pbs--2020-01-22--Senate approves rules for Trump's impeachment trial

WASHINGTON ( AP ) — The U.S. Senate plunged into President Donald Trump ’ s impeachment trial with Republicans abruptly abandoning plans to cram opening arguments into two days but solidly rejecting Democratic demands for more witnesses to expose Trump ’ s “ trifecta ” of offenses .
A marathon session of nearly 13 hours started Tuesday with a setback for Republican Senate leader Mitch McConnell and the president ’ s legal team , exposing a crack in the GOP ranks and the growing political unease over the historic impeachment proceedings unfolding amid a watchful public in an election year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wednesday with Republicans easily approving the new trial rules largely on their terms .
“ It ’ s about time we bring this power trip in for a landing , ” said White House counsel Pat Cipollone , the president ’ s lead lawyer , lashing out at the House Democrats prosecuting the case .
“ It ’ s a farce , ” he said about the impeachment proceeding , “ and it should end.
” Chief Justice John Roberts gaveled open the session , with House prosecutors on one side , Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the well of the Senate , as senators sat silently at their desks , under oath to do “ impartial justice.
” No cellphones or other electronics were allowed .
As the day stretched deep into the night , lawyerly arguments gave way to more pointedly political ones .
Tempers flared and senators paced the chamber .
Democrats pursued what may be their only chance to force senators to vote on hearing new testimony .
After one particularly bitter exchange , Roberts intervened , taking the rare step of admonishing both the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ counsel to “ remember where they are.
” “ I think it is appropriate at this point for me to admonish both the House managers and the president ’ s counsel in equal terms to remember that they are addressing the world ’ s greatest deliberative body , ” the usually reserved Roberts said .
He told them that description of the Senate stemmed from a 1905 trial when a senator objected to the word “ pettifogging , ” because members should “ avoid speaking in a manner and using language that is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and over , Republicans turned back Democratic amendments to subpoena documents from the White House , State Department , Defense Department and budget office .
By the same 53-47 party-line , they turned away witnesses with front-row seats to Trump ’ s actions including acting White House chief of staff Mick Mulvaney and John Bolton , the former national security adviser critical of the Ukraine policy .
Only on one amendment , to ensure a vote later on additional witnesses , did a single Republican , Sen. Susan Collins of Maine , join @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was rejected 52-48 .
As the hours mounted , Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer brushed back an offer from McConnell to more quickly stack the votes .
“ It ’ s not our job to make it easy for you , ” Rep. Adam Schiff , the chairman of the House Intelligence Committee leading the prosecution , told the Senate .
“ Our job is to make it hard to deprive the American people of a fair trial.
” As the visitors ’ gallery filled with guests , actress-and-activist Alyssa Milano among them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ House allies lining the back rows , the day quickly took on the cadence of a trial proceeding over whether the president ’ s actions toward Ukraine warranted removal from office .
Earlier , McConnell stunned senators and delayed the start of proceedings with his decision to back off some of his proposed rules .
Republicans were said to be concerned over the political optics of “ dark of night ” sessions .
Instead , 24 hours of opening arguments for each side will be spread over three days , for a moment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to break the standoff over calling new witnesses .
Cipollone led the prosecution , scoffing that the House charges against Trump were “ ridiculous , ” insisting the president “ has done absolutely nothing wrong.
” The White House legal team did not dispute Trump ’ s actions , when he called Ukraine and asked for a “ favor , ” which was to investigate Democrat Joe Biden as the U.S. was withholding military aid the ally desperately needed as it faced off with hostile Russia on its border .
But the lawyers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Absolutely no case , ” Cipollone said .
Schiff , the California Democrat , opened for the prosecution saying America ’ s Founders added the remedy of impeachment in the Constitution with “ precisely this type of conduct in mind — conduct that abuses the power of office for a personal benefit , that undermines our national security , and that invites foreign interference in the democratic process of an election.
” Said Schiff : “ It is the trifecta of constitutional misconduct justifying impeachment.
” The other lead lawyer on Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ retorted , “ I ’ ll give you a trifecta , ” outlining complaints over the House Democrats ’ impeachment inquiry process .
The impeachment trial , unfolding in an election year , is testing whether Trump ’ s actions toward Ukraine warrant removal at the same time that voters are forming their own verdict on his White House .
All four senators who are presidential candidates are off the campaign trail , seated as jurors .
“ My focus is going to be on impeachment , ” Sen. Bernie Sanders , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ day began as a debate over rules , and it was only when the clerk started reading the dry language of the resolution that the hand-written changes became apparent .
