans never get control of the senate, the presidency, or the federal government again. That is our job, as Americans.
31
Terry, that may be your job, as a Democrat, but it's not mine. I'll vote for people, not party. For results, not plans. I don't live in Kentucky, so I'll leave others to choose between McConnell and McGrath. But I will mark my ballot for Donald Trump, and I hope he wins.
1
@Terry Absolutely Spot On! Amy would make a very effective Senator from Kentucky! Take Care!
@John Smithson -
There are countries and nations that have absolute rulers. What do you think "absolute privilege" that the Trump people are pushing for is all about.
Just think when the Democrats get into power they can use "absolute privilege" on you.
I bet you can't wait for that to happen.
1
Both sides are being "cute:"
"Witnesses ... can push back on the Republican claim of lack of evidence."
The Democrats claim the evidence they already have is "overwhelming," but they nevertheless demand more. The Republicans haven't provided anything in response to subpoenas, but they insist that the evidence is lacking.
3
@Commenter The evidence Democrats have actually should be "overwhelming" for Republicans but it, apparently, it is not convincing for reasons Republicans fail to identify. That is why we need the testimony of Bolton and others who were actually involved to testify. If the testimony exonerates Trump, fine - if not remove him!
12
Commenter, the Republicans' main argument is not that evidence is lacking, but that the charges the House made are not sufficient to remove the president even if proved.
No one is arguing that the president did not ask the Ukrainian president to investigate the 2016 election and Joe Biden. He did, and the evidence shows that. No one is arguing that military aid was frozen for a time. It was, and the evidence shows that.
What's lacking is not the evidence of an alleged crime, but the allegation of a crime. No crime has been alleged by the House, let alone proven.
2
You do realize that “high crimes and misdemeanors” doesn’t necessarily refer to statutory crimes. If a president abuses his power in such a way that doesn’t break a law on the books, but nonetheless is judged a threat to the Republic, Congress can impeach and remove that president.
14
The deep irony in the phenomenon of Mitch McConnell is how thoroughly he embodies the "conservative" bete noir of overweening Big Government. As the barely elected senator of an electorally insignificant state, McConnell wields nearly unassailable power in his role in the Senate as leader. His state of Kentucky ranks #3 for dependence on federal aid...a dubious distinction shared by many if not most other Red states which share his politics. He is the definition of Big Government.
These days, when he's not busy sitting at the head of the Animal Farm table, Mitch picks our justices, steers the ship of state so as to fatten up his wife's family fortunes, and now even tilts the very balance of powers expressed in the Constitution.
In these most recent adventures, he's also waging war on transparency and due process, which of course also feature prominently among the things "conservatives" like Mitch claim to be defending for us... against the encroachments of Big Government.
25
@DES We should be limiting the influence of sparsely-populated states who are a financial burden on our government's beneficence and contribute the least to our nation's prosperity. What's fair is fair!
10
Mr. Bookbinder’s excellent case ironically (and unwittingly) serves the reality of the Republican stance on the trial: Their constituency doesn’t much care about Constitutionality.
That may seem bizarre, but integral to the Republican ideology is a weak sense of “Washington” law, which meshes into an implicit sense of weak Constitutionality (not to mention an ideology of the "strong" Executive, i.e., the imperial presidency whose mentality is corporate, modeled on the CEO in a proprietary, private capacity).
Sadly, we’re a society of consumer citizens who look to the dramatic value (event the entertainment value) of events, which compete with other channels of attention (be that media or part of their own day).
This is very much a product of a marketing mentality in political theater which Republicans advance.
So, the tedium of the trial services the Republican Senators’ upcoming election campaigns: the less consumer attention, the better for Republicans.
So, Mr. Bookbinder’s rational and principled case becomes somewhat beside McConnell’s point.
4
There is one thing that is very clear and very discomforting after these first few days.
All these very brave woman and men that DID come forward and testified in the impeachment hearings despite threats to their lives and families by extremist right wingers and most likely loose their jobs, their incredible daring and Constitution loving Americans, their efforts are fully ignored by this Senate leadership and its followers.
They sit in their seats, showing complete disinterest in these phone proceedings, as all Republican members have already sold their soul.
What will this mean for the future, the Republicans refusal to produce the additional witnesses, even though subpoenaed, are making this a bad joke and are in that regard treasonous to the Constitution.
Why would anybody want to come forward next time when they all know now that their sworn statements will be ignored and ridiculed by the government in charge.
Where have we seen this before, only in dictatorships.
13
If Trump were to walk into the Senate Chamber right now and fully confess to everything he is being accused of, declaring loudly "I am guilty as charged".......he would be acquitted by every single Republican.
We have become the biggest banana republic in the world.
34
@Bernie
He might be guilty, but would he be deserving of impeachment?
You want him to be, because you have a personal grudge, but would it be logical?
1
Trump had Jordan, Gaetz and Collins doing his bidding on the House Impeachment subcommittee. They posed the most egregiously illogical and self imposed oblivious arguments to explain why the impeachment inquiry was a sham. Their primary reasoning was that there were no fact witnesses or documents from the White house...to counter than damning testimony and evidence that the witnesses who appeared voluntarily provided. They ignored, obfuscated, confused and distracted from the incontrovertible fact that the subpoenas had been issued and requests for documents made, and Trump had obstructed them from being produced, based on executive privilege. They said, repeatedly, the venue for compelling production of both was a matter for the courts to decide and , as such, Trump was being denied due process, unless and until the courts rendered an opinion. If that wasn't laughable enough now McConnell is using similar tactics to forestall the production of witnesses and documents. He has the "votes" to kill any impeachment trial rule that would allow subsequent production of the same witnesses the House sought. In my heart, I know there will be a day of reckoning for McConnell's malfeasance. In his haste to curry favor with Trump and protect his majority, he is willing to abase himself, his office, and his Constitutional oath. No matter the outcome now, history will not be kind to McConnell...and it will soon forget Trump.
6
Agree with you until the last phrase. We haven’t forgotten Caligula, Herod, Mussolini, Idi Amin and any number of other despotic beasts throughout history.
1
I’m wondering (hoping, really) that Nunes’s role in the quid pro quo will cause him to be impeached, instead of retaining his role as a manipulator from within the House.
1
Truth for McConnell has never been of any importance. As a politician 'par excellence', for Trump, there is only one way: expediency. A commitment that has become blatantly obvious in this Senate trials.
The vulgar President as a pathetic lier, has cast a wide net that has entrapped all Republican congressmen.
3
Kentucky voters, do the right thing. Vote out McConnell in November
16
Remove the name McConnell from the title of this fairy tale story and it becomes very accurate--this whole thing has been a scam from day one, i.e. the day the Mueller report tanked. Repulsive
3
Donald Trump says to “read the transcript”! Yes, please, read the transcript! When you do, you will see a vulnerable new president of Ukraine ask for support. You will see the president of the most powerful country replying by asking the vulnerable man for a personal political favor “though”. There is no mention of the word corruption anywhere, only its spirit. Yes, please, read the transcript!
8
#NotMyJobMitch decided that defending the Constituion wasn't his responsibility.
7
It is quite apparent that the R. senators will not live up to their oaths of office. Therefore, after the 'acquittal', the house needs to 'counterpunch' back with new articles of impeachment, this time for BRIBERY AND TREASON.
Withholding the aid (illegally) for a political 'favor' is BRIBERY. Aiding and abetting the enemy, i.e. the country waging an illegal war in the Ukraine, i.e. Russia, is TREASON.
The Dems in the house should have gone for these charges already, but there is no reason why they cannot impeach Trump again.
(Look at me, crows the Donald, the only president to be impeached twice! A new record!)
10
A wise man once said..."Never give cannonballs to someone who has a cannon aimed at you."
"I don't care, do you?" !!! Kelly and Ryan asked their audience if any of them had seen any of the impeachment -- answer was nada. Maybe that's all we need to know. Frankly, I rather think having a test before people are allowed to vote is not a bad idea!! The Jeopardy contestant thought Speaker of the House was a cabinet position.. and she was smart. A contestant on "The Bachelor" thought the world was flat. Creationism anyone? (taught in Texas) (Why are we paying a lot for education?)
1
Why is Mitch McConnell still in office. He is a serial violator of the constitution. He denied Barack Obama his constitutional right to appoint a Supremer Court Justice. He has not allowed virtually all House legislation to be voted on. And now he is again violating the constitution by gaming the Trial to quickly acquit Donald Trump.
This is Impeachable too. is it not?
10
Lets face it one slap in the face deserves another slap back. The Republicans are playing the partisan game that the hapless Democrats have started. How the Democrats think that making their face of Nadler, Schiff, Schumer and Pelosi is an inspiring event to any American is just so wrong. Their imaging looks like a sequel to a Zombie movie. At least McConnell is a smooth talker. With this behavior of both party's the entire congress should be financially penalized for poor work performance and abuse of government. The only one working is Trump and they want to impeach him!!
1
Please explain how 142 tweets, sent an average of 88 seconds apart is “working”. Seriously, how?
Rich- You make A. Sry good point: “inspiring” is not at all the same thing as “good-looking on TV” or “smooth talking” I love Pelosi NOT for her looks, but her character. Suckers can keep falling for con -men: Democrats can close their eyes, and listen to reason.
@rich williams -
What Donald Trump is doing work ?
Talk about 2 sets of rules. Trumps children are benefiting enormously from daddy being president but Trump and the GOP are going after Hunter Biden. McConnell's wife is benefiting enormously from a high paying government position compliments of Mitch and Donnie.
The only people being scammed by McConnell's lies and cover ups are the fools who voted for Trump and continue to stand by him.
More obstruction of justice compliments of the GOP. It's blatantly clear that they will continue to stoop to the lowest levels in order to acquit Trump. What a disgusting show they are putting on.
10
It's always so interesting to see what the bend in the road holds for those who try to deceive the American people. Ole Nixon thought he was home free until the tapes were uncovered. I am sure some rattlesnake lies in wait for the mistake the Republicans and their god will make in the coming days or even during the election of 2020. He is a criminal and even Gotti finally got his day in jail.
8
Why, exactly, is Nancy Pelosi or Mitch McConnell usually described as a "brilliant strategist" or "masterful tactician?" They're both just bumblers.
1
If this was the country Trump, McConnell and their enablers envisioned they would at some point find THEMSELVES, in front of a firing squad.
