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Impeachment live updates: Questions swirl around timing, scope of anticipated Senate trial Impeachment live updates: Questions swirl around timing, scope of anticipated Senate trial
(32 minutes later)
The day after President Trump was impeached by the House for abuse of power and obstruction of Congress, questions continued to swirl about the timing and scope of an anticipated Senate trial regarding his conduct toward Ukraine.The day after President Trump was impeached by the House for abuse of power and obstruction of Congress, questions continued to swirl about the timing and scope of an anticipated Senate trial regarding his conduct toward Ukraine.
House leaders suggested a possible delay until they can get a guarantee of a fair trial in the Senate. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), meanwhile, in a floor speech, sharply criticized the House process as rushed and unfair and suggested that House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) is “too afraid” to transmit “their shoddy work product.”House leaders suggested a possible delay until they can get a guarantee of a fair trial in the Senate. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), meanwhile, in a floor speech, sharply criticized the House process as rushed and unfair and suggested that House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) is “too afraid” to transmit “their shoddy work product.”
Meanwhile, Trump, who is just the third president in U.S. history to be impeached, praised Republican unity Thursday in opposing the move, claiming that is “what people are talking about.”Meanwhile, Trump, who is just the third president in U.S. history to be impeached, praised Republican unity Thursday in opposing the move, claiming that is “what people are talking about.”
●Trump is impeached by the House, creating an indelible mark on his presidency.●Trump is impeached by the House, creating an indelible mark on his presidency.
●After being impeached, Trump embraces the warm bubble of a rally where he’s listened to and cheered, no matter what.●After being impeached, Trump embraces the warm bubble of a rally where he’s listened to and cheered, no matter what.
●However historic, impeachment is but a way station in the struggle over Trump’s presidency.●However historic, impeachment is but a way station in the struggle over Trump’s presidency.
Which House members voted to impeach Trump | How impeachment works | House resolution impeaching Trump | House Judiciary Committee’s report | Other key documentsWhich House members voted to impeach Trump | How impeachment works | House resolution impeaching Trump | House Judiciary Committee’s report | Other key documents
Trump is continuing to push Senate Republicans to hold an impeachment trial so that he can be acquitted of the charges leveled against him by the House, even as Democrats weigh when to formally send over the articles approved Wednesday night, according to White House officials and informal presidential advisers.
Pelosi said Thursday that she wanted to see what the Senate process would be before submitting the impeachment articles, saying she wants to ensure the trial will be “fair.”
Some Democrats say it doesn’t make sense to send the articles to the Senate because it is almost guaranteed that Trump will be found not guilty by the GOP-controlled chamber, allowing him to crow about the acquittal on the campaign trail.
Trump wants the Senate to vindicate him after he did not participate in the House impeachment process because he said Democrats were not being fair to him. He remains inclined to want a range of witnesses to appear because he believes their testimony would be damaging for Democrats, according to the officials and advisers who spoke on the condition of anonymity to describe the private discussions.
But White House lawyers are unsure what they would do if the House doesn’t send the articles of impeachment over to the Senate.
McConnell has argued to White House advisers and Trump that every witness request would need to be approved by a majority vote, which could put some Senate Republicans in a difficult political spot, and that Democrats could also unearth information with their questioning, people familiar with the talks said.
But Trump is increasingly convinced that the impeachment process is helping his reelection odds in swing states, according to aides.
White House officials said they still expect there will be a trial.
Senate Democrats continue to push for a full trial and have seized on McConnell’s recent comments that he is coordinating with the White House to argue that Republicans do not plan to conduct a fair process.
Sen. Joe Manchin III (D-W.Va.) said in an interview that he wanted McConnell to allow witnesses, such as acting White House chief of staff Mick Mulvaney and former national security adviser John Bolton, to testify.
“The whole process is preempted by Mitch McConnell colluding with the defendant,” Manchin said.
White House spokesman Hogan Gidley said Thursday that the White House is continuing to work with McConnell “to figure out the best way to move forward” with an anticipated Senate impeachment trial.White House spokesman Hogan Gidley said Thursday that the White House is continuing to work with McConnell “to figure out the best way to move forward” with an anticipated Senate impeachment trial.
“We’re ready for anything,” Gidley said during an appearance on Fox News. “How that actually looks in the Senate, you know, we’ll wait and see. We’re working, obviously, with Mitch McConnell to figure out the best way to move forward. But let’s be clear, after that sham for months [in the House] … do we really want to move forward with more of this in the Senate. I’d say not.”“We’re ready for anything,” Gidley said during an appearance on Fox News. “How that actually looks in the Senate, you know, we’ll wait and see. We’re working, obviously, with Mitch McConnell to figure out the best way to move forward. But let’s be clear, after that sham for months [in the House] … do we really want to move forward with more of this in the Senate. I’d say not.”
Gidley said the talk of withholding the articles marked the effective end of impeachment.Gidley said the talk of withholding the articles marked the effective end of impeachment.
“I think this has come to an end, by this latest ploy, by this latest gimmick by Nancy Pelosi. The people see right through this sham,” he said.“I think this has come to an end, by this latest ploy, by this latest gimmick by Nancy Pelosi. The people see right through this sham,” he said.
Trump’s 2020 White House campaign sent an email to supporters Thursday seeking to raise money off the president’s impeachment and describing House Democrats as “TRAITORS.”Trump’s 2020 White House campaign sent an email to supporters Thursday seeking to raise money off the president’s impeachment and describing House Democrats as “TRAITORS.”
