Everybody accepts that the impeachment is a political show trial. I get out and about, nobody I meet is talking about it; whenever I've mentioned it people make a face, say its all nonsense, and move on to something else. I don't know what the Democrats think they're achieving, nobody but rabid partisans have any clear notion of the legal arguments, but they're clear in their understanding that its political theatre which means its safe to ignore. It'll be over in a couple of days, by the time the campaign actually gets going everyone will have completely forgotten about it--and Donald Trump will sail right on, unscathed.
3
@Ronald B. Duke
>>> ". . .nobody but rabid partisans have any clear notion of the legal arguments. . ."
Those in your circle have no clear notion of the legal arguments? Just let me guess at their news source.
I watched today's proceedings, as I presume millions of other interested and concerned citizens around the country did. The case made by Schiff was articulate, forceful and persuasive. It's on the record.
As for the White House defense, we'll see.
2
@Ronald B. Duke
his campaign has actually been going on for some time. let those people make a face. and clear notion of legal arguments. they already laid the case out in the house. how many witnesses does someone need.
@Ronald B. Duke
Nobody is talking about it because the populace is so divided that talking politics has become taboo.
I think most folks who have a real concern for keeping America a democracy are watching.
The blind followers of the Con, including the GOP Congress have their heads in the sand and are whistling London Bridge or some other childhood ditty. If they spent the time watching Schiff’s opening on Wednesday, they may actually get a little enlightened.
2
As I news channel surfed tonight while Congressman Schiff was making a very compelling presentation, I was disappointed to see that Fox News wasn't broadcasting it over the air (apparently, it was being broadcast on FoxNews.com). They had Tucker Carlson interviewing Jim Jordan and Mark Meadows.
Regular viewers of Fox News had an opportunity to get exposed to the same information about the acting president's actions that the Senators were seeing, instead, they simply received more biased political spin. I may be wrong, but I suspect Fox News will not cut away during the Trump legal team's impeachment trial presentations, nor do I anticipate that CNN and MSNBC will cut away to Democratic Congress member interviews during those presentations.
66
@JD:
Apparently the Fox & Friends Show informed its viewers on Wednesday morning that the first day of the trial dragged on & on & on & on and was boring and repetitive. Their advice was don't watch the trial live, come to us for the summary version.
1
@JD
Faux News needs to be shut down as it is a beehive of dis-information, conspiracy theories, lies, and propaganda. It is one of the major causes of the US divide.
The US democracy has been hijacked by the GOP and Faux News.
Shut them both down.
2
Adam Schiff is an American Hero and how lucky America to view him firsthand tonight. He is an articulate and steely-eyed samurai warrior of words. Thank God for Schiff. May his Political Trajectory Keep Climbing.
201
@That's What She Said
I could not agree more. When I am feeling particularly dejected about the state of our nation, and the profoundly corrupt administration and GOP leadership, I find any Adam Schiff speech to listen to. Schiff reminds me, even if momentarily, that there is intelligence, patriotism, compassion, and dignity in certain corners of our government. He is wonderful.
149
@That's What She Said I agree. Schiff actually renewed my confidence in adulthood. He spoke well. He addressed specific points with laser clarity. He embodied a moral compass that has been woefully absent in the so-called "Trump Era". And he tore the feckless Trump team to bite-sized orts of leftover casserole.
7
@D Isn't THAT the truth!! He does give one hope!
5
The 'Breaking News' we're not hearing is what Trump's handlers just got Trump to do, and it scared the bejeezus out of me.
Firstly, he initiated legislation so crippling to the environment and so broadly sweeping it is unlike anything we've seen to this degree before:
'Trump Removes Pollutiion Controls on Streams and Wetlands'. This contains abolishing legislation going back as far as the 1970's Clean Air Act.
Then, using The New York Times Headline,
In Presidential First, Trump Will Attend Anti-Abortion 'March For Life'.
Here he has weaponized something for Evangelicals to use against any and every politician who wants their support.
The Evangelical 'March for Life' was avoided by many in the Republican Congress because of the grand stage it played out on, fearing a backlash from their more moderate constituents. Well, with Trump putting his face on this March for Life, and all just to bolster the support of a segment of his 'base', he's forcing the Republican Congress en-masse to put-up or shut up.
Both of these instances should have Democrats racing around with their hair on fire. But, no, their heads are buried in the ill-conceived Impeachment hearings Nancy Pelosi warned them not to be so eager to engender those many, many months ago.
It was evident that Schiff spoke in order to hear himself speak. His entire oration could have been effectively presented in 15 minutes. It's like the story of the rabbi who gave, what he believed, was his best sermon ever, a 90 minute effort that repeated each noun in three different variations. At the end of the service a national news producer who happened to be present that day, approached him and asked, "Rabbi, could you have condensed your speech to three minutes or less?" Sensing an opportunity to appear on TV, the rabbis responded "of course". "Then why didn't you?" retorted the producer.
1
Cute story, @JJ Gross, but it’s nonsense that “Schiff spoke in order to hear himself speak.” You must not have actually listened to much of what he had to say.
I turned on my local NPR station while running errands at lunchtime, and became so engrossed with Schiff’s narrative that I couldn’t get out of my truck. His articulation of the facts and why they matter to our country’s future was extraordinary.
7
I am sure the “twitter in chief “has an army of faceless twitter fingers claiming his handle. He isn’t intelligent enough to twitter and lie as much as he seems to do. We are kept away from what really happens in his White House quarters too.
He has dementia and learning disabilities. He was abused as an infant / toddler by hired caregivers. His DSM diagnosis didn’t form in a vacuum. He is definitely ill mentally and physically. But his handlers will prop him up. Putin needs him ...... for now.
Trumps demise and Putin’s could be the stuff of legend 500 years from today.
3
Is the person on trial perhaps a bit nervous? From the Times: "He fired off more than 130 tweets and retweets on Wednesday, a one-day record for him."
2
.....sure, Clinton had a stained dress to face nationally. Trump is soiling the Constitution, sowing discord intentionally, and working against citizens and our environment in damning and damaging ways.
He is an ignorant man, whose only power is power. Left on his own, he would whimper at his own shadow - the foulest kind of person, a bully, a cheat, a disgrace, propped up by pseudo evangelicals and corrupt sycophants interested only in the intersection of wealth and power.
As this kangaroo court unfolds, there is one thing for Trump and his lap dogs to remember - though they won't see us, or any other witnesses, in their gilded chamber, we are all witnesses to their disgraceful treating of our laws, our once shared values, and the breaking of the moral compass a democracy like ours needs to flourish.
5
‘If Chief Justice Roberts isn’t yet pining for a full return to his day job, just give him time.”
