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| Impeachment live updates: More Democrats say Pelosi should send over articles as McConnell accuses speaker of ‘shameless game-playing’ | Impeachment live updates: More Democrats say Pelosi should send over articles as McConnell accuses speaker of ‘shameless game-playing’ |
| (32 minutes later) | |
| A growing number of Senate Democrats on Wednesday called on House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to send articles of impeachment to the Senate, while Republicans seized on their remarks to ramp up pressure on the California Democrat. | A growing number of Senate Democrats on Wednesday called on House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to send articles of impeachment to the Senate, while Republicans seized on their remarks to ramp up pressure on the California Democrat. |
| The developments came as Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) accused Pelosi of “shameless game-playing” for vowing not to send over the articles until she has seen the proposed rules for a trial of President Trump. | The developments came as Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) accused Pelosi of “shameless game-playing” for vowing not to send over the articles until she has seen the proposed rules for a trial of President Trump. |
| The president addressed the nation earlier Wednesday on hostilities with Iran, a crisis overshadowing the impeachment drama. | The president addressed the nation earlier Wednesday on hostilities with Iran, a crisis overshadowing the impeachment drama. |
| The crux of the Democrats’ case is the allegation 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 crux of the Democrats’ case is the allegation 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 says he’s ready to begin Trump impeachment trial with no deal on witnesses. | ●McConnell says he’s ready to begin Trump impeachment trial with no deal on witnesses. |
| ●How a Senate trial could work if McConnell gets his way. | ●How a Senate trial could work if McConnell gets his way. |
| ●Political parties pivot on process as Trump’s impeachment shifts to Senate. | ●Political parties pivot on process as Trump’s impeachment shifts to Senate. |
| Which senators support removing Trump | Which House members voted to impeach Trump | House resolution impeaching Trump | Other key documents | Which senators support removing Trump | Which House members voted to impeach Trump | House resolution impeaching Trump | Other key documents |
| In an interview Wednesday night on MSNBC, Sen. Robert Menendez (D-N.J.) declined to press Pelosi to send the articles of impeachment to the Senate. | |
| “I trust Speaker Pelosi,” Menendez told host Chuck Todd. “She went through a very difficult and detailed process in the House. I think she wants to guarantee that the House’s will — in terms of having a fair and honest process — will be guaranteed in the Senate.” | “I trust Speaker Pelosi,” Menendez told host Chuck Todd. “She went through a very difficult and detailed process in the House. I think she wants to guarantee that the House’s will — in terms of having a fair and honest process — will be guaranteed in the Senate.” |
| Asked whether he is willing to wait, Menendez replied: “I’m okay with trusting her judgment. I don’t think we’re going to be waiting forever.” | |
| A quartet of liberal groups is launching a $400,000 effort to pressure eight Republican senators ahead of Trump’s impeachment trial. | A quartet of liberal groups is launching a $400,000 effort to pressure eight Republican senators ahead of Trump’s impeachment trial. |
| The groups — Daily Kos, MoveOn, Need to Impeach and Public Citizen — are launching mobile billboards, digital ads and on-the-ground organizing efforts calling on the senators to “protect the Constitution and conduct a fair trial.” | The groups — Daily Kos, MoveOn, Need to Impeach and Public Citizen — are launching mobile billboards, digital ads and on-the-ground organizing efforts calling on the senators to “protect the Constitution and conduct a fair trial.” |
| “The time has come for the Senate to finally hold Trump accountable for his crimes against our nation,” Daily Kos communications director Carolyn Fiddler said in a statement. She added that the senators “have the power and responsibility to uphold the sanctity of our democracy.” | “The time has come for the Senate to finally hold Trump accountable for his crimes against our nation,” Daily Kos communications director Carolyn Fiddler said in a statement. She added that the senators “have the power and responsibility to uphold the sanctity of our democracy.” |
| The eight Republican senators are McConnell, Lisa Murkowski (Alaska), Martha McSally (Ariz.), Cory Gardner (Colo.), Joni Ernst (Iowa), Susan Collins (Maine), Thom Tillis (N.C.) and Mitt Romney (Utah). | The eight Republican senators are McConnell, Lisa Murkowski (Alaska), Martha McSally (Ariz.), Cory Gardner (Colo.), Joni Ernst (Iowa), Susan Collins (Maine), Thom Tillis (N.C.) and Mitt Romney (Utah). |
| Two 2020 Democratic presidential candidates declined to criticize the House speaker over her refusal to sent the articles of impeachment to the Senate. | Two 2020 Democratic presidential candidates declined to criticize the House speaker over her refusal to sent the articles of impeachment to the Senate. |
| Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) praised Pelosi’s handling of the matter. | Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) praised Pelosi’s handling of the matter. |
| “I think Nancy Pelosi has dealt with this impeachment challenge for the last many months in a masterful way, and those impeachment articles will come over here for a vote in due time,” Booker said. | “I think Nancy Pelosi has dealt with this impeachment challenge for the last many months in a masterful way, and those impeachment articles will come over here for a vote in due time,” Booker said. |
| Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) said that the decision is solely for Pelosi to make. | Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) said that the decision is solely for Pelosi to make. |
| “That’s up to Speaker Pelosi,” Warren said. | “That’s up to Speaker Pelosi,” Warren said. |
| Senate Republicans are seeking to pressure Pelosi to send over the articles of impeachment by highlighting Senate Democrats who have said it is time to do so. | Senate Republicans are seeking to pressure Pelosi to send over the articles of impeachment by highlighting Senate Democrats who have said it is time to do so. |
| Sen. John Cornyn (R-Tex.) put out a news release Wednesday afternoon that highlighted a half-dozen Democratic senators who have said publicly in recent days that a trial should begin soon. | Sen. John Cornyn (R-Tex.) put out a news release Wednesday afternoon that highlighted a half-dozen Democratic senators who have said publicly in recent days that a trial should begin soon. |
| The most recent among them was Sen. Dianne Feinstein (Calif.), who, according to a Bloomberg News reporter, said, “If we’re going to do it, she should send them over. I don’t see what good delay does.” | The most recent among them was Sen. Dianne Feinstein (Calif.), who, according to a Bloomberg News reporter, said, “If we’re going to do it, she should send them over. I don’t see what good delay does.” |
| In a subsequent tweet, Republican National Committee Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel also quoted some Senate Democrats saying Pelosi should transmit the articles. | In a subsequent tweet, Republican National Committee Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel also quoted some Senate Democrats saying Pelosi should transmit the articles. |
| “Pelosi has refused to send the articles for 21 DAYS. Even liberals in the Senate have begun criticizing her,” McDaniel tweeted. “This sham needs to end!” | “Pelosi has refused to send the articles for 21 DAYS. Even liberals in the Senate have begun criticizing her,” McDaniel tweeted. “This sham needs to end!” |
| Rod J. Rosenstein, the former No. 2 Justice Department official whose tumultuous two-year tenure was defined by the special counsel investigation he initiated, is joining the King & Spalding law firm’s special government investigations team, the firm announced Wednesday. | Rod J. Rosenstein, the former No. 2 Justice Department official whose tumultuous two-year tenure was defined by the special counsel investigation he initiated, is joining the King & Spalding law firm’s special government investigations team, the firm announced Wednesday. |
| A longtime U.S. attorney tapped by Trump to be the deputy attorney general, Rosenstein dealt with high-profile controversy within weeks of assuming his post, continuing almost to the moment when he left government in May. | A longtime U.S. attorney tapped by Trump to be the deputy attorney general, Rosenstein dealt with high-profile controversy within weeks of assuming his post, continuing almost to the moment when he left government in May. |
| Before he was in the job a month, Rosenstein, at Trump’s request, wrote a memo to support the firing of FBI Director James B. Comey — a move that plunged the bureau and the Justice Department into chaos, as many feared the president was trying to thwart an investigation into possible coordination between his 2016 campaign and Russia. | Before he was in the job a month, Rosenstein, at Trump’s request, wrote a memo to support the firing of FBI Director James B. Comey — a move that plunged the bureau and the Justice Department into chaos, as many feared the president was trying to thwart an investigation into possible coordination between his 2016 campaign and Russia. |
| Rosenstein then appointed Robert S. Mueller III as special counsel to lead that investigation and restore public faith in the process. But in doing so, he drew the ire of the commander in chief, who toyed intermittently with firing Rosenstein along with Attorney General Jeff Sessions, whose recusal from the Russia case left Rosenstein to supervise the matter. | Rosenstein then appointed Robert S. Mueller III as special counsel to lead that investigation and restore public faith in the process. But in doing so, he drew the ire of the commander in chief, who toyed intermittently with firing Rosenstein along with Attorney General Jeff Sessions, whose recusal from the Russia case left Rosenstein to supervise the matter. |