In the email, sent under the subject line “Make them pay,” Trump campaign manager Brad Parscale writes that Democrats “have declared open war on American democracy,” echoing the language Trump used in his letter to Pelosi this week.In the email, sent under the subject line “Make them pay,” Trump campaign manager Brad Parscale writes that Democrats “have declared open war on American democracy,” echoing the language Trump used in his letter to Pelosi this week.
“229 Democratic TRAITORS voted to impeach President Trump for NO REASON other than the fact that they don’t like him,” Parscale writes in the letter. “The American people elected President Trump, but Democrats and the FAKE NEWS still can’t accept it.”“229 Democratic TRAITORS voted to impeach President Trump for NO REASON other than the fact that they don’t like him,” Parscale writes in the letter. “The American people elected President Trump, but Democrats and the FAKE NEWS still can’t accept it.”
Trump’s campaign also seized on comments House Majority Whip James E. Clyburn (D-S.C.) made earlier Thursday on CNN. Clyburn had criticized McConnell’s recent remark that a Senate trial would be inherently political, likening the Kentucky Republican’s position to that of someone saying, “Let’s give him a trial and hang him.” Trump’s campaign also seized on comments Clyburn made earlier Thursday on CNN. The South Carolina Democrat had criticized McConnell’s recent remark that a Senate trial would be inherently political, likening the Kentucky Republican’s position to that of someone saying, “Let’s give him a trial and hang him.”
But in its tweet, the Trump campaign falsely claimed that Clyburn had said “Hang him!” in reference to Trump. “This hatred and anger is out of control!” the tweet read.But in its tweet, the Trump campaign falsely claimed that Clyburn had said “Hang him!” in reference to Trump. “This hatred and anger is out of control!” the tweet read.
McConnell told reporters that it’s “fine with us” if Pelosi decides not to transmit articles of impeachment, averting a Senate trial of Trump.McConnell told reporters that it’s “fine with us” if Pelosi decides not to transmit articles of impeachment, averting a Senate trial of Trump.
“If the speaker wants to hold on to them, that’s fine with us,” the Republican Senate leader said.“If the speaker wants to hold on to them, that’s fine with us,” the Republican Senate leader said.
Earlier, McConnell scoffed at the notion that Democrats could gain leverage by delaying the transmittal of the articles and told reporters that he is “not anxious” to hold a Senate trial.Earlier, McConnell scoffed at the notion that Democrats could gain leverage by delaying the transmittal of the articles and told reporters that he is “not anxious” to hold a Senate trial.
“It’s beyond me how the Speaker and Democratic Leader in the Senate think withholding the articles of impeachment and not sending them over gives them leverage,” McConnell told reporters in a hallway of the Capitol. “Frankly, I’m not anxious to have the trial. … If [Pelosi] thinks her case is so weak she doesn’t want to send it over, throw me into that brier patch.”“It’s beyond me how the Speaker and Democratic Leader in the Senate think withholding the articles of impeachment and not sending them over gives them leverage,” McConnell told reporters in a hallway of the Capitol. “Frankly, I’m not anxious to have the trial. … If [Pelosi] thinks her case is so weak she doesn’t want to send it over, throw me into that brier patch.”
Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.) said he and Pelosi are “on the same page” following a meeting Thursday.Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.) said he and Pelosi are “on the same page” following a meeting Thursday.
“We want a fair trial,” Schumer said, adding that he supports comments made by Pelosi at a morning news conference.“We want a fair trial,” Schumer said, adding that he supports comments made by Pelosi at a morning news conference.
At the news conference, Pelosi said she is waiting to name House impeachment managers until the Senate outlines the process it plans to follow for a potential trial.At the news conference, Pelosi said she is waiting to name House impeachment managers until the Senate outlines the process it plans to follow for a potential trial.
Schumer would not answer when asked whether he thinks an extended withholding of the articles of impeachment by the House is a real possibility.Schumer would not answer when asked whether he thinks an extended withholding of the articles of impeachment by the House is a real possibility.
House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) on Thursday said Pelosi is “admitting defeat” by not sending the articles of impeachment approved by the House over to the Senate.House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) on Thursday said Pelosi is “admitting defeat” by not sending the articles of impeachment approved by the House over to the Senate.
At his weekly news conference, McCarthy suggested that Pelosi will not send the articles to the other chamber because “she knows this outcome is not good” and that “the facts are not there.”At his weekly news conference, McCarthy suggested that Pelosi will not send the articles to the other chamber because “she knows this outcome is not good” and that “the facts are not there.”
“Now we have the own speaker of the House, who is so embarrassed that she admits the failure of this impeachment that she will not even send it to the Senate — so embarrassed that I watched in her press conference that she wouldn’t even take your questions,” McCarthy said. “That is not a good legacy to have. She’s admitting defeat by not sending it.”“Now we have the own speaker of the House, who is so embarrassed that she admits the failure of this impeachment that she will not even send it to the Senate — so embarrassed that I watched in her press conference that she wouldn’t even take your questions,” McCarthy said. “That is not a good legacy to have. She’s admitting defeat by not sending it.”
At a news conference the morning after the House voted to impeach Trump, Pelosi said she is waiting to name impeachment managers until the Senate outlines the process it plans to follow for a potential impeachment trial.At a news conference the morning after the House voted to impeach Trump, Pelosi said she is waiting to name impeachment managers until the Senate outlines the process it plans to follow for a potential impeachment trial.