What is the point of The NY Times speculative commentary? Do you think the impeachment of a president is trivial or banal?
2
They should have monetized it. A two week pass for the full 24+24+36+36=120 hours+5 min final vote.
Come to your senses, people, the first day bored America to death. Just the thought that there is still two more days of this nonsense makes you want to jump out of the window.
The Republicans are channeling the Red Queen’s approach to trial — sentence first, then verdict. When Alice protests, the Queen orders “off with her head.” Fortunately, Alice remembers the jury is just a deck of cards — in the present case, 52 cards and a joker.
1
Adam Schiff ought to enter the Democrat primary race since it appears that he has unanimous support among the NYT liberals - as an impressive politician! Maybe all the factions in the Democrat party could rally around him and win the presidency. With the current candidates Trump will win for sure.
Ms. Cottle clearly has no idea how trials work. She notes that yesterday's proceedings were heated while today's were substantive and subdued. While she makes the correct observation, she utterly lacks insight into what is going on.
Yesterdau was devoted to contentious procedural matters and elicited heated argument.. Today was about mapping out the case. not only is Ms. Cottle lost, but the headline writer hasn't a clue. Opening by Schiff, et al. is set out to be an even-handed statement, not an argument. There is nothing to argue up front in your case. A cool straightforward summary of what is to come is called for. And that is exactly what Schiff delivered.
Hysterics and histrionics are entirely inappropriate during opening. The point is to provide a road map and to win credibility.and confidence. Schiff is a former prosecutor and knows how it works. An even-handed opening. contentious presentation of the evidence. And then the gloves are dropped in closing argument.
It baffles me why the Board assigns a political reporter to write about a legal proceeding governed by strict age-old rules of procedure. A trial lawyer would understand all of this. Ms. Cottle's account reads as if this were the first trial she has ever seen. She knows what is happening but she has no idea why.
1
My take from the impeachment trial to this point is that, for Senate Republicans, corruption in plain sight is not a problem, as long as it is attached to a president from their own party.
It's a travesty that an issue as a serious as this can be reduced to such pathetic and trite analysis.
1
“In great detail”? A more apt description would be “In repetitive, boring and inaccurate detail.” Schiff could put a crying baby to sleep, not from calmness but from boredom.
1
I'm seeing several journalists on Twitter saying that almost half of the GOP senators have left the chamber - in violation of the trial's rules. Why is the NYT not reporting on THAT?
I have little sympathy for Justice Roberts; he could have imposed his will on the 12-hour-day rule for the trial, forcing the GOP to vote to overrule him.
1
After tonight's proceedings, I find myself missing John McCain
Because there is only a single camera shot vViewers know nothing about the conduct and attitudes exhibited consciously ou unconsciously by the members of the Senate or Justice Roberts. Please tell us more.
Justice Robert’s admonishment smacks of great irony: since the current Senate has relinquished its status as a deliberative body - let alone “the greatest” - under the treasonous rule of Moscow Mitch McConnell. No, my fellow Americans, the US Senate is now a shell - and a shill for a petty criminal con artist. The behavior shown there has happened because the McConnell Senate has now broadcast it is not a respectful forum. And that transmission has been well-received.
Three Americans airmen died today defending Australia.
In a bushfire.
They had courage.
They are respected.
And they will be remembered with honor.
ABC TV confirms 3 US airmen dead at 4.30 pm Washington time.
Vale.
When Senators can not choose between wrong and right there is a problem.
1
I've never appreciated Cottle's sarcasm. She seems to revel in disparaging those like Schiff who are smarter than she is. Her take on politics is irrelevant - and jaded.
1
This piece is unworthy of the NYTIMES. I suspect the author did not actually watch much of the proceedings. Yearning for popcorn is telling about what passes for governance in the Republican Party these days.
The pettiness and empty rhetoric and, yes, lies came from Trump’s team, and the Democrats single breach of decorum came when Nadler called Republican assertions that they’d been barred from attending or participating in depositions what they were: lies.
Republican managers seemed to have done no preparation (why make that effort when you “have the votes?”). They fell back on repetition of rhetoric and trumped up outrage that any Presidential action should be questioned. Democrats present compelling evidence of deep transgressions of diplomatic norms and a President doing damage to America’s interest, and Republicans respond, “they aren’t being fair!”
Adam Schiff is doing an extraordinarily statesmanlike job at putting the damning facts in front of the American people. I suspect there are Senators who are hearing much of this for the first time. Has there been an effort to make it concise? No. Good.
Real Americans live in multiple time zones, and many have to work multiple low-paid jobs. Schiff should keep up the good work of conveying the seriousness of the charges.
Republicans are making clear that they have no qualms using their present power to quash objections to Trump becoming Emperor.
1
Adam Schiff was masterful. I'm sure there are script writers in Hollywood already at work.
But it's not about adoration or eloquence. It's about protecting the country from a man so stunningly incompetent, deceitful and, yes, criminal. It's about whether there is any honor at all left in the Republican Party, but we already know the answer is "no."
4
I was both impressed and moved by Adam Schiff’s presentation. He is a class act prosecutor that knows how to lay out the facts and tell a compelling story .
I do think Pelosi made a HUGE mistake by not introducing BRIBERY as one of the Articles of Impeachment. It was bribery clearly .
Shiff could have proved that beautifully as well as Abuse of Power. Ir makes me very very sad because they would have not been able to use the excuse that “abuse of power “is not listed in the constitution as an impeachable offense. Because “bribery “ the word “bribery “ is stated in the Constitution. I believe this was a very very missed opportunity on the part of Pelosi and I have no idea why she didn’t put it in as bribery in addition to abuse of power . It could have been three Articles of Impeachment ; Bribery , Abuse of Power and Obstruction of Congress . I kind of feel like she blew it. Very upset . It would have negated Dershowitz’s argument that Abuse of Power isn’t listed in the Constitution but BRIBERY IS !!!!
1
@Karen E If I remember correctly, bribery was considered but rejected because within the scope of the offense that claim was vulnerable (not enough hard evidence). Much as we might like to, we can’t retrofit all aspects of Trump’s impeachable behavior to match up with specific terms articulated in the Constitution. The case as presented to the Senate is compelling. What the Senate does with the information is, sadly, another story.
“I got to watch enough. I thought our team did a very good job,” he said. “But honestly, we have all the material. They don’t have the material.”
D. J. Trump, 1/22/2020
GOP don’t want to hold a trial...they want to grant a pardon.
Schiff and the rest of the Dems know that Trump won’t be removed from office by a Republican-controlled Senate...But this is a great chance for them to lay out, in damning detail, an entire case against Trump’s re-election.
2
I can’t imagine a better reason to widen the charge of treason than the rigging of an election. What a disgrace trump is.