| In an interview, Rosenstein declined to address most of the politically thorny moments during his tenure as deputy attorney general — including his reported assurances to Trump about the Mueller investigation, the allegation that he suggested wearing a wire to surreptitiously record the president and his reaction to the inspector general’s review of the Russia case. | In an interview, Rosenstein declined to address most of the politically thorny moments during his tenure as deputy attorney general — including his reported assurances to Trump about the Mueller investigation, the allegation that he suggested wearing a wire to surreptitiously record the president and his reaction to the inspector general’s review of the Russia case. |
| He conceded that “certainly, in retrospect, there are things that I might do differently,” but he also asserted, “I think we got all the big issues right.” | He conceded that “certainly, in retrospect, there are things that I might do differently,” but he also asserted, “I think we got all the big issues right.” |
| Read more here. | Read more here. |
| House Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer (D-Md.) said Wednesday that Democrats are holding open the option of summoning former national security adviser John Bolton to testify in the House but are waiting to see whether he will be called as a witness in the Senate. | House Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer (D-Md.) said Wednesday that Democrats are holding open the option of summoning former national security adviser John Bolton to testify in the House but are waiting to see whether he will be called as a witness in the Senate. |
| Bolton said in a statement this week that he is prepared to testify in a Senate trial. Bolton, who earlier rebuffed an invitation to participate in the House impeachment inquiry at the direction of the White House, made no mention in his statement about whether he is now willing to testify in that chamber. | Bolton said in a statement this week that he is prepared to testify in a Senate trial. Bolton, who earlier rebuffed an invitation to participate in the House impeachment inquiry at the direction of the White House, made no mention in his statement about whether he is now willing to testify in that chamber. |
| Asked whether the House should call Bolton to augment its impeachment record, Hoyer said: “I think that’s an option, but it’s not an option that we’re pursuing at this point in time. We’ll need to see what the Senate is doing.” | Asked whether the House should call Bolton to augment its impeachment record, Hoyer said: “I think that’s an option, but it’s not an option that we’re pursuing at this point in time. We’ll need to see what the Senate is doing.” |
| Hoyer compared House impeachment to a “grand jury process” in which there is a determination “whether or not there’s probable cause to believe the president committed offenses.” | Hoyer compared House impeachment to a “grand jury process” in which there is a determination “whether or not there’s probable cause to believe the president committed offenses.” |
| “And we made that determination,” Hoyer said. “Now it goes to the trial phase. In a trial phase … it is at that point in time that you call witnesses that the defense wants called, the prosecution wants called.” | “And we made that determination,” Hoyer said. “Now it goes to the trial phase. In a trial phase … it is at that point in time that you call witnesses that the defense wants called, the prosecution wants called.” |
| Hoyer also defended Pelosi’s delay in sending the articles of impeachment to the Senate. | Hoyer also defended Pelosi’s delay in sending the articles of impeachment to the Senate. |
| “We clearly want to know the rules before we proceed so we know how we’re going to make the case that the House has voted on,” Hoyer said. | “We clearly want to know the rules before we proceed so we know how we’re going to make the case that the House has voted on,” Hoyer said. |
| He also said that the timing of the process wouldn’t be dictated by the early presidential nominating contests. Several senators could be stuck in Washington serving as jurors as their Democratic rivals campaign in the weeks ahead of caucuses and primaries. | He also said that the timing of the process wouldn’t be dictated by the early presidential nominating contests. Several senators could be stuck in Washington serving as jurors as their Democratic rivals campaign in the weeks ahead of caucuses and primaries. |
| “The politics of the United States are moving apace, and that will continue,” Hoyer said. “But it will not dictate our timing on doing what we believe is our constitutional duty.” | “The politics of the United States are moving apace, and that will continue,” Hoyer said. “But it will not dictate our timing on doing what we believe is our constitutional duty.” |
| Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.) sought to bolster his case for a Senate trial that includes witnesses in an op-ed for USA Today in which he cited new reporting that has come to light on Trump’s conduct toward Ukraine since the House impeached him last month. | Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.) sought to bolster his case for a Senate trial that includes witnesses in an op-ed for USA Today in which he cited new reporting that has come to light on Trump’s conduct toward Ukraine since the House impeached him last month. |