McConnell made the adjustment after encountering resistance from Republicans during a closed-door lunch meeting .
Senators worried about the public reaction to cramming the 24 hours of opening arguments from each side into just two days .
Sen. Susan Collins of Maine and Sen. Lisa Murkowksi of Alaska , along with a substantial number of other Republicans , wanted to make the changes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ situation .
Some senators argued that the two-day limit would have helped Democrats cast Republicans as squeezing testimony through in the dead of night .
Collins and Murkowski , who often ally to buck GOP leadership , sat side by side in the Senate through the day ’ s proceedings .
The turnaround was a swift lesson as White House wishes run into the reality of the Senate .
The White House wanted a session kept to a shorter period to both expedite the trial and shift more of the proceedings into late @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the matter but unauthorized to discuss it in public .
“ READ THE TRANSCRIPTS !
” the president tweeted from overseas , at a global leaders conference in Davos , Switzerland .
That ’ s the transcript of his phone call in which he asked new Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy for “ a favor.
” The Democrats cite that transcript as solid evidence against Trump , though he repeatedly describes it as “ perfect.
” A whistleblower ’ s complaint led the House to impeach Trump last month on a charge of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ investigate Democratic rival Biden and his son Hunter Biden as the White House was withholding military aid from Ukraine .
Trump also was impeached on a second charge , of obstruction of Congress , in the House probe .
Schumer of New York said Republican senators “ felt the heat ” and it “ shows that they can make other changes , and that we can get documents and witnesses.
” Schumer offered the first of several amendments to the rules — to issue a subpoena for to the White House for “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” relating to the Ukraine matter .
It was rejected on a party-line vote , as were the others .
Trump ’ s legal team , absent its TV-showcase attorneys , Alan Dershowitz and Kenneth Starr who were not in the chamber , argued that in seeking new evidence the House was bringing a half-baked case that would be thrown out in any other court of law .
But Rep. Zoe Lofgren of California , one of the House managers and the first woman to argue for the prosecution in a presidential impeachment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t asking the Senate to do the job for them .
“ The House is asking the Senate to do its job , to have a trial , ” she said .
“ Have you ever heard of a trial without evidence ?
” The White House had instructed officials not to testify in the House inquiry , and refused to turn over witnesses or documents , citing what is says is precedence in defiance of congressional subpoenas .
The ambassadors and national security officials who did appear before the House delivered often @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on television screens during the Senate proceeding .
At one point , Democrat Schiff displayed video of Trump himself suggesting there should be more witnesses testifying .
One by one , the House managers made the case , drawing on their own life experiences .
Rep. Val Demings , D-Fla. , a former police chief , said she never saw anyone take “ such extreme steps to hide evidence.
” Rep. Jason Crow , a former Army Ranger who served in Iraq and Afghanistan , seemed to capture senators ’ attention when he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was late , but it was morning in Ukraine where soldiers were waking up to fight Russia , depending on U.S. aid .
Legal scholars have long insisted the framers of the Constitution provided impeachment as a remedy for “ other high crimes and misdemeanors , ” a particularly broad definition that doesn ’ t mean simply specific criminal acts .
Democrats point in particular to a General Accountability Office report that found the White House violated federal law by stalling money to Ukraine that had been approved by Congress .
No president @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Senate .
With its 53-47 Republican majority , the Senate is not expected to mount the two-thirds vote needed for conviction .
Associated Press writers Mary Clare Jalonick , Eric Tucker , Alan Fram , Laurie Kellman , Andrew Taylor , Matthew Daly and Padmananda Rama in Washington and David Pitt in Des Moines , Iowa , contributed to this report .

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. Senate plunged into President Donald Trump’s impeachment trial with Republicans abruptly abandoning plans to cram opening arguments into two days but solidly rejecting Democratic demands for more witnesses to expose Trump’s “trifecta” of offenses.
A marathon session of nearly 13 hours started Tuesday with a setback for Republican Senate leader Mitch McConnell and the president’s legal team, exposing a crack in the GOP ranks and the growing political unease over the historic impeachment proceedings unfolding amid a watchful public in an election year. But it ended near 2 a.m. Wednesday with Republicans easily approving the new trial rules largely on their terms.
“It’s about time we bring this power trip in for a landing,” said White House counsel Pat Cipollone, the president’s lead lawyer, lashing out at the House Democrats prosecuting the case.
As the day stretched deep into the night, lawyerly arguments gave way to more pointedly political ones.
