while the president’s defense team’s looked like “an eighth-grade book report.” well, if it was dictated by trump, i am not surprised.
3
Chief Justice Roberts should admonish Adam Schiff for degrading, lying, defaming and using offensive and demeaning language when speaking of president trump. Schiff is insufferable and maddening as he is the one who is trying to persuade the American people the 2020 election will not be valid if trump wins. Schiff is a threat to our democracy. This man is dangerous.
1
The House managers keep repeating their themes because the public is tuning in and out of the hearings. Only those who choose, or are forced, to sit thru the whole thing are tired of it. Next, they'll have to deal with the perhaps fittingly Trumpian distraction, overstatement, inanities ("lawyer lawsuits"), and lies of the Trump tots for a 3-day period, previewed by Lindsay Graham, who in coming out of the last break went before the microphones and said to our media (esp Fox News) dogs "squirrel!--the Bidens!"
Media like the NYT will do right by their readers if they hold up major, select points of the House Dems against whatever the Trump tots choose to emphasize. Don't give in to the conventional wisdom of acquittal by not fully holding Republican Senators accountable for supporting this fraud of a president.
1
Truth doesn't matter. Keeping my GOP Senator job matters most.Where the heck am I going to make $174,000 per year plus benefits at my age?
And now the Biden’s family fortunes and sweetheart deals examinations start.
Calling tens of millions upon tens of millions of dollars a “conspiracy theory repudiated by all experts and investigations” is only pouring gas into the fire and also further discredits the media which in itself is allways a plus for Republicans.
And again, who came up with this Ukrainian conspiracy charges brilliant strategy? The Russian conspiracy charges dream team?
Tired of hearing about the mythical 4 senators who might/may/could make a difference. All 53 of them are intimidated by what Donald Trump might do to them. It is a legitimate concern with an easy remedy: all 53 vote to remove him from office. They give each other cover that way. DJT will no longer be any threat, as he would be prohibited from holding any office in the future. Stand together to avoid hanging separately. They would still have a president from their party in the office; so, what's the downside?
8
GOP Senators should remember who pays their salary. Certainly not Trump or Moscow Mitch.
3
If I was the judge and one of the jurors was doing crossword puzzles I would lock them up for contempt. When are the republicans going to rise to the occasion of their position and responsibilities?
8
In any event, this procedure will bring matters to a spike. As the case is clear as mountain water, voters will have to cast their votes to either move forward with democracy, or get over of it.
65
Schiff's closing was brilliant. It was addressed to the senators, but more effectively to the American people. If I had a Republican Senator I would be on the phone now. Some of those 70+% of voters that want witnesses and documents are in red and purple states. I hope that they too were moved.
Moreover, I can't see how Chief Justice Roberts could not be moved. How could this authority on history and Constitutional law not be thinking about what he could be doing to defend the balance of powers and system of checks and balances in this situation? Beyond maintaining order in the Chamber, he has the leeway to weigh in on the question of witnesses, even on what is an impeachable offense if he chose to—he is bound by the vague guidelines in the Constitution, not by a rulebook written by Congress in the 1970's. Would the Senate majority dare overrule him if he chose to assert himself?
105
Schiff has been amazing. I hope he takes over for DiFi in 2024
89
@Yojimbo
I think there is something missing from Justice Robert’s character that should be essential to the character of every judge. He seems more concerned with proper judicial process than with justice. I suspect the less we expect of Roberts the more likely it will be that we won’t be disappointed.
82
@Yojimbo The judicial mind is usually primarily concerned about procedure, precedent, order, authority, established law and 'admissible' evidence. To a judge, 'justice' is a meaningless concept and 'truth' is always relative. And McConnell will happily overrule Roberts any time he sees fit.
11
Are you kidding about holding my attention? It was riveting! Especially the part where it showed that we, the people, actually elected thinking, moral representatives who are good speakers: it gave me hope for democracy.
133
Only one word for the Republican behaviour: craven. Running to mics with lies and illusions. Where did you find these people?
This is your best and brightest? And you want to continue to rule the world? What is this ? A bad TV movie?
Lacking any moral centre ( Christian nation?) you insist on taking the rest of the world down with your greed and subservience to oligarchs.
I wouldn’t let you Americans run an elementary school let alone a planet. Your not mature enough.
2
Let Donald testify. What could possibly go wrong ?????
November.
2
Observes keep reporting that some GOP Senators are not paying attention, even leaving the Senate chambers for extended periods. In response, I sent this letter to my senior senator, Sen. Cassidy (GOP-LA): "I am embarrassed for the great state of Louisiana and disgusted by reports that you have walked out on substantial portions of the House presentations for the impeachment of President Trump. For the past several months, you have proclaimed loudly that you would take this trial seriously and weigh all of the evidence before deciding how to vote. You obviously lied. Not only did you vote against listening to newly discovered information (reported and documented in the press), you repeatedly voted against issuing subpoenas to hear relevant witnesses, especially formed Secretary Bolton. You are pretty clearly not interested in discovering the truth. Instead, it is clear that you are part of a Republican effort to coverup President Trump's abuse of power. I am ashamed of your overt support of criminal activity in the White House. And I am furious that you are simply walking out on portions of the hearing. I don't want to think about your soiled motivations for this unethical, deceitful, and frankly unpatriotic behavior. You are supposed to lead and provide a good example; you are doing the opposite. You can be sure that I will vote against your re-election in November."
3
Close your eyes. Relax your body. Listen to my voice.
You can feel yourself getting lighter. "...the House managers’ case got more complicated, more abstract..."
Every breath, makes you feel lighter. You are floating on a gentle breeze. You are floating over people. "Thursday’s argument began with a lengthy seminar ... on the framers’ intent regarding impeachment." You can clearly see them.
They are your friends. "...contrary to the claims of Mr. Trump’s apologists — a crime need not have been committed to justify this course of action." They smile
at you. You feel happy.
You're remembering yesterday. "This required revisiting much of the previous day’s case,..." Think. Think back to yesterday.
You are thirsty. You want a drink. Something soft. "...every time House Dems say ‘drug deal’ or ‘get over it’ … drink a shot of milk!” You want milk. Mmmmm. Milk.
You are drifting back to to the ground. It is soft. The gentle breeze blows away your sorrows. There were no Founding Fathers. There is no Electoral College. Hillary won the election. Hillary is President. You feel so joyful. Trump was never President. Everyone one loves Hillary. People want her to run again.
OK. Wake up.
Sham trial due to Republicans playing see no evil, speak no evil, hear no evil.
3
Paul, Cruz and Graham...what jokes! They think they are so smart.
1
I'm Schiffting. Truth matters!
2
When your air conditioner or microwave stops working you put it out on the sidewalk, wait for the city to take it away and order another one from Amazon.com.
Amazon.com does not stock a new and improved U.S. Constitution.
I just checked.
Fixing an old, broken one is close to impossible.
The one your President breaks and busts apart is the one you will be stuck with.
1
According to a news report on CBS-TV last evening (01 23 20), the Trump team has warned Republican senators that voting against Trump's interest(s) would "get their head on a pike":
https://hillreporter.com/trumps-team-warns-gop-senators-vote-against-him-and-their-head-will-be-on-a-pike-report-56534
This is the language of thuggery, of tyranny, of dictators....not the America that I grew up in and love.
Filth.
NOT my president
2
Someone please tweet back to Ted Cruz that he is not Mr. Cool
2
Inside the mind of a Republican Senator:
-This is so boring.
-I know how I'm going to vote.
-If they'd spend a day on how to keep my job if I cross Trump, I'd be wide awake and taking notes.
-Damn. I could be at a fundraiser right now.
-Water and milk. Water and milk. Would a nice glass of a decent wine do any harm?
4
Given the degree of farce engineered by the GOP in order to prevent the release of testimony to the public, Chief Justice Roberts has only one honorable option left to him. He must resign immediately and bring this travesty to a close.
Republicans look like the annoying kids you never liked in high school. 5th grade jokes aren't funny by junior year. I guess Rand Paul didn't get the memo.
Not that it matters. Democrats aren't speaking to Republicans. They are speaking to the public. Politicians of all people know repetition is an effective tool in shaping public opinion. Given 24 hours, Democrats will use every minute. They'll beat the message into a bloody pulp until you can quote House testimony verbatim.
They are also controlling the news cycle. To Ted Cruz's obnoxious displeasure, Democrats are running the clock on the news cycle. They were given almost a full week to make the case before the public with no Republican rebuttal. Republicans take over on a Saturday, arguably the slowest day the news. Their argument is broken by a Sunday rest. They conclude on the beginning of the first full workweek when everyone is upset workweeks are five days instead of four. I feeling their book report is going to land with a thud.
In any event, the public message has already taken root. That was the entire point behind Barr withholding the Mueller report. Democrats are doing the same thing. What Republicans say won't matter. However, GOP Senators jeering at the process doesn't look good among persuadable voters. I take the matter of election interference seriously even Ted Cruz doesn't.
"If you killed Ted Cruz on the floor of the Senate, and the trial was in the Senate, nobody would convict you."