“The next thing for us will be when we see the process that is set forth in the Senate,” Pelosi told reporters. Pelosi emphasized that there needs to be a “fair process,” although she declined to go into detail.“The next thing for us will be when we see the process that is set forth in the Senate,” Pelosi told reporters. Pelosi emphasized that there needs to be a “fair process,” although she declined to go into detail.
Under the rules the House adopted Wednesday for consideration of the impeachment articles, a resolution naming the impeachment managers — and authorizing the transmittal of the articles to the Senate — can be called up at any time by Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerrold Nadler (D-N.Y.) or a designee.Under the rules the House adopted Wednesday for consideration of the impeachment articles, a resolution naming the impeachment managers — and authorizing the transmittal of the articles to the Senate — can be called up at any time by Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerrold Nadler (D-N.Y.) or a designee.
There is no time limit on that authority; the House is expected to recess for the winter holidays as soon as Thursday and not return until Jan. 7.There is no time limit on that authority; the House is expected to recess for the winter holidays as soon as Thursday and not return until Jan. 7.
At the news conference, Pelosi said she is not ready “to put the managers in that bill yet because frankly we don’t know the arena that we’re in.”At the news conference, Pelosi said she is not ready “to put the managers in that bill yet because frankly we don’t know the arena that we’re in.”
Earlier, Rep. Denny Heck (D-Wash.) summed up the thinking behind the strategy, likening Pelosi’s selection of managers to a coach picking which players to put on the court.Earlier, Rep. Denny Heck (D-Wash.) summed up the thinking behind the strategy, likening Pelosi’s selection of managers to a coach picking which players to put on the court.
“It’s like a sports team: The people that you have on the court or on the field depend on the circumstance, right? Who is the opposition?” he asked. “If you’re in basketball, are you playing a tall lineup or a short, fast lineup? We don’t know what the ground rules are yet so how can we select our personnel?”“It’s like a sports team: The people that you have on the court or on the field depend on the circumstance, right? Who is the opposition?” he asked. “If you’re in basketball, are you playing a tall lineup or a short, fast lineup? We don’t know what the ground rules are yet so how can we select our personnel?”
Some lawmakers expressed skepticism that a delay would improve the House Democrats’ position with the Senate.Some lawmakers expressed skepticism that a delay would improve the House Democrats’ position with the Senate.
“I think it’d be better if we just move things along a little bit,” said Rep. Kurt Schrader (D-Ore.) “There’s been all this speculation about trying to leverage some opportunities over there. I don’t see that being likely with Mitch McConnell.”“I think it’d be better if we just move things along a little bit,” said Rep. Kurt Schrader (D-Ore.) “There’s been all this speculation about trying to leverage some opportunities over there. I don’t see that being likely with Mitch McConnell.”
At her news conference, Pelosi also praised lawmakers who voted for impeaching Trump on Wednesday night, telling reporters that she has a “spring in my step because of the moral courage of our caucus.”At her news conference, Pelosi also praised lawmakers who voted for impeaching Trump on Wednesday night, telling reporters that she has a “spring in my step because of the moral courage of our caucus.”
“No one is above the law, and the president has been held accountable,” Pelosi said.“No one is above the law, and the president has been held accountable,” Pelosi said.
Shortly after Pelosi’s news conference got underway, Trump tweeted an attack on her, accusing the speaker of being afraid to move the impeachment process to the Senate.Shortly after Pelosi’s news conference got underway, Trump tweeted an attack on her, accusing the speaker of being afraid to move the impeachment process to the Senate.
“Pelosi feels her phony impeachment HOAX is so pathetic she is afraid to present it to the Senate, which can set a date and put this whole SCAM into default if they refuse to show up! The Do Nothings are so bad for our Country!” Trump tweeted.“Pelosi feels her phony impeachment HOAX is so pathetic she is afraid to present it to the Senate, which can set a date and put this whole SCAM into default if they refuse to show up! The Do Nothings are so bad for our Country!” Trump tweeted.
Rep. Douglas A. Collins (Ga.), the top Republican on the Judiciary Committee, slammed Pelosi for leaving open the possibility that the House might not immediately send the articles of impeachment to the Senate.Rep. Douglas A. Collins (Ga.), the top Republican on the Judiciary Committee, slammed Pelosi for leaving open the possibility that the House might not immediately send the articles of impeachment to the Senate.
“She has made it blatantly obvious what everybody has already known,” Collins said. “She has now made it political. … It just shows the whole house of cards is falling down. … For those of us who have been saying it from day one, for her to just serve it up on a silver platter that you made it political? Thank you, Ms. Pelosi. We appreciate it. Merry Christmas.”“She has made it blatantly obvious what everybody has already known,” Collins said. “She has now made it political. … It just shows the whole house of cards is falling down. … For those of us who have been saying it from day one, for her to just serve it up on a silver platter that you made it political? Thank you, Ms. Pelosi. We appreciate it. Merry Christmas.”
Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.) challenged Republicans to allow fact-finding during a Senate impeachment trial and argued that their unwillingness to do so points to gaping holes in Trump’s defense.Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.) challenged Republicans to allow fact-finding during a Senate impeachment trial and argued that their unwillingness to do so points to gaping holes in Trump’s defense.