“It’s a farce,” he said about the impeachment proceeding, “and it should end.”
Chief Justice John Roberts gaveled open the session, with House prosecutors on one side, Trump’s team on the other, in the well of the Senate, as senators sat silently at their desks, under oath to do “impartial justice.” No cellphones or other electronics were allowed.
As the day stretched deep into the night, lawyerly arguments gave way to more pointedly political ones. Tempers flared and senators paced the chamber. Democrats pursued what may be their only chance to force senators to vote on hearing new testimony.
After one particularly bitter exchange, Roberts intervened, taking the rare step of admonishing both the Democratic House managers and the White House counsel to “remember where they are.”
“I think it is appropriate at this point for me to admonish both the House managers and the president’s counsel in equal terms to remember that they are addressing the world’s greatest deliberative body,” the usually reserved Roberts said. He told them that description of the Senate stemmed from a 1905 trial when a senator objected to the word “pettifogging,” because members should “avoid speaking in a manner and using language that is not conducive to civil discourse.”
Over and over, Republicans turned back Democratic amendments to subpoena documents from the White House, State Department, Defense Department and budget office.
By the same 53-47 party-line, they turned away witnesses with front-row seats to Trump’s actions including acting White House chief of staff Mick Mulvaney and John Bolton, the former national security adviser critical of the Ukraine policy.
Only on one amendment, to ensure a vote later on additional witnesses, did a single Republican, Sen. Susan Collins of Maine, join Democrats. But it, too, was rejected 52-48.
As the hours mounted, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer brushed back an offer from McConnell to more quickly stack the votes.
“It’s not our job to make it easy for you,” Rep. Adam Schiff, the chairman of the House Intelligence Committee leading the prosecution, told the Senate. “Our job is to make it hard to deprive the American people of a fair trial.”
As the visitors’ gallery filled with guests, actress-and-activist Alyssa Milano among them, and Trump’s most ardent House allies lining the back rows, the day quickly took on the cadence of a trial proceeding over whether the president’s actions toward Ukraine warranted removal from office.
Earlier, McConnell stunned senators and delayed the start of proceedings with his decision to back off some of his proposed rules. Republicans were said to be concerned over the political optics of “dark of night” sessions.
Instead, 24 hours of opening arguments for each side will be spread over three days, for a moment swelling Democrats’ momentum as they push to break the standoff over calling new witnesses.
Cipollone led the prosecution, scoffing that the House charges against Trump were “ridiculous,” insisting the president “has done absolutely nothing wrong.”
The White House legal team did not dispute Trump’s actions, when he called Ukraine and asked for a “favor,” which was to investigate Democrat Joe Biden as the U.S. was withholding military aid the ally desperately needed as it faced off with hostile Russia on its border. But the lawyers insisted the president did nothing wrong. “Absolutely no case,” Cipollone said.
Schiff, the California Democrat, opened for the prosecution saying America’s Founders added the remedy of impeachment in the Constitution with “precisely this type of conduct in mind — conduct that abuses the power of office for a personal benefit, that undermines our national security, and that invites foreign interference in the democratic process of an election.”
Said Schiff: “It is the trifecta of constitutional misconduct justifying impeachment.”
The other lead lawyer on Trump’s team, Jay Sekulow, retorted, “I’ll give you a trifecta,” outlining complaints over the House Democrats’ impeachment inquiry process.
The impeachment trial, unfolding in an election year, is testing whether Trump’s actions toward Ukraine warrant removal at the same time that voters are forming their own verdict on his White House.
All four senators who are presidential candidates are off the campaign trail, seated as jurors. “My focus is going to be on impeachment,” Sen. Bernie Sanders, the Vermont independent, told reporters.
The day began as a debate over rules, and it was only when the clerk started reading the dry language of the resolution that the hand-written changes became apparent.
McConnell made the adjustment after encountering resistance from Republicans during a closed-door lunch meeting. Senators worried about the public reaction to cramming the 24 hours of opening arguments from each side into just two days.
Sen. Susan Collins of Maine and Sen. Lisa Murkowksi of Alaska, along with a substantial number of other Republicans, wanted to make the changes, according to people familiar with the situation. Some senators argued that the two-day limit would have helped Democrats cast Republicans as squeezing testimony through in the dead of night.
Collins and Murkowski, who often ally to buck GOP leadership, sat side by side in the Senate through the day’s proceedings.
The turnaround was a swift lesson as White House wishes run into the reality of the Senate. The White House wanted a session kept to a shorter period to both expedite the trial and shift more of the proceedings into late night, according to a person familiar with the matter but unauthorized to discuss it in public.