—Lindsey Graham
2
Thanks to commenter Bruce Rozenblit of Kansas City, MO, for his crystalline precis and his unmitigated praise ("It was rock solid through and through. It was an education in the evolution of our Constitution . . . so, that now I want [to] learn more of the history of its writing.") of Jerry Nadler's opening presentation on Thursday of the House case for impeachment and removal of Donald Trump. Rozenblit adds that Nadler "was up first, before listener fatigue set in."
Indeed.
I would love for GOP senators to tell me this:
How is it that I, a non-lawyer, merely a concerned citizen (and regular voter), can find the day-long proceeding riveting from gavel to gavel, while they--trained and practiced legislators, lawyers many of them, with a vested interest in getting this impeachment trial right (having taken a solemn oath, and signed their name to it publicly), find themselves joking that they need frat-boy playthings to keep themselves alert enough to pay close attention during what is one of the most momentous proceedings they will ever participate in, as U.S. senators?
And I would like especially to hear how the honorable senator from Tennessee could possibly have been caught Tweeting slanders against a House witness during the very moments, while the trial was still in session, that House impeachment manager Adam Schiff was speaking his closing argument. (See Fox News at https://www.foxnews.com/politics/trump-impeachment-trial-marsha-blackburn-vindma).
SHE HAS NO SHAME.
3
As a citizen, I consider it my duty to sit through all of the hours and hours and hours of this trial and to pay attention to what is said, no matter how repetitive it may seem. That many of our (elected by us!) Senators take such a dismissive attitude about this very solemn historical happening is beyond offensive to me. Are they so full of themselves that they are incapable of learning anything? I hear that one of them called the proceedings a "clown show". By their behavior, they are showing themselves unworthy to be members of the Senate.
2
The subject of the Senator's attendance and attention to the proceeding is now in question. The daily announcement includes imprisonment but it seems that it is more honourable to breach enforcement of the announcement rather than enforce it. See Hamlet
HAMLET Ay, marry, is't:
But to my mind, though I am native here
And to the manner born, it is a custom
More honour'd in the breach than the observance.
The consequence for inattention, lack of attendance, failure to make the effort to read the one page "classified" document dutifully submitted by Ms. Williamson could be a three strike scale.
Your vote proportionally decreases by one third of a whole for each strike/transgression. Therefore, you have no vote after three strikes. Chief Justice Roberts aptly described himself as just there to call balls and strikes, therefore he is quite qualified to call and rule.
Somehow we have to change the "game" of politics. Lying and cheating to win election, results in a Trump. This approach to winning an election is perhaps a major downfall of our Democracy. It seems we have turned it into a sham. If one has a good argument for why their policies or philosophy is better than their opponent, by al means show it. But if one has to lie, cheat and exaggerate to get the vote, we may have voted for a liar and a cheat.
Will any Republican senators listen?
1
Imagine Atticus Finch as the prosecutor in a lynching case ..trying to prove what everyone knows...yet the Jury has made its mind up on the 'Not Guilty'.
That is exactly what Schiff is dealing with here.
2
The New York Times needs to put a graphic timeline online for those short of time to follow the trial. That would be enormously helpful. For one example, it would show why the dismissal of the US ambassador was necessary to further the corrupt scheme.
1
Trump's defense team's work "looked like any eighth grade book report"? Lucky him. That's already six grades beyond his intellectual capabilities and eight grades above his moral development!
4
All anyone has to do is think of the people supporting Trump - Cruz who's complete lack of backbone, allows him to slump into forgetting what his new hero said about his father and his wife along with Trump's characterization of "Ted", the spineless rabbit himself. In Rand Paul's case why did his neighbor attack him on his lawn mower the guy was a respected doctor, do you think Rand may have some personality problems that lead to the altercation, I do! As for Lindsey Graham, please Lindsey just jump out the closest window save the personality twists for other Trump supporting cowards. Most of the rest of these so called supporters just want their tax cuts to continue and are so completed depraved that they think the tax money saved is enough, God help them!
Ted Cruz! Really, the guy who read Cat in the Hat for a filibuster is throwing shade? Trump basically accused Ted’s father of conspiracy to assassinate JFK. What is wrong with Ted Cruz?
2
Schiff arrogantly and unbelievably had the audacity to say in his closing, “the truth matters” when he has been using his public office to spend three years lying about trump’s collusion with Russia, and when proven unsuccessful, is now spending the last few months trying to make his fantasy about ukrainegate a road to impeachment. What total and utter hypocrisy from this Burbank wannabe actor.
1
Chief Justice Roberts could have conducted the trial with the dignity he would have demanded in any other forum. He could have disqualified 'jurors' who announced in advance their intention either to acquit or convict. He could have chosen to be something other than a potted plant. In no other forum does the jury get to disregard the law's dignity. Go figure.
1
The most puzzling and disappointing part of this "trial" is the inability to hear witness testimony. How can the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court sit idly by and let this most important trial of our lives become a farce? Is he not the last line of defense against lawlessness? If the Chief Justice can't, or won't, stand up for the rule of law we have already lost.
6
As precise and compelling as Adam Schiff's narrative was, and as egregious as Trump's offenses against the Constitution and the Separation of Powers are, the Congressional audience necessary to be influenced will likely remain unmoved.
Their self-interest demands both denial of the proven facts, and unalloyed allegiance to the malefactor. Self-interest has become everything to this Party which for decades has wrapped itself in patriotism, and preached fiscal parsimony especially to disadvantage the poor.
Now in lock-step with their leader they see little objectionable in advantaging Russian interest at the expense of long held alliances, or of miring the nation into debt to further advantage the already rich.
Do not expect Republicans to reign in, let alone rebuke, this dangerous President... they are simply not up to the task of putting country before self.
4
Truth matters.
This democratic experiment has proven amazingly resilient – and has even achieved a kind of transformative beauty at its best, when its public servants have held fast to the Constitution and the rule of law.
Even when blinded by racism, sexism and the narrowness of mind that characterize all persons that haven’t achieved sainthood, our founders ingeniously fashioned checks and balances that accounted for most human failings.
But our country is fragile, right now.
Our President has proven that he has betrayed our country and its allies, that he is guilty as charged, is dangerous and is not a “public” servant.
Senate Republicans know this, too. However, these Republicans currently believe they can let Trump off-the-hook and still be true-blue patriots. They try to comfort themselves with questions like: “how much damage can he do in 10 months?”
If they proceed, and vote to acquit, they may go down as among the most hubristically delusional public officials in the history of our country. And they risk being remembered as the 53 citizens that ushered in the end of America’s golden age of democracy, as imperfect as it was.
Yes, Adam Schiff, truth matters.
208
@Mark Keller
Checks and balances clearly don't function as most Americans think they do or should. However, the contraption of governance conceived by the most revered founders is very effective at preventing true democracy in America. The senate and electoral college exist to keep the rabble at bay and thwart the will of the people, thereby making the presidency of Donald Trump nearly inevitable.
27
@John Bacher
Well played, and respect; and, as you point out, the electoral college and the method of electing senators are tragic vestiges of racism.
However, I don't think it was the electoral college (which needs to be repealed!) that was the primary reason that made "Donald Trump nearly inevitable".
It was, rather, the result of a unique and cynical approach to party politics that has been pursued by Republicans throughout the last forty years. In the face of increasing unpopularity of their positions, Republicans have chosen not to adapt to the times, and instead have resorted to anti-democratic means of retaining power: blatant, repetitive propaganda through Fox News and talk radio; gerrymandering, voter suppression, and convincing citizens to vote against their own self-interests through manipulating wedge issues.
94
@Mark Keller
Thank you. I didn't write that the electoral college was the "primary reason" that made Donald Trump nearly inevitable, but myriad systemic failures, as you astutely point out.
22
Last night (Thursday; House manager's 2nd day of presenting the case against President Trump) I watched impeachment proceedings. I saw them streaming on various outlets, including online (such as NYTIMES), as well as on television, such as MSNBC and PBS. Out of curiosity, I turned the channel to FoxNews a few different times. Each time, I observed that they were NOT streaming the impeachment trial, but instead were stating things like "the Democrats still haven't shown any evidence of a crime".
It's no wonder that conservative base who refuses to turn anywhere other than FoxNews will continue to support Trump. And as long as they do, then all the Republicans in the senate need is a story that's "just plausible enough" to use as an excuse to acquit Trump. Facts will not matter here. All that will matter is that FoxNews and other outlets provide a narrative that gives them an out with their base.
In other words, there is zero doubt in my mind Trump will be acquitted. Makes me wonder if the democratic values that has defined us as a country since our inception even exist anymore...
5
@Tom
I think you are correct, but it won't stop me from fighting them every inch of the way with all my might. I think enough people are horrified by Trump's behaviors that they will turn out to support his opponent and I also believe that US voters will hold those 20 Senators up for reelection, who suported acquittal, will be held accountable.
Hopefully a number of the impeachment viewers who are also potential voters will be concluding as I have that the difference between the legal presentations by the House prosecutors and the Trump defenders is an excellent demonstration of the difference in each party's ability to govern.