| “We are not asking for critics of the president to serve as witnesses in a trial,” Schumer wrote. “We are asking that the president’s men — his top advisers — tell their story, and for the Senate to have access to the documents that will shed light on the truth. The bottom line is simple: There was an exceedingly strong case to call witnesses and request documents before the Senate recessed for the Christmas break. Since then, that case has gotten even stronger.” | “We are not asking for critics of the president to serve as witnesses in a trial,” Schumer wrote. “We are asking that the president’s men — his top advisers — tell their story, and for the Senate to have access to the documents that will shed light on the truth. The bottom line is simple: There was an exceedingly strong case to call witnesses and request documents before the Senate recessed for the Christmas break. Since then, that case has gotten even stronger.” |
| The witnesses Schumer is seeking are former national security adviser John Bolton; acting White House chief of staff Mick Mulvaney; Robert Blair, a senior Mulvaney adviser; and Michael Duffey, associate director for national security at the Office of Management and Budget. | The witnesses Schumer is seeking are former national security adviser John Bolton; acting White House chief of staff Mick Mulvaney; Robert Blair, a senior Mulvaney adviser; and Michael Duffey, associate director for national security at the Office of Management and Budget. |
| As the standoff over his impeachment trial continued, Trump addressed the nation on Iran, saying no Americans or Iraqis were wounded when Iran launched at least a dozen ballistic missiles against bases housing U.S. troops in Iraq early Wednesday. | As the standoff over his impeachment trial continued, Trump addressed the nation on Iran, saying no Americans or Iraqis were wounded when Iran launched at least a dozen ballistic missiles against bases housing U.S. troops in Iraq early Wednesday. |
| “The American people should be extremely grateful and happy no Americans were harmed in last night’s attack by the Iranian regime,” he said. “We suffered no casualties, all of our soldiers are safe, and only minimal damage was sustained at our military bases.” | “The American people should be extremely grateful and happy no Americans were harmed in last night’s attack by the Iranian regime,” he said. “We suffered no casualties, all of our soldiers are safe, and only minimal damage was sustained at our military bases.” |
| He also called on European nations, Russia and China to abandon a 2015 nuclear deal with Iran. “They must now break away from the remnants of the Iran deal,” he said. | He also called on European nations, Russia and China to abandon a 2015 nuclear deal with Iran. “They must now break away from the remnants of the Iran deal,” he said. |
| Trump said the Iranian strikes caused only “minimal damage” at two Iraqi bases housing U.S. military personnel. | Trump said the Iranian strikes caused only “minimal damage” at two Iraqi bases housing U.S. military personnel. |
| “Iran appears to be standing down, which is a good thing for all parties concerned and a very good thing for the world,” Trump said. | “Iran appears to be standing down, which is a good thing for all parties concerned and a very good thing for the world,” Trump said. |
| He added that the United States would impose additional sanctions on Iran, without offering further details. | He added that the United States would impose additional sanctions on Iran, without offering further details. |
| Read more here. | Read more here. |
| House Democratic Caucus Chairman Hakeem Jeffries (N.Y.) said he backs Pelosi’s decision not to transmit the articles of impeachment to the Senate without further information on the shape of a trial. | House Democratic Caucus Chairman Hakeem Jeffries (N.Y.) said he backs Pelosi’s decision not to transmit the articles of impeachment to the Senate without further information on the shape of a trial. |
| “I support the decision of the speaker to hold the articles until we get some clarity” as to whether there will be a fair trial, Jeffries said. He added that there was no discussion of the matter during House Democrats’ Wednesday morning caucus meeting, which lasted about an hour and 15 minutes. | “I support the decision of the speaker to hold the articles until we get some clarity” as to whether there will be a fair trial, Jeffries said. He added that there was no discussion of the matter during House Democrats’ Wednesday morning caucus meeting, which lasted about an hour and 15 minutes. |
| Rep. Katherine M. Clark (Mass.), the vice chair of the Democratic caucus, blasted McConnell for saying he is ready to begin the impeachment trial without an agreement on witnesses. | Rep. Katherine M. Clark (Mass.), the vice chair of the Democratic caucus, blasted McConnell for saying he is ready to begin the impeachment trial without an agreement on witnesses. |
| “Continuing to block, to coordinate this trial with the White House makes the Senate leader complicit in this obstruction of the facts that we need to put forth in the impeachment trial and put forward in front of the American people,” she said. | “Continuing to block, to coordinate this trial with the White House makes the Senate leader complicit in this obstruction of the facts that we need to put forth in the impeachment trial and put forward in front of the American people,” she said. |