“READ THE TRANSCRIPTS!” the president tweeted from overseas, at a global leaders conference in Davos, Switzerland.
That’s the transcript of his phone call in which he asked new Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy for “a favor.” The Democrats cite that transcript as solid evidence against Trump, though he repeatedly describes it as “perfect.”
A whistleblower’s complaint led the House to impeach Trump last month on a charge of abuse of power for pushing Ukraine to investigate Democratic rival Biden and his son Hunter Biden as the White House was withholding military aid from Ukraine. Trump also was impeached on a second charge, of obstruction of Congress, in the House probe.
Schumer of New York said Republican senators “felt the heat” and it “shows that they can make other changes, and that we can get documents and witnesses.”
Schumer offered the first of several amendments to the rules — to issue a subpoena for to the White House for “all documents, communications and other records” relating to the Ukraine matter.
It was rejected on a party-line vote, as were the others.
Trump’s legal team, absent its TV-showcase attorneys, Alan Dershowitz and Kenneth Starr who were not in the chamber, argued that in seeking new evidence the House was bringing a half-baked case that would be thrown out in any other court of law.
But Rep. Zoe Lofgren of California, one of the House managers and the first woman to argue for the prosecution in a presidential impeachment trial, said the House wasn’t asking the Senate to do the job for them. “The House is asking the Senate to do its job, to have a trial,” she said. “Have you ever heard of a trial without evidence?”
The White House had instructed officials not to testify in the House inquiry, and refused to turn over witnesses or documents, citing what is says is precedence in defiance of congressional subpoenas.
The ambassadors and national security officials who did appear before the House delivered often striking testimony, highlights that were displayed on television screens during the Senate proceeding.
At one point, Democrat Schiff displayed video of Trump himself suggesting there should be more witnesses testifying.
One by one, the House managers made the case, drawing on their own life experiences.
Rep. Val Demings, D-Fla., a former police chief, said she never saw anyone take “such extreme steps to hide evidence.” Rep. Jason Crow, a former Army Ranger who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, seemed to capture senators’ attention when he told them near he knew the hour was late, but it was morning in Ukraine where soldiers were waking up to fight Russia, depending on U.S. aid.
Legal scholars have long insisted the framers of the Constitution provided impeachment as a remedy for “other high crimes and misdemeanors,” a particularly broad definition that doesn’t mean simply specific criminal acts.
Democrats point in particular to a General Accountability Office report that found the White House violated federal law by stalling money to Ukraine that had been approved by Congress.
No president has ever been removed from office by the Senate. With its 53-47 Republican majority, the Senate is not expected to mount the two-thirds vote needed for conviction.
Associated Press writers Mary Clare Jalonick, Eric Tucker, Alan Fram, Laurie Kellman, Andrew Taylor, Matthew Daly and Padmananda Rama in Washington and David Pitt in Des Moines, Iowa, contributed to this report.


pbs--2020-01-22--The impeachment trial rules are set. Here's what happens next

The Senate approved ground rules for President Donald Trump ’ s impeachment trial that include unexpected concessions addressing some of the Democrats ’ concerns about the process .
But Republicans did not budge on Democrats ’ resolution amendments that would commit to witness testimony and subpoenas for documents ( as opposed to waiting until after opening arguments ) .
The resolution passed 53-47 along party lines early Wednesday morning after more than 12 hours of tense debate between the House managers and Trump ’ s legal team .
Following weeks of back and forth between Democrats and Republicans , Senate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ backed away from two key pieces of his proposed resolution released Monday night .
One change redistributes the total number of hours that House managers and Trump ’ s defense team will have for opening arguments — instead of two days , they will each present for the same amount of time over three days .
Another change allows evidence gathered in the House impeachment inquiry to be included in the record .
On Tuesday , Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer introduced several amendments related to subpoenas , only to have them tabled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rules will result in a rushed trial .
The foundation for these procedural rules dates back to the 1868 impeachment trial for former President Andrew Johnson .
The rules were most recently updated in 1986 , and then used in the 1999 trial for former President Bill Clinton , as well as a number of federal judges who faced impeachment .
Here ’ s how the trial process will work .
How is the trial structured ?
Based on the rules approved Wednesday , both sides — the House Democratic managers and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 24 hours , divided over three days , to present their opening arguments before the Senate .
U.S. Chief Justice John Roberts is presiding over the trial .
House Democrats will go first , starting Wednesday .