3
A brilliant summation by Adam Schiff, for the record, since Mitch McConnell has pre-determined the outcome of this trial and will not convict. The hope of the presentations by the House Managers (equally brilliant as a group) is that voters will be able to make a choice in November between stability, and competence (Democrats) and chaos and incompetence (Republicans).
2
I know Justice Roberts has limited powers but he is presiding. Would any judge in any courtroom in the country allow a juror to behave like Senator Paul or to leave the courtroom during the presentation of evidence as Senator Graham did.
I can't wait to try out these behaviors the next time I'm called for jury duty. If the Chief Justice of the U.S. allows it, why shouldn't every other judge?
211
@Steve
Roberts could get in big trouble if he crosses any of Trump’s protectors.
He doesn’t want to face the wrath of Trump.
I’m sure that Moscow Mitch has warned him to know his place.
Besides, he is on their team.
74
@Steve He did open the session today by humorously reminding the senators that they could be imprisoned by the Sergeant at Arms for violating the rules about talking. But like any "nice" schoolteacher, he will need to learn some basic lessons about managing his charges the hard way. Either the chamber will continue to slip into chaos that respects neither him, the process, the presenters, or the chamber itself, or he will have to assert his power. With these adults maybe a serious threat or warning at an opportune time during proceedings will be enough. If not, he'll have to choose a "sacrificial lamb." Ted Cruz or Rand Paul—difficult choice.
64
@Steve
Excellent points!
6
Since the defense team hasn’t yet presented its opening argument, it’s too early to compare its opening argument to the prosecution’s opening argument. The prosecution case always looks airtight unto the defense starts poking holes in it.
1
@William Case
They can't defend or deny his actions--they can only attack the process. The evidence is conclusive and undeniable. What we need to focus on is signing all petitions that support witnesses and documents from the WH that have been stonewalled. Watch how quickly he invokes Executive Privilege--after the fact--There's a cover-up. We know it and they do too.
1
@Svendska8
You apparently haven’t read the defense team’s trial memorandum.
Senators swore an oath to be impartial. Yet Lindsay Graham was apparently taking notes so he could share ideas with Trump's legal team, and others tweeted nasty comments or ridiculed the proceedings. How would a judge respond in any normal trial if a juror were caught giving advice to the defense attorney, or tweeting as if the outcome were a foregone conclusion? This whole "trial" is making a mockery of our government and Constitution. Those senators do not deserve to hold office if they can't take this seriously. I will remember their disgraceful behavior in November; I hope you will, too.
4
Watching last night and hearing Schiff's speech, I stood from my chair and applauded. He struck a chord like lightning bolting from the sky, landing on Republican hypocrisy, exposing the essence of the Trump administration and the feckless society of big donor supported legislators who enable daily perfidy. America is built on an ideal. An ideal that acts as a thin protective window against the howling winds of tyranny, corruption, and populist authoritarianism. There has not been much to feel good about this week while watching this pro forma exhibition of partisanship. Schiff's speech was like a electric shock to get my heart back into normal sinus rhythm.
5
All the Democrat's are asking for is witnesses and documents. If the Republicans can not allow witnesses then I have to believe some have had their lives threatened. What other reason could they fear Trump and his base so much that they would sell their soul's.
2
Some of the people all of the time, all of the people some of the time, not all of the people all of the time.
The gaslighting of the people by McConnell's senate and Trump's administration is a tawdry offense against the American people but it will not last.
There will be justice.
3
When Trump campaigned as a xenophobic, bigoted, divisive demagogue, he often recited The Snake as a poetic screed against those who would welcome immigrants only to be repaid for our kind generousity with venom. The Snake was a metaphor for Trump’s vision of immigrants, and the poem metaphorically captured the essence of his campaign: an appeal to the fears and prejudices of a targeted audience to win over their undying loyalty.
The Republican Senators resent being lectured to, act bored, amused or indignant. As the Democratic managers turn over every rock, turn them back, and then over again, the Republicans complain “no more!” As the Democrats seek the facts that will nail Trump’s coffin shut, they will vote “no more!”
Though they may catch multiple 40 winks in the Senate Chamber at home in their beds they turn over and over, and over again. Their nightmare lies underneath the Democrats’ upended stones. They loathe and fear the Snake lurking under each rock; the very Snake that seduced them in their quest for power. They know they have been Snake bit, the venom surges in their bloodstream and the only antidote is another dose of venom.
The Snake is their mafia Don, they are his made-men, and there is no way out but one.
To prove it, he has already put a hit on their mascot elephant.
2
The games so many of the Republicans are playing to ignore the evidence and show their disdain are worthy of a 10 year old. It’s a shame that Chief Justice Roberts doesn’t remind them of the oath they took at the beginning of the trial. We can only hope that there are four Republicans who take their constitutional responsibilities seriously enough to vote for additional witnesses. Although acquittal will certainly follow, perhaps the reality of Trump’s behavior and unfitness for office will be exposed to the public so that he and his cowardly Republican enablers can be voted out of office.
2
Senators must stop and think.
One point that everyone seems to be overlooking is the dire ramifications of Trump's destruction of the work ethics and performance of our federal civilian work force and our military.
Our military members and the civilian work force put their lives and careers on the line everyday. Hill, Yovanovitch and Taylor were three of the 17 witnesses in the Trump impeachment inquiry that ignored Trump and stepped forward to save our democracy.
Now if the Moscow Mitch enablers and Trump scare the entire Republican Senators to withhold evidence and witnesses it will have an immense detrimental affect on the attitude of many in the civilian workforce and the military .
People will say the heck with it and will simply go through the motions and watch our democracy self destruct under the unethical and immoral mantle of the criminal con man in chief.
The Senate Republicans must stop protecting Trump and put country in front of their party and do what is necessary to save our country from this lunatic.
67 votes and Trump is immediately gone and you Senators can start focusing on our country our children and the needs of your constituents and not some bogus crowd strike theory and some useless wall on our southern border.
And by the way name me one policy Trump initiated that has improved our economy or for that matter any Trump policy that improved anything.
1
In a magical world where impeachment and removal actually occurred, I'd be first in line to applaud that outcome. In the real world, success is far more likely determined by an outraged public that is finally paying attention. Thank God the impeachment managers have done a remarkable job appealing to them. To paraphrase James Carville: Only fools depend on the Republicans for anything; the simple answer is that they must be ostracized, humiliated and then destroyed at the ballot box in November.
1
Yesterday we received an extraordinary seminar in constitutional law from the House managers, notably Rep Nadler, and an equally extraordinary oration at the end of the day from Rep Schiff. And yet, we have a duplicitous, contemptuous and apparently unmoved Republican Senate about to make a mockery of their oath as participants in this trial. Is it too much to hope that their cowardly display will further ignite a reaction at the ballot box to the president’s and their insults to the Republic?
1
Well, well, another NYT cheerleader for Adam Schiff. Don't confuse slide presentations, video playbacks, and Powerpoint displays as proof of overwhelming evidence, of anything, or of the prosecution's "preparedness." I once watched a murder trial where the State prosecutor literally ringed the inside of the courtroom with boxes and boxes of evidence (20-25 boxes), and piles of over sized trial exhibit boards, along with multiple paralegals and assistants in tow. It was done, in part, to make the jury think that there was unending evidence against the defendant when they walked into the courtroom. When you looked over to the defense table, the very skilled defense attorney had two evidence boxes and one paralegal. The trial lasted weeks, and after all of the evidence was put forth by the State, and challenged by the defense, the jury came back with not guilty verdicts on all counts against the defendant.
Don't be confused by piles of paper or slick videos and Powerpoint presentations. It always comes down to the core arguments in the case and whether the prosecution has carried their burden of proof.
When they lay out their entire case the first day and then have to spend the following three weeks arguing that it amounts to an impeachable offense...
Democrats for Democracy.
Republicans for Monarchy.
Got it.
2
It’s obvious that the fix is in. Any republican senator who claims to be impartial is a liar. They can’t be bothered to follow their own attendance rules. And Roberts is completely MIA.
2
Maybe...unlike what the media says.....the Senate is not the Greatest Deliberative body in the world. And maybe...some of these elected officials are not exceptional.
2
After hearing Trump and his defenders claim "witch hunt," "no collusion," "perfect," "I don't know these gentlemen,"and other examples of their big lie technique over and over and over again, no one wants to hear them complain about repetition.
23
There is talk of Senators refusing to call John Bolton as a witness because they are concerned that Donald Trump will invoke executive privilege and the trial will drag on. So what? So therefore Trump gets exactly what he wants? That's no different than a judge declining to order a recalcitrant trial witness to appear at trial because the judge is afraid that the witness will appeal the order. It doesn't work that way. The triers of fact call the shots, not the defiant witness or his former boss.
6
Last night, former Senator Claire McCaskill commented that the big problem the House Managers face is that 53 Senators fear that if they vote against Trump they will personally end up unemployed.
My understanding of her remark is that if they vote against Trump and he is not convicted he will ensure that they are defeated in their primary. If they vote against Trump and he is convicted and removed from office it will result in the collapse of the Republican party.
2
@Alan White the Republican Party has changed into a cult of Trump. Like in so many things, the realization comes long after the reality.