2
Are we watching Mitch McConnell starring in “Alex Acosta 2 - The Story of American Justice”. I wonder what the outcome is going to be?
2
This not a trial and Chief Justice John Roberts is soiling his reputation if he does not speak up to make is a real trial.
5
Testimony from Trump and all his enablers. Full stop. Anything short of that is a disgrace to our democracy.
6
Note how many times Republicans insist that poor Donald Trump was not allowed to speak up in his own defense. This is a lie. Pure and simple. Donald Trump has refused to show up. Pure and simple. His lawyers may put whatever spin they want on this narrative, but the truth is hard to hide. Trump is avoiding any opportunity to be questioned or challenged because that is what liars - and cowards - do.
7
What does the President have on Mr. McConnell? Pictures? Recordings? Provided by perhaps someone from another country?
2
@JNO
Trump has nothing on McConnell. It's what McConnell has on Trump.
Political correctness, wokeness and enlightenment aside, there are some psychological disorders that need to be stigmatized: malignant narcissism and the "normative sociopathy" that enable so many Republican senators to turn their backs to the Constitution.
7
Democrat pursuit of impeachment never had anything to do with justice.
You don't kick a player out of the game for pass interference (a highly subjective call in football).
Democrats have had only one goal, from the beginning, to disrupt a Presidency.
Let's be honest, liberals are still angry that Hillary lost...STILL throwing a tantrum.
2
@Raz Trump won (sorta) and HE's Still Angry...? If there was ever a "presidency" that needed to be "disrupted," it's Trump's...
@Raz -
Hillary is the one who is angry and throwing a Tantrum. You may have noticed she is throwing shade on other Democrats. Donald Trump is a criminal. If only he would steal quietly then he would have never been found out.
Senate Republicans need to end this trial before Donald Trump confesses
https://www.cnn.com/2020/01/22/world/meanwhile-in-america-january-23-intl/index.html
A few wealthy Americans have wrested control of the political conversation and convinced millions of people to vote against their own interests, to pledge allegiance to a person instead of their democracy, freedoms, nation.
A leader who goes around holding rallies to massage his ego and whip his supporters into a frenzy is something this world has seen before. It never ends well for the governed. And once again, the governed don't care. They don their red hats and unknowingly cheer for their own demise.
8
just like 45 mr. turtle hasn't
a decent nor honest bone in
his body.
5
Mitch McConnell is the most corrupt Senator in the office for a long period of time.
Now finally he found a partner in crime in trump.
It is impossible to understand most of the speech he utters with is clenched teeth or whatever, never s
6
Why do folks continue to give individuals like trump, McConnell, Barr, et. al, the benefit of the doubt? Why do you keep expecting something different.?
They are craven human beings. And brazen politicians. They won’t change. Expecting them to change is akin to expecting the Easter bunny to visit your home. Stop complaining. And hoping. And start mobilizing. And winning.
7
@Athinking50 Absolutely 100% Spot On! Even the "media" treats the entire leadership miasma in which we now live as just another "election cycle..." I'm not at all optimistic that Trump will ever leave the "building" in a peaceful manner regardless of impeachment, election defeat, whatever...DJT is always gonna be trouble...wherever he is...Take Care!
the scam is by the left wing theatrics. too funny.
1
I really despise this man and his disrespectful behavior and attitude towards the supreme law of the land. Why does he keep on getting away with it?
4
The Presidency needs to be fundamentally revisited after Trump is long gone. In essence, Trump, a criminal's criminal if ever there was one, has fully (and easily) gamed the system.
Trump is as brazen as was John Dillinger, or Al Capone. Liberal Democracy is a pushover for the racist authoritarian. In addition American citizens are enthralled with lone wolf sociopath. Can't get enough of 'em. Billy the Kid. Bonny and Clyde.
No one really cares if Trump is a criminal. In fact, many Americans secretly celebrate their outlaw, sociopath Exec in Chief.
We need to fundamentally re-examine the Presidency. England may provide a more reasonable model (without the Royalty, of course).
3
Democracy is dying right in front of our eyes. Mitch McConnell is killing it and John Roberts is standing by and watching.
6
At long last Speaker McConnell, have you no decency?
5
@Rob NO...He Doesn't! Sorry!
(and Mitch is the Senate majority leader...The Speaker is one of the good people...) Take Care!
One cannot confuse McConnell or his party of representing the United States of America. Their loyalty lies with the ultra rich and the Russian Oligarchs. They know in their hearts that democracy is a joke on the poor and the middle class. Our country is over. We may as well get used to shining Marco Rubio shoes as was intended by the christian god the mega churches serve. We had better get in line soon!
3
The fix is in.
Trump will be acquitted and reelected.
Mitch McConnell will be reelected.
Nunes will be reelected.
Welcome to 1933 Germany.
5
Americans should have been rioting in the streets when McConnell refused the Senate process of advise and consent to President Obama for Merritt Garland.
5
@dlb You "speak" the truth...Take Care!
For Mister McConnell,there is no "American way." There is only his corrupt and "un-American way."
2
If Republicans don't cheat they can't win. Simple as that.
4
“What the Presidents has done is not High Crimes and Misdemeanors ,it unethical but not a crime, that’s what they say. We live in a time when moral values stand for nothing, the Presidents continuous lying has set a new sense of standards when other nations and people look at us. It says “there out for themselves,we use to put out the welcome mat to make America greater this trial speaks volumes about Trumps America.
2
As long as the Republicans hold the Senate majority the best the House Impeachment Managers can hope for is a listening, watching, and understanding electorate that will see through the republican charade and turn that knowledge into ACTION.
Whether actively working to win the White House and the Senate, or signing petitions and calling their senators to demand witnesses, or just encouraging your friends and neighbors to vote in November...the final line of defense will be the American people who have had enough of the nightmare administration in the current White House.
5
Impeach/ Censure Mitch for violating his oath of office. There was never more of a snake than him. More money donated today to Amy McGrath in Kentucky to beat him in November. I urge everyone to do the same. No one in my lifetime has contributed more to division of the citizenry and regressive politics than Mitch McConnell. I want him to go down in history as being a traitor and a conniving schemer that everyone should regard with disgust and shame.
14
If nothing else, the trial has proven one thing beyond a reasonable doubt - every Republican senator is a first-class fraud.
13
Hasn't he always been a cheater, resorting to subterfuge in order to rig the system?
2
All these republican senators are in the pockets of the trump-loving (TAX CUTS!!!) billionaires. These senators have been promised money one way or another to sell out. Money for campaign? You got it! And if you lose, there will be a cushy job waiting right there!
4
They do not want evidence and witnesses presented because they know Trump is guilty. They fear answering question regarding why they did not find an impeachable offense. They know there is no defense. Thus, all the better to lie, cheat and steal if you are going to be called a thief. SAD!! The very definition of cover-up. Perhaps they should have considered reigning in Trump earlier so that it would not come to this. Or maybe they should have used more restraint when going after Clinton on a flimsy case.
4
Another thing to get codified when we get a Dem president and a Dem Congress, both houses; Rules for impeachment trials!
3
Only in a country where a Fox News is the most watched and most believed news source could there be a Mitch McConnell. (And a Donald Trump).
11
All Republicans must be eliminated, for the good of the country. And McConnell is first on that list.
1
At the end of this test, those whom have dragged the Constitution through the mud will bear that stain. “But let justice roll down as waters, and righteousness as a mighty stream.” MLK
2
What an interesting lesson in our Constitution. The House impeached a President according to the direction of the Constitution. The Senate created a trial of willful deceit where the rules of what most Americans see as a trial (witnesses and evidence) is not being allowed.
I have come to the conclusion that our Constitution is what is flawed and needs to be brought into the 21st century. After witnessing the last 3 years of American government the answer should be clear to any and every American. We need a Constitutional Convention. It is time Americans wake up to the reality that 250 years ago is not today. What has come to pass is a mockery of political process and the greed and power that has taken hold of our freedoms.
I honestly want to stay in America and be near what very little family I have left. I am retiring soon. I served my country proudly when I donned a Navy uniform. Today, watching the process, the only thoughts that I am able to grab onto is migrants are trying to get in and all I want to do is head south. Watching McConnell and knowing he is part of the power and greed and his right to turn the process to his own will simply brings shame to our nation. Trump was elected by an antiquated system. Regardless, he is totally unqualified and in fact if anyone was astute enough to read his history would know he is also a criminal getting away with it. Hora de retirarse en Columbia. Mis ahorros para la jubilación no durarán aquí.
10
In response to an earlier comment, another commenter pointed out that the Senate largely wastes time anyway, and so why should anyone care whether it wastes time on this impeachment proceeding.
I must admit that I have long been amazed that many Presidential candidates are, or have been, US Senators and yet seem to have no trouble campaigning far from Washington, DC from early morning until late at night. Doesn't anyone notice (or care) that they're not doing their "day job?"
1
The Democrats made a critical and fatal error in failing to object to many of the Republican senators taking the jurors' oath prior to the trial. McConnell and many others were on public record saying they had no intention of even attempting to be impartial.
The Democrats should have made that a huge issue and put the heat on Roberts to make a decision on the available evidence as to whether many of the Republicans could faithfully take that oath. By failing to do that, the Democrats caved before it started.
And in what universe do the jurors decide the rules that govern the trial? Again, the Democrats should have used the pre-trial statements of the Republican senators to compel Roberts to take genuine control of the trial. That was the only chance for fairness.
I understand the pressure that Schiff and the others are under - but they have totally blown it in terms of getting a genuine trial of the issues in this process. It was all there for them to use and if Roberts had been made responsible, things would have changed.
The Republican senators obviously regard themselves as totally immune to the judgment of anyone. Roberts, on the other hand, has repeatedly shown that he takes his office seriously. If he had been made responsible for this trial being fair, maybe it would be.
1
@MackinOz Roberts is a Republican too.
Exactly right:
"The evidence can’t be relevant because neither side cares about it at all."
If the facts were in dispute, more evidence indeed would be useful. But, as the Democratic "managers" say, the evidence already in is "overwhelming." They really don't need more. The vote is almost certainly going to be "political," and the odds of Trump being convicted are slim to none (and Slim just left town).
McConnell has always worked against the country and the Constitution.
He has never felt constrained by his oath of office.
No one has ever called him on it.
He is confident that no one ever will.