“Is the president’s case so weak that none of the president’s men can defend him under oath?” Schumer asked in remarks on the Senate floor. “If the House’s case is so weak, why is Leader McConnell so afraid of witnesses and documents?”“Is the president’s case so weak that none of the president’s men can defend him under oath?” Schumer asked in remarks on the Senate floor. “If the House’s case is so weak, why is Leader McConnell so afraid of witnesses and documents?”
The speech came after McConnell accused House Democrats of “getting cold feet,” a reference to Pelosi’s suggestion that she will not transmit the articles of impeachment to the other chamber until she is reassured about the terms of a Senate trial.The speech came after McConnell accused House Democrats of “getting cold feet,” a reference to Pelosi’s suggestion that she will not transmit the articles of impeachment to the other chamber until she is reassured about the terms of a Senate trial.
McConnell has said that he is “not an impartial juror” and vowed “total coordination” with the White House during the next phase of the impeachment process.McConnell has said that he is “not an impartial juror” and vowed “total coordination” with the White House during the next phase of the impeachment process.
Schumer accused his Republican counterpart of “plotting the most rushed, least thorough and most unfair impeachment trial in modern history,” and predicted “one of the Senate’s darkest chapters” if McConnell’s plan comes to pass.Schumer accused his Republican counterpart of “plotting the most rushed, least thorough and most unfair impeachment trial in modern history,” and predicted “one of the Senate’s darkest chapters” if McConnell’s plan comes to pass.
“It will be remembered as the time when a simple majority in the Senate sought to grant two new rights to the president: the right to use the government for personal purposes; and the right to ignore the Congress at his pleasure,” Schumer said.“It will be remembered as the time when a simple majority in the Senate sought to grant two new rights to the president: the right to use the government for personal purposes; and the right to ignore the Congress at his pleasure,” Schumer said.
McConnell offered a blistering assessment Thursday of the Democratic-led impeachment process in the House, saying his chamber must act in a trial to “keep partisan passions from literally boiling over.”McConnell offered a blistering assessment Thursday of the Democratic-led impeachment process in the House, saying his chamber must act in a trial to “keep partisan passions from literally boiling over.”
“A political faction in the lower chamber has succumbed to a partisan rage,” McConnell said in a floor speech the morning after the House voted along party lines to impeach Trump for abuse of power and obstruction of Congress.“A political faction in the lower chamber has succumbed to a partisan rage,” McConnell said in a floor speech the morning after the House voted along party lines to impeach Trump for abuse of power and obstruction of Congress.
“They’ve impeached simply because they disagree with a presidential act and question the motive behind it,” McConnell said of Trump’s conduct toward Ukraine.“They’ve impeached simply because they disagree with a presidential act and question the motive behind it,” McConnell said of Trump’s conduct toward Ukraine.
The Democrats’ case centers on allegations that Trump tried to leverage a White House meeting and military aid, sought by Ukraine to combat Russian military aggression, to pressure Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to launch an investigation of former vice president Joe Biden and his son Hunter Biden, as well as a probe of an unfounded theory that Kyiv conspired with Democrats to interfere in the 2016 presidential election.The Democrats’ case centers on allegations that Trump tried to leverage a White House meeting and military aid, sought by Ukraine to combat Russian military aggression, to pressure Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to launch an investigation of former vice president Joe Biden and his son Hunter Biden, as well as a probe of an unfounded theory that Kyiv conspired with Democrats to interfere in the 2016 presidential election.
McConnell has previously said there is “no chance” Trump will be convicted in a Senate trial. While he did not say that explicitly during his floor speech, he said “there is only one outcome suited to the fact that the accusations themselves are constitutionally incoherent.”McConnell has previously said there is “no chance” Trump will be convicted in a Senate trial. While he did not say that explicitly during his floor speech, he said “there is only one outcome suited to the fact that the accusations themselves are constitutionally incoherent.”
McConnell also took a dig at House Democrats for suggesting they may not transmit the articles of impeachment until they secure guarantees from the Senate about the scope of the trial.McConnell also took a dig at House Democrats for suggesting they may not transmit the articles of impeachment until they secure guarantees from the Senate about the scope of the trial.
“It looks like the prosecutors are getting cold feet,” McConnell said.“It looks like the prosecutors are getting cold feet,” McConnell said.
House Judiciary Chairman Jerrold Nadler (D-N.Y.) said Thursday that the articles of impeachment “will be sent in due course” but declined to elaborate on what that meant.House Judiciary Chairman Jerrold Nadler (D-N.Y.) said Thursday that the articles of impeachment “will be sent in due course” but declined to elaborate on what that meant.
“The speaker has to make that decision with input from other people,” Nadler told reporters.“The speaker has to make that decision with input from other people,” Nadler told reporters.
He was also critical of McConnell for his coordination with the White House in advance of an anticipated trial.He was also critical of McConnell for his coordination with the White House in advance of an anticipated trial.
“Mitch McConnell has a problem,” Nadler said. “Mitch McConnell has said he is going to work hand-in-glove with the White House. He has said he is not a fair juror. I don’t understand how he can possibly take the oath that he is required to take.”“Mitch McConnell has a problem,” Nadler said. “Mitch McConnell has said he is going to work hand-in-glove with the White House. He has said he is not a fair juror. I don’t understand how he can possibly take the oath that he is required to take.”