2
Rep. Schiff's Thursday night closing remarks were not
"fiery" as some have described. He delivery was subdued and eloquent. No amount of the defense team's bluff & bluster will counter that or the avalanche of evidence. Republican Senators who choose to ignore Schiff's heartfelt plea for truth & right do so at their peril in November. Their shameful acquittal votes will follow them for the rest of their lives as representing the greatest display of moral cowardice in the history of the Republic.
4
Schiff will need all of his great orator skills when the republicans force him to testify about his “collusion ” with the whistleblower! And republicans would be remiss to NOT force the whistleblower to testify. When you’re trying to bring down the president of the United states and invalidate the votes of 63 million+ voters, immunity for this heinous act against our democracy does not apply.
1
Another masterful performance by the House Managers.
I was glued to the TV all day and into the night.
7
I watched proceeding, read this Op-Ed and all the comments:
1. The Democratic Managers have done a Herculean job of presenting the Articles of Impeachment in a professional manner. And, they have done so in order to EDUCATE the American citizens who have not had the benefit of lessons in Civics.
2. Adam Schiff is a great orator and has not only taken the High Road in this Senate trial, but has stood by the Constitution and called forth our better angels. We can only hope his words have been heard by the Republican Senators. We can only hope that he has touched the heart of several of these senators and impressed them to do their duty as an American with country over party.
3. That the sophomoric antics of several of the Republican Senators who have chosen to make a sham of this historic moment in our history are following the playbook of “their dear leader” and are pushing the envelope of civility and norms.
4. Chief Justice Roberts has not chosen to follow-through on the rules in place by calling out the behavior of those ignoring the rules, though it is his mandate do do so. Thus, the Republican Majority of the Senate will probably rule the day.
5. PITTY if this entire exercise proves once again, that very little plays out in the best interest of our Democracy ... of the People, by the People and for the People.
6. In the end, the only chance Democracy will WIN is if all those who have been sitting on the sidelines of politics will be motivated or angered enough to VOTE.
7
About the idea that Congress should just "wait for the voters" to decide the President's fate: this ignores two other sets of votes -- (1) the citizens' votes that brought the Senators and Representatives to Congress (2) the votes that said elected officials are supposed to cast as part of their jobs.
In short, elected officials who insist on waiting for the 2020 presidential election to decide Trump's fate are abdicating their responsibilities. Why do you think you were sent to sit in those handsome chambers? The impeachment trial is part of your job, not some distraction from the government's business.
16
I've watched at least 90% of the proceedings so far and I find them fascinating and informative. I'm not at all hopeful that any of the Republican Senators are paying attention. As was said by the House Managers, the truth about the depth of the present administration's corruption is going to come out eventually even if current Republicans are struck blind and deaf by their self interest. Look, it's going to be up to us voters to restore the rule of law, no two ways about it.
10
What has not been emphasized enough -- the cruelty of the current Administration as led by Trump. The House presentation is based on as much legally-correct evidence as possible, and is credible when put into a timeline where the gaps are brought to light by the strength of evidence. The gaps are subjected to common sense, and common sense is based on each individual's experience. The whole effort is certainly not boring ... it is an accounting practice trial as well as is the level of professionalism in furthering good governance (and how far from professional the actions of Trump and closest supporters have been, and the frightening results of those actions). Again -- what has not been emphasized enough -- the cruelty of the current Administration as led by Trump. We hope that each individual will give this point maximum consideration.
5
I think the Dems are doing a great job building their case. But it's obviously aimed not only at the Republican Senators, but also the American public, neither group which probably focused on the fact gathering portion of the House hearings. The hearings are being carried on several media outlets. Is there any way to estimate how many viewers are seeing the telecast at any time? If there are data on this, and someone knows where to find it, I'd like to know. I've given up hope of a "lightning strike of conscience" among R Senators, but hope that at least a small portion of swayable voters are paying attention.
16
@Len
I watched the entire impeachment hearings and was totally turned off by his half-truths and outright lies, and his disparaging remarks against republicans and trump. I started to watch the impeachment trials but was so turned off by Schiffs opening remarks that I put him on mute until republicans spoke. My TV remains off for the rest of the democrat portion of the trial. Nothing but “opinions” and fantasy scenarios from these managers led by storyteller extraordinaire, Adam Schiff. Republicans: please dismiss or acquit, but do it fast.
1
Senate Republicans would save themselves a lot of grief if they ignored the whining of their child client and conceded that Trump acted improperly in the Ukraine matter (without admitting that he should be removed from office for having done so). If, as this paper claims, Trump listens to the advice of Mitch McConnell the above should not be too difficult.
7
Control of the House is the only stronghold Democrats have in the entire government, and they have been outstanding in using that sliver of authority to hold accountable a rogue president protected by all other segments of the federal government. The intended audience for their handling of the impeachment process has not been Republican politicians, but the electorate, especially undecided or independent voters, and persuadable Republican voters. The House leadership and managers deserve America's gratitude for working diligently to correct perilous imbalances in our federal government.
17
Every person on this thread who thinks what is going on is appropriate needs to ask themselves how they would have reacted if the republicans leveled the same charges of obstructing congress (see fast and furious), abuse of power to help personal election (instructing Susan rice to lie about Benghazi) or violating public trust and putting US in danger (see Iran Nuclear deal which would not have passed Congress ).
1
@Dady
If any of those acts were impeachable you don't think that the Republican controlled Congress and Senate would have acted (their multiple investigations of Benghazi obviously yielded nothing substantial and ignored the fact that they had reduced funding for the protection of embassies)?
Frankly, If Obama had withheld money from a foreign government to rig an election a majority of Dems would support impeachment (just look at the members of Congress who have been ousted y Dems due to allegations of misconduct).
The House managers are doing a terrific job! Pelosi chose wisely. I have gained such respect for Schiff, in particular. His closing argument last night was heartfelt. Yes, they know how dangerous Trump is. The question is, do they care?
If this trial is nothing more than a charade, may the GOP pay for it dearly in November. We, the people who pay their salaries, are entitled to a fair and complete trial. We need to know all who were involved, what their roles were, and why they remained silently complicit or were active participants.
The Lev Parnas' and Michael Cohen's of this world take the fall and do time while the capo sit in the Oval Office untouched and complaining about getting a raw deal! If there were any real justice, he would be beside them in prison.
Heaven help us until we rid ourselves of this dark place in history.
46
If the call was perfect, as the President claims, why did he withhold documents and forbid his staff from depositions? Or, as they say, obstruct. House Managers are doing an admirable job. Senators who vote to acquit are complicit and should be voted out at the next opportunity. What has happened to American values? Citizens United, maybe? Wealthy lobbyists, maybe? We must clean up our system through reform. This should be the number one issue on our minds in 2020 and every November.
40
After listening to Adam Schiff and the rest of his magnificent team provide mountains of relevant evidence, mainly from the Trump administrations own staff, on why Trump should be expelled from the presidency, it all comes down to one thing. One GOP Senators of 53, needs to tell the truth, yes only one, that what Trump did in withholding $391 million from our ally Ukraine for his own personal reasons, was WRONG, was IMPEACHABLE and that he should be relieved of the presidency. Many of the others will follow that GOP Senator.
37
@James Lochrie
Right, but don't expect it to be Collins. She is busy inspecting her fingernails. She holds the seat once held by Bill Cohen, a far better Republican senator who - unlike many of his peers - did not try to sweep Nixon's culpability under the rug. Cohen is a man of principle.
2
Jerry Nadler's arguments were devastating. I was totally engrossed and captivated. As he went through his presentation, I strained to find any loopholes, contradictions or errors in his logic. I could not. It was rock solid through and through. It was an education in the evolution of our Constitution. So much so, that I now want learn more of the history of its writing.
He was up first, before listener fatigue set in. It will be highly interesting to contrast and compare his arguments against Dershowitz when he attempts to prove that a president cannot be impeached for abuse of power, after Nadler made the case that impeachment is all about abuse of power. Looking forward to his rebuttal during the answering of questions. You can bet there will be questions to that end.
After two hours, I was worn out and had to get some work done. I checked back periodically, each time yearning for Adam Schiff to be at the podium. He is a master of rhetoric and argument, truly brilliant, and 100% presidential material.
After this onslaught, it pains me to come up with any possible strategy the Republicans can come up with, other than complaining and name calling. They should withdraw.
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@Bruce Rozenblit
Well, Senate Republicans have one clear strategy available to them, should they choose to employ it:
To defraud the American public (voters, potential voters, and future voters--for this impeachment trial speaks even more to the future of our democracy than it does to Donald Trump's corruption) of the fair trial they took a specific oath to prosecute. And in fact, they seem cynically prepared to do this. It is not difficult to corrupt the seriousness of a presidential impeachment. Many senators have shown how it's done:
Like immature college students who think it's all a big joke, many senators were caught openly mocking the seriousness of the occasion: senators like GOP Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky, who doodled rather than taking notes; like GOP Sen. Richard Burr of North Carolina, who handed out toys ("fidget spinners") to his GOP Senate colleagues, to play with like bored children who can't focus and hold still like adults; like GOP Sen. Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee, who openly flouted Senate rules (unadmonished by Mr. Chief Justice Roberts) by Tweeting slanders against a key Democratic witness as House impeachment manager Adam Schiff spoke at the end of the day; or like GOP Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, who along with innumerable others, for long periods of time, was AWOL from the Senate chamber during arguments, for the second day in a row--also thereby flouting Senate rules (also unadmonished by the Chief Justice).