8
The Democrats should exercise the nuclear option and prevent the Senate from calling a Quorum. You have to fight fire with fire. Mitch McConnell is not going to allow a fair trial , so the hearing should be officially invalid.
2
Here was his opportunity to make history and lead the country.
Fact is Americans have not produced leaders since Martin Luther King and before that Abe Lincoln. They are defined by only their courage against overwhelming side that may bestow despair, fear and even chance of losing their life or worse having their loved ones.
It is ironic when you are left with a 16 year old Greta Thurnburg to lead the survival of the human race.
3
Actually, this isn't true:
"The burden of proof is on the house..."
The Constitution is silent on this. "Beyond a reasonable doubt' is the criminal standard, but 51/49 is good enough in civil cases. It's far from clear that impeachment is one or the other -- not that it matters, since the Senators' votes will be "political."
1
@Commenter
I agree that there is nothing that says where the burden of proof lies. As a citizen I would like to think that both houses of congress would feel a responsibility to shed as much daylight on the doings of the executive branch as possible. If that daylight is exculpatory, great. But deciding on a process which is designed to limit daylight amounts to a cover-up.
2
Maybe I am not fully on top of this, but my understanding is that the facts are not in serious dispute and the defense comes down to "so what?" If that is true, what's the point of witnesses ?
7
@sissifus Excellent point. Even trump himself admitted to attempting to broker the deal with Ukraine.
4
@sissifus ...There a large number of people who are unaware of the facts. Witnesses do two things. First, they can help inform people who have to this point not been following the proceedings. Second, they can push back on the Republican claim of lack of evidence. Even though the claim is false, witnesses like Bolden could drive home the point that the Republican objection is specious.
3
@sissifus
There is not enough evidence in the minds of the Republicans to sway their voters. They are banking on being able to fool their voters into what ever nonsense they can come up with. If additional witnesses are called, that would become harder. It's all about protecting themselves from the voters. They are not in anyway worried about what really happened. That's why they rigged the trial.
1
No one has worked harder for one-party, authoritarian rule in the United States than Sen. Mitch McConnell. He has violated his oath to the Constitution and has even broken the Senate to ensure it.
16
I don't know what further evidence is needed to understand that there are two Americas. This is the Scopes Trial in front of a nation.
I am waiting for Tennessee to look for an appeal that overturns the appeal that overturns the verdict.
When did beliefs become alternate facts.
4
What I believe may be behind the obsequiousness of the GOP is not so much fear of Trump per se, or fear of losing their House or Senate seat, it's the fear of being left out of the goings on at the Trump hotel in DC. That is where big deals are being made, where lobbying goes on, foreign business deals happen, networking takes place, and God only knows what else. If any of the GOP go against Trump, they will not be welcome at the hotel and they will be shut out of deals, future job possibilities, everything. I think that is what they really fear. The worst part is that even if Trump loses, the deal making will continue. The only thing that may stop it is if Trump is arrested after he is no longer president and the hotel is sold; we can only pray.
4
84% of all Democrats favor a guilty vote on the impeachment charges. That suggests 7 of the 47 Democratic senators would be leaning towards innocent now. Among independents, 48% favor impeachment. That suggests if the Democrats viewed the case honestly, 24 would vote to acquit. The fact all 47 are in lockstep to remove the president suggests a political maneuver. The evidence can’t be relevant because neither side cares about it at all.
2
@Old Pueblo
A strange argument. The House Republicans insisted that the anti-impeachment sentiment in the house was more bipartisan because a couple of Democrats voted with the Republicans (who were unanimous against impeachment). But you say that it is the Democrats, not the Republicans, who are in lockstep.
I would disagree with your last sentence about evidence. Democrats are absolutely asking for more evidence from the executive branch. Republicans seem completely content to get as little as possible from the executive branch.
2
Carlos Ghosn called the Japanese judiciary system a scam and fled hiding in a big box. Importantly, however, he has a good amount of support from both inside and outside Japan. Mr. Trump and Mr. McConnell are doing what's similar, which also has a good amount of support from American voters. Sort of analogies...
2
I don't remember the outrage when the Dems rammed through their impeachment without allowing Republicans due process.
Must have missed it.
3
@Haig Pointer They invited Trump to come defend himself and he didn't. They asked for Trump to provide documents which could have potentially exonerated him. He didn't. They gave asked for witnesses who could potentially have exonerated him and he wouldn't allow people to testify. He had plenty of opportunity for due process. He chose not to provide the documents and witnesses.... which one can only assume he would have done if they would have exonerated him.
6
@Patricia Maurice Moreover, Trump could have declassified anything and then gone on TV and mounted his own point by point defense. He chose not to do that. Perhaps because he couldn't defend himself based on facts? As president, he can pull any evidence needed... he has the ultimate trump card for due process. So, why hasn't he presented the evidence directly to the American people?
2
I'm not a resident of Kentucky and thus did not vote for McConnell. I do not think he should be able to wield so much influence, unbridled.
4
McConnell has the authority to block the trial in any way he can. If he shows a complete trial then the public will be convinced of Trump's crime hurting him in the election. He is doing this not for any great ethical reason but because the "corrupt" senate rules allow it If you don't like this like most of us don't issue platitudinous statements about duty honor etc. Instead do the difficult thing and propose the proper reform so that this doesn't happen again. It is very unrealistic to expect anyone in McConnell's position to act to the disadvantage of the Republican party
2
Really?
McConnell is putting party above country. It is that simple. He has no ethical or moral high ground at all.
9
Let's face reality now and then: Justifiably or not, the Republican Senators are NOT going to convict Trump (which would require 67 votes). That being so, should the Senate not minimize the time it spends (wastes) on this effort?
3
You mean, so they can spend more time to approve the long list of bills that have been send to them by Congress?
It is the only thing McConnell and his lazy friends in the Senate are good at.
Refusing to discuss all bills that are send to them.
3
Commenter, of course the Democrats know that Donald Trump is not going to be removed from office. So does the country. The stock market hasn't tumbled. No one is talking about Mike Pence. The whole thing is a farce.
So why do the Democrats do it? Political advantage. Shameful as that is.
Indeed!
"So why don't the Democrat in Congress seek immediate judicial review of McConnell's actions?"
Probably for the same reason that they withdrew their subpoena for Charles Kupperman (Bolton's assistant) when he asked a court to rule on conflicting demands from the House and Trump: they don't want to find out whether Trump has the right to block them.
3
Its not really about the Trial, it's about the fitness of Republican senators to do their duty as Senators under the Constitution and to fulfill the oath they took to be impartial jurors.
If the American people decide, at any point between now and 2024 that Republican Senators who heard this case and voted "Not Guilty" are not fit to serve, then those who voted to acquit will be defeated and turned out from office beginning in 2020 and ending two elections later.
That's a long bet to make, especially after hearing how artfully the House Team is string together a story woven from emails, texts, video testimony and narrative. Kudo's to the team for a masterful performance!
Republican Senators will be well-advised to trade any and all witnesses the Democrats are asking for in return for one of the Bidens. It's the only way they can get out of this box.
This box, of Pelosi's invention, is a Senate Flipper, but it works best with Biden and not Bernie or Warren at the top of the ticket.
Trump and Republicans fear Joe Biden's empathy and appeal to voters who want experience and kindness. They are tired of the meanness. Ready for change, and ready for Uncle Joe.
But if Bernie or Warren are the front runner, that is a different horse, that looks pink or outright red at times. And with hundreds of millions of dollars to light that up, Republican might take heart that they just might pull it off if they can just do Joe in.
So no witness trades, please. Don't blow it!
3
Lofty ideals, which are completely irrelevant to McConnell and the current congressional Republicans, who care about one thing above all else: retaining power. Anyone can see that this will not be a "trial" in any real sense of the word. The Republicans are afraid of the facts, so they must prevent them from seeing the light of day.
6
The House should have done a more thorough job of gathering their evidence so as to have a more definitive case which did not require the Senate to call witnesses except to make their case. However, the House was on the fast track inorder to meet their timeline reference this coming election cycle. All this has been a planned out scheme by actors who have lost their way.
Really, I wonder if you have actually followed the impeachment hearings.
Otherwise you would know that Trump, the White House and the Senate majority made most of the requested or subpoenaed witnesses were forbidden to come forward and cooperate.
And now you complain, you and your party make a scam out of real Justice.
1
Noah may want to consider that you don't show up for a trial and say I'm not ready, I want more witnesses or documents to try and make my case. As for those Republican Senators, they may be saving the Republic.
1
@Chris Who is saying they are not ready? They are calling witnesses who can help them make their case, something that is done at every trial. At a trial you actually call witnesses, and they appear, either voluntarily or under subpoena.
14
@Chris
No, the witnesses defied the subpoenas and democrats concluded there was insufficient time to wait for court decisions compelling testimony and documents. Second, at any trial, new evidence is admitted if it comes to light after the trial has commenced. New evidence has been revealed since the articles of impeachment were delivered to the Senate.
If Trump is innocent and should be acquitted, then why not bring these witnesses and documents to exonerate him?
Finally, would you accept President Obama's withholding of congressional funds, your tax dollars, until Ukraine announced an investigation into Mitt Romney?
6
Someone has said, The mills of the gods grind slowly, but they grind exceeding fine.
We await Mitch McConnell's delivery to the mills.
There will be a reckoning, and though it take years, decades, it will be rendered.
8
Our entire system, whether intended or not, support those in power and with money. Sure, there are exceptions, but how what is happening now surprises anyone or that anything else will happen is beyond me. We have an almost completely subjective document that rules the land and can under the right circumstances keep anyone in power, or take anyone out of it. Not of course based on any principles but who currently is in power. It's a joke.
4
A late lawyer friend of mine used to tell me that when he started practicing law, and old judge told him "No matter how much law you know, nothing beats a good fix." Maybe McConnell knew the same old judge, or it is just the good old boy system still at work par excellance.
A lot has been said about the hypocrite nature of what is going on in the whipped-into-line Republican majority in the Senate. They don't seem to get the ultimate contradiction they are endorsing when they on the one hand the hostility to foreigners who want to come to America for a better life and at best raise and eyebrow archly at the president's shredding of budgets and reallocating billions to build a wall no one expects will be really useful. On the other hand, they are endorsing foreign computer based border crossing by nodding OK to Trump asking Russia to meddle in our very government through backing the Republican Trojan horses.