I watched Adam Schiff's two closing presentations as well as presentations by Hakeem Jeffries and Zoe Lofgren. They stuck to the facts and painted a damning case against the president, often using Trump's own words as evidence. I expect the Republican defense to be filled with so-whats and lies. Trump deserves to be convicted by the senate. If Republicans fail to do their duty, they will pay at the polls later this year. Trump's circus is spinning out of control.
2
I wish Adam Schiff would run for President. How proud we could be with him in the Oval Office instead of the embarrassment that is presently residing in it.
2
". . . we know what heed any other despot pays to the wisest of counsels: the man to whom everything is possible only relishes one kind of advice, the kind which shows him how to increase his power."
- Stendhal
Case? There is no case. except for the psychiatric one. Severe case of Trump derangement syndrome. So pitiful to watch. I will feel almost sorry for them when they will start crying like childred when this too will fail. Get over it already.
When you're dealing with someone as thoroughly corrupt and felonious as Trump, you have a lot of material to work with.
Schiff is a master at his craft. If supporters of the Con occupying the White House were actually to spend a couple hours watching Schiff’s arguments, they may actually have a turn of heart in their blind support of a flagrant abuser of power.
Schiff is able to clearly present the facts. He is able to narrow into the minutia and expand out to the big picture, and ultimately maybe convince a few of the moderate GOPers to truly see the gravity of the situation.
The defense and McConnell (and Graham) will debase themselves with tantrums and juvenile tactics, mirroring the petulant child in the White House.
I believe McConnell is truly evil in his motives. You would think the GOP would embrace a President Pence after the current Con’s utter ineptitude.
1
Adam Schiff is the real deal! Adam Schiff for President, anyone?
3
Apparently Schiff and the House Democrats are trying to bore the Senate and the American people to tears. Is this really the way to make a case against Trump?
@Lan Sluder So discussing the criminality of a sitting president who has brought about a constitutional crisis - in his impeachment trial no less - obligates our lawmakers to entertain the voting public!?! Who knew. Perhaps some musical or dance numbers here and there would satisfy you? Perhaps you voted for one of those senators who weren't in their seats. Well, you may well deserve the country that a listless and disengaged public is sure to inherit. I don't!
@shanu I second that. As a teacher (long retired), I’m shedding tears that many Americans appear unable to handle sustained, well-crafted rhetoric. Or follow an argument. Sigh!
1
Imagine if we had a president with the measured temperament, intellect and sympathy of Adam Schiff. Just imagine.
1
While Chief Justice Roberts is presiding over the impeachment trial, keep in mind that a lot of the reason for Republican Senators turning their backs on the Constitution lies in the fact that the Roberts court ruled that “money is speech”.
Money is only speech in s corrupt system.
1
We know two things. The case against Trump is unassailable. There is ample evidence to support his removal from office. But we also know that this Republican Senate will absolve him. This is also a foregone conclusion.
So why are they simply ignoring clear evidence of Trump's impeachable offenses? Republican Senators' conduct in this impeachment "trial" makes perfect sense, once one understands what their motives are. And they want only this: the installation of Trump as dictator and turning this country into a "one party" nation.
So of course Republicans will not challenge Trump. They want to ensure that he continues acting as a dictator. And this includes criminal activity. He is tearing this country apart, and they do nothing but help him consolidate his power.
Why? Because they never plan to cede leadership to the Democrats, under any circumstances.
Republican Senators want a rigged election in November. In short, they want anything that solidifies their rule and the dictatorship of Donald Trump. The fact is, Trump and the Republicans will never cede power peacefully. He will not leave peacefully if voted out this November, nor will he leave in 2024 if he's reelected. And these Republican Senators will ensure that their state elections are rigged, so that they maintain majorities, no matter what. They want Trump to be able to do anything he wants, for as long as he wants.
And for those of you who think we still have a democracy, check your rear view mirror.
1
The opening statements are full of false claims and much is based on hearsay. The GOP can ask that all the proven falsities are stricken from the Senate record.
One of the trial rules is not allowing evidence based on hearsay which is what the democrats have tried to do. Also this is so boring, it's an even worse performance that Nadler got out of Mueller.
Well, there’s no doubt about it. We seniors have seen the Washington Monument crumble a little bit at a time, day after day since Donald Trump took over January, 2017.
We’re grateful for Adam Schiff and the others who have tried to save what those lying in Arlington Cemetery and other places throughout our country have fought for, to those who have been treated at Walter Reed and the other VA hospitals throughout our country, who linger in disability and anguish.
We’re embarrassed of the disgrace our White House has held since January, 2017, when Donald Trump’s tenure began. We see people come and go there, and it’s like a virus, a cancer lurks in the rooms, the hallways, the entrance.
Will this impeachment rid the country of being forlorn? We have seen crime and corruption like never before. Can we ever be healed?
2
McConnell's Republican senate seems predetermined to ensure that that it will not stand for the republic, only for Trump's whims. The constitution an inconvenient memory, the spineless 53 fear Trump's tweets, his insults, his base. November is coming.
republicans don't want to hear the truth. they demand their fair share of the hotel earnings, golf course accessibility, and funds for their states. they don't want to be the target of tweets and podium bashings.
Those senators who left their seats are our public servants. We pay their salaries.
Can you imagine members of a jury getting up and walking out on the opening arguments of a trial? The judge would throw them in a cell for contempt, and that is exactly what should happen here. Only the third impeachment in our nation's history, and they show open contempt for the chief justice, and the constitution, by walking out. It lies somewhere well south of shame.
I don't know why I am even surprised any more. Just when you think the republican party has found bottom, the dig in the muck beneath them and plumb new depths.
1
Two deep questions remain: (1) how Mitch McConnell can get away with so blatantly and proudly refusing to countenance evidence about Trump's betrayal of our country; and then one which it is less polite to pursue but equally compelling: how could any woman, including present devoted wife and Trump Cabinet member [and Mount Holyoke College Graduate] Elaine Chao, find it bearable to be around him? Oh the mysteries of life!
Every moment I have been able to catch today has been captivating - an excellent, clearly stated, fact-based narrative of serious, incriminating acts by the President and his administration.
The use of video of witnesses - many of whom were extremely compelling in their testimony before the House - embedded in this narrative is very effective.
They are finally telling the story in a forum that is somber and devoid of the cynical lying histrionics of the House Republicans. The facts, and the narrative, play really well when given their due in this kind of setting. This is Trump’s worst nightmare.