| Pelosi reiterated Wednesday that she does not plan to name House impeachment managers and allow a trial to go forward until McConnell shares a resolution laying out proposed rules for a Senate trial. | Pelosi reiterated Wednesday that she does not plan to name House impeachment managers and allow a trial to go forward until McConnell shares a resolution laying out proposed rules for a Senate trial. |
| “We are waiting to see what the terms are,” Pelosi told reporters as she left a Democratic caucus meeting. “As I said from the beginning, how we choose our managers depends on what the arena … we are going into.” | “We are waiting to see what the terms are,” Pelosi told reporters as she left a Democratic caucus meeting. “As I said from the beginning, how we choose our managers depends on what the arena … we are going into.” |
| McConnell “said yesterday that he’d be glad to share his resolution when it’s ready,” Pelosi added. “We will welcome it when it comes, and then we’ll see what the terms are. And then we’ll be able to name our managers.” | McConnell “said yesterday that he’d be glad to share his resolution when it’s ready,” Pelosi added. “We will welcome it when it comes, and then we’ll see what the terms are. And then we’ll be able to name our managers.” |
| Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.) warned his Republican colleagues Wednesday that both history and the American people “in the here and now” will judge them harshly if they do not support the inclusion of witnesses and documents at a Senate trial of Trump. | Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.) warned his Republican colleagues Wednesday that both history and the American people “in the here and now” will judge them harshly if they do not support the inclusion of witnesses and documents at a Senate trial of Trump. |
| “If the Senate fails to hold a fair hearing of those charges, if one party, the president’s party, decides to rush through a trial without hearing all the facts, witnesses and documents, it won’t just be the verdict of history that falls heavy on their shoulders,” Schumer said. “The American people in the here and now will pass a harsh judgment on senators who participated in a coverup for the president.” | “If the Senate fails to hold a fair hearing of those charges, if one party, the president’s party, decides to rush through a trial without hearing all the facts, witnesses and documents, it won’t just be the verdict of history that falls heavy on their shoulders,” Schumer said. “The American people in the here and now will pass a harsh judgment on senators who participated in a coverup for the president.” |
| Schumer also made clear that Democrats plan to force multiple votes on calling witnesses, including former national security adviser John Bolton and acting White House chief of staff Mick Mulvaney. | Schumer also made clear that Democrats plan to force multiple votes on calling witnesses, including former national security adviser John Bolton and acting White House chief of staff Mick Mulvaney. |
| “I want to make one thing very clear: There will be votes, repeated votes, on the questions of witnesses and documents at the trial,” Schumer said. | “I want to make one thing very clear: There will be votes, repeated votes, on the questions of witnesses and documents at the trial,” Schumer said. |
| McConnell on Wednesday accused Pelosi of “shameless game-playing” as he delivered another floor speech heavily critical of her delay in transmitting the articles of impeachment to the Senate. | McConnell on Wednesday accused Pelosi of “shameless game-playing” as he delivered another floor speech heavily critical of her delay in transmitting the articles of impeachment to the Senate. |
| McConnell’s remarks came a day after Pelosi signaled she would not send over the two articles centered on Trump’s conduct toward Ukraine until McConnell unveils a resolution laying out the proposed rules of a trial. | McConnell’s remarks came a day after Pelosi signaled she would not send over the two articles centered on Trump’s conduct toward Ukraine until McConnell unveils a resolution laying out the proposed rules of a trial. |
| “There will be no haggling with the House over Senate procedure,” McConnell said. “The House Democrats’ turn is over.” | “There will be no haggling with the House over Senate procedure,” McConnell said. “The House Democrats’ turn is over.” |
| During his remarks, he cited public comments from three members of the Democratic caucus — Sen. Joe Manchin III (W.Va.), Sen. Chris Murphy (Conn.) and Sen. Angus King (I-Maine) — who have said they would like to see a trial begin. | During his remarks, he cited public comments from three members of the Democratic caucus — Sen. Joe Manchin III (W.Va.), Sen. Chris Murphy (Conn.) and Sen. Angus King (I-Maine) — who have said they would like to see a trial begin. |
| “My Democratic friends are losing patience,” McConnell said, accusing Pelosi of having an “endless appetite for these cynical games.” | “My Democratic friends are losing patience,” McConnell said, accusing Pelosi of having an “endless appetite for these cynical games.” |