Trump spokeswoman Pam Bondi said Thursday that Trump will be happy with whatever Senate leaders decide about the scope of a trial in the chamber.Trump spokeswoman Pam Bondi said Thursday that Trump will be happy with whatever Senate leaders decide about the scope of a trial in the chamber.
“How ever they decide to proceed, we’re ready to go,” Bondi said during an appearance on Fox News.“How ever they decide to proceed, we’re ready to go,” Bondi said during an appearance on Fox News.
Trump had originally advocated for a calling a long list of witnesses, including Hunter Biden, the son of former vice president Joe Biden, and the anonymous whistleblower whose complaint prompted the impeachment inquiry.Trump had originally advocated for a calling a long list of witnesses, including Hunter Biden, the son of former vice president Joe Biden, and the anonymous whistleblower whose complaint prompted the impeachment inquiry.
Bondi said that impulse was understandable from someone who has been “falsely accused.”Bondi said that impulse was understandable from someone who has been “falsely accused.”
But she suggested the White House is more flexible now and in line with the thinking of McConnell, who has said it’s possible no witnesses will be called.But she suggested the White House is more flexible now and in line with the thinking of McConnell, who has said it’s possible no witnesses will be called.
“At this point, I think the American people are over this … and we want Congress to get to back to work,” Bondi said.“At this point, I think the American people are over this … and we want Congress to get to back to work,” Bondi said.
Donald Trump Jr., the president’s eldest son, marked the morning after his impeachment with a tweet noting that his father is still president.Donald Trump Jr., the president’s eldest son, marked the morning after his impeachment with a tweet noting that his father is still president.
In the tweet, President Trump was depicted in a Santa suit.In the tweet, President Trump was depicted in a Santa suit.
“Still your president. Merry Christmas,” Trump Jr. wrote.“Still your president. Merry Christmas,” Trump Jr. wrote.
Still your president. Merry Christmas. pic.twitter.com/bHIOrR8kQYStill your president. Merry Christmas. pic.twitter.com/bHIOrR8kQY
Senate Judiciary Chairman Lindsey O. Graham (R-S.C.) sharply criticized Democrats on Thursday for considering a delay in transmitting articles of impeachment to the House.Senate Judiciary Chairman Lindsey O. Graham (R-S.C.) sharply criticized Democrats on Thursday for considering a delay in transmitting articles of impeachment to the House.
“If House Dems refuse to send Articles of Impeachment to the Senate for trial it would be a breathtaking violation of the Constitution, an act of political cowardice, and fundamentally unfair to President @realdonaldTrump,” Graham said in tweets.” Not allowing the Senate to act on approved Articles of Impeachment becomes Constitutional extortion and creates chaos for the presidency.”“If House Dems refuse to send Articles of Impeachment to the Senate for trial it would be a breathtaking violation of the Constitution, an act of political cowardice, and fundamentally unfair to President @realdonaldTrump,” Graham said in tweets.” Not allowing the Senate to act on approved Articles of Impeachment becomes Constitutional extortion and creates chaos for the presidency.”
Clyburn said he would be willing to see the House hold on to the articles of impeachment indefinitely if they cannot get a guarantee that the Senate would hold a “fair and impartial” trial.Clyburn said he would be willing to see the House hold on to the articles of impeachment indefinitely if they cannot get a guarantee that the Senate would hold a “fair and impartial” trial.
“We would be crazy to walk in there knowing he’s set up a kangaroo court,” Clyburn, the No. 3 Democrat in the House, said of McConnell during a CNN interview.“We would be crazy to walk in there knowing he’s set up a kangaroo court,” Clyburn, the No. 3 Democrat in the House, said of McConnell during a CNN interview.
Clyburn added that he has “no idea what the speaker will do.”Clyburn added that he has “no idea what the speaker will do.”
On Wednesday night, Pelosi left open the possibility the House might not immediately send the articles of impeachment to the Senate, saying she wants to know more about how the trial will proceed.On Wednesday night, Pelosi left open the possibility the House might not immediately send the articles of impeachment to the Senate, saying she wants to know more about how the trial will proceed.
Clyburn said in his view, the House should hold the articles “as long as it takes.”Clyburn said in his view, the House should hold the articles “as long as it takes.”
Asked if that meant indefinitely, Clyburn said, “If it were me, that’s what I’m saying.”Asked if that meant indefinitely, Clyburn said, “If it were me, that’s what I’m saying.”
House Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer (D-Md.) said Thursday that there are practical reasons beyond concerns about a fair Senate trial that could lead to a delay in transmitting articles of impeachment to the Senate.House Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer (D-Md.) said Thursday that there are practical reasons beyond concerns about a fair Senate trial that could lead to a delay in transmitting articles of impeachment to the Senate.
During an MSNBC appearance, Hoyer noted that Senate rules require the chamber to conduct a trial as its first order of business once the articles are transmitted from the House. Hoyer said there are concerns that a trial could delay work on the budget and a new trade deal with Canada and Mexico.During an MSNBC appearance, Hoyer noted that Senate rules require the chamber to conduct a trial as its first order of business once the articles are transmitted from the House. Hoyer said there are concerns that a trial could delay work on the budget and a new trade deal with Canada and Mexico.
Hoyer also voiced concerns about whether the Senate will conduct a fair trial, given McConnell has said he is coordinating with Trump’s defense team and that he doesn’t consider himself “an impartial juror.”Hoyer also voiced concerns about whether the Senate will conduct a fair trial, given McConnell has said he is coordinating with Trump’s defense team and that he doesn’t consider himself “an impartial juror.”