They previewed their argument and laid out the articles of impeachment in a brief released Saturday , saying that Trump abused his power by withholding a White House visit and military aid from Ukraine in exchange for the announcement of investigations into former Vice President Joe Biden and his son , Hunter .
Democrats also said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by defying congressional subpoenas for testimony and relevant documents .
The seven-member manager team , led by House Intelligence Chairman Adam Schiff , D-Calif , summarized their case Tuesday during the debate over the rules for the trial .
After the House managers conclude , Trump ’ s legal defense team will make their opening presentation .
In a brief released Monday , Trump ’ s team did not deny the president pressured Ukraine , but argued he had legitimate reasons for seeking an investigation into the Bidens and withholding the aid .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ articles of impeachment as a “ brazenly political act ” and claimed it was unconstitutional .
Trump ’ s defense team includes White House counsel Pat Cipollone , the president ’ s personal attorney Jay Sekulow , and Kenneth Starr , the independent counsel whose investigation of former President Bill Clinton in the 1990s led to his impeachment .
In remarks on the Senate floor Tuesday , Cipollone defended the trial format and urged Democrats not to delay the proceedings .
“ It ’ s time to start this trial .
It ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
READ MORE : PBS NewsHour ’ s guide to the impeachment proceedings Can senators participate in the trial ?
Procedure prevents senators from speaking while both sides make their case .
Once that phase is over , however , senators may submit questions in writing for Roberts to read aloud to the managers and Trump ’ s defense team .
This questioning period can last up to 16 hours , according to the rules .
After the question period concludes , the House managers and Trump ’ s defense team will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ arguments or to address senators ’ questions .
The Senate then moves to a debate over whether to subpoena witnesses or new evidence .
What power does Chief Justice Roberts have ?
Senate procedure states that the presiding officer — Roberts in this case — may “ rule on all questions of evidence including , but not limited to , questions of relevancy , materiality , and redundancy of evidence and incidental questions.
” The chief justice is mainly a figurehead for impeachment trial proceedings , but senators are expected to direct questions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ proceedings .
Roberts could attempt to exert more authority by ruling on requests for witness testimony and other evidence .
However , a senator who disagrees with a ruling from Roberts can put the issue up for the full Senate vote , in which case Roberts ’ decision could be overruled .
What happens if the Senate votes to hear witnesses ?
This phase of the trial is still up in the air .
Fifty-one senators would need to approve a measure calling for witnesses in the trial — meaning at least four @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two independents who caucus with the Democrats would have to vote yes .
It remains unclear if enough Republicans would buck the GOP leadership and join Democrats on the measure .
Under the trial rules , the Senate will consider the issue of witnesses after opening presentations , following the precedent set in the Clinton impeachment trial .
Also like Clinton ’ s trial , the rules require that potential witnesses first give depositions .
McConnell ’ s organizing measure defers to the 1986 guidance for how the rest of the trial should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ include former national security adviser John Bolton , who refused to testify in the House but has since said he would testify before the Senate if subpoenaed .
Democrats have also said they want to hear from Mick Mulvaney , the acting White House chief of staff , and Michael Duffey , a top official for the Office of Management and Budget .
For their part , Trump and some Republicans have also called for testimony from Biden and Schiff .
If witnesses were allowed in the trial , they could be questioned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s legal team .
After hearing from witnesses and evaluating any new evidence — or if the Senate rejects calls for witnesses and new evidence — the House managers and Trump ’ s defense will then give closing arguments .
After that , the Senate has the option to hold a closed-door debate over the articles of impeachment .
In Clinton ’ s case , each senator spoke for 15 minutes .
Finally , the senators would vote on whether to remove Trump from office .
Removal requires a two-thirds majority of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all senators are present , this means 20 Republicans would have to vote in favor of removal — an improbable outcome .

The Senate approved ground rules for President Donald Trump’s impeachment trial that include unexpected concessions addressing some of the Democrats’ concerns about the process. But Republicans did not budge on Democrats’ resolution amendments that would commit to witness testimony and subpoenas for documents (as opposed to waiting until after opening arguments). The resolution passed 53-47 along party lines early Wednesday morning after more than 12 hours of tense debate between the House managers and Trump’s legal team.
Following weeks of back and forth between Democrats and Republicans, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell on Tuesday abruptly backed away from two key pieces of his proposed resolution released Monday night.
One change redistributes the total number of hours that House managers and Trump’s defense team will have for opening arguments — instead of two days, they will each present for the same amount of time over three days. Another change allows evidence gathered in the House impeachment inquiry to be included in the record.