That's how it's done.
20
@Bruce Rozenblit In a perfect world...but our world is no more "perfect" than that fateful phone call.
To learn more, a good place to start is Zephyr Teachout’s book Corruption in America. A full appreciation of the basis and mechanism for removing a corrupt President (impeachment) as understood by the Framers is necessary to reach an informed opinion on removal in this case.
Graham is self-destructiing before our very eyes in a slow-motion downward spiral. Last night Lawrence O'Donnell said Graham was terrified.
37
Will the Republicans in the Senate continue their corrupt ways?
10
@William Yes, William. They will. Because they think it's working. (And in the short term, they're probably right.)
But some of us play the long game: we love the country, and we engage in the earnest game of working to save it, Constitution and all.
You will soon know who in the Senate shares our love of country. By their votes, you will know them.
7
@William rhetorical question?
@Stephen Fox They will continue in their corrupt ways.
Kudos and roses to the Democratic prosecution team. I cannot imagine the stress and strain this type of patriotic duty requires in an era dominated by a lying, treasonous president and his enabling Republican Party.
46
I was deeply disturbed when the Democrats decided not to include bribery as one of the articles of impeachment, and as the impeachment trial unfolds remain deeply disturbed. This was not a legal mistake (the "abuse of power" article includes all the elements of the bribery Trump committed) -- but it was a serious political one.
First of all, in its simplest, starkest terms, soliciting a bribe is exactly the crime Trump committed. He demanded from the president of Ukraine something of value (announcement of an investigation into Biden) in return for performance of an official act (releasing monies Congress had approved and which Trump was legally obligated to release).
Second, the word "bribery" appears EXPRESSLY in the constitutional impeachment clause (fittingly for this president, right after the word "treason").
Third, and most importantly, "bribery" is something everybody understands and everybody understands is wrong. Simple. And compelling.
Without "bribery" as an article, the Democrats must spend hour after hour defining what "abuse of power" is and why it's impeachable. To quote Donny Brasco: forget about it. They lost their audience. The lack of a bribery count opened the way for the unscrupulous Dershowitz to give the GOP legal cover with his legally wrong (but common sensically compelling) argument about how you need an indictable crime for impeachment.
I fear the Dems have done it again. They seem to never miss an opportunity to miss an opportunity.
3
I very much admire what the Democrat managers, and especially Adam Schiff, are doing for America. The impeachment trial presentations they are making are all very well organized and presented. Especially powerful to me was how Schiff explained the bad situation Ukraine was put in by Trump’s illegal actions.
The Republicans complete lack of respect and decorum during these hearings is very telling. They are acting like spoiled, privileged adolescents who have no respect for anything or anyone. Definitely not grownups and not representing their constituents very well, either. Our tax dollars are wasted because of Trump’s many stupid and at times illegal actions and then again because we have to defend the Constitution and Democracy against him. He really has accomplished a lot with his stable genius and lots of big words.
28
@Barbara Snider
I appreciate and agree with you, Ms. Snider, and I would ask of you only one thing:
Please do not accidentally adopt the Republicans' contemptful (and ungrammatical) usage of "Democrat" as an adjective to describe their now-truly hated opponents. (This has become popularized since the advent of the so-called tea party in Congress.)
The adjective in standard English always has been, and always will be, "Democratic," when the word is used as a modifier to indicate the political party to which a said person or group belong.
We all, in America, have become inured to hearing our language desecrated this way by political idealogues, whose aim is to score political points with those who already agree with them, and to add smarm to the contempt that their misusage is intended to heap on the object of their desecration: members of the Democratic Party. (Fox News and talk-radio were the earliest and most ardent promoters of this particular linguistic solecism.)
The people you admire are the "Democratic managers" of the impeachment trial. Not the "Democrat managers." Please spread the word, and thank you for lending an ear.
1
As an impartial foreign observer, it seems obvious to me from the evidence brought forward during the house investigation and observation of Trump’s business behaviour over the years, that he abused his power in conditioning the release of congressionally approved funds to Ukraine, to the public announcement of his political rival for his own political gain.
This may not be a criminal act but it is surely the most serious offence a president can commit because it undermines the fairness of the next election and prejudices the credibility of the government in promoting prevention of corruption in countries like Ukraine.
Surely, this was the prime motivation for the act of impeachment by the framers; when a president acted against the interests of the country but had perhaps not committed a criminal act.
President Trump is so obviously a pathological liar and of questionable character...is this the man you want as the figurehead of your great nation, representing the best qualities of a democracy?
Don’t let him get away unpunished...you are better than that
32
@Alan
Thank you, Alan of the UK, for your vote of confidence. Trump was not elected by a majority of voters, as you know. He was elected by Electoral College sleight-of-hand, which is to say, he was elected constitutionally.
A majority of people I've heard discussing this fact seem to believe that Donald Trump is precisely the sort of person the Framers worried might be popularly elected, and their attempt to keep this from happening resulted in the creation of the Electoral College.
Some of us believe it is time to revisit this particular constitutional institution. But not all. From "gaming" the Electoral College, politicians could simply move to "gaming" lower-level political levers in the U.S., such as state-level primary elections. There may be no solution to our problem apart from political vigilance and exercise of voters' will.
For, as you know, no government is proof against corruption, and it is clearly corruption that has taken hold in my country. Rooting it out may prove both painful and dangerous (witness the armed to the teeth self-avowed insurrectionists in Richmond, VA, the other day). I do hope that rooting it out will not prove impossible.
1
That the Democrats appear professional and the GOP does not merely points to the level of professionalism and the degrees of professional skills between the two parties.
The GOP, for the most part, are partisan hacks, aka Trump toadies, who excel only in smarmy sycophancy, obfuscation, and Ad Hominem.
29
"Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky brought a crossword puzzle into the chamber on Wednesday and drew up a snarky “S.O.S.” sign for his desk."
The rudeness of Republican senators knows no bounds. Nearly 53 minds firmly made up and disrespectful to the core.
Paul and others aren't earning their pay. They act like this was the Superbowl, where team passion is the only thing that counts.
Schiff's close was beyond brilliant.. His articulation and fervor for actions and consequences matches that of the best orators in US history.
That his words fall on the tightly closed ears of the only people that count right now is depressing and disorienting. The truth is clear, and they simply don't care.
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@ChristineMcM "What goes around comes around". In the future Rand Paul will have a difficult time gaining any regard or credibility for a position he wants supported.
15
@ChristineMcM What a brilliant comment - I thank you from the heart for your apt choice of the Super Bowl as a simile.
And I applaud your focus on praising how Adam Schiff closed out the day. It was indeed beyond brilliant, a feat of oratory genius.
The woman behind Mitch McConnell, just to his left (as we viewed the scene) appeared to be holding back tears. Did you notice this, as I did? It was hard to see clearly through my own tears.
I have not been moved to tears by a political speech in my lifetime, until last night. Only this was not merely political; it was patriotic.
It was the ultimate expression of a patriot's true prayer.
It would be interesting to know whether any of the GOP senators' "game ears" opened, for just a moment, to hear it.
6
@Dave H I'm not sure you're right about that, Dave, though I hope you are.
I do think it would serve him right if, next time Rand Paul takes the floor to argue for anything he holds dear (or at least opportune), Democratic senators pulled out their crossword books or doodled their own drawings of the Capitol, to use just two examples. Better yet--in committee, when he speaks, continue the treatment. In the more intimate venue, the slight would be all the more glaring.
2
"Last off ramp, before toll bridge"
6
I would hope that those who installed Republican Senators to represent their interests are, at the least, a bit disappointed. When these Senators get behind a mic during breaks, they lament how booooooring, how nothing burger, how same thing over and over, how not hearing anything new these two days have been.
Imagine a defense attorney claiming the other side is so boooooooring or redundant. More appropriately, imagine a juror saying the same.
These are the times that try the GOP's souls, and some of them are failing miserably.
24
@SD Well, SD, I think you're being too kind. If I were a Republican who voted for one of these GOP senators to represent my interests, I would be far more than just "disappointed."
I would be absolutely mortified: a dead metaphor, so let's bring it back to life --
I would be DYING of embarrassment.
If you watched the impeachment hearings, and you are now watching the impeachment trial, you have to admit that Schiff, et al, while giving impressive presentations, continue to leave out “facts,”have cherry picked snippets of testimony to better their cause, and have filled 8-12 hours of testimony based on “their” opinions and inuendos, which is why their case for impeachment is so weak. Three years of obsessing to impeach trump is hopefully coming to an end, and he will be acquitted. After all, Obama and George W did far more to put our country in danger than trump has. But for joe and hunter Biden, it’s only the beginning of their nightmare as the truth of their years of monetarily milking the system for their personal wealth is exposed.