This is faux patriotism at best, and deepest corruption at worst. Or both.
11
"Senators have a duty to conduct a fair and full trial."
This idea that Democrats and Republicans share higher values is a purely Democratic view.
Republicans do not share a belief in such a "duty." They only value raw political power, attaining it, retaining it and exploiting it.
It is high time for Dems to put these naive beliefs and aspirations aside, and to get ready for November 2020. Not by trying to convince those on the right who won't be convinced, but by expanding their numbers and rallying around whoever is nominated.
10
There were some who dismissed the not-guilty verdict in the O.J. Simpson trial as jury nullification. That jury, at least, sat through nine months of testimony, and some have since conceded that the prosecution never really nailed its case. Sen. McConnell, cast in the anomalous triple role of judge (first among 100 equals), jury foreman (one of 2), and close ally of the defense, declared his intent to nullify before the trial even started. In both trials, the defendant is a raffish antihero with a loyal following, and with Alan Dershowitz on his defense team. For Trump’s following, as for O.J.’s, guilt or innocence is beside the point. This guy may be bad, but he’s their bad guy, and the more the other side bears down on him the more they love him. Few of the Republican senators may be fans of Trump, but for all of them to a (wo)man, power trumps truth. Indeed (with apologies to Keats):
Power is truth, truth power—that is all
they know on earth, and all they want to know.
5
The Fat Lady has not started her aria, so it is pointless of Mr. Bookbinder to assume that additional witnesses will not be heard or even that additional documents won't be admitted.
Certainly, Mr. McConnell has got his thumb on the scale, but Mr. Schiff also utilized his thumb to preclude Republicans from getting their way during the House hearings.
I will be very glad when both sides wrap up. I know all their lines by heart.
Then we will see if the Democrats will sacrifice the Bidens in exchange for Bolton and Giuliani. At this point Mr. Schumer has rightly condemned such an arrangement.
Regardless whether there are more witnesses or not, I believe Mr. McConnell will call for a vote to remove or to acquit Mr. Trump .
I think a motion to dismiss the charges would be a pretty measly outcome for Republicans; however, a vote to acquit would be a major victory.
I am not sure it is possible in the political atmosphere today to have a fair and impartial trial, but I would like the Senate to stick to proper form and decorum.
4
One of the scary things about this whole farce is how much Trump and Co will feel empowered to commit even more egregious crimes and misdemeanors, or even just downright boldfaced law breaking.
Trump and his followers will feel they are above the law, and unstoppable.
If trump bleated on about vindication etc after the Mueller report, how much more so is he going to go on about it this time?
If the next elections gives the White House, Congress and Senate to the Republicans then they can't be stopped at all - you may as well say goodbye to democracy in America, it's already on it's way to an authoritarian rule as it is now.
Only the Democrat controlled Congress stands in the way.
12
I think we may be underestimating McConnell's delema. He is not only protecting a proven criminal in Trump but we know Pence is also neck deep and evidence of that will surface if Bolton is called. That would leave Pelosi next in line for the vacancy in the West Wing and the resulting purge of Russian assets in his party would render it impudent if not totally extinct. Pelosi could do the job but not my first choice either. What we see now is a number of guilty as sin politicians running for cover of a cover up and the people are watching, closely!
8
@James Huffer How is it soo awful that a very competent Pelosi becomes a caretaker president for a few months? I don't understand why anyone would prefer the evil that we have residing/squatting and selling our democracy for a few rubles and his henchman/bagman/toady veep.
1
Well done. Adam Schiff, Jerry Nadler, and the rest of the Democratic House managers brilliantly laid out a meticulous, logical, unequivocal, incisive and highly compelling set of arguments and counter-arguments in the "amendment" requests all 'for the record'--knowing full well McConnell & Co. would vote them all down, which they did.
12
The Democrats are doing their best to present their case knowing they cannot win in the Senate. Wisely, they are appealing directly to the American people, assuming they are watching of course. If this is any indication, I spoke with my American cousin the other day and said that Bolton was willing to testify; her response was “who is Bolton?” Mitch is counting on the average American being disinterested and I suspect he may be right.
10
@Holly This trial is being widely watched by millions. Having instant media and many choices no matter where you are during your day makes that so.
1
How about this argument: of course, our system of jurisprudence is based on the concept of precedents. The precedent being established here (by McConnell at the behest of Trump) is that witnesses are not required in an impeachment trial. In this case, that’s because the (slight) majority doesn’t have any exculpatory witnesses. No “good” witnesses but numbers to set process = no witnesses.
Now, fast forward to a time when a President could actually be accused illegitimately of a high crime or misdemeanor. If the opposition has the majority, they could silence exculpatory witnesses by following the McConnell precedent. This cuts both ways.
Just another potentially disastrous lasting impact from those on the right who obviously care not a whit about “what’s right,” but only about maintaining power.
7
True, and representatives in the House have a duty to conduct a fair an unbiased inquiry. Why should the Senate process be any different than the House process?
3
@Mike F. - Thanks for asking.. It's because more information has come to light
It is clear the Republicans are playing hard ball politics (as they should). They have no choice but to defend him because without Trump they have no chance in 2020. Yes, the Republicans may lose anyway in 2020, but without him, they lose for sure.
Democrats have to match the Republican's resolve. However effective Speaker Pelosi is, the Democrats are too Fragmented as a party to perform brinkmanship with the Republicans. How many are willing to just say "No" as effective as Sen. McConnell?
5
@Progers9
A basic principle: Victory cannot be achieved by adopting the opponents criminal, unethical tactics.
—We do not defeat cannibals by eating them.
—We do not defeat terrorists with terrorism.
—We do not defeat Nazis by adopting their methods and strategies.
—Democrats do not defeat 21st century Republicans by lying, breaking laws, ignoring the U.S. Constitution, rigging trials and electing unfit public officials. We’re better than that.
1
We're 8 months away from the election - let all the American people decide if President's Trump's pressuring of the Ukraine is a reason to vote him out of office.
The impeachment is clearly partisan - it's not going to pass in the Senate - never. Republican Senators will not vote out their President - just like the Democrats voted to impeach him.
I'll vote for either Biden or Bloomberg in Nov. - I could care less about the impeachment proceedings - trial or no trial - just like everything else, we ALL KNOW HE DID IT.
So let's get on with the primaries - the Democrats better not make the same mistake they made in 2016 - I hold the Democratic Party directly responsible for losing the election in 2016. Joe Biden should have been nominated. If the impeachment stood a chance, I could see moving forward. However, America knows it's partisan - and they're taking sides.
Those I've spoken to who voted for Trump in 2016 will be voting for him again. Those who voted for Hillary may not vote for Bernie. It's going to a very close election -the impeachment is just more noise - this is the third or fourth time the Democrats have said the President has committed an impeachable offense....and it's not going anywhere, just like the others.
1
@JMS Joe Biden was not running in 2016. He was dealing with the death of his son. To force him into nomination would have been disrespectful of his family in their grief.
1
I'm not sure Americans really understand the significance of what is happening. We've reached a point in our history where one party, supported by some 40% of the population, no longer wants a democracy and is now willing to end it.
38
@617to416 Well, a lot of them are southerners who wish they were in the confederacy and don't really want to be part of the USA anyways.
We aren't being scammed by McConnell -- he is being very up front about his base disregard for the US Constitution. The question is whether enough citizens care, because the Republicans in congress sure don't.
22
If Trump is not removed for obstruction of Congress, nothing will remain to check the power of a President for 4 years, during which time he or she will be free to impose extensive barriers to a free election.
11
To my fellow democrats, I say we help vote him and all the republicans out of office. Thanks to the internet, there are no local politics anymore. Donate to opposing candidates. Help get the vote out.
16
McConnell is the worst example of a leader. If he really cared about the United States, its people, the presidency, the law, the constitution, etc., he would have allowed hearings for the nomination of Merrick Garland. He's denigrated the process and trust. In the case of the impeachment trial, I wonder how he and other Republicans can reconcile the oath they took to be impartial jurors with the actions that they are taking.
I only hope that history will see McConnell as the demagogue that he is. I also hope and pray that the citizens of the state of Kentucky take matters into their own hands and say goodbye to McConnell after 36 years in office. He is certainly an advertisement for term limits.
How McConnell can call himself a lawyer is beyond me.
20
My bigger concern is the message which is being broadcast loud and clear to average Americans: there are two sets of rules/laws in this country. One for the powerful and one for the ordinary. The Senate trial adopts all the trappings of the justice system minus the justice. The rule of law is all that stands between a civilized society and mob rule. I feel we are very close to the latter.
29
McConnell's actions today are like Schumer's actions during Clinton's impeachment trial. It's all politics. This is not a legal trial. The Framers knew this.
John Roberts doesn't have a dog in this fight, and he will refer all decisions to the Senate, as it should be. Roberts doesn't want to look "political".
The American people will have their say in the 2020 elections.
4
I’ve written to Senator John Cornyn many times during the past year, asking him to uphold his oath of office. Nothing changes. Seeing him today with a smirk on his face (MSNBC after Adam Schaffer’s spoke), makes me incredibly depressed. I’m beyond angry, as I have been for the last three years. I can only hope that when he’s up for re-election this November, enough voters in Texas turn the state blue.
41
Excellent presentations by the house managers. I am watching every minute. Impressed by their preparation and the force of the case.
This should be a slam dunk removal.
23
@laurie I agree! It should be a slam dunk removal but alas, as we all know, it won’t be.
1
And yet the evidence presented may be as compelling as if the desired witnesses and documents were allowed.
A normal jury would convict either way.
A normal senate would convict either way.
Welcome to the brave new normal.
13
The GOP senators don’t care about the precedent they will set. They know that the future occupants of the White House will never be Democrats.
They will ensure this by voting to let Trump get away with everything. They know that the American electorate will almost surely give Trump another term, or he will cheat his way into it. Then, they can change the rules to include a lifetime presidency, much like what the Chinese and Russian governments have done. Another term of this, and the GOP are guaranteed the kingdom. Who cares about future elections. They won’t even need them.
23
I've followed all of this closely. But what is completely unclear to me is what, exactly, is the Republican position. Is it that they don't believe the evidence put forth so far? Or is that that they believe the evidence and don't think there was any wrongdoing?
It seems as if it's important to know the difference as it relates to the future, to future presidents' actions, even to Trump's future actions. As a citizen, I think it's my right to hear their justification.