| “At the very same time a global crisis was unfolding … in real time, she published another ‘Dear Colleague’ letter saying she intends to keep our commander in chief in this limbo indefinitely,” McConnell said, referring to the hostilities with Iran. | “At the very same time a global crisis was unfolding … in real time, she published another ‘Dear Colleague’ letter saying she intends to keep our commander in chief in this limbo indefinitely,” McConnell said, referring to the hostilities with Iran. |
| Trump, who has been huddling with his national security team, will address the nation at 11 a.m. on the situation on Iran, according to updated guidance issued by the White House. | Trump, who has been huddling with his national security team, will address the nation at 11 a.m. on the situation on Iran, according to updated guidance issued by the White House. |
| He is scheduled to appear from the Grand Foyer of the White House. | He is scheduled to appear from the Grand Foyer of the White House. |
| Trump’s remarks are expected to be his first on Iran since a tweet Tuesday night, in which he said, “All is well! Missiles launched from Iran at two military bases located in Iraq. Assessment of casualties & damages taking place now. So far, so good!” | Trump’s remarks are expected to be his first on Iran since a tweet Tuesday night, in which he said, “All is well! Missiles launched from Iran at two military bases located in Iraq. Assessment of casualties & damages taking place now. So far, so good!” |
| Sen. Richard J. Durbin (D-Ill.) said Wednesday that he anticipates Pelosi will make a decision about transmitting articles of impeachment “in the next few days” and defended the three-week delay. | Sen. Richard J. Durbin (D-Ill.) said Wednesday that he anticipates Pelosi will make a decision about transmitting articles of impeachment “in the next few days” and defended the three-week delay. |
| “I understand she may make a decision in the next few days, but that’s entirely up to her,” Durbin said during an appearance on CNN. “What’s she been looking for is not unreasonable. The Constitution calls for a trial in the Senate. She has asked what that trial will be. As one my colleagues said the other day … a trial has witnesses. A coverup does not have witnesses.” | “I understand she may make a decision in the next few days, but that’s entirely up to her,” Durbin said during an appearance on CNN. “What’s she been looking for is not unreasonable. The Constitution calls for a trial in the Senate. She has asked what that trial will be. As one my colleagues said the other day … a trial has witnesses. A coverup does not have witnesses.” |
| The shift in impeachment terrain has upended the tone of debate among Democrats and Republicans, with each side arguing a different theme from just three weeks ago, when the House approved the two articles against Trump. | The shift in impeachment terrain has upended the tone of debate among Democrats and Republicans, with each side arguing a different theme from just three weeks ago, when the House approved the two articles against Trump. |
| For weeks, House Democrats highlighted how their investigation unearthed Trump’s pressure campaign on Ukrainian officials to investigate the president’s domestic political rivals. House Republicans bemoaned what they saw as a flawed and unfair investigative process. It was a “sham impeachment,” as Trump put it at a rally last month. | For weeks, House Democrats highlighted how their investigation unearthed Trump’s pressure campaign on Ukrainian officials to investigate the president’s domestic political rivals. House Republicans bemoaned what they saw as a flawed and unfair investigative process. It was a “sham impeachment,” as Trump put it at a rally last month. |
| With the case eventually moving into the GOP-controlled Senate, the sides have flipped positions. | With the case eventually moving into the GOP-controlled Senate, the sides have flipped positions. |
| Most Senate Republicans, still dismissive of the House investigation, are pushing for a trial in which no more investigative work is done and a verdict is rendered within two weeks or so. And Democrats are demanding a fair process, asserting that it would be flawed without additional investigative work with more witnesses. | Most Senate Republicans, still dismissive of the House investigation, are pushing for a trial in which no more investigative work is done and a verdict is rendered within two weeks or so. And Democrats are demanding a fair process, asserting that it would be flawed without additional investigative work with more witnesses. |
| Read more here. | Read more here. |
| Sen. Joe Manchin III (D-W.Va.) said Wednesday on CNN that the Senate would be conducting “a sham of a trial” if it does not include former national security adviser John Bolton as a witness. | Sen. Joe Manchin III (D-W.Va.) said Wednesday on CNN that the Senate would be conducting “a sham of a trial” if it does not include former national security adviser John Bolton as a witness. |
| Bolton said earlier this week that he is prepared to testify in a Senate trial if a subpoena is issued. Some Republicans have argued that Bolton shouldn’t be called since he did not participate in the House impeachment proceedings. | Bolton said earlier this week that he is prepared to testify in a Senate trial if a subpoena is issued. Some Republicans have argued that Bolton shouldn’t be called since he did not participate in the House impeachment proceedings. |