On Tuesday, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer introduced several amendments related to subpoenas, only to have them tabled on party-line votes. Schumer said these rules will result in a rushed trial.
The foundation for these procedural rules dates back to the 1868 impeachment trial for former President Andrew Johnson. The rules were most recently updated in 1986, and then used in the 1999 trial for former President Bill Clinton, as well as a number of federal judges who faced impeachment.
Here’s how the trial process will work.
How is the trial structured?
Based on the rules approved Wednesday, both sides — the House Democratic managers and the White House defense team — will have 24 hours, divided over three days, to present their opening arguments before the Senate. U.S. Chief Justice John Roberts is presiding over the trial.
House Democrats will go first, starting Wednesday. They previewed their argument and laid out the articles of impeachment in a brief released Saturday, saying that Trump abused his power by withholding a White House visit and military aid from Ukraine in exchange for the announcement of investigations into former Vice President Joe Biden and his son, Hunter.
Democrats also said the president obstructed the House impeachment inquiry by defying congressional subpoenas for testimony and relevant documents. The seven-member manager team, led by House Intelligence Chairman Adam Schiff, D-Calif, summarized their case Tuesday during the debate over the rules for the trial.
After the House managers conclude, Trump’s legal defense team will make their opening presentation. In a brief released Monday, Trump’s team did not deny the president pressured Ukraine, but argued he had legitimate reasons for seeking an investigation into the Bidens and withholding the aid. Trump’s team also described the articles of impeachment as a “brazenly political act” and claimed it was unconstitutional.
Trump’s defense team includes White House counsel Pat Cipollone, the president’s personal attorney Jay Sekulow, and Kenneth Starr, the independent counsel whose investigation of former President Bill Clinton in the 1990s led to his impeachment. In remarks on the Senate floor Tuesday, Cipollone defended the trial format and urged Democrats not to delay the proceedings. “It’s time to start this trial. It’s a fair process,” he said.
READ MORE: PBS NewsHour’s guide to the impeachment proceedings
Can senators participate in the trial?
Procedure prevents senators from speaking while both sides make their case. Once that phase is over, however, senators may submit questions in writing for Roberts to read aloud to the managers and Trump’s defense team. This questioning period can last up to 16 hours, according to the rules.
After the question period concludes, the House managers and Trump’s defense team will next have two hours apiece for additional arguments or to address senators’ questions. The Senate then moves to a debate over whether to subpoena witnesses or new evidence.
What power does Chief Justice Roberts have?
Senate procedure states that the presiding officer — Roberts in this case — may “rule on all questions of evidence including, but not limited to, questions of relevancy, materiality, and redundancy of evidence and incidental questions.”
The chief justice is mainly a figurehead for impeachment trial proceedings, but senators are expected to direct questions or motions to Roberts rather than interrupting proceedings. Roberts could attempt to exert more authority by ruling on requests for witness testimony and other evidence.
However, a senator who disagrees with a ruling from Roberts can put the issue up for the full Senate vote, in which case Roberts’ decision could be overruled.
WATCH LIVE: Trump’s impeachment trial in the Senate
What happens if the Senate votes to hear witnesses?
This phase of the trial is still up in the air. Fifty-one senators would need to approve a measure calling for witnesses in the trial — meaning at least four Republicans and all 45 Democratic lawmakers and two independents who caucus with the Democrats would have to vote yes. It remains unclear if enough Republicans would buck the GOP leadership and join Democrats on the measure.
Under the trial rules, the Senate will consider the issue of witnesses after opening presentations, following the precedent set in the Clinton impeachment trial. Also like Clinton’s trial, the rules require that potential witnesses first give depositions. McConnell’s organizing measure defers to the 1986 guidance for how the rest of the trial should be handled.
Potential trial witnesses could include former national security adviser John Bolton, who refused to testify in the House but has since said he would testify before the Senate if subpoenaed. Democrats have also said they want to hear from Mick Mulvaney, the acting White House chief of staff, and Michael Duffey, a top official for the Office of Management and Budget. For their part, Trump and some Republicans have also called for testimony from Biden and Schiff.
If witnesses were allowed in the trial, they could be questioned by the House managers and Trump’s legal team.
After hearing from witnesses and evaluating any new evidence — or if the Senate rejects calls for witnesses and new evidence — the House managers and Trump’s defense will then give closing arguments. After that, the Senate has the option to hold a closed-door debate over the articles of impeachment. In Clinton’s case, each senator spoke for 15 minutes.