If withholding aid violates the Impoundment Act, when is it okay to violate it and when is it not? If it's okay to invite foreign countries to investigate Americans, is it ever not okay? If so, under what circumstances?
17
@Jane - it seems the new rule is that if Trump says he did no wrong than he did no wrong, and Trump never does any wrong. Welcome to the new American democracy.
2
I have friends from the other side of the aisle. They believe what Trump says. No presentation of evidence or any facts will sway their belief that Trump is guilty of anything. Even IF they accepted the facts that he sought an investigation by Ukraine, they would still vote for him. While I support the impeachment, we should all recognize that the only hope for our nation to return to a Democracy lies in the November election.
31
It’s now up to media to broadcast far and wide the senate trial. If enough people are exposed to the truth, the better the chance that we get Trump out, either now, or a bit later.
22
Why haven't the Democrats stated the obvious: Mitch McConnell has a conflict of interest? McConnell's wife, Elaine Choi, is Trump's Secretary of Transportation. Ms. Choi's family owns a large shipping company, the Foremost Group, and her position allows her to set policy and make deals that directly benefit her family.
Yes, McConnell wants to shut down the impeachment hearings to try and maintain control of the Executive branch and the Senate. He also wants Trump in office to keep his wife's advantageous
position in Trump's cabinet.
51
The social cost of winning without regard to what you destroy in the process doesn't seem to trouble the Republicans at all.
They've made it a zero sum game.
34
@Rich C.
Does it trouble the Democrats? Not at all.
Mitch McConnell has already committed perjury - if I can use that term, he's not on trial. He swore an oath to be impartial, but he has publicly stated that he will not be impartial. Any Republican who supports McConnell also supports the subversion of the Constitution and are complicit. They have failed the people.
37
Considering the dire nature of persons like Donald, Mitch and Lindsey being in power, it seems the rallying cry of journalists and civic leaders should be how to defeat these types at the polls instead of being outraged (justifiably) by their behavior. We are fiddling with outrage as The Constitution burns.
11
Sir
Your article suggests trials hear from fact witnesses. Maybe you weren’t paying attention but the lower chamber of Congress, in the US we call this the House is Representatives, completed a review of witnesses in December. My understanding is that they elected to impeach the president given the enormity of the statements by the witnesses. Now the upper chamber, in the US we call this the Senate, they vote on the impeachment charges. Not sure why more people need to be involved. Did the House not do a thorough enough job?
3
@Dady The House did not have all the evidence because Trump refused to release it or let his key officials testify, but they had enough.
Why not have more evidence?
28
So I guess 15 Senate trials with witnesses was the wrong precedent. Goodness, thank God for Mitch & Graham & Trump, we finally will do impeachment trials correctly!
1
@Dady Thus, the second article: obstruction of Congress. This is a check mate.
A not particularly charismatic star of America’s biggest show doesn’t look particularly healthy. He may, however, be good for five more years of doublespeak, and we must search for truth in our own lives even as the Senate refuses to produce anything close to “Profiles in Courage” to challenge him. It behooves us to look deeply at why the small lies we have always forgiven politicians now come back to haunt us as “the big lie(s)”.
10
"The president’s allies in the Senate must ask themselves whether they would brush aside such serious allegations if someone else was occupying the White House."
Mr. Bookbinder: These are (largely) the same people who stood by as McConnell kept Merrick Garland in limbo on the pretense that SCOTUS candidates should not be confirmed in an election year. Later, when asked whether he would allow confirmation of a SCOTUS candidate during the current election year, he smirked and said of course he would.
21
Has anyone drafted and filed a formal Motion with the Chief Justice to Disqualify all jurors who have already announced their intention to acquit before hearing any evidence? McConnell announced before the trial started he did not intend to serve as an impartial juror, in open violation of his oath of jury duty, and is actively coordinating with the Defense. Rand Paul announced today he was formally inviting the Defendant to the Senate to participate and was / is pushing a motion to dismiss, long before the trial commenced or any evidence considered. In the history of American law, a criminal defendant has never been permitted to actively coordinate with an impartial juror during the trial. The only hope our Republic has for survival, uncorrupted, is if the Judicial branch reinterprets the power of Presidement as found in the U.S. Constitution to include ruling on qualified jurors. The resultant qualified jurors, who do not already have a record of expressing their opinion on conviction, can then continue to set the rules and override the Chief Justice on issues of materiality and witnesses by majority vote, if they so choose. It would be a case of first impression for the judiciary. Right now the Chief Justice's role is meaningless, merely ministerial. If Presidement is to have any substantive meaning at all, it must include ruling on juror coordination, with the Defendant, and bias.
24
@Derek G. This is not a legal trial. It's a political one. John Roberts will do everything that he can to remain a figurehead only, as he has no dog in this fight.
1
@Derek G. - There would not be any Democrats left in the hall if all those who have expressed thier belief that Trump is guilty were forced to recuse.
1
Wrong, his "dog" is supposed to be the constitution.
Living in Pacific Standard Time, gave me the opportunity to watch the historic impeachment trial of President Trump in real time, go well past midnight. The stamina level of the Senators was shocking.
However, watching it made me feel a grief I hadn't in a long time felt. I feel more horrible about the US legal system more than I ever have had. And I have been witness to the gross injustices within the courts for a considerable time. But I always held out hope that the prejudice, not the typical as most see it - against the poor or people with strongly colored skin - but against anyone who asks for relief under the laws of California, who is NOT A CORPORATION.
So much so, I studied law. I hold out the lawyers who have severe almost knife like ethics, as those who are above me in vision, tolerance, and the ability to interpret the law correctly. None of the Republican's lawyers have any such ethics.
The Republican Senators are acting immorally and unethically and by depriving the trial of discovery, they are throwing a destructive substance onto the entire system of law.
The Republicans are going to corrode an already fragile legal system, to the point where it will just dissolve, and become meaningless.
In Venezula and Russia today, their law is meaningless to help their own people. This is why the Russian leaders all but Putin quit.
29
"An impeachment trial is only meaningful if the American people can have confidence in the fairness of the process; only then will the trial’s verdict be worthy of respect. "
At the risk of repeating other comments, The above statement means that the GOP has made this impeachment process completely and utterly without meaning. Based on what I have seen since the Speaker first decided to proceed with an investigation I have no confidence that a fair and just conclusion will be reached.
Thank you GOP for ruining America. May McConnel be afflicted with the itch but have no nails to scratch with.
20
Remember how badly McConnell treated Merrick Garland?
Remember the hundreds of bills that the Democratic House majority passed that McConnell refuses to allow the Senate to consider?
Case closed.
68
I have called and written to my senator, Rob Portman, to tell him exactly what this article states. I want a fair trial. No, I demand it. Mr. Portman: you have not listened to a word I've written or said by phone. Maybe you'll see this in the NYTimes and know how important it is that we keep our democracy and abide by the Constitution; remember that you represent me with the ideals and the laws of justice.
31
I also contacted Portman, and asked him to support calling Bolton as a witness.
15
I also sent Senator Portman an e-mail requesting the same. My guess is it will have been a waste of my time. But one can hope!
11
Ohio you guys are really important call and ask everyone to call that you know.
McConnell does not believe in the power of the Presidency. He believes in the power of the Senate majority - in his power, as it happens.
McConnell grants and removes Presidential powers on a whim. Want to extort dirt from a foreign nation by withholding aid that will keep the Russians out of your nation? Sure, go for it. Want to nominate a Supreme Court Justice during your term? No, sorry, not this time.
Trump will be fine as long as the base assures that McConnell needs him and will be marginalized the second McConnell does not.
McConnell will run this kangaroo court the way he wants, and the next kangaroo court the way he wants as well, conceding no need for precedent of consistency. What matters only is the perpetuation of McConnell and his agenda.
Machiavelli lives.
26
@Cathy
Not only does Machiavelli lives, sadly he thrives.
1
I have a couple of questions: does anybody think the House Hearings were fair and fulsome when it came to the Republican's access to documents, ability to call witnesses, etc.? Had the House Democrats made up their minds to impeach before the hearings started or were they genuinely interested in gathering information in an effort to determine if high crimes had occurred? Has Schumer already made up his mind to convict before hearing the managers' case and the president's rebuttal, in other words, is he as partisan and McConnell? I think we all know the answers to these questions but I am curious.
2
@Billy H.
The House hearings were fair. Trump refused to let anyone testify or to present documents. I'm certain the white house staff members could have presented plenty of exculpatory evidence on his behalf. Why did he prohibit them from testifying?
The impeachment hearing arose from the concern of a civil servant who was compelled to raise a question about the legality of the President's activities. And as for gathering information, where were you when the hearings were held? There were so many witnesses you needed about 5 trips to Starbucks a day to stay awake.
No one could ever be as partisan as Mitch McConnell. That's a truth we can all hold to be self-evident.
You're right, we all know the answers to these questions.
Were you of a different opinion?
14
@Billy H, I don’t believe anything can be done that Donald Trump and his cohorts would consider fair. It would be great if he, and his office, replied to all requests for documentation and witness testimony as required by the Constitution and the law. If he did so, then he could demonstrate justification for his actions on the part of the American people.
Donald Trump is no longer in charge of a private company in which he answers to no one but himself. He was elected into public office. That means every day he should be working on behalf of the American people, not Trump Inc. It also means we are collectively his supervisor and he owes all of us an explanation of everything he is doing and why he is doing it. The writers of the Constitution explicitly stated they wanted a government of the people, by the people, for the people and answerable to the people.
There are Republicans on both committees that were able to ask questions and request evidence. The responsibility of Congress is not to be the protector of the president. They have a responsibility oversee him, regardless of party. The evidence requested by Republicans has been to protect and excuse his behavior, not get to the truth. They have used their positions to defend him rather than review his actions as president.
So, to answer your question, no it’s not fair because I want to know the truth, and I’m tired of it being hidden by this administration.
10
@Billy H.-you clearly are getting your information from Fox. Republicans were in every hearing and had the opportunity to examine all documents and ask questions of all witnesses. The *president had the opportunity to have his lawyers represent him in the House, he chose not to. The House does not conduct a trial. They are more like a prosecutor presenting evidence to a grand jury. The trial is in the Senate. Remember one thing, Trump has had multiple opportunities to provide exculpatory evidence. He hasn't provided one scintilla of exculpatory evidence. The White House has obstructed at every turn when asked to provide documents and officials to testify. Why do you think that is. I think you know, but I am curious.