2
@Pvbeachbum Agree with you on the Bidens profiteering. However they are small potatoes compared to the big money the Trump family is pulling out of Washington and the American taxpayers with outrageous charges for uses of Trump resorts and his Washington hotel. Too bad Trump apparently is going to fail in his attempt to bilk the taxpayers on a blatant attempt to fund his bankrupt, insect infested Doral resort with the G7 conference.
It's not just Trump on trial - it's the Republican Party. They are all complicit. They have no shame.
They need to be bombarded with phone calls and letters calling them out. They need to face protestors. They need to be driven from office in 2020, those that are up for election.
When Elizabeth Warren promises that job one for the incoming president - and if not her, another Democrat - is to immediately start addressing all of the corruption of the Trump administration and its enablers, she has exactly the right priority.
40
Senators on CSpan interviews: you are not listening.
This was not a temporary hold for the next fiscal year.
Your trips 5 years ago are not evidence.
The evidence is that the president Illegally stopped funding and hid his trail in high security servers.
Republican Senators- bring on your evidence.
12
The real reason Pelosi held up delivering the charges to the Senate was they needed more time to work on their PowerPoint presentation.
Now the time shifts to the Senate and watch Trump’s legal team shred it. Pelosi’s impeachment of Trump will be shown for what it is a political sham!
3
I did watch most of today's testimony and can only say that never something so boring or repetitive has in the end been more important to the future of our country. If we do not listen now and act our democracy will disappear in a whimper. And it may be our reliance on media sound bites and tiny insufficient tweets that will have done us in. Attention America for what we do not know about this con man will come back and bite us in our rear ends This last is an adaptation of Mr. Schiff's closing argument and doing the right thing does matter.
22
@just Robert Good post. Another patriot from North Carolina like yourself, Rep. Sam Ervin, demonstrated similar sentiments during the Nixon impeachment hearings.
They are poor examples of behavior for children.
How do teachers explain why the senators are not obeying the hearings ground rules.
I am ashamed of my country’s leadership. And we live in fear of destruction and loss of a social security network for disabled , child survivors and seniors without good pensions.
Trump coup and junta creation must be attacked and eliminated now not through a 2020 election. Then it will be too late.
25
Trump’s cheerleaders in the Senate have telegraphed well before the Impeachment trial that they are not open to information-they are proving it by acting up in the Senate and using every sophomoric antic to prove that they have great disdain for this democratic process.They are proving to the American people that they do not revere the Senate or the Constitution they took an oath to uphold.Voters should take note !
36
I am an independent. As far as I’m concerned Rand Paul, Ted Cruz and other Republicans such as Senator Marsha Blackburn, who criticized Lt. Col. Vinman, are a disgrace to the Senate and our Country.
56
@ABermant
Hold that thought, ABermant.
Hold that thought. And bravo to you.
I trust you're intending to vote this year.
Senator Cruz, who filibustered around the clock to shut down the government over his desire to repeal the Affordable Care Act, finds the impeachment argument boring. Of course he does; he’s not the one talking this time.
32
Please tell me why anyone citizen of the US would give credence to anything Senator Cruz says?
This man lied about his background and switches his allegiance to whomever or whatever will benefit him at the moment.
Currently, he backs Trump. I wish some parts of the media and the public did not have such a short memory.
2
@Daddy Frank
Maybe Cipollone will take a page from one of Ted's pathetic stunts and read "Green eggs and Ham" into the record as his rebuttal. Perhaps that will be more entertaining for Rand and his ADD-afflicted pals than learning about what the writers of the Constitution had to say about impeachment. It may even prevent them from throwing spitballs and launching paper airplanes the next time they become bored by the facts.
« Alas, Mr. Graham was not present in the chamber for his star turn. »
I thought jurors were sworn to do impartial justices. Apparently, Roberts must have said ‘partial justice.’
13
@Alix Hoquet
Mr. Chief Justice Roberts, after one promising moment late at night on the first day of the impeachment trial, has appeared to recede into the background.
Perhaps he fears making this "trial" about himself and his limited authority.
If so, I think he is making a mistake. Watch today for a shift--it would have to come as he opens the day's proceedings. If he says nothing to "admonish" all senators who make a parade of their disdain for this constitutional exercise in legislative responsibility, then we'll have our answer:
Partial justice will be exactly what he will have agreed to preside over. I thought he cared. Now, I'm not at all sure.
1
@Alix Hoquet
It is and has been for some time that Mr. Graham has not been present on Earth for quite some time.
Fraser's question to Cliff - "What color is the sky in your world?" is quite appropriate for Mr. Graham.
1
Adam Schiff should repeat this quote every few hours and give each senator a copy. At the end of each day the senators should be required to sign their copy and return it to Chief Justice Roberts. He should send them to the Smithsonian for cataloguing and then be displayed in one of the museums. Rand Paul and others doodling will be saved for posterity. When future generations look back at this impeachment trial they can then understand what happened to turn their country into a mockery.
Hamilton wrote on Aug. 18, 1792, in his "Objections and Answers Respecting the Administration" letter to George Washington:
"When a man unprincipled in private life desperate in his fortune, bold in his temper, possessed of considerable talents, having the ability of military habits—despotic in his ordinary demeanor—known to have scoffed in private at the principles of liberty—when such a man is seen to mount the hobby horse of popularity—to join in the cry of danger to liberty—to take every opportunity of embarrassing the General Government & bringing it under suspicion—to flatter and fall in with all the non sense of the zealots of the day—It may justly be suspected that his object is to throw things into confusion that he may 'ride the storm and direct the whirlwind.'"
16
I wondered how Schiff was going to tiptoe around Bill Clinton’s lying and obstruction of justice. Very artfully done!
1
Looking forward to Trump’s defense team doing a full Brett Kavanaugh foaming at the mount defense as when you cannot defend the indefensible you shout and pound the table.
As of day one of this impeachment trial, Trump’s defense team has one argument and one argument only —
That it is guaranteed in the US Constitution that the president can ask for foreign interference so that he can cheat in the elections.
Let’s hear them expand on that statement for 3 days.
Let’s hear them cite Alexander Hamilton in support of that statement.
Let’s hear them cite any other US president, living or dead, in support of that statement.
Meanwhile we have Donald Trump admitting live on international TV that “the US Constitution sounds like a foreign language to me.”
32
@Opinioned! All the Trump team needs to do is show clips of Democrats calling for impeachment from the start of his term, and then let their fancy Harvard lawyer tell everyone that there were no impeachable offenses. This will let all 53 off the hook: see, just a partisan witch hunt. (-sigh-)
1
@Opinioned!
As to Trump on the US Constitution as a foreign language, it is one time that Trump is truthful.
His English is far short of a native speaker, light years from fluency, and presents a high likelihood of emotional and psyche disorder.
He is like the robotic character in the game of Jumanji, only capable of repeating phrases over and over no matter what the context. It limits his role in linguistics to that of a eunuch holding court with repetitive phrases.
1
No need to worry about boredom. When the Democrats call Donald Trump as a witness, and he actually appears, the ratings will soar. He cannot decline on Fifth Amendment grounds since, as the Republicans emphasize, this is not a criminal proceeding. And he cannot decline because of who he is; a cowardly and delusional blowhard who does not wish to appear to be one. If the Republicans save him from himself and refuse to let Trump testify, it will be abundantly clear, as if any observer had doubt, that this is a "cover up."
9
Ah but much to the chagrin of the Ms Cottle and the left wing commenting choir here it WAS boring and will get even MORE boring as the Dems go over the same ground we've all heard before umpteen times. If the Dems succeed in getting witness testimony they will hoist themselves on their own petard. . .as (like the string of self-righteous and condescending academics they trotted out in front of the House) the whole proceeding will drag out even further. I predict that even some of the Dems will threaten to vote to acquit unless the S&S boys (Schumer and Schiff) call off the dogs, lest the CNN ratings fall even lower.
The voters will take revenge come November. I can hear the chanting at the next Trump rally now about Schiff and Nadler: "Bore'm again, Bore'm again, harder, harder!
1
@Irving Nusbaum Academic arguments can be boring to the uneducated man who fails to grasp the meaning. Democracy can be confusing to those without the critical thinking skills to understand the concepts. This is not a game to entertain ones with limited attention spans. So if you find it boring turn away , go to a Trump rally, be entertained. The grown ups will try and pick up the mess.
12
@Marie
Methinks you refer to me as an example of an "uneducated man who fails to grasp the meaning" and other ad hominem attacks.
When one can't find fault with the message, attack the messenger. In response I will only conjecture. . .that it must be jarring to those regulars here in this left-wing echo chamber when someone disagrees with them.
Less than half my comments are printed here . . .I believe one of the reasons to be the idea that the vast majority of subscribers are Democrats who want to be reinforced rather than challenged. . .so some of them, in a not so "grown up" way resort to name-calling instead of "using critical thinking skills to understand the concept" in order to construct an argument against the substance of what they disagree with.
@Irving Nusbaum Sorry, Irving. You've just given yourself away as one of the scaff and raff who cannot follow a complex argument.