Hoyer said McConnell is “in effect sitting at the defense table.”Hoyer said McConnell is “in effect sitting at the defense table.”
“It’s very hard to believe that Mitch McConnell can raise his right hand and pledge to be impartial,” Hoyer said.“It’s very hard to believe that Mitch McConnell can raise his right hand and pledge to be impartial,” Hoyer said.
Asked if there’s a possibility that the articles of impeachment will never be transmitted, Hoyer said, “I don’t think that’s the case, and I hope it’s not the case.”Asked if there’s a possibility that the articles of impeachment will never be transmitted, Hoyer said, “I don’t think that’s the case, and I hope it’s not the case.”
Trump criticized Democrats for considering a delay in transmitting the articles of impeachment to the Senate.Trump criticized Democrats for considering a delay in transmitting the articles of impeachment to the Senate.
“I got Impeached last might without one Republican vote being cast with the Do Nothing Dems on their continuation of the greatest Witch Hunt in American history,” he tweeted. “Now the Do Nothing Party want to Do Nothing with the Articles & not deliver them to the Senate, but it’s Senate’s call!”“I got Impeached last might without one Republican vote being cast with the Do Nothing Dems on their continuation of the greatest Witch Hunt in American history,” he tweeted. “Now the Do Nothing Party want to Do Nothing with the Articles & not deliver them to the Senate, but it’s Senate’s call!”
On Wednesday night, Pelosi left open the possibility the House might not immediately send the articles of impeachment to the Senate, saying she wants to know more about how the trial will proceed.On Wednesday night, Pelosi left open the possibility the House might not immediately send the articles of impeachment to the Senate, saying she wants to know more about how the trial will proceed.
It was unclear what Trump meant by “it’s the Senate’s call!”It was unclear what Trump meant by “it’s the Senate’s call!”
During floor remarks on Thursday, McConnell plans to criticize the House for holding “the most rushed, least thorough and most unfair impeachment inquiry in modern history” and to suggest that Pelosi might be “too afraid” to transmit “their shoddy work product” to the Senate.During floor remarks on Thursday, McConnell plans to criticize the House for holding “the most rushed, least thorough and most unfair impeachment inquiry in modern history” and to suggest that Pelosi might be “too afraid” to transmit “their shoddy work product” to the Senate.
His prepared remarks, shared by his office, come a day after Pelosi left open the possibility the House might not immediately send the articles of impeachment to the Senate, saying she wants to know more about how the trial will proceed.His prepared remarks, shared by his office, come a day after Pelosi left open the possibility the House might not immediately send the articles of impeachment to the Senate, saying she wants to know more about how the trial will proceed.
According to excerpts, McConnell will argue that the two House-passed impeachment articles are “fundamentally unlike any articles that any prior House of Representatives has ever passed.”According to excerpts, McConnell will argue that the two House-passed impeachment articles are “fundamentally unlike any articles that any prior House of Representatives has ever passed.”
He will also criticize Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.) for “searching for ways the Senate could step out of our proper role and try to fix House Democrats’ failures for them.” That is a reference to Schumer’s call to issue subpoenas to several Trump administration officials who declined to participate in the House inquiry.He will also criticize Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.) for “searching for ways the Senate could step out of our proper role and try to fix House Democrats’ failures for them.” That is a reference to Schumer’s call to issue subpoenas to several Trump administration officials who declined to participate in the House inquiry.
McConnell will also suggest the Senate needs to guard against partisan impeachments.McConnell will also suggest the Senate needs to guard against partisan impeachments.
“The framers built the Senate to provide stability,” he plans to say. “To keep partisan passions from boiling over. Moments like this are why the United States Senate exists.”“The framers built the Senate to provide stability,” he plans to say. “To keep partisan passions from boiling over. Moments like this are why the United States Senate exists.”
MOSCOW — Russian President Vladimir Putin said Thursday that the impeachment case against Trump was a fabricated political effort by the Democrats to remove him from power — but he predicted it would fail because of the Republican Senate majority.MOSCOW — Russian President Vladimir Putin said Thursday that the impeachment case against Trump was a fabricated political effort by the Democrats to remove him from power — but he predicted it would fail because of the Republican Senate majority.
“It’s unlikely they will want to remove from power a representative of their party based on what are, in my opinion, completely fabricated reasons,” said Putin during an annual marathon news conference. “This is simply a continuation of the intra-political battle where one party that lost an election, the Democratic Party, is trying to achieve results using other methods and means.”“It’s unlikely they will want to remove from power a representative of their party based on what are, in my opinion, completely fabricated reasons,” said Putin during an annual marathon news conference. “This is simply a continuation of the intra-political battle where one party that lost an election, the Democratic Party, is trying to achieve results using other methods and means.”
He said the Democrats first accused Trump of colluding with Russia during the 2016 election campaign, when he denied there was any conspiracy. Then, he asserted, the Democrats dreamed up the idea that pressure had been exerted on Ukraine.He said the Democrats first accused Trump of colluding with Russia during the 2016 election campaign, when he denied there was any conspiracy. Then, he asserted, the Democrats dreamed up the idea that pressure had been exerted on Ukraine.
Read more here.Read more here.