1
What we’re seeing is perilously close to the collapse of constitutional rule in the U.S. The process driven by a minority that cannot maintain its rule, power, and privileges by democratic means.
A failure this epic would have looked unimaginable a few years ago. But it was our imagination, not eyesight, that was lacking.
The drama unfolding may be the inevitable result of a collapse of a shared agreement about reality and facts in a society that has been maneuvered into hostile camps.
Legal” and “constitutional” now seem to mean whatever those with the most power, and loudest voices, and most thuggish tactics, say they mean.
This descent has spelled catastrophe in other societies that have experienced it.
Americans need to use their agency while they have it to
push back.
56
@MountainAmerican
But isn't this the predictable and almost inevitable result of a 'populism' where the electorate suspend critical judgement and evaluation and provide a carte blanche green light to their populist 'representatives' to do 'whatever' as long as they retain power?
Notions of truth and fair play don't appear to be even momentary considerations in this kind of political manipulation - I think they only care about win or loose.
The social cost of winning without regard to what you destroy in the process doesn't seem to trouble them at all. They've made it a zero sum game.
12
That’s why the Russian destabilization strategy is to “Balkanize” the US into geographically polarized regions. The populist politics of hate betrays a desperate, broken economy not reflected in the media and stock market. Trump is just one symptom of this diseased country.
3
@We (Americans) are neglecting the duties and abusing the privilege of the proud title of citizen.
1
The really, really dangerous element here is that regardless of the assumed verdict. The division isn’t going away...ever. There is only one realistic way that this thing is going to finally end and it’s unthinkable.
10
@J Sir, I agree with you. We may disagree on matters, but I for one would like to see if we can find common ground, rather than again revert to the unthinkable.
4
@J
We will go from a cold civil war to a shooting civil war. While the "real" elites and their puppets laugh all the way to the bank. But Dump supporters had better realize that liberals also have a lot of guns and know how to use them. The difference being is we don't want to use them, whereas Dump supporters can't wait to blow their fellow American's away. This is what we have devolved into and it's all on Dump, his criminal administration and those that support him.
@ejones
There is no longer a common ground. The fake conservatives have been so manipulated and living in fear and hate of the other that there is no possibility of reconciliation or understanding. We are done as a country. It's that' simple.
While it is the duty of the Senate to try the impeached person, the process should not be left to the vagaries of who is in charge.
When this is over, maybe a year or two from now, a protocol should ge established by a bipartisan committee of the Senate, so that from now on, it will be clear what to expect.
9
Would anyone expect that Senator McConnell would have a fair trial?
I’m sure we all know how Merrick Garland felt when he didn’t even get a hearing. Fair, never mind according to Mitch.
McConnell has never been fair.
He plays hardball and will do anything to hold onto power. There was never going to be a fair trial. “Get over it”!
18
I would like to know if anyone opposing this trial is listening and if they might have heard something in the absolute silence and stillness of the moment.
6
@AS
I heard that President Trump will be acquitted.
Americans deserve to have a more rapid voice in their government. When I see the political grand-standing by both parties, I feel they no longer serve the citizens. Surely, someone can invent a method whereby citizens can register their approval or disapproval of issues with more immediacy. If elected representatives (including our President) will not "do the right thing" (for example, implement and/or follow our laws), they need to find another line of work.
4
@Willit Ever-Stop I'm not buying that whole "both sides are as bad as each other" line. The state of play was started by Newt Gingrich, blissfully continued by Mitch McConnell, and found fruition with Donald Trump. The majority of Americans are, like me, moderate. There is no room for moderation or compromise in what used to be the GOP any more. It is considered weakness. I was, until 2016, a lifelong moderate Republican. I am now considered a RINO.
16
Why do people who us want to believe they have a brain in their head keep pretending that this impeachment travesty is anything more than a partisan charade from beginning to end. The outcome in the House was 100% predictable. The outcome in the Senate is 100% predictable. Why should anyone waste time pretending any of this is fair. The mountains of manure that are being pile up can be summarized in four sentences:
"We hate Trump and we want to run the show."
"We don't care if you hate Trump."
"We run the show. Not guilty."
Partisans, please stop wasting America's time with your partisan shenanigans.
3
@Jim Impeaching the president for abuse of power and obstruction of congress is a pretty open and shut nonpartisan case. At least if you accept facts and reality, versus Alt-Right spin.
39
@Jim, If Mitch McConnell thinks it’s such a partisan embarrassment to the Democrats, then why not put it up for all to see? Having it go on from one o’clock in the afternoon, until two in the morning over a few days doesn’t make it appear he wants to convince anyone of this president’s innocence of wrongdoing.
If he was so proud of the Republican Senators and Trump, he would want to stretch it out, like a campaign ad.
5
@Jim Partisan Republicans just don't get it: the impeachment of the president is about our love of the Constitution, not our hatred of Donald Trump. Defending the Constitution from a crooked president is well worth the time of our representatives in Washington.
1
McConnell always works the same way. Decide—McConnell himself—the outcome desired. Then design a legislative process to achieve that outcome.
He is a Legislative Branch of One.
No wonder he and Trump are in lock-step. They are leaving the same footprints.
14
@McGlasson See how fast they turn on each other.
I think as voters we really need to hold the next Senate to the fire to change the procedural rules so that the majority leader can't govern as if s/he's president. It's too far to reach for what I really want, which is representation for DC and less representation for low population states... but it is do-able for us to insist that no one Senator can be assured of this much power. But in order for that to happen, each state - no matter the dominant party - needs to be willing to relinquish power in the interest of making rules that are more fair to the entire country. I believe the future of our republic depends on it - we are faltering with this level of partisanship and minority rule.
4
I've never believed that the Republicans would do anything other than what they always do...circle the wagons in their usual hyper-partisanship fashion. Republicans are not concerned for the Constitution of the country. They are concerned for their access to hoarding personal wealth and power.
32
There is an answer to this, and it is in the streets.
The obstructionist GOP needs to be sent a clear message from the people that -- no matter the party affiliation -- elected officials need to do their jobs. That the GOP wraps itself in the Constitution while paying mere lip service to it is an outrage.
21
@Six Minutes Remaining Or there are elections. One is coming up in November. The streets are hardly the place to start.
1
@John We can have both.
There is no reason why Americans cannot take to the streets to exercise their right to protest. It adds weight and gravity to the vote that will follow, and elected representatives can't say that they were 'surprised' at being voted out.
3
"For McConnell is an honourable man;
So are they all, all honourable men."
Trump illegally froze the aid immediately after the "perfect call." The call was "perfect," everybody was happy, with Zelensky seemingly acceding to do Trump's "favor." And the Pentagon already had certified that Ukraine was meeting anti-corruption goals.
Q: Then why freeze the aid 90 minutes later? It seems like no reason existed.
A: (1) Trump had just personally confirmed that Zelensky wanted the Javelins very badly. (2) Trump had just name-dropped Biden specifically, and (3) told Zelensky to talk to (attorney/client-protected) Giuliani, whose message we know was all about (4) getting Zelensky to tie the words "Biden" and "corruption investigation" into a public soundbite. (5) Telling Zelensky to talk directly to (attorney/client-protected) Giuliani ensured Zelensky would get the unmistakable quid pro quo message (if he hadn't gotten it through other channels already) immediately after Trump had asked for "a favor," with (6) that mysteriously sudden hold on the military aid after a supposedly "perfect" and happy chat on the phone. Zelensky's conclusion will have been obvious. The crime-boss innuendo will have been clear.
I now fully expect the Senate Republicans to bury as much evidence as possible, now to include reasonable hours and coverage for necessary public awareness.
Et tu, Judge Roberts?
13
We are being scammed by republican voters.
We are an easy mark. We don't focus, we are little drama artists, we quibble, we surrender to intellectual clouds, and most important of all, we never stand up and be counted (as in, we try very hard to find a reason to not vote).
If we are being scammed again and again (starting with Reagan), who do you think is to blame?
14
@Kalidan
Excellent points, Kalidan. One thing that can be said about Republicans: they unite behind their candidate almost 100%. We Democrats, on the other hand, are too busy finding nitpicky faults with all our presidential hopefuls until we're dissatisfied and angry at the final pick and even promise not to vote for him/her. Dems stare at a tree while GOPs gaze at the entire forest--and win because they do.
14
In order to avoid confusion in the future, should the impeachment clause be amended to reflect what high crimes and misdemeanors actually entail rather than having a fight over its intended meaning? That will certainly serve as a strong deterrent against crime or abuse by the executive.
Should the amendment state that the trial in the senate must include all relevant facts, documents and witnesses? Or is it a hard pill to swallow by either party?
2
Looks to me that by the actions of Mitch McConnell and all of the Republicans as well as Trump himself, they figure that they will never have to deal with a Democrat Administration ever again and only Republicans will rule forever into the future. Therefore they no longer need to be accountable to anyone but themselves. Good bye Constitution, good bye Democracy and Hello Authoritarianism. With the three branches of government under Trump/Republican control then no more checks are needed on the president.
15
The birds are coming home to roost. What we have done to manipulate elections and governance in other sovereign nations is being perpetuated by the same anti-democratic forces of the Republican Party, with the aid of Russia. Justice is often slow, but inevitable. We reap what we have sown.
12
I wondered why if Trump is removed they still should be happy with Pense. But now I think the Republicans do not want to hear from witnesses because they may implicate Pense. The thought of President Pelosi is keeping them in line.
24
The House simply needs to re-open the impeachment hearings and subpoena Bolton, Mulvaney, Pompeo, and all relative documents from OMB etc. Failure to respond to the subpoenas should be dealt with as an obstruction of Congress and then have them arrested.
Take it all the way to the Supreme Court to compel them to testify, since McConnell is obstructing in the Senate trial.
McConnell has been obstructing since 2010, no justice Garland on the highest court, no legislation except the largest tax relief for the 1 %. 400 + bills in the last 3 years sitting on his desk, no bi-partisan common sense gun legislation, no health care bill, no immigration reform. Many of these bills have been passed in the House, nothing gets done. If McConnell and his republican cohorts in the Senate do not want to do their Constitutional Sworn Oath, they should resign.