1
I watched a great deal of Schiff's presentation today. He is an outstanding lawyer and made a compelling case to find the President guilty of high crimes and misdemeanors and remove him from office. If this were any other courtroom in the country, the defense would have huddled with the prosecution during the first break in the trial and cut any deal possible for their guilty as sin client. Any jury in America on any day would convict over this compelling evidence. But after three years of Donald Trump, every American should know by now that this President is absolutely, unequivocally above the law. He is a King and we are his serfs. Seems like we fought a very bloody Revolutionary War a few centuries ago because we were tired of living like that. The Republicans are pushing Americans to the very brink.
4
There is an ignorance and fear machine running at Fox "news" that has never been so starkly clear as it has been during this impeachment trial in the Senate. While Adam Schiff magnificently wove together the events, providing irrefutable and compelling evidence through documents, video testimony and even words of Trump himself, and then explained the impact on our upcoming elections, on the lives of soldiers in Ukraine, the impact on a struggling country actively fighting a war against our adversary, Russia - while all that and more was being thoughtfully and perhaps even brilliantly laid out, Fox had their talk show hosts angrily mocking every Democrat they could think of, laughing at them as if this was some kind of bizarre circus. It sounded more like a middle school locker room full of mal adjusted, abused juveniles lashing out, than a room full of supposed journalists or news reporters. What I heard doesn't even qualify as opinion, but simply irrational rantings. At this historic and extraordinary moment, when solemnity and serious cobsideratiin is desperately needed, that the Fox regular viewers got that drivel I stead of hearing the actual words being spoke - this explains a lot why the country is in such an polarized state. This antagonistic incivilty is a spreading virus that is very much at the root of our nation's problems.
1
Tonight, it was revealed that the Senate Republicans were briefed by Rudy Giuliana focusing the Trump investigation of his political rival which there was substantial dirt which was confirmed by the President during an interview that very morning after a conversation with Giuliana via phone conversation. This represents possible collusion or a cooperative effort to cover-up the Senators involvement in President Trumps involving foreign governments in our 2020 elections.
I would be asking, “who are the Senators involved and to what extent was there involvement with the President and Giuliana’s to cover-up, thwart, and call for no evidence in the Impeachment trial?”
130 tweets from Trump in one day? Must be because his phone call with Zelensky was so "perfect" and "he did nothing wrong." Because this is exactly how a calm, confident person who did nothing wrong behaves--tweeting 130 times in one day about his trial as it's happening, from a major economic conference in Switzerland.
1
Patience. Yes, it the longest and most detailed episode of
“ Law and Order “ in History, with a predetermined and predigested outcome. But the Audience is the Voters, in November. VOTE out ALL the Collaborators.
It is the Republicans who make the strongest case for the president’s guilt. If they had one ounce of faith in Trump’s innocence, they would roll out the red carpet for witnesses.
1
I learned from my dad to never take on a fight I knew I could not win-unless it was a matter of principle.
This is a matter of principle.
Of course, the Ds won't win - the malignant Trump will not be removed from office by the cult -like, corrupted R majority.
But their R rants and obfuscation will not age well.
They have no exculpatory evidence and have blocked all percipient witnesses.
They have waged a war against facts.
History will reveal this deeply, deeply corrupt administration to be exactly that.
And Trump will remain forever impeached.
Goodspeed Mr.Schiff.
And thank you.
3
Adam Schiff did a magnificent job as did the other managers from the house. The detail laid out was compelling, based on irrefutable evidence using video testimony, text messages and other documentation. but his real brilliance was in the way he contextualized the presentation. Not only did the viewer get the how, what, why and where, but the impact on the soldiers in Ukraine, the impact on us elections, the potential damage to democracy, and the context within the Constitution all became crystal clear - unless you were watching Fox News, where they talked over the Democrats presentations, and mocked the presenters, laughing at their own pathetic jokes. They sounded more like abused, maladjusted middle school juveniles lashing out at every adult, than a serious news organization. The fact that they have a large viewership is a very sad commentary on the state of our country, and largely explains the loss of civility, and the level of fear induced ignorance which is now so sadly prevalent.
1
It's really up to us. Yes, Fox and Republicans have created their "alternative facts", but we're the voters. NO MATTER WHO, VOTE BLUE.
1
Adam Schiff has been absolutely superb laying out the blow by blow of Trump's guilt. Excellent prosecution.
Bravo sir, bravo.
3
Interesting that the Democrats refuseto hear more witnesses.
"That trade would go like this: Republicans can call people like Joe Biden or his son, Hunter, to the stand to ask about their work in Ukraine if Democrats can call Trump’s former national security adviser John Bolton to ask what he knows about Trump’s intentions in holding up the military aid. Such a deal carries significant political risks for Democrats, as The Fix’s Aaron Blake lays out.
A few hours after The Washington Post reported the swap idea, top Democrats shut it down. “I want no part of that,” Biden told a voter from the campaign trail in Iowa, "
WP, today
Regardless on which side you are on, it does not look good if you refuse to call more witnesses in a trial
Schiff is one of the bright lights of this otherwise painful process. His presentations are detailed, measured, thoughtful, comprehensive and revealing.
The Republicans have no one like him. Beside him they are small and silly. Their anger and vehemence seem more in response to their own inadequacy when measured against Mr. Schiff.
1
Schiff has shown himself to be a true star. If he remains in the house, he should be next in line to be speaker. As for Dershowitz and Ken Starr - where are they? Have those two grifting has beens done anything? If so, I haven’t seen it.
Let's think about it. Is there any reason for Rudy Giuliani to spend any time in Ukraine as Trump's lawyer other than for nefarious reasons? Why is he going to Ukraine on behalf of the president? What business does Trump have in Ukraine? Why is Giuliani doing an unofficial version of our foreign policy and telling people the legally sanctioned military aid won't be delivered without an announcement about investigating the Bidens? It makes no sense that the president's lawyer would have any business in Ukraine under normal circumstances. As far as I am concerned, that's evidence enough that Giuliani is dirty and Trump should be convicted.
2
How shortsighted are the Republicans? They stand by Trump as though the Ukraine debacle was an aberration and once he is acquitted life will return to halcyon days, when instead it is far more likely that he will engage in other egregious misconduct that will make their expected acquittal of him now
If John Bolton has important information relating to President Trump's clearly illegal behavior vis a vis Ukraine and our upcoming elections , he should publicly spill the beans (perhaps on FOX news?) and demand that he be allowed to testify in the Senate. Anything less is proof of cowardice, to say nothing of unpatriotic.
Frustrated because he was not denied a break during two and a half hours of organized presentation?
Try more than three years of incoherent teenage machismo tweets.
I thought Schiff's "argument", which went on for almost 3 hours, was 2.5 hours too long. Repeat...repeat...repeat. And he practically had Trump responsible for the assassination of Lincoln. Enough already.