So, here is your punishment: You're accused and standing before a jury one day. Your freedom hangs on the thin threads of the attention spans of twelve ordinary people. The arguments required to argue for your innocence are arcane and complex.
And you can see half a dozen in the jury box staring into space, snoozing, doodling aimlessly while clearly taking no notes all through a long day of complicated testimony, and otherwise sending to the courtroom clear indications of their boredom and zoned-outness.
And you realize you're probably the only person in the room, apart from your lawyer (you have your fingers crossed about the lawyer) and the judge (ditto), who is listening with the keenest possible interest.
And then you watch the jury file out after closing arguments.
And they don't return for a long time.
I condemn you to the dread of waiting on people who clearly could not care less what happens to you.
1
To all republicans who might think we are not paying very close attention; Oh yes, we are!
I was an ardent democratic follower of the House impeachment investigation and at times was back on my heels over the argument the GOP made over and over again during the inquiry; Trump provided Ukraine with more financial aid then Obama did.
Huh? It didn’t square with the narrative the Dems were pressing that Trump was trying to strong arm Ukraine. The Democrats on the investigation committee never pushed back on that assertion and that was a cause of concern to me. Until yesterday. The managers answered that question with a graph of Biden’s ascending in presidential polling. As the Biden polling numbers climbed the Trump “corruption scheme” was fleshed out. Up until 2019 Trump ( notably not a chess player) gave ample military aid and weapons to Ukraine and never once predicated the aid on a pre-condition of fighting corruption. Bam! Biden entered the race and corruption was suddenly the soup “de jour”. My question was answered and my doubt was allayed.
So, Republicans, take it from a Democrat once swayed by your only argument, your base might not be your base much longer if you cannot debunk the very impressive case the Dem managers made on Thursday about why Trump held up aid precisely when he did.
Ukraine Corruption was never a concern of Trumps, but Biden surely was. Jim Jordon’s “Obama Blankets” landed with a thud on the senate floor.
18
The disregard from multiple Republicans is appalling.
At 61, I've been called to jury duty over 20 times.
As jury members, the behavior of the GOP Senators - reading books, doing crossword puzzles, doodling, checking email on their watches, huddling for whispered conversations and getting up and leaving the room whenever they please - would have resulted in lectures from the judge or even contempt charges.
But contempt is all Republicans are willing to give the Constitution and their constituents. They can't even bother to pretend. Failures as American citizens, these members of the GOP are making a mockery of our nation's laws, history and ethics. They've already decided to give Trump a free pass, despite all evidence to the contrary.
Each and every Republican has broken their Oath of Office as well as the oath they all swore last week -
" I solemnly swear that in all things appertaining to the trial
of the impeachment of , now pending, I will do impartial justice according to the Constitution and laws: so help me God."
Pledging fealty to Trump is nowhere in either oath.
We The American People are watching, and we see not only the facts being presented, but Republicans' willful ignorance and failure to even pay attention, as well.
We will not forgive or forget.
Vote Democratic this year.
Every election, every office, every seat.
A large turnout is our best course of action.
Vote.
40
@D. DeMarco Your brilliant comment deserves to be repeatedly quoted, in full, again and again and again, but I'll limit myself to just one line:
"Failures as American citizens, these members of the GOP are making a mockery of our nation's laws, history and ethics."
That line, that truth, should be shouted to the rooftops by thousands of voices, over and over again, until the resulting cacophony forms an deafening echo saturating the thoughts of every one of those Senate GOP "judges" who thinks that is a game, or worse--a joke.
A few appear to be taking this impeachment trial seriously. They should be commended by name in the press.
1
It became abstract & obtuse out of necessity. There is no case, so complexity & obfuscation are now necessary so as to provide the appearance of authenticity & gravitas. Congressional Democrats continue to waste time, money, and the patience of all Americans.
2
Republican Senators are playing for Fox News. For if they step out of line Fox News will destroy them. Mitch McConnell to Lyndsey Graham to Mitt Romney owe their political existence to Fox. Not one of these guy could withstand the 24-7 eternal beating they would get. It is the price they all have paid for putting their party in the hands of Rupert Murdoch’s propaganda machine. And sadly it is the price democracy has to pay.
32
@BillC A few questions from the thinking mind.
If Schiff has overwhelming evidence, when, after 3 years, will we see it?
Abuse of power is in the same category as collusion. It's not a legal definition. The abuse of power meme is, "Trump delayed the aid to encourage the Ukrainians to investigate the Biden nexus." Is this the crime?
If Trump is a puppet of Putin, why did Trump authorize heavy weapons to the Ukrainians? Trump held it up, to get information on the Bidens, but the Ukrainians did get the aid. And, the Russians were coll with that?
Along with the other comments I also want to stress how proud I am to be an American and to live in the district of representative Jerry Nadler! The two men have been incredible and what they are doing is recording the historical truth as it actually happened, before a quaint little thing like facts had an alternative. I’m so glad to have them w us on the right side of history! Now the rest is up to us, the every day man to get out & vote get others to vote in 2020 w an overwhelming gerrymander busting, purge proof blue title wave!
42
@CJ From the other side of the country, I congratulate you on being one of Jerry Nadler's constituents. And I hope you all give him a ticker-tape parade when he comes home for a well-deserved rest, when this whole ugly chapter of our history has closed.
Jerry Nadler rocks. The entire impeachment management team rocks. They're heroes, and everybody knows it, no matter what the outcome brings.
Why do we not consider this a crime? A citizen (not an elected official) commits extortion by threatening to harm another person physically, financially, or by other means if the other person will not do his/her bidding. That's a crime. Trump did not openly threaten Zelensky, but he was vague about the WH meeting and if Zelensky didn't know the aid had been withheld he found out shortly after. This from Justia online: Threats to federal or foreign officials in order to obtain some sort of official benefit may also be prosecuted as extortion under federal law.
31
If Trump’s actions are a crime, then so are Biden’s. He bragged on video about getting the Ukraine prosecutor fired for investigating Burisma and threatened to withhold $1 billion of US taxpayer aid unless Ukraine did his bidding. Please explain how they are different. You can have conjecture or truth - but not both.
2
when this is over and the various and discrepanous histories have been written and will continue to be written, there will remain a vague 'feeling' or 'judgement' that 2017-2021 presented an extremely high hurdle that we somehow got through - what the baseline defining that 'feeling' or 'judgement' will be is what's causing the current unease throughout our electorate - both sides, all sides have their own valid grounds for concern going forward
1
The last day in the lime light for the Pelosi house managers to maliciously malign president Trump. From tomorrow or is it Monday, president Trump legal defense team gets their turn to defend the president and shred the partisan nonsense. Le the games begin. The offense has delivered its blows and finally it will be the defense that will have a chance to respond. I am afraid that Biden will get beaten like a drum and this tome it will not be Warren or Bernie or even Trump but it will be the Trump legal defense team. Could it be game over or a new innings.
6
@Girish Kotwal Joe Biden has nothing to do with Trump's attempt to extort Ukraine. He was acting on behalf of the United States' best interests, unlike Trump, who only recognizes his own.
23
@Girish Kotwal
A perfect illustration of where the country is. The House has presented compelling arguments for Trump’s guilt. He clearly attempted to coerce an investigation in order to damage Biden. We are at the point where truth and facts don’t matter for Trump’s core supporters and his media enablers. In cult-like fashion, these folks will continue to shout about partisan nonsense and a witch hunt. It is truly astounding that such a corrupt individual can command such loyalty.
34
@Girish Kotwal
Oh my heavens, you just made me burst out laughing.
"Le the games begin," as you said.
Good luck.
9
How can Senators, who approved the bipartisan defense funding for Ukraine, not be disturbed by Trump's holding up these funds for personal gain? Have all our GOP senators lost their dignity and sense of self worth? Was the defense funding of Ukraine merely a gesture, even though it was approved by a veto-proof vote?
67
@Remote
The law against impoundment was passed in 1971 in reaction to Nixon. Since then every president of both parties has been against it. 43 states allow it in their constitutions. Since Ukraine received the funding before the required deadline, delaying its delivery is a technical issue that hardly deserves the attention it has received.
Given that Trump received nothing, my own conclusion is that there's no there there.
1
As a former middle school teacher I’ve seen behavior similar to that of Graham, Paul, and Cruz exhibited in my classroom. I didn’t always appreciate it but I excused some of the silly behavior because that’s what middle schoolers do. But these are adults and professionals not 12 year olds. They are being paid a salary by the US taxpayers to sit there to listen and be impartial. I doubt this but one can hope. The Chief Justice needs to remind them that they are sitting in the “world's greatest deliberative body” and that they need to behave accordingly.
They had an opportunity to make the proceedings much more interesting and lively. They could have demanded that Moscow Mitch allow live witnesses. Instead on Tuesday they voted to table the amendments proposed by the Demos for witnesses.