33
@bob There's a big kink in the line somewhere. I agree that some things need to happen. Yet rarely does anything happen. I liked the 2018 election when we voted out so many slacker gop members. Hopefully we can remove the rest of them in 2020. Especially since they seem to have forgotten the message we sent in 2018.
13
@bob Yes!
While McConnell is quite the scam artist, shouldn't we not at least be partly critical of our own Congressional leadership?
All the evidence that has been unearthed through the recent release of documents and avalanche of witness-testimony is clearly incriminating. However, our Congressional leaders quickly brushed past the evidence-collection phase for a speedy transition to the senate. That was a brazen political blunder committed by Pelosi, Schumer, Nadler, Schiff and co.
The Senate trial has started well over a month after the vote in the House took place, delayed for undisclosed procedural reasons. This doesn't make any sense.
The house inquiry should've continued until all potential informational sources, concerning the alleged criminal conduct of Trump and his cronies, had been exhausted. This didn't happen. So now, we are left to watch Dems unsuccessfully attempt to stymie predictable Republican opposition to witnesses in the Senate trial. Dems went into the fight unprepared, and have swiftly sought to change the rules of a process they had complete control over in the House, yet for some reason were over-eager to send it over to a hostile, GOP-led Senate.
This renders the legal case for the motion to convict and remove President Trump all but moot.
Yes, Trump's conduct is criminal by most if not all legal standards. However, The manner in which some of congressional leaders have handled the procedural elements renders it a mistrial, by most legal standards.
1
@Sean
These days I don't think it would have mattered. Fox will spin it trump will spin it the GOP will spin it. We couldn't wait until after the election since trump is election-tampering, and it would've taken the courts longer to force testimony on subpoenas.
6
@Barbara By that logic, why do it at all then? If we are to be so defeatist at the beginning, middle, and end of a procedure, then why initiate an inquiry in the first place? A house censure surely would've sufficed if we had gone by that logic.
I must also counter that logic because Fox News' audience have mostly forgotten about Mueller, just as most people, generally, have forgotten that the U.S. assassinated the second most important public figure in Iran, nearly sparking full-fledged international conflict. The news cycle moves so ridiculously fast that we don't process information in the same way we used to. They (congressional dems) should've drug it out as long as they could, because people forget fast. They should've thrown the dice, because at the end of the day, no one will care, and no one will remember anything other than "That was annoying, all that talk about impeachment", 5 years down the line.
I think people don't really digest the news in an intellectual way more than they just enjoy the sensation of being extremely angry.
3
@Barbara
it would've taken the courts longer to force testimony on subpoenas...
In what way would that be a problem?
It would have delayed the Mitch and Censorship show?
It would have allowed too much time for new information to come out?
It would have brought us close to the elections with all the obscenities leading to impeachment squarely in front of the people?
Yes. All terrible ideas. Once again, the brilliance of Pelosi saves the Democrats...
If we're all going to be playing the Mitch Because I Can Game I say impeach Trump again, today. And tomorrow.
Impossible to predict if all Republicans will surrender their oath and their souls and their children's future to McConnell. I hope not. It does make me proud, however, to have worked so hard to flip the House in 2018. The dedicated labor Schiff and his team have invested demonstrates how Democracy in US could survive this astonishing Unpresidential moment. If only.
10
Our democracy is on life support and hospice care is around the corner. The cancer started years ago in the House in the form of Newt Gingrich, then metastasized to the Senate in an even more aggressive form identified as Mitch McConnell. Three years ago it metastasized to the White House in the most virulent form of Donald J. Trump, a malignancy completely unresponsive to any intervention. The cancer is well beyond the point where excision can be curative, and recently a new malignancy called Barr has arisen in the Judiciary, further complicating the situation. Cancer now involves every branch of government, and prognosis is approaching hopeless. Family, friends and neighbors have largely given up hope, and are turning away from the painful images.
25
if McConnell and his party truly believed that Trump is innocent, they would be arguing vociferously for a full and open trial featuring all of the evidence and witnesses since such a trial would exonerate Trump.
McConnell, along with most of the rest of the Senate, is openly flaunting the fact that they took their oaths in bad faith.
31
In 1913 with adoption of the XVII amendment where the Senators, which had been previously appointed to the positions by the States, came to their positions through elections in their respective States the initial process envisioned by the Founders was changed. This change made the Senate like the House of Representatives populated by individuals beholden to the voice of the people directly instead of being the voice of each sovereign state legislature became the beginning of a haggling bunch of populists and not the deliberative body the Founders envisioned.
Today's impeachment process might be entirely different if each State Legislature would enter their collective thoughts and possibly a thought process not suffering from the "next election" problem that the House of Representatives suffers routinely.
2
If President Trump's impeachment trial concludes without presentation of objective evidence and hearing from witnesses, Mitch McConnell and those who supported rules which prevented a complete review of the evidence and witnesses will have brought disrepute on themselves and the Senate, and permanently undermined the public's faith in the institutions of government.
16
Bernie is right. We need free college education. If 40% of the country supports DJT at this juncture, then there is a serious knowledge deficit in this country.
26
@Pauline
Fear it has less to do with education than individual character.
A friend told me that some of his military friends that are supporters of trump were not upset with his pardoning the 3 men (the SEAL and 2 others) undermining discipline, perhaps breaking international law (depends who you listen to), insults gold star families and doesn’t like POWs because they got captured but were upset because he said that DOD was part of the Deep State, which they consider an insult.
4
@K D Boggles the mind.........
It appears things are going to go exactly as several gop members clearly stated: "Our minds are already made up." I've phoned and written and talked to my senators. Nothing changes.
Fortunately there's one last weapon against this travesty and that comes in November where we can decide by our vote.
I would call on all my fellow citizens to
REMEMBER IN NOVEMBER
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@Donna V
When November comes around, I will remember...that the Dems tried for 4 years to unseat a duly elected President.
Only because votes from the electoral college elects Presidents not citizens. Therefore, because you are from a solid blue state, your vote for Trump will result in CT’s electoral college votes going to the Democratic nominee.
@ Pat
...duly elected by Vladimir Putin, that is.
This trial will not be a fair trial unless Hunter Biden and Joe Biden are called as witnesses to testify. These are the only relevant witnesses in my view. If there is scintilla of corruption with Joe and his son, then Trump's actions were justified and not impeachable. But we will never know and the American people will not have faith in the outcome unless these relevant witnesses are brought forward to answer. We cannot live in a country where the Democratic party gets to nominate one corrupt candidate after another with no consequence. The Democratic party is becoming the party of corruption.
@johnny
I don't think the Dems will take the chance of having testimony related to the Bidens. They know this Hunter thing smells to high heaven.
@johnny , what are you hoping to learn about Hunter and Joe Biden that would excuse a President from using his office for personal gain? It stinks, but noone has so far proven or even credibly claimed that they did anything illegal. If there were concerns, why doesn't the US Department of Justice investigate it? Why the denial of what Trump did and the subsequent attempt at a cover up? And if there is not a scintilla of evidence of illegal activity (corruption) perpetrated by Joe Biden, does that make Trump's actions unjustified? Impeachable? Or can you use the office of the President and the power of the Presidency to investigate the personal activities of your oponents and the population at large? I hope you'll agree "not"!
1
Why isn't Justice Roberts taking a more active role in ensuring a fair trial.
By remaining silent on on the issue of witnesses and the rules, isn't he complicit?
12
No one has done more damage to our institutions than McConnell. I will praise God the day he is no longer in politics. What makes this even more infuriating to me is that no one outside the state of Kentucky ever voted for him for anything. No one in the press has ever had the belly to ask him what really needs to be asked: in what ways has all that he has done made America a better place? No one has ever asked him this.
33
Years back, as a veteran, I was protesting the Vietnam War. I was incensed as I watched from an 11th floor window overlooking City Hall Park, NYC, an assembly of college students protesting that war by burning draft cards on the City Hall steps. They were then pummeled by a gang of construction workers. They must have been proud to show they could beat kids. This was another motivation for me. We would definitely fight back, and did.
Now, McConnell has taken up the pummel task. He is pummeling the Constitution and the Senate. Just what is his connection to Russia? Is there a RussiaGate in our future? Only time will tell.
11
@C967M They use either other. trump gave McConnell's wife, Elaine Chao, the position of Transportation Secretary. Elaine Chao has been using the position to benefit her family's ship business and her father gave her and McConnell millions dollars as gifts. Elaine Chao is currently under investigation by House Panel for conflicts of interest. McConnell and trump feed each other because they need to maintain their power to get more money and avoid paying for their crimes.
13
@jnl
Check and see what projects Chao has steered to Kentucky
The republicans have ALL decided to back the donald and shaft the USA. They are complicit in hiding the evidence. Everyone knows this. Throw them all out in the next election.
22
It is chilling to note that the future of western democratic principles - a lineage going back to the earliest governing bodies of Greece - lies in the hands of 4 republican senators.
In the face of a scourge, the likes of those described in mythological scale, such as this “President-Foreign Agent”, will these men and women be moved to save the very foundations upon which their power rests? Or will they also submit, on their knees, necks presented for the Corrupt Monarch.
I feel I am seeing a Greek Tragedy and a Coronation, in split screen.
Long Live the King.
- from one who has lived in an oppressive Middle Eastern monarchy and found succor only on these American shores.
19
The media needs to be a lot more to expose how McConnell and his wife get their money. That should be front and center.
As for his ridiculous "leadership" through the impeachment, gee, it's painful at best.
24
Americans need to learn and respect the difference between making an argument and stringing together insults. The former is worthy of impeachment hearings, the latter is beneath contempt but is somehow now passing for sober judgment among too many Americans.
5
@David Miller...yeah, especially with leadership that espouse such principled behavior.
By the time this whole mess is finished, I hope Americans will see clearly how the Republican Party and the Conservative Movement has failed them and failed their democracy.
Given that this Senate trial is likely to turn out to be a big cover-up, it's not clear America will continue to have a democracy (or be a republic), though.
24
how can Roberts, CJ preside over this farce - his docket includes case in March that has bearing on what evidence should be available. the SCOTUS should have expedited that case.
5
So why don't the Democrat in Congress seek immediate judicial review of McConnell's actions?
491
@Richard Blaine good luck with that word "immediate" that may mean 2 years. and this is a political trial. if its a kangaroo court or show trial, the only real remedy is voting them out or impeachment, and writing new laws that congress MUST follow for impeachment under penalty of imprisonment or death.