| Manchin argued that Bolton and others with firsthand knowledge of what happened toward Ukraine are necessary for a “serious” trial. | Manchin argued that Bolton and others with firsthand knowledge of what happened toward Ukraine are necessary for a “serious” trial. |
| “If it’s not serious, then shame on all of us,” Manchin said. “And if you don’t want to see the evidence to make an informed, intelligent decision, then you don’t intend to have a trial whatsoever.” | “If it’s not serious, then shame on all of us,” Manchin said. “And if you don’t want to see the evidence to make an informed, intelligent decision, then you don’t intend to have a trial whatsoever.” |
| Manchin reiterated his view that Pelosi should go ahead and transmit the articles of impeachment so that a trial can begin. | Manchin reiterated his view that Pelosi should go ahead and transmit the articles of impeachment so that a trial can begin. |
| “I think it’s time to turn the articles over,” he said. “Let’s see where the Senate can take it, and hopefully we will have a trial with witnesses.” | “I think it’s time to turn the articles over,” he said. “Let’s see where the Senate can take it, and hopefully we will have a trial with witnesses.” |
| Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.) expressed hope that key witnesses would appear at a Senate impeachment trial even if it opens without an agreement with Republicans on who will be called. | Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.) expressed hope that key witnesses would appear at a Senate impeachment trial even if it opens without an agreement with Republicans on who will be called. |
| Kaine spoke on MSNBC a day after McConnell said he has the votes to launch a trial in which there would be no determination on witnesses before opening statements from House impeachment managers and lawyers for Trump, as well as an opportunity for senators to question both sides. | Kaine spoke on MSNBC a day after McConnell said he has the votes to launch a trial in which there would be no determination on witnesses before opening statements from House impeachment managers and lawyers for Trump, as well as an opportunity for senators to question both sides. |
| Kaine said he expects Republicans would have a hard time voting against Democratic motions to call witnesses with direct knowledge of Trump’s conduct toward Ukraine, including former national security adviser John Bolton and acting White House chief of staff Mick Mulvaney. | Kaine said he expects Republicans would have a hard time voting against Democratic motions to call witnesses with direct knowledge of Trump’s conduct toward Ukraine, including former national security adviser John Bolton and acting White House chief of staff Mick Mulvaney. |
| “When the Republicans are faced with the motion, why wouldn’t you want to have John Bolton come? You’ve got to have Mick Mulvaney come,” Kaine said. “It’s going to be very hard for them to live up to the oath of impartial justice and turn a blind eye to evidence that’s out there that bears on the questions in this trial.” | “When the Republicans are faced with the motion, why wouldn’t you want to have John Bolton come? You’ve got to have Mick Mulvaney come,” Kaine said. “It’s going to be very hard for them to live up to the oath of impartial justice and turn a blind eye to evidence that’s out there that bears on the questions in this trial.” |
| Asked if Pelosi should go ahead and transmit the articles of impeachment, Kaine said: “I don’t need to tell the speaker what to do, but I’ll tell you this: My intuition is we’ll be in a trial soon.” | Asked if Pelosi should go ahead and transmit the articles of impeachment, Kaine said: “I don’t need to tell the speaker what to do, but I’ll tell you this: My intuition is we’ll be in a trial soon.” |
| Trump plans to address the nation on hostilities with Iran on Wednesday morning, he indicated in a tweet on Tuesday night, as a trial on his impeachment looms in the Senate. | Trump plans to address the nation on hostilities with Iran on Wednesday morning, he indicated in a tweet on Tuesday night, as a trial on his impeachment looms in the Senate. |
| Trump announced his planned address in a tweet after Iranian forces launched more than a dozen ballistic missiles against two military bases in Iraq, marking the most significant Iranian attack in the growing conflict with the United States. | Trump announced his planned address in a tweet after Iranian forces launched more than a dozen ballistic missiles against two military bases in Iraq, marking the most significant Iranian attack in the growing conflict with the United States. |
| “All is well!” Trump said in his tweet. “Missiles launched from Iran at two military bases located in Iraq. Assessment of casualties & damages taking place now. So far, so good!” | “All is well!” Trump said in his tweet. “Missiles launched from Iran at two military bases located in Iraq. Assessment of casualties & damages taking place now. So far, so good!” |