In my opinion, it was too easy for the House managers to outperform the president's team. Many Republicans have never heard the full story being partial to Fox... whose moderators talked over a muted presentation by the Dems.
There won't be 67 votes to remove Trump, but a few Republicans might be so offended by his live-streaming commentary that they don't want him loosed on an unsuspecting public.
It is important to keep in mind that the larger agenda of the Republican Party and their mega-rich donors is to undermine democracy. The appeals to the Constitution, to the will of the people, and to the rule of law are exactly what they would like to rid themselves of so that they can maintain perpetual power while making sure that the majority cannot vote them out or vote for redistribution for public services. The outlines of their agenda and the process they have been using are well documented in Nancy MacLean's book, Democracy in Chains. I think the house managers, and especially Adam Schiff in his role, did an excellent job of laying out what this corrupt administration has done. The evidence is overwhelming that Trump deserves to be impeached and removed from office, but also that "they were all in the loop." The right-wing takeover of the Republican Party has been in the making at least since the late 1960s after Johnson's landslide election in 1964 made right-wing billionaires nervous that the Democrats could put together a permanent majority without the South. They targeted taking over the Republican Party, which they successfully did by driving out all moderates, and with the support of the Koch Brothers and others have also systematically targeted taking over the media, education, religion, and finding ways to suppress and control the vote. This is also well documented in Jane Mayer's book, Dark Money. Great job Democrats, but there is a larger picture here.
4
Adam Schiff's 2 hour and 40 minute oration was remarkable in its excellence, cogence, statement of fact and examples of evidence. Not only that, he interspersed his discourse with rationale based on that of the Founding Fathers, using citations from the Federalist Papers, and the founders themselves, to great effect.
I thought Schiff did an extremely good job in leading the House Intelligence Committee in gathering witnesses, testimony and evidence to support impeachment, but I had never heard him orate before.
It is a challenge to speak for so long a period and maintain clarity and order. Not only did he infuse the chronology of actions that led to Trump's impeachment with history, but his voice was solid and clear, with a tonality meant to persuade or educate, and only occasionally veering toward outrage or incredulity at Trump's actions.
Watching Schiff's mastery in laying out his case was a delight. Fingers crossed that 4 pairs of Republican ears took to heart what he said.
10
I was impressed, inspired, and elated by the meticulous, brilliant, and compelling presentation by Adam Schiff and the house impeachment managers yesterday. Their well-documented argument was on television and it's part of the historical record. Some senators may not have been paying attention, others may have been gobsmacked. In any case, I no longer think of acquittal as a foregone conclusion.
21
I saw a part of Adam Schiff’s opening remarks. He was brilliant. Referring to the writings of Alexander Hamilton put the reason for an impeachment trial in perspective. Well done. It makes me feel patriotic.
18
Remember that part of what Schiff et al. are doing is reading text into the official record, which will be consulted afterwards--in case we have an afterwards, a history.
18
At 1:30 am I watched democracy die at the hands of our Republican elected Congress. First the House and now the Senate.
Pelosi took the wrong advice from the California Democratic institutionalist with lobbyist ties. No way should she have relinquished those two articles of impeachment to the senate.
The televised proceedings are not riveting. And the MSM is using it for ratings and advertising between bathroom breaks. The entire set up is bizarre in construction.
If trump succeeds which it now seems will occur we have lost a flawed Republic at the mercy of an Electoral College. Our Constitutional Convention request is now in. We need our regional review of our Constitution. Let Connecticut get the ball rolling. They were instrumental in influencing the first draft used. Our Charter Oak is famous tho dead.
3
I agree with everyone here that Mr. Schiff is doing an excellent job. That being said, I just looked at foxnews.com and the coverage there is very different. As expected, they accuse Mr. Schiff of grandstanding and exaggeration. As you know, the Red states get completely different news. I’d encourage everyone to be cognizant of the divide, as I often fail to do. This is a serious moment in history and the difference in the way it’s being portrayed in fascinating.
17
@EP I did just that last night and found the tone of all commentary is to ridicule and demean the whole process of the impeachment trial. Along with emulating the President's juvenile name-calling. All very consistent.
As a Republican former New York ex-pat who votes I plan to vote Democratic if they convict Trump and vote democratic if they don't. My faith in Republicans is at an all-time low.
23
Let's not be naive about what is happening here.
There will be no GOP senators that will vote to allow witness testimonies, nor to impeach Trump. Instead all attacks will be on the Democrats, due process, and whatever distractions they can come up with, as there is enough evidence to impeach Trump.
The Democrats are doing this, knowing that the GOP has sold its soul a long time ago, to show a larger group of Americans that Trump and the GOP do not care about the constitution or America. They are deeply corrupt and act only in self interest.
Trump will have to be defeated at the ballot box. And if the country is to restore respect for the constitution voters better vote the GOP into oblivion as well. They are beyond saving and have done enough damage already.
28
One sees the "votes" as an easy win for the Republicans, they are in the lock step majority. That said, the day was won, in an astonishing fashion, by the democrats and their House managers. I was beyond impressed. Adam Schiff cannot have enough good said about him. I knew he was good but this good was the kind of thing that makes even the most jaded sit up and take note. BRAVO!
27
Calling this 'Trump's trial' and the House Manager's 'The Prosecution' is an exercise in typically American deflection and euphemism.
If this is a 'trial' then where is the accused?
If this is a 'trial' what fate awaits the accused?
If this is 'trial' what is law?
If this is 'trial' where is the judge?
If this is a 'trial' what are the rules of procedure?
If this is a 'trial' where is the evidence aka documents and witness testimony?
If this is a 'trial' where is the jury?
If this is a 'trial' what is being tried ?
The fate of our divided limited power constitutional republic is on trial.
The American people are on trial.
America is on trial.
Our heirs and our future will be the judge and jury. And the verdict will be theirs. There will be no appeal from their final decision and judgment.
9
Most people of character adopt a sense of morality and moderation. We forget we are not authors of our lives. In life temptation gets in the way requiring some level of ethics. For Donald Trump everything is about winning by flexing his unbridled power. Being US President difficult for him given his addiction to be master of his own fate. However he must now face the consequences of his actions which he considers nothing out of the ordinary. Wiser Americans may decide otherwise.
8
One would hope that Justice Roberts has observed what he would have wished for so far: a clear cogent legal case well-grounded in constitutional principles that clearly demonstrates the presidents attempt to abuse power and, subsequently, obstruct justice. The challenge will come in keeping from displaying any emotion when the president’s team presents their response, will which be so far from established constitutional law and understanding as to be almost farcical (based on the output revealed to date).
It is a pipe dream, but if Roberts - conservative traditional partisan that he is - would provide any appropriate action in the face of such a constitutional disaster, he would serve the country well and it would be his finest hour. Pipe dream.