67
@Richard Blaine Because, the House has the sole power of Impeachment, and the Senate has sole power for the trial. There's no such thing as judicial review in this regard.
That's why, there's no appeals if Trump loses.
85
@Michael R Members of Congress can't be impeached, they can only be removed. It's an important distinction because impeachment bars a government official from ever serving in a federal office but removal does not, so a removed member of Congress can just be reelected to office in a special election or in the next election cycle for the seat if he or she is popular enough among the voters in the district.
21
It's about the cover up not the "crime". Nixon's path to impeachment was due to his deliberate covering up of the Watergate break in. He was not active in breaking in, it's not clear he even directed the break in, but he worked overtime to cover it up. Clinton committed no "crime" in fooling around with Monica Lewinsky, they were both consenting adults. But he was impeached for lying about it, cornered to lie about it. Trump ATTEMPTED to bribe or extort Ukraine to cough up dirt on a political opponent. He has lied over and over to Congress and the American public about this, about Russia, about what he does all day for that matter. It does not matter that he didn't completely get what he wanted to damage Biden (though it is sure in the news now) or that Ukraine eventually got their monetary aid...but only after making it look like Ukraine was low priority in Trump's eyes to impress Putin. He was caught in the act. If I shoot you and miss, or bribe a cop who declines, it's still a crime. But even if we don't think of this quid pro quo with Ukraine as a crime itself, the cover up, the obstruction of justice with the Congressional investigation IS-therefore the impeachment articles as is. Just saying "NO" is not a defense, everything Trump has done to resist oversight, to resist allowing witnesses, claiming "privilege" over his own wrongdoing, refusing to turn over documents and forcing the timeline into sometime in 2021 is obstruction, it's covering up, and it IS a crime.
16
It almost seems as if Mitch McConnell is shaping up to be the modern day version of Benedict Arnold because of his traitorous actions and misguided loyalties. Shouldn't his priorities be to the U.S. Constitution and American citizens rather than solely to just the president?
33
No. McConnell has no regard for his country or to constituents other than to stuff his pockets and revel in his power. He has proven himself to have no moral compass and is a vicious, hypocrite who enjoys punishing people. He will be remembered as such a man when history is recorded.
Do McConnell’s actions have any potential legal repercussions later for him? Legal, as in, say, perpetuating a cover-up, subverting justice, aiding and abetting . . . you know, those kinds of minor technicalities?
16
Blind, unquestioned loyalty is exactly what the citizens of our great country are entitled too.
Unfortunate the loyalty demonstrated by our elected officials isn’t to our country and it’s citizens but to party and or donors
5
It's quite simple. McConnell's fate is tied to Trump being re-elected. If the country is of a mind to kick Trump out, it is probably of a mind to give Democrats majority control of the Senate. That strips Mitch of most of his power, even if he wins in Kentucky, where he is unpopular among the population that is not Trump's base. McConnell desperately needs this president, whom he privately despises, to be re-elected.
11
@John D Exactly. On the top of that, McConnell's wife, Elaine Chao, is under investigation by House Panel for possible interest conflicts with her family ship business. Losing power would lose McConnell's opportunity to cover their own crime too.
10
@John D Doesn't look like McConnell despises Trump.
We are watching the rule of law and the basic foundations of American government being actively dismantled by Mitch McConnell. One can somewhat understand his statement that blocking President Obama’s Supreme Court nominee Merritt Garland was McConnell’s signature achievement on the basis of McConnell’s anti-abortion and conservative beliefs. But a president so grotesquely flouting the basic rules of decency and executive leadership should have been too much. Instead, McConnell has revealed himself as a morally corrupt and craven toadie. He is exactly the kind of spineless character that enables criminal conduct and the erosion of basic American principles. One only hopes he is someday, perhaps only for a moment, aware of the shame he has inflicted upon our republic.
18
Why does Joe Biden or some other Democrat not take advantage of the opportunity Republicans are handing them? With Democrats almost certain to take over the White House and the Senate, why not propose to, say, Germany, that it announce an investigation of Donald Trump for war crimes, fraud, international sex crimes and improper use of a server? In return, we would keep all our military bases in Germany, maintain our defense assistance and reduce trade barriers. The scheme is enhanced by the complete plausibility of the charges, which would likely result in arrest and incarceration. Now that Republicans are saying "Anything Goes," Democrats are wasting a golden opportunity!
6
@Big Text I'd like to see that play out too (but perhaps in an alternate universe). I appreciate your thoughts on that and it's made me think in that direction. Cheers
4
Interesting to read the comments here.
However, the final and loudest speaking verdict of this solemn ceremony will be made by the voters later this year. Trying to judge who's winning at this point is a fool's errand.
If Trump wins re-election or if Mitch McConnell retains his position as Majority Leader, history will record a resounding victory for Republicans.
I however, will move to Croatia.
9
@Dennis Be sure to report back.
The Republicans have fallen into the trap of deciding that the end justifies the means. In order to protect the agenda of enriching themselves...they have picked the means of becoming morally dead. Once that deal is made no end is in sight. The key for the rest of us is to not follow their lead.
7
If this impeachment process was in front of our citizen judiciary system it would have been summarily dismissed by the judge for lack of evidence and then the prosecutors, the Democrats, scolded for bringing such a frivolous case.
1
@james If this impeachment had occurred as part of our citizen judiciary system, the "grand jury" would have had the authority to compel witnesses to testify in court, instead of the White House (potential defendant) deciding which witnesses it would allow to speak with its ridiculously broad claim of executive privilege.
4
@james I for one refuse to "get over it." These public servants work for me. When they abuse their position they get fired or voted out.
1
@james ...The evidence is clear and compelling. You can start by reading the White House transcript of the phone call.
1
I’ve never seen a greater corruption of the democratic process by a majority leader. He has successfully crushed justice under the weight of GOP partisanship and grotesque disrespect for the law and the truth that we the public deserve!
13
McConnell can and will do everything he can to run his "impeachment scam." But it only succeeds if he can convince a majority of senators to join him in his scam. The question for all Republican Senators is do they want to be complicit in this scam? Unfortunately, the party of the invertebrates is only able to nod yes to this scam. Growing a spine would take too much energy.
7
The thing that makes Mitch McConnell's impeachment scam so insidious, is the fact that he is doing nothing to hide it.
From the very start he has allied himself with this president and the White House and has been nothing but an errand boy for their bidding. He's not about to change now.
And the same can be said of practically every Republican in the House and Senate -- something which makes their sworn oath of impartiality a farce, if not an outright lie.
Worse yet, it almost makes the outcome of this impeachment trial an all-but-guaranteed acquittal, and that without documents or witnesses.
If there's anything that's a "sham", this is.
9
First GOP senators say you don't have enough evidence then they firmly block the path to any additional evidence. Justice department says you can't indict a sitting president but can not impeach either because full obstruction is allowed. Every one of these guys knows exactly who this man is and what type of character he has. Why are they willing to throw away their legacy and our democracy on him? He's a reality TV show con man. I feel like I'm watching theater of the absurd here.
11
"They are being given a stark choice: do what is right for the nation or do what is politically expedient for the most corrupt president in American history. History will be decided on their watch."
Well, we know the answer to this: they will "do what is politically expedient for the most corrupt president in American history."
"History will be decided on their watch."
True, but as is often the case when history is being made, the actors at the time don't care about that.
5
'I sat Tuesday in my comfy chair
And watched a trial that wasn't there.
It wasn't there again today.
I wish that Mitch would go away.'
From 'The Rhymes of Mother Truth'
9
My prayer is that Mitch McConnell will one day have his outrageous, despicable behavior come back to haunt him. I have to believe we are better than him. I get how he will go to great lengths to protect this awful President. He has gained more power and deeper influence because he can manipulate Trump to do anything he wants. McConnell is deeply and tragically addicted to power. And right now he has far more power than any one politician should ever have. McConnell gets to set the agenda in the Senate and for the President, he gets to decide which House bills go forward, he gets to appoint the judges, destroy the environment, he gets to manipulate his party., get special projects for his state through his wife's position And he can do all this with such ease. because the President has no idea what he is doing. He works from the shadows so he avoids the kind is scrutiny that a president might have. I have no respect for our President. But McConnell is terrifying. So I pray my small prayer because I believe we are better than Mitch McConnell.
6
When the dust settles, normal folks across the globe will sigh and give up the ghost on a lost past where our leaders lied only in private.
2
By tolerating and condoning a president who operates on a personal-power transactional basis (see organized crime and despotic autocrats), the GOP is complicit in the banana-republicanization of the United States. Is the US a nation of laws? No longer.
The GOP has its eyes and ears firmly wide shut to Russian and American criminal and corrupt interference in our nation's politics. Why? Because it is interference by an oligarchical and corrupt power - there is too strong an affinity now of American moneymen to dirty oligarchical money and corruption. There is also an affinity to a theocratic component of autocracy.
The GOP is more loyal to power wielded by Russian and American oligarchs than to the US democratic republic. As Trump's actions vis a vis Ukraine are treasonous, so is the GOP abdication of American democratic ideals. For money and power. Treasonous.
I see this as a denouement, along the continuum, of the Reagan Restoration which actively sabotaged good government in favor of a return to "free market" plutocracy (read kleptocracy and looting) as was in place prior to FDR's "traitor to his class" New Deal. The American Experiment? Truly an exceptional nation? No longer. Sold out for filthy lucre and fearmongering power.
7
At one point last night that the trial participants needed a breather, McConnell called for a "hard 5-minute" recess; i.e., a recess not to exceed 5 minutes.
The participants were gone for 20 minutes.
Even in managing recesses, McConnell is a lousy leader.
5
I wonder what McConnell knows that we don't. He acts as if Trump and the GOP are not threats to the very existence of US democracy. He is like a cinematic evil genius that hopes to destroy the world yet assumes he will live. The country, and world, is literally burning and he is adding more kindling.
4
When the history is written, Mitch McConnell and Rupert Murdoch will be the two individuals who were most responsible for destroying this democracy.
8
Sorry Mitch, we've already lost confidence in the process. Of course if the goal was to destroy respect for the institution you head, you have achieved success beyond your wildest dreams. The Senate has become an organ of the White House and not an independent body meant to check excessive power and overreach from the executive. In that sense, Mitch, you've gone against the very founding principles of the republic.
6