Finally, the senators would vote on whether to remove Trump from office. Removal requires a two-thirds majority of the senators present at the proceedings. If all senators are present, this means 20 Republicans would have to vote in favor of removal — an improbable outcome.


pbs--2020-01-22--Republicans reject subpoenas for Bolton, Mulvaney in Senate trial

WASHINGTON ( AP ) — The U.S. Senate plunged into President Donald Trump ’ s impeachment trial on Tuesday with Republicans abruptly abandoning plans to cram opening arguments into two late-night sessions and Democrats arguing for more witnesses to expose Trump ’ s “ trifecta ” of offenses .
The day started with a setback for Republican Senate leader Mitch McConnell and the president ’ s legal team , exposing a crack in the GOP ranks and the growing political unease over the historic impeachment proceedings unfolding amid a watchful public in an election year .
But it was ending @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for witnesses .
Chief Justice John Roberts gaveled open the session , with House prosecutors on one side , Trump ’ s team on the other , in the well of the Senate , as senators sat silently at their desks , under oath to do “ impartial justice.
” No cellphones or other electronics were allowed .
Opening day stretched deep into the night .
Senators remained as the clock passed midnight , while Democrats pursued what may be their only chance to force senators to vote on hearing new testimony .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to more pointedly political ones .
After one particularly bitter exchange , Roberts intervened , taking the rare step of admonishing both the Democratic House managers and the White House counsel to “ remember where they are.
” “ I think it is appropriate at this point for me to admonish both the House managers and the president ’ s counsel in equal terms to remember that they are addressing the world ’ s greatest deliberative body , ” the usually reserved Roberts said .
He asked them to “ avoid speaking in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not conducive to civil discourse.
” Throughout the long night , Republicans turned back Democratic amendments to subpoena documents from the White House , State Department , Defense Department and budget office .
By the same 53-47 party-line , they turned away witnesses with front-row seats to Trump ’ s actions including acting White House chief of staff Mick Mulvaney and John Bolton , the former national security adviser critical of the Ukraine policy .
As the hours mounted , McConnell offered Democrats a deal to stack the votes more quickly , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ voting could resume Wednesday .
No deal was reached .
“ It ’ s not our job to make it easy for you , ” Rep. Adam Schiff , the chairman of the House Intelligence Committee leading the prosecution , told the Senate .
“ Our job is to make it hard to deprive the American people of a fair trial.
” Earlier , McConnell stunned senators and delayed the start of proceedings with his decision to back off some of his proposed rules .
Republicans were said to be concerned over the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” sessions .
Instead , 24 hours of opening arguments for each side will be spread over three days , for a moment swelling Democrats ’ momentum as they push to break the standoff over calling new witnesses .
As the visitors ’ gallery filled with guests , actress-and-activist Alyssa Milano among them , and Trump ’ s most ardent House allies lining the back rows , the day quickly took on the cadence of a trial proceeding over whether the president ’ s actions toward Ukraine warranted removal from office .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this trial , ” said White House counsel Pat Cipollone , the president ’ s lead lawyer , voicing impatience as the proceedings opened in public after weeks of delay .
Cipollone scoffed that the House charges against Trump were “ ridiculous , ” insisting the president “ has done absolutely nothing wrong.
” The White House legal team did not dispute Trump ’ s actions , when he called Ukraine and asked for a “ favor , ” which was to investigate Democrat Joe Biden as the U.S. was withholding military aid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ off with hostile Russia on its border .
But the lawyers insisted the president did nothing wrong .
“ Absolutely no case , ” Cipollone said .
Schiff , the California Democrat , opened for the prosecution saying America ’ s Founders added the remedy of impeachment in the Constitution with “ precisely this type of conduct in mind — conduct that abuses the power of office for a personal benefit , that undermines our national security , and that invites foreign interference in the democratic process of an election.
” Said Schiff @ @ @ @ @ @ @ constitutional misconduct justifying impeachment.
” The other lead lawyer on Trump ’ s team , Jay Sekulow , retorted , “ I ’ ll give you a trifecta , ” outlining complaints over the House Democrats ’ impeachment inquiry process .
The impeachment trial , unfolding in an election year , is testing whether Trump ’ s actions toward Ukraine warrant removal at the same time that voters are forming their own verdict on his White House .
All four senators who are presidential candidates are off the campaign trail , seated as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be on impeachment , ” Sen. Bernie Sanders , the Vermont independent , told reporters .
The day began as a debate over rules , and it was only when the clerk started reading the dry language of the resolution that the hand-written changes became apparent .