After a fiery rally in Michigan on Wednesday night at which he lashed out at Democrats, Trump went on Twitter on Thursday morning to praise Republicans for sticking together in opposition to the House’s impeachment votes.After a fiery rally in Michigan on Wednesday night at which he lashed out at Democrats, Trump went on Twitter on Thursday morning to praise Republicans for sticking together in opposition to the House’s impeachment votes.
“100% Republican Vote,” he tweeted. “That’s what people are talking about. The Republicans are united like never before!”“100% Republican Vote,” he tweeted. “That’s what people are talking about. The Republicans are united like never before!”
The day after Trump was impeached by the House for abuse of power and obstruction of Congress, questions continued to swirl about the timing and scope of an anticipated Senate trial.The day after Trump was impeached by the House for abuse of power and obstruction of Congress, questions continued to swirl about the timing and scope of an anticipated Senate trial.
Moments after Wednesday night’s historic vote, Pelosi said the House could at least temporarily withhold the articles from the Senate — a decision, she suggested, that could depend on how the chamber chooses to conduct its trial on Trump’s removal.Moments after Wednesday night’s historic vote, Pelosi said the House could at least temporarily withhold the articles from the Senate — a decision, she suggested, that could depend on how the chamber chooses to conduct its trial on Trump’s removal.
Pelosi will certainly be asked to elaborate on her thinking at a scheduled 10:45 a.m. news conference on Capitol Hill.Pelosi will certainly be asked to elaborate on her thinking at a scheduled 10:45 a.m. news conference on Capitol Hill.
Washington will also hear from McConnell, the other key player in the drama, on Thursday morning. He is expected to speak about impeachment during remarks on the floor shortly after the Senate convenes at 9:30 a.m.Washington will also hear from McConnell, the other key player in the drama, on Thursday morning. He is expected to speak about impeachment during remarks on the floor shortly after the Senate convenes at 9:30 a.m.
In a tweet Wednesday night, McConnell said he would “speak about House Democrats’ precedent-breaking impeachment of the President of the United States.”In a tweet Wednesday night, McConnell said he would “speak about House Democrats’ precedent-breaking impeachment of the President of the United States.”
Democrats have been pushing McConnell to agree to a trial that includes witnesses from the Trump administration, including acting White House chief of staff Mick Mulvaney, who declined to participate in the House impeachment inquiry. Democrats have been pushing McConnell to agree to a trial that includes witnesses from the Trump administration, including Mulvaney, who declined to participate in the House impeachment inquiry.
McConnell has resisted, saying it is not the job of the Senate to supplement the House’s record.McConnell has resisted, saying it is not the job of the Senate to supplement the House’s record.
Also hanging in the balance: a decision by Pelosi on which House members will serve as impeachment managers in a Senate trial.Also hanging in the balance: a decision by Pelosi on which House members will serve as impeachment managers in a Senate trial.
The day after impeaching Trump, the House is expected on Thursday to approve one of the president’s key initiatives, a new trade deal with Canada and Mexico.The day after impeaching Trump, the House is expected on Thursday to approve one of the president’s key initiatives, a new trade deal with Canada and Mexico.
The bill received bipartisan approval by the House Ways and Means committee and is likely to be broadly supported on the House floor.The bill received bipartisan approval by the House Ways and Means committee and is likely to be broadly supported on the House floor.
The measure was crafted by the Trump administration as a replacement for the North American Free Trade Agreement. Pelosi has said the legislation being voted upon has been vastly improved since it was first presented to Congress by the White House.The measure was crafted by the Trump administration as a replacement for the North American Free Trade Agreement. Pelosi has said the legislation being voted upon has been vastly improved since it was first presented to Congress by the White House.
The day after his impeachment, Trump has no public appearances planned on Thursday.The day after his impeachment, Trump has no public appearances planned on Thursday.
The only events listed on a schedule distributed by the White House are a pair of Christmas receptions, one in the afternoon and one in the evening.The only events listed on a schedule distributed by the White House are a pair of Christmas receptions, one in the afternoon and one in the evening.
As Pelosi on Wednesday night announced the first vote on the impeachment of President Trump, the Democratic leader read the 230 yeas and 197 nays — and seemed to pause when realizing a member of her own party had voted for a third option in that historic moment.As Pelosi on Wednesday night announced the first vote on the impeachment of President Trump, the Democratic leader read the 230 yeas and 197 nays — and seemed to pause when realizing a member of her own party had voted for a third option in that historic moment.
“Present,” voted Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (D-Hawaii).“Present,” voted Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (D-Hawaii).
Gabbard, a presidential candidate, would end up as the only member of the House not to vote for or against either of the impeachment articles accusing Trump of abusing his office and obstructing Congress.Gabbard, a presidential candidate, would end up as the only member of the House not to vote for or against either of the impeachment articles accusing Trump of abusing his office and obstructing Congress.
Late on Wednesday, Gabbard said she staked out that unique position because she believes Trump is guilty but also faulted the Democratic impeachment process as “a partisan endeavor.”Late on Wednesday, Gabbard said she staked out that unique position because she believes Trump is guilty but also faulted the Democratic impeachment process as “a partisan endeavor.”
Read more here.Read more here.
BATTLE CREEK, Mich. — Less than an hour after being impeached, Trump was widely condemned Wednesday night for suggesting during a campaign rally that the late Michigan congressman John Dingell might be “looking up” from hell, remarks that Dingell’s widow, Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-Mich.), said “really hurt.”BATTLE CREEK, Mich. — Less than an hour after being impeached, Trump was widely condemned Wednesday night for suggesting during a campaign rally that the late Michigan congressman John Dingell might be “looking up” from hell, remarks that Dingell’s widow, Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-Mich.), said “really hurt.”