13
@W A Curtin
Maybe not so much a pipe dream. If things really go off the rails, Justice Roberts will serve according to his position. Conservative or not, he's not going to go down the rabbit hole and destroy for the ages his own professional legacy.
I admire the excellent presentations made by the managers
who are making the case for Impeachment of Trump; and
I hope there tenacity will also impress the voters who will
see how the GOP senators are obstructing justice in plain
sight.
Testimonies which continue to be backed up by videos are
very convincing. Good work by Adam Schiff. Well Done.
I hope we see McConnell et al collapse as they are exposed
for their evident corrupt intent of not allowing witnesses.
30
The brilliant, detailed, cogent and passionate manner the Democratic managers laid out the case for Trump’s removal is evidence of the Democrat’s superior capacity for running the country. Even if Trump is “acquitted” by the Republicans in lockstep, a Blue Wave is forthcoming.
35
All of this is irrelevant as long as the Republicans refuse to put the interests of the country before their own.
If there is no accountability then what we have is tyranny.
47
I watched or listened to as much. of the hearing as I was able to yesterday. The. house impeachment managers did an excellent job of methodically laying out facts, including those made public since the impeachent, that solidly support the claims against Mr. Trump. It is not believable that anybody who sat through that presentation can say with a straight face that this is a sham, or that the Democrats lack evidence of wrongdoing. The Republicans have clearly abdicated their responsibility and should be ashamed. I hope the American people hold them accountable for their behavior in November. I cannot wait to cast my vote against the Republican senator from the magnificent state of Colorado.
51
Very proud of my congressmen today. History will be kind to him. Not so much for the tweeters, the name callers and the other adult-children who continue to "win" (see Merrich Garland) while our country loses. Schiff needed to present his case for history and that he did, an intelligent and compelling argument for who we should be, not who we are in this era of Trump.McConnell. We all knew that this was rigged and that makes it so hard to watch. But it was essential that Adam Schiff get the truth on record.
It feels like American, circa 1850, doesn't it?
30
When the Senate in the person of Senator Sessions aided Trump's campaign as well as communicated with the Russian Ambassador starting the promotion of Donald Trump by the Senate and the military friendly Television industry, the motion was set for these days. The outcome was always predetermined from the time Trump alluded to civil unrest were he not elected, in a televised appearance before the election, to the scheduling of a Washington military parade just five days after the 2018 election in what I expected to be a coup if the Democrats won the entire Congress, the future is obvious.
I advise those who would want to live peacefully without guns everywhere, to find new homes in other smaller nuclear free nations. With your excellent educations, you will live peacefully in prosperity.
The wealthy have already known the future for decades and have been exporting wealth and businesses to support them elsewhere where they would travel on their personal craft to safety leaving the nation in ruins.
This is likely why Trump has sabotaged so much about America and negotiated building outside the country, including in negotiations during his campaign to build a tower in Moscow. Perhaps you will be enlightened now.
Let the young pioneers be the New World, free of military and danger.
I end with the question; if Trump deported all the Russian diplomatic spies, why did he allow the Russian state television to remain down the street from the White House within eavesdropping range
8
The young pioneers, on to other nations you go, without the cynicism and bad knowledge of old age and endowed with the caring of youth. You will be the New World. God Bless you.
2
Perhaps one day, the nation will understand the better life of Peace.
All of the cloth of all peoples must refrain from heroics of the mind keeping them here and go to the New World to minister. There will be danger here and better to serve the future than to fade in the present.
Mr. Schiff had a fine hour. Given the case at hand, he made all of it with comprehensive seriousness and clarity. GOP will not be moved, but the wider audience certainly will. November is looming large.
46
Across the nation, millions of people watched the compelling introduction by Adam Schiff with the entertaining video clips, and millions of other people – out of exhaustion from the procedural maneuvering of two days ago or because they are committed to Donald Trump or because they have the demands of everyday life and work to attend – watched none of it.
Some of those who did not watch will get all they feel they need to know from the propaganda ministry known as Fox News. Others will watch highlights on MSNBC or CNN, in the same way people watch sports highlights on ESPN.
Slowly it will begin to sink in for the assembled Republican senators dutifully following Mitch McConnell, as he doubles down on Donald Trump’s stonewalling, that the Democrats’ impeachment message of a self-dealing, law-breaking, erratic man endangering our democracy and our very lives is … going … to … become … the … only … message … that …matters.
35
I don't understand why Trump gets a pass for not testifying. As in the Mueller investigation, the press never asked why Trump was not testifying. Why aren't Democrats calling for Trump to testify? Why isn't the press asking Trump why he's not going to testify and contradict the evidence against him.
If Trump is such a stable genius, why doesn't he defend himself? It seems everyone knows he's guilty, so no one expects him to testify. Clinton testified in an impeachment to a much lesser crime, so I don't understand why everyone is giving Trump as pass. Trump may not be willing to testify, but that doesn't mean we shouldn't be demanding that he does.
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@Jack Edwards
john dowd told woodward (wrote the book fear )and basically he was told by dowd that trump would lie. and trump said he would testify and sekulow told him no way.
This trial - this process which is no process - is Kafka in reverse. A man is prosecuted - not by a remote, inaccessible authority - but by the Managers from the House who are our quite visible lawmakers, our Representatives. And the nature of this man's crime(s) is revealed in great detail and in the most compelling manner.
But the crime is apparently not apparent and still mysterious to an apathetic or blind-faith public who are tuned-out of the televised impeachment trial and tuned-in to "Let's Make a Deal."
Zonk!
18
TO CHIEF JUSTICE ROBERTS: The world is watching you... well, as much as we can given the limited camera coverage. Please ensure the American people a fair trial. If someone leaves the room, cite them publicly and warn them that they may not be eligible to vote. if any senators publicly express their lack of interest in hearing the evidence, disqualify them from casting their vote. If the Senate is, as you say, an esteemed deliberative body, then the members need to set an example for John Q Public when he is called to jury duty. It is unfortunately not melodramatic to say that you truly are the last hope for the preservation of our democracy.
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@LauraNJ
Thank you! To the New York Times, please, answer this question. My understanding is that the Senators are not supposed to leave the chamber. To do so would be a violation similar to shouting at an impeachment manager, or any other rule of this proceeding. Should Chief Justice Roberts not be admonishing the (100%) Republican delegation committing these breaches, like he did when Mr Nadler got riled up on Tuesday night?
32
@LauraNJ
From your lips to Roberts ears. Brilliant.
The Republicans have apparently decided to support Trump instead of the Constitution.
The are required to pledge impartiality in the trial, but they obviously don’t take it seriously.
By doing that, they are mocking the Constitution, which they have also have pledged to support and defend.
