Thus far, the Trump impeachment trial has gone as expected—bitter rancor and blocked amendments. The antimony between the House managers, especially from Rep. Jerry Nadler and Trump’s attorneys, got so bad that Chief Justice John Roberts, presiding at the trial, had to admonish both sides.
Already signs of the likelihood of Trump’s acquittal have surfaced with two important amendments voted down by the Republican majority Senate. They hold a 57 to 43 edge when the final vote is taken, and while 20 Republicans need to deflect, it seems that only two or three may do so.
Miles away from the proceedings and the huge elephant in the Senate chambers, Trump said at a news conference in Switzerland where he was attending the Davos summit, that he could “live either way” with the Senate’s decision on whether to call witnesses for the trial. That vote will probably occur later as the two sides parry and thrust.
As most of those know, particularly those able to endure the dull proceedings where the press has been corralled with limited access to the silent senators and where only two cameras are allowed, Trump faces two charges—abuse of power and obstruction of Congress.
One of the amendments proposed by Sen. Chuck Schumer was to subpoena further documents from the White House, which the Senate blocked.
A lawyer friend of mine noted how unprepared Trump’s defense team was, “but I guess it makes little difference when we know the outcome,” he said. The mere idea of “impartial justice” has been touted but should that occur it will be another moment of shock and awe. Schumer said it very well that “if there’s no witnesses” and evidence is not allowed, “then we have a cover-up.”
After all is said and done, we are likely to have more of the folderol that has characterized Trump’s days in office. As Barry Black, the Senate chaplain prayed, let us hope that we have at least a semblance of civility.