“Mr. President, let’s set politics aside,” said Debbie Dingell, whose husband, a World War II veteran and the longest-serving member of Congress in U.S. history, died in February at the age of 92. “My husband earned all his accolades after a lifetime of service. I’m preparing for the first holiday season without the man I love. You brought me down in a way you can never imagine and your hurtful words just made my healing much harder.”“Mr. President, let’s set politics aside,” said Debbie Dingell, whose husband, a World War II veteran and the longest-serving member of Congress in U.S. history, died in February at the age of 92. “My husband earned all his accolades after a lifetime of service. I’m preparing for the first holiday season without the man I love. You brought me down in a way you can never imagine and your hurtful words just made my healing much harder.”
Trump made the insult while complaining that the congresswoman had voted to impeach him, even though he claimed he gave John Dingell “A-plus treatment” during his memorial services.Trump made the insult while complaining that the congresswoman had voted to impeach him, even though he claimed he gave John Dingell “A-plus treatment” during his memorial services.
Trump insisted he did not expect anything in return for such treatment. But he nevertheless expressed disbelief that Dingell would support impeaching him after she thanked him in a February phone call. At the time, Trump had ordered flags lowered to half-staff.Trump insisted he did not expect anything in return for such treatment. But he nevertheless expressed disbelief that Dingell would support impeaching him after she thanked him in a February phone call. At the time, Trump had ordered flags lowered to half-staff.
Read more here.Read more here.
As Trump prepares to stand trial in the Senate next month — proceedings that were triggered with his impeachment by the House on Wednesday — senators are hurtling toward an acquittal that is all but assured but with much uncertainty about how the chamber will arrive there.As Trump prepares to stand trial in the Senate next month — proceedings that were triggered with his impeachment by the House on Wednesday — senators are hurtling toward an acquittal that is all but assured but with much uncertainty about how the chamber will arrive there.
For now, there is no clarity on how long a trial will last or even when it will begin. It is almost certain that there will not be a bipartisan agreement on witnesses. With very limited exceptions, senators are taking their cues from their party leaders, with Senate Republicans increasingly coordinating with the White House on a trial strategy that they insist will be fairer than what the House afforded Trump.For now, there is no clarity on how long a trial will last or even when it will begin. It is almost certain that there will not be a bipartisan agreement on witnesses. With very limited exceptions, senators are taking their cues from their party leaders, with Senate Republicans increasingly coordinating with the White House on a trial strategy that they insist will be fairer than what the House afforded Trump.
Adding to the uncertainty: Pelosi late Wednesday left open the possibility the House may not immediately send the articles of impeachment to the Senate, saying she wants to know more about how the trial will proceed.Adding to the uncertainty: Pelosi late Wednesday left open the possibility the House may not immediately send the articles of impeachment to the Senate, saying she wants to know more about how the trial will proceed.
What is certain is that the bipartisan bonhomie that at least helped launch President Bill Clinton’s Senate trial two decades ago is gone. The chamber is already locked in a bitter struggle over how the proceedings for Trump will be conducted, as the two sides trade accusations of impartiality and a rush to judgment.What is certain is that the bipartisan bonhomie that at least helped launch President Bill Clinton’s Senate trial two decades ago is gone. The chamber is already locked in a bitter struggle over how the proceedings for Trump will be conducted, as the two sides trade accusations of impartiality and a rush to judgment.
Read more here.Read more here.
Sen. Kamala D. Harris (D-Calif.) accuses McConnell of wanting “a Senate cover-up” instead of a fair trial in an op-ed that was published following Trump’s impeachment Wednesday night.Sen. Kamala D. Harris (D-Calif.) accuses McConnell of wanting “a Senate cover-up” instead of a fair trial in an op-ed that was published following Trump’s impeachment Wednesday night.
“As a former prosecutor, I understand the importance of holding powerful people accountable,” Harris, a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, says in the piece in the New York Times. “I know that every trial requires fairness and truth. Having worked my whole life serving the people, I know that any trial that abandons the pursuit of truth cannot be considered fair or just. But the Senate majority leader, Mitch McConnell, appears more interested in covering up the president’s misconduct than in pursuing truth and fairness.”“As a former prosecutor, I understand the importance of holding powerful people accountable,” Harris, a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, says in the piece in the New York Times. “I know that every trial requires fairness and truth. Having worked my whole life serving the people, I know that any trial that abandons the pursuit of truth cannot be considered fair or just. But the Senate majority leader, Mitch McConnell, appears more interested in covering up the president’s misconduct than in pursuing truth and fairness.”
“He is already trying to limit the impeachment trial by preventing witnesses from testifying, and he has all but announced a verdict,” Harris says of McConnell. “In doing so, he showed the American people that he has no intention of honoring his oath. Let’s be clear: Mr. McConnell doesn’t want a Senate trial. He wants a Senate cover-up.”“He is already trying to limit the impeachment trial by preventing witnesses from testifying, and he has all but announced a verdict,” Harris says of McConnell. “In doing so, he showed the American people that he has no intention of honoring his oath. Let’s be clear: Mr. McConnell doesn’t want a Senate trial. He wants a Senate cover-up.”