“Patriotism means to stand by the country. It does not mean to stand by the president.”
-Theodore Roosevelt
50
If the GOP wants the public to decide at the polls, then give us all the information. As more and more information has come out, it has filled in the story and corroborated the testimony of the other witnesses. None of the new information exonerates Trump. And if, as Trump said today, the Dems don't have the information, he does, then share it. Obviously it's incriminating info to which he blatantly admitted.
29
Too bad Adam Schiff is not running for president. I don't know quite how to express how impressed I am by his presentation. He makes me proud to be a Democrat.
101
I know. I almost drew an Adam Schiff, Superhero! w/ cape etc. and posted it on Twitter, but I guess I’m not that terrible a spammer.
People keep suggesting acquittal is inevitable. That's not true.
As the case is forcefully made 51+ Senators will insist on a full and fair trial. We're virtually there already.
In a full and fair trial, you get to 55 pretty quick. Then do we get to 60-62 based on conscience? Depends how clear and damning the evidence and testimony is. It also depends how persuaded the public is. Apparently a majority of the public are already favoring conviction.
If that happens, it's an open question if the dam breaks. Presumably public opinion would have to be pretty high to even be in this situation, so it's a possibility. when you get that near to the edge political calculus comes into play. Do you want to be one of the 30 senators voting to acquit when your guy gets the boot? If 2/3 of the public think he should go? Once trump leaves there will be an enormous collection of evidence of additional wrongdoing that streams out... further injuring the holdouts in such a situation.
25
@Micah
‘We will see if there are any Republicans who have a conscience. . . ‘
Joe Scarborough said something to that effect recently.
It looks like we may have found out.
Coincidentally, I think we have found the swamp that we need to drain.
30
@Grove
Very clarifying:)
A somewhat humorous overview of Day 2. What's the old adage, humor makes the bitter reality more manageable. No doubt why President Trump dinged Nadler with "sleaze bag" and Schiff with "corrupt politician" – Trump looking in the mirror as Speaker Pelosi commented when asked about all the derogatory remarks tossed her way. The House Managers are doing a spectacular job obliterating Republican talking points. Speaker Pelosi chose well. I'll tell ya, if I needed a lawyer I would want Chairman Schiff! His opening statement was "masterful" – in my opinion and according to many people like Toobin and Rubin who have both extensive knowledge and institutional memory from writing about legal issues and politics. (Perhaps why Moscow Mitch tossed his hands up in exasperation?!) So let's add to this little bit of humorous respite during a deadly serious constitutional crisis. "Trump's defense team isn't even denying that he did what he's accused of –they just say it doesn't rise to the level of impeachment, which is like Jeffrey Dahmer arguing it didn't rise to the level of cannibalism." Jimmy Kimmel. Thanks, Jimmy. Thanks, Michelle.
32
Adam Schiff is the man. He knows all the facts and he spoke in a measured manner today that is very effective. We are getting everything on the record and acting as if we were a democracy.
76
Rep. Adam Schiff was at his best. Something else to note is that not all cable channels were screening the late night proceedings. Shame on them for not considering the Impeachment trial as important. Were they thinking of expenses, if they had to keep their channels open ?
36
Trump's acquittal in the Senate is assured. Republican Senators may believe that what the President did in this entire affair was wrong but not impeachable, or they may maintain that his conduct was perfectly fine, as he insists.
Would it be possible for Schumer to force a nonbinding vote on this simple question before the formal vote on impeachment? Some Republicans who will never be persuaded to impeach their President, might feel compelled to admit in such a right-wrong vote that what he did was wrong, while others would insist he did nothing wrong. That vote might well divide Republicans heading into the 2020 elections in a way that the formal vote on impeachment will not.
@Wally It doesn't work that way for ordinary citizens. If you do something wrong, you get punished. The foreman of the jury doesn't say, "Judge, we the jury find that the defendant did what the prosecution says he did but we believe he should not be sentenced." For the rest of us, if you do the crime you do the time.
22
@abigail49 The decisions in a criminal trial are divided in 2: first, the jury decides whether the charge was proven beyond a reasonable doubt. If the jury convicts the defendant, the judge then decides on an appropriate sentence.
There is no division between the two decisions in the Senate's impeachment trial. I would appreciate a Senate vote on Trump's guilt or innocence on the House's two charges of abusing his power and blocking evidence, and then a second vote, for all those who find him guilty, as to whether removing him from office is the appropriate sentence. We'd then find out if there is a Republican division on guilt or innocence that will not be revealed in a final impeachment vote.
2
I wish this editorial would approach the substance of Schiff’s case, rather remarking that some people found it boring. What exactly does that kind of opinion accomplish other than to parrot a strain of anti-intellectualism so ascendant and dangerous in our country? It doesn’t matter if it was boring. Many things of great importance are boring; boredom is to be endured and overcome for the good of a larger project.
Was Schiff’s argument compelling? That is the question to be answered. It’s no use to predict what some senators might do. It is far better and more informative to present the day’s events in context, and conclude what the senators ought to do.
76
@Theo Did you listen? What is your opinion? I was only able to listen to parts of today's presentations but found it compelling (as I did the House hearings) and appreciated the additional detail provided. It was also repetitive at times, but not nearly as repetitive as the GOP Congressional repetition during the House investigation. What was refreshing was that it was factual and easy to follow. I didn't have to sort through posturing to understand was was being said.
34
I watched some of Schiff’s opening, and other clips—I watched what I could. Schiff was very good. But I couldn’t watch all of it. That’s the job of reporters and senators, and apparently they find it intolerably boring. From the case Schiff made in Congress, and the transcripts I read, absent ANY exculpatory evidence, Trump’s guilt is obvious. Schiff’s entire play now is to present the President’s guilt so concisely, self-evidently, and artfully that it takes hold of the public’s (and media’s) imagination, and gop senators are compelled to allow testimony, and thus shine an even brighter light on the President’s lawlessness. That’s why I found this article and others like it so depressing: when we’re in the middle of a totally momentous occasion, where the nation’s future is at stake, there’s no analysis, only boredom. As if the impeachment trial were just momentary block on the kiddo’s screen time.
20
I will hazard a guess that not so many people found the proceedings leading up to Nixon’s resignation boring. Ditto re the Clinton impeachment proceedings. And I will hazard a guess as to why:
1) In the subsequent @ 1/4 century, social media has dumbed down attention spans and prioritized new transient fluff over old deep substance; and
2) it’s the 3rd attempted impeachment in less than 50 years! Enough already! ( this, of course, is a corollary to 1))
Isn't this a political process with the likely end result of acquittal by the Senate? I am surprised at how many people seem to think something else will happen.