I can’t wait to see how much respect they will give to the defenders of the stable genius. Will the stable genius’ lawyers be as well prepared as the House Managers? I doubt it and I am not the only one. On Wednesday George Conway, a conservative lawyer, told Jake Tapper of CNN the following: “The managers were prepared, they were thoughtful, they were factual, they were logical, they were dignified. Trump’s lawyers, on the other hand, were dissembling, distorting and even lying.” Mr. Conway isn’t the only conservative who thinks like this. I can’t wait to read their observations once the stable genius’ lawyers start presenting his so called defense!
97
If you're a regular, loyal watcher of FOX News, you're not even getting complete coverage of the trial. You're getting to watch your regular programming like "The 5" and Carlson and the rest of the gang while the trial is put into a small box in the lower corner with no sound.
FOX isn't even interested in hearing the House's case. They know they're being eviscerated and can't stand to watch.
I just wanted to look at FOX for a while to see their analysis. They had no real analysis. It was mostly just mocking CNN and repeating the barbs of the Senators complaining about "re-runs".
Now I know why FOX News viewers are so in the dark about EVERYTHING.
151
@Zobar I watch Fox, MSNBC, CNN, and a couple of others including the BBC. Do not kid yourself, Fox is no more biased than MSNBC and CNN. Just in a different direction.
@Zobar The misinformation of the American voter by Fox Limbaugh is the story of the 21st Century.
10
@T Smith The thing about Fox, though, is that not only are the commentators biased, they don't bother to show their viewers what is actually transpiring. Yup Maddow has a point of view, but she also makes sure that the viewer has the actual data, put into context six ways from Sunday.
8
Through the whole impeachment process, Democrats have tried to be high-minded. Unfortunately, that has led them to a Senate trial which is doomed to failure.
I am not a high-minded guy. I'm practical through and through. And from the start, I have looked for some advantage from all this.
When it comes to impeachment, as with elections, it's the final vote I most remember. I remember watching the Senate vote on Clinton. I remember almost every map showing the final electoral count in every election. Those hanging chads are indelible And while I remember bits and pieces of the OJ trial, I remember just where I was when the jury foreman proclaimed 'not guilty'.
I have long since abandoned mastery of all the facts here. I couldn't even identify Hunter Biden in a lineup. But I've landed on my bottom line.
While writing off the overall vote, it's not in my nature to write off 53 Republican Senators. In both past impeachment trials, some have broken party. And I suspect that there are are at lest a few among the 53 who have decided to withhold judgment until they hear it all.
All I ask is that Schumer and his minions lock the few into smoke-filled rooms and go all out to convince them to do the right thing. All we need is one, though a few would be better and several would be cause for celebration.
Even a single Republican vote will help in November. Is it asking too much for the Democrats to try?
25
Do they really have to repeat everything over and over...I think they're just trying to extend the proceedings, which could backfire.
5
@Raz
If you ever attend a real trial you'll see that the prosecution often repeats what it is presenting to jurors. Lawyers know that the repetition may give jurors a better overview picture.
82
@Raz The Democrats realize that people aren't able to watch all day for days so they repeat important pieces of evidence for those who only watch a few hours at a time. Personally, I who am able to watch huge blocks of this find it fascinating.
56
@Raz
Context is everything. House Managers are making their case by putting their evidence into different contexts that are important to enabling understanding on the part of their listeners. And, they are doing it very effectively. That is all that should matter to any of us watching these proceedings.
20
If "the American public is viewing . . . with a slightly more open mind," Republicans know they can not risk allowing witnesses to upend their rotten apple cart. If the Bidens are subpoenaed only to be pilloried by Republican senators, it could guarantee that Joe Biden becomes the Democrats' candidate on a pathway to being elected.
Other House Managers might learn from Adam Schiff's exceptional presentation skills and become less stiff and pedantic with delivery. If Republicans are unlikely to convict Mr. Trump, many voters are still open to being convinced of Mr. Trump's guilt. Republicans risk losing House and Senate races when they send President Trump their "Get Out Of Jail" card.
56
@Doug Giebel
I wonder how many law school students, especially from the top 10, watched Adam Schiff give a master class in prosecution. He makes McConnell look like the corrupt fake from Kentucky he is. It is doubtful his constituents know how he lives in D.C. He drives around 'home' in a beater pickup and claims some rundown abode as his residence. He is married to another corrupt D.C. resident, Elaine Chow, whose family own shipping lines. Neither one represent anything other than themselves. Schiff is a breath of fresh air, a young man with integrity and passion. I would vote for him over Bernie, Warren or Biden. He might not have the looks and 'charm' of JFK; however, he has the passion of Bobby and Ted. We need this man.
16
@Linda Miilu
Right on, Linda!!
And, thanks to Adam Schiff's quotation and repetition of Col. Vindman's passionate affirmation, "Right matters" has now entered the permanent lexicon of American political history.
Right on.
Right matters.
1
I am in awe of the level of preparation which the house managers (and presumably an army of staffers) have put into their presentations. Schiff and company are still going to lose this rigged game, but their efforts should be appreciated by anyone who hasn’t lost touch with reality.
214
@FW
I agree. I have been amazed at the presentations.
23
@FW I'm always proud to be a Democrat but this trial has made me beam with pride!
18
"The milk crack was presumably a reference to the fact that water and milk are the only beverages allowed on the Senate floor during the trial."
Bearing in mind the average age of the members of the Senate and the fact that being lactose intolerant increases with age, I would humbly suggest that milk be replaced with a more gut-friendly beverage. For many with IBS or IBD (the latter disease and not just "intolerance"), a glass of whole milk is anathema.
Just because Senator Everett Dirksen wanted a glass of milk in 1966 is no reason to maintain this arcane rule:
https://www.npr.org/2020/01/22/798739821/got-impeachment-trial-milk-these-senators-do
6
@New World And as we know now that milk might give very brief relief from the pain of an ulcer, drinking it stimulates the stomach to produce hydrochloric acid which would make the ulcer worse, another reason to drop this rule.
1
"One can only hope.....some portion of the American public is viewing these proceedings with a slightly more open mind."
This house is, and thousands upon thousands and more are watching or listening, or reading about the proceedings. And we see the ignorance of Rand, Cruz, Lindsay and others as they display a complete disregard of the chamber they are seated in. Our forefathers would be ashamed of them.
159
The same hideous Random Paul who babbles about constitutionality while demanding that Obamacare be trashed entirely proved yet again he's not worthy of the rights the Constitution allows him. At least daddy Ron waited until he failed one last presidential campaign BEFORE (by using the same UN he often trashed to prevent his own fans from using a domain name with his name) going from overrated politician to complete jerk.
10
@cherrylog754
The tone and the juvenile audience reaction rests with the Chief Justice. What judge inn what court would allow the jurors to draw pictures of the Capitol or leave the jury box when he wants to? Roberts is in charge of nothing!
19
@cherrylog754 Furthermore, I cannot imagine circumstances that would see the historical record entirely obliterated in spite of efforts by such entities as the Texas State Board of Education. The whole world is not only watching, it’s recording.
5
Schiff outstanding, one couldn't help thinking Jimmy Stewart--
Schiff Goes to Washington
and America is Grateful
209
@That's What She Said
I had the same reaction. Yes, he was outstanding, and more.
Then my thoughts turned darker: was he casting pearls before swine?
21
@That's What She Said I thought exactly the same thing! On Wednesday we listened throughout the day on NPR as we ran errands, and sometimes would sit in the car and just listen to Rep. Schiff. That so many Republicans could hear the strong, well prepared, passionate words that we all heard and still shrug away the simple truth is disheartening, but at the end of the day, the legacy that Adam Schiff will leave his children and grandchildren is that of a truly great American!
10
@Terri McLemore Brilliantly put, Terri McL, and bless you folks for such ardent interest in following the proceedings, despite Mitch McConnell's best efforts to make it nearly impossible for the American public to do so without taking a week off from work.
I will never forget Adam Schiff's closing arguments on the second night of the impeachment managers' case.
Who that heard it in real time could?
3
It is simply not possible to overstate just how great was Adam Schiff’s closing tonight. I’ve seen a bunch of closing arguments in my day, and given a few--none were close to what I saw tonight. To Senate Republicans I say: Do what is right!
258
@Huge Grizzly
Yes.
Because right matters.
Right matters.
Col. Vindman spoke the words. Adam Schiff has just made them part of the enduring legacy of the best of American political speech.
4
@Huge Grizzly if only facts and doing what's right was the priority in this case... We only need 4 Republicans to see the light, acknowledge facts, and do what's right. Dare I say we probably won't find 4...?
1
I get it that they are not going to vote to convict Trump, but they should consider a vote to censure him after they acquit.
Everyone knows what he did was wrong and dangerous to our republic. Do Republicans really want this man to feel he has carte blanche to continue such behavior? It's pretty obvious he is in Russia's pocket, as bizarre as that is. He is putting us in danger.
119
@Madeline Conant
Look at what the Republicans have done to the country over the last 40 years - they have eviscerated the middle class, and given the spoils to themselves and their rich friends.
They don’t care.
They believe that they will be better off without laws as long as they are in charge.
94
@Madeline Conant
Censure means nothing. Many presidents have been censured. Only 3 have been impeached.
6
@Grove
They believe they would be better off without the pesky masses -- except for when they can be tricked into voting Republican.