It’s day two of the Senate trial, and if you haven’t had the chance to catch any of it, you aren’t missing much.
The trial kicked off yesterday to a marathon 12-hour session centered around debating ground rules that quickly descended into partisan bickering. Chief Justice John Roberts eventually admonished both sides for their behavior. The day concluded just before 2am, with Mitch McConnell’s rules being adopted.
Before today’s session began, Trump criticized the process during a brief presser at Davos. After calling Jerry Nadler and Adam Schiff “sleazebags,” Trump said that he’d love to attend the trial to antagonize Democrats. “I’d love to go, wouldn’t that be great? Sit right in the front row and stare at their corrupt faces, and I’d love to do it. You may convince me to do it!”
Sen. Rand Paul heard that call – and just sent President Trump an invite to the “partisan charade.” “I heard President Trump would like to attend the impeachment trial. Mr. President, would love to have you as my guest during this partisan charade” wrote Paul.
I heard @realDonaldTrump would like to attend the impeachment trial. Mr. President, would love to have you as my guest during this partisan charade. pic.twitter.com/GhTZ9Ez4U4
— Senator Rand Paul (@RandPaul) January 22, 2020
Knowing Trump, there is a strong possibility that he does show up.
As of now there isn’t any indication that a single Republican Senator will be voting to remove Trump, and while he doesn’t need any “no” votes from Democrats, Trump still could pick some up from moderate Senators such as Joe Manchin and Kyrsten Sinema. Alabama Democrat Senator Doug Jones is the most endangered Senator, and that also could push him to vote no on impeachment.
Trump’s appearance in the Senate would signal to Democrats that Trump knows exactly what they do – that there isn’t a chance in hell that he’s being removed from office.