4
@Locals4Me It doesn't matter what the end result will be except that voters who hear the evidence can decide if Donald Trump and every Republican House member and Senator who stands for re-election deserves another term. Voters who don't care enough about democracy to listen to the evidence and reach their own conclusions are as bad for our country as those Republican representatives who decided before hearing anything that their president could do no wrong.
30
Really? I haven’t heard anyone at all who thinks something else will happen.
We are witnessing the greatest miscarriage of justice in American history. Not only has this occurred because of Donald Trump and the White House are withholding documents which are evidence that should be admissible in a trial, but justice in America has been assaulted because 53 senators who have given their oath to protect the country have done anything but that. The American people can only be fooled for so long, and the backlash that will come onto these Republican Senators will be felt for the rest of their natural lives.
118
@RD
Dred Scott, Plessy, Korematsu, Bush v. Gore, Citizens United. The miscarriage-of-justice list is long.
Just ask Justice Garland.
48
After hearing and seeing he Managers’ presentations today, I believe we already have all the information to call for Trump’s immediate removal from office.
126
@Ralph Then have a vote and be done with it already. Enough of that silly circus.
There are two cases being made here. The Democratic case is based on a factual description of the history of events as they unfolded, spiced with motivations and goals. The Republican case does not refute these allegations nor present any evidence. It is just a massive redo of the standard Republican talking points of how terribly unfair and partisan this process is and how it is purely an attempt to undo 2016 because Hillary lost. They have even gone so far as to reiterate, adnausem, that Trump has never had a chance to defend himself. Of course that is not true as he refused to participate in the House hearings when was made the offer. And once again, we hear about the secret meeting in the basement where he was shredded without representation even though dozens of Republicans were present and all had equal time to rebut anything they wanted.
They never have and so far still haven't. The reason is that they are solely playing to Trump's base in an effort to get that 40% to rally behind him. But this strategy will never turn that 40% into 50%. That cannot happen until evidence and arguments are presented that clear Trump. They are unable to do that because such evidence does not exist. So they came up with this unimpeachable for abuse of power nonsense. Who would believe that? Trump's 40%.
102
The House is adding layers of information and "facts" that were not available prior to the impeachment vote. Trump's defense team will again point out that the House's previous statement of "overwhelming" evidence apparently was quite an exaggeration, if not an outright lie, if the managers now want to admit new evidence and witnesses. The impeachment clock stopped in before Christmas. If the House wants to start up again, let them do it.
Interesting that Kelly Ripa asked her audience today how many tuned in to the hearings, and no one raised their hand.
6
@Locals4 me
The evidence presented in the house was overwhelming if you had watched it. Witness after witness presented evidence of a scheme to shake down Ukraine for Trump’s personal gain. But Republicans demanded even more evidence. When Democrats asked for now identified collaborating documents and other direct sources to add to their case, Republicans blocked access to them.
If Trump is innocent then why not allow these documents and witnesses to testify? Isn’t more information good if you want the truth? My guess, is that Republicans know he’s guilty but are afraid to admit it.
58
@Locals4Me
The "clock" is running out for Trump and it started a long time before Christmas. Wether it's January 2021 or January 2025 - the world takes a deep breath - we will eventually get beyond this president.
As Warren Buffett said in another context "only when the tide goes out do you see who's been swimming naked". History will not be kind to Donald J. Trump, President of the United States.
Kelly Ripa?
12
@Locals4Me You're following the GOP playbook perfectly; lie. obfuscate, and keep 'em dumb. Well done!
1
I’m convinced that this process is worthwhile regardless of the “predetermined” outcome.
Our American Democracy is built on the rule of law and anyone with an ounce of objectivity after watching today’s testimony realizes that our President broke the law, on numerous occasions.
While Senators like McConnell and Graham believe that his behavior doesn’t meet the high standard of impeachable offenses, the case against the President is overwhelming.
My hat is off to the House Managers and their well organized presentation put forward today. History will not be kind to the Senators that refuse to allow documents or witnesses. November will be payback, biggly. They have no one to blame except themselves.
207
@PatMurphy77
Like most Americans you assume that when Trump is acquitted in the senate that there will be an election in which you can exercise payback. An acquittal will affirm that Trump can do anything. Let's suppose that Trump suspends the November elections based on some pretext - expected massive voter fraud for example. Do you doubt that the Republican Party, justice department, armed forces and newly stacked courts won't back him up? I don't doubt it for a minute!
1
" ... try to persuade 67 senators to vote to convict." Given the Republican Senators absolute obeisance to Mr. Trump and the party leadership, regardless of the evidence, that is not a reasonable goal. Rather, it is showing the American people Mr. Trump's guilt, as was already done in the House hearings. That guilt is demonstrated by the preponderance of the evidence so far. The documents and witness testimony being withheld by Mr. Trump would likely demonstrate guilt beyond any doubt.
95
Magnificent summary.
"In great detail" indeed. I had it on till late last night and it's still on today (another 20 min they just said).
Sure ain't Watergate.
48
Trump is not above the law. He and the GOP have managed a coup and they are the law.
There is little chance of any real justice in this kangaroo court and fortunately there’s time to rally the troops and get out the vote for November.
“Stressing that no man is above the law, Mr. Schiff referred to Mr. Trump more than once as “a president who would be king.”
121
Adam Schiff is a star in the Democratic Party... smart, compelling, and so incredibly articulate. But, what is the point of these opening arguments if no witnesses will be called? Without witnesses, this impeachment trial is pretty much a done deal? It's highly unlikely any Republicans will be "persuaded" to vote against Trump? The only hope for impeaching Trump in the Senate is for someone to persuade John Bolton to speak up.
78
@Tom Adam Schiff is my Congressman. He is professional, polite, punctual, and extremely cordial. He meets with his constituents regularly. He works with local Los Angeles high schools supporting their young artists with contests and those winners art pieces are in his office for that year. The answer to your question is simple: Adam Schiff is a leader with integrity and leaders with integrity and courage--do the right thing regardless of the outcome. Adam Schiff has courage so he is a profile in courage. And even during this tumult as the lead House Impeachment Manager, his office still picks up my phone calls--a few times today. Adam Schiff stands tall and has answered the call--whereas Senators like Lindsey Graham have repeatedly broken their oaths of impartiality--proving his is a full-fledged cult-member.
248
@Tom I realize the senators must go with evidence presented there, but is there no memory of the evidence thus far presented in the House?
11
@Daniel Kinske
I'm so proud of Mr. Schiff and I expect that at some time in the near future, and hope it's sooner than later, when a CA senate seat opens up, he will run for it and he will win it handily. But I'm also extremely pleased by the conduct of my own representative in the House, one Nancy Pelosi. Three cheers for the lady!
164