| An advisory on Trump’s schedule issued Tuesday night by the White House did not include the advertised address, and it remains unclear what time Trump plans to speak. He does not have any other public events scheduled on Wednesday. | An advisory on Trump’s schedule issued Tuesday night by the White House did not include the advertised address, and it remains unclear what time Trump plans to speak. He does not have any other public events scheduled on Wednesday. |
| Pelosi signaled Tuesday night that she will not transmit the articles of impeachment to the Senate and appoint House impeachment managers until McConnell unveils a proposed resolution laying out the rules of Senate trial. | Pelosi signaled Tuesday night that she will not transmit the articles of impeachment to the Senate and appoint House impeachment managers until McConnell unveils a proposed resolution laying out the rules of Senate trial. |
| “It is important that he immediately publish this resolution, so that, as I have said before, we can see the arena in which we will be participating, appoint managers and transmit the articles to the Senate,” Pelosi said in a letter to Democratic colleagues. | “It is important that he immediately publish this resolution, so that, as I have said before, we can see the arena in which we will be participating, appoint managers and transmit the articles to the Senate,” Pelosi said in a letter to Democratic colleagues. |
| Though the House voted on Dec. 18 to impeach the president, Pelosi has declined to send the two articles of impeachment to the Senate, effectively hamstringing the chamber from launching the trial. | Though the House voted on Dec. 18 to impeach the president, Pelosi has declined to send the two articles of impeachment to the Senate, effectively hamstringing the chamber from launching the trial. |
| “In December, the House upheld its constitutional duty to defend democracy For The People, honoring our Founders’ vision for a Republic,” Pelosi said in her letter. “Soon, the Senate will have the opportunity to honor its oath to ‘do impartial justice according to the Constitution and laws.’ ” | “In December, the House upheld its constitutional duty to defend democracy For The People, honoring our Founders’ vision for a Republic,” Pelosi said in her letter. “Soon, the Senate will have the opportunity to honor its oath to ‘do impartial justice according to the Constitution and laws.’ ” |
| She also took aim at McConnell, saying he had “made clear that his loyalty is to the President and not the Constitution.” | She also took aim at McConnell, saying he had “made clear that his loyalty is to the President and not the Constitution.” |
| McConnell said Tuesday that he is prepared to begin Trump’s impeachment trial with no agreement with Democrats on witnesses. | McConnell said Tuesday that he is prepared to begin Trump’s impeachment trial with no agreement with Democrats on witnesses. |
| At a news conference on Tuesday, he announced that he has the votes to begin the trial in the format that he and most of his members have long envisioned: opening arguments for both the House impeachment managers and Trump’s defense team, as well as ample time for senators to submit questions in writing. | At a news conference on Tuesday, he announced that he has the votes to begin the trial in the format that he and most of his members have long envisioned: opening arguments for both the House impeachment managers and Trump’s defense team, as well as ample time for senators to submit questions in writing. |
| A growing number of members of the Senate Democratic caucus are becoming impatient with the delay in transmitting the articles of impeachment and saying it’s time to begin the trial. | A growing number of members of the Senate Democratic caucus are becoming impatient with the delay in transmitting the articles of impeachment and saying it’s time to begin the trial. |
| “I think it needs to start; I really do,” Sen. Joe Manchin III (D-W.Va.) told reporters on Tuesday. He argued that the delay helped prompt former national security adviser John Bolton’s statement Monday that he would be willing to testify in the Senate, and added: “Let us do what we have to do over here.” | “I think it needs to start; I really do,” Sen. Joe Manchin III (D-W.Va.) told reporters on Tuesday. He argued that the delay helped prompt former national security adviser John Bolton’s statement Monday that he would be willing to testify in the Senate, and added: “Let us do what we have to do over here.” |
| Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) said now that it is clear McConnell has Republicans in line against a witness deal, “I think the time has passed. She should send the articles over.” | Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) said now that it is clear McConnell has Republicans in line against a witness deal, “I think the time has passed. She should send the articles over.” |
| Meanwhile, asked whether Pelosi should transmit the articles to the Senate promptly, Sen. Angus King (I-Maine) said, “I think that’s up to her.” | Meanwhile, asked whether Pelosi should transmit the articles to the Senate promptly, Sen. Angus King (I-Maine) said, “I think that’s up to her.” |
| “But I do think we need to get this thing going,” he added. | “But I do think we need to get this thing going,” he added. |