McConnell made the adjustment after encountering resistance from Republicans during a closed-door lunch meeting .
Senators worried about the public reaction to cramming the 24 hours of opening arguments from each side into just two days .
Sen. Susan Collins of Maine and Sen. Lisa @ @ @ @ @ @ @ substantial number of other Republicans , wanted to make the changes , according to people familiar with the situation .
Some senators argued that the two-day limit would have helped Democrats cast Republicans as squeezing testimony through in the dead of night .
Collins and Murkowski , who often ally to buck GOP leadership , sat side by side in the Senate through the day ’ s proceedings .
The turnaround was a swift lesson as White House wishes run into the reality of the Senate .
The White House wanted a session @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expedite the trial and shift more of the proceedings into late night , according to a person familiar with the matter but unauthorized to discuss it in public .
“ READ THE TRANSCRIPTS !
” the president tweeted from overseas , at a global leaders conference in Davos , Switzerland .
That ’ s the transcript of his phone call in which he asked new Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy for “ a favor.
” The Democrats cite that transcript as solid evidence against Trump , though he repeatedly describes it as “ perfect.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the House to impeach Trump last month on a charge of abuse of power for pushing Ukraine to investigate Democratic rival Biden and his son Hunter Biden as the White House was withholding military aid from Ukraine .
Trump also was impeached on a second charge , of obstruction of Congress , in the House probe .
Schumer of New York said Republican senators “ felt the heat ” and it “ shows that they can make other changes , and that we can get documents and witnesses.
” Schumer offered the first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to issue a subpoena for to the White House for “ all documents , communications and other records ” relating to the Ukraine matter .
It was rejected on a party-line vote , as were the others .
Trump ’ s legal team , absent its TV-showcase attorneys , Alan Dershowitz and Kenneth Starr who were not in the chamber , argued that in seeking new evidence the House was bringing a half-baked case that would be thrown out in any other court of law .
But Rep. Zoe Lofgren of California , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first woman to argue for the prosecution in a presidential impeachment trial , said the House wasn ’ t asking the Senate to do the job for them .
“ The House is asking the Senate to do its job , to have a trial , ” she said .
“ Have you ever heard of a trial without evidence ?
” The White House had instructed officials not to testify in the House inquiry , and refused to turn over witnesses or documents , citing what is says is precedence in defiance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ national security officials who did appear before the House delivered often striking testimony , highlights that were displayed on television screens during the Senate proceeding .
At one point , Democrat Schiff displayed video of Trump himself suggesting there should be more witnesses testifying .
One by one , the House managers made the case , drawing on their own life experiences .
Rep. Val Demings , D-Fla. , a former police chief , said she never saw anyone take “ such extreme steps to hide evidence.
” Rep. Jason Crow , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Afghanistan , seemed to capture senators ’ attention when he told them near he knew the hour was late , but it was morning in Ukraine where soldiers were waking up to fight Russia , depending on U.S. aid .
Legal scholars have long insisted the framers of the Constitution provided impeachment as a remedy for “ other high crimes and misdemeanors , ” a particularly broad definition that doesn ’ t mean simply specific criminal acts .
Democrats point in particular to a General Accountability Office report that found the White @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Ukraine that had been approved by Congress .
No president has ever been removed from office by the Senate .
With its 53-47 Republican majority , the Senate is not expected to mount the two-thirds vote needed for conviction .
Associated Press writers Mary Clare Jalonick , Eric Tucker , Alan Fram , Laurie Kellman , Andrew Taylor , Matthew Daly and Padmananda Rama in Washington and David Pitt in Des Moines , Iowa , contributed to this report .

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. Senate plunged into President Donald Trump’s impeachment trial on Tuesday with Republicans abruptly abandoning plans to cram opening arguments into two late-night sessions and Democrats arguing for more witnesses to expose Trump’s “trifecta” of offenses.
The day started with a setback for Republican Senate leader Mitch McConnell and the president’s legal team, exposing a crack in the GOP ranks and the growing political unease over the historic impeachment proceedings unfolding amid a watchful public in an election year. But it was ending with solid Republican rejection of Democratic demands for witnesses.
Chief Justice John Roberts gaveled open the session, with House prosecutors on one side, Trump’s team on the other, in the well of the Senate, as senators sat silently at their desks, under oath to do “impartial justice.” No cellphones or other electronics were allowed.
Opening day stretched deep into the night. Senators remained as the clock passed midnight, while Democrats pursued what may be their only chance to force senators to vote on hearing new testimony. Tempers flared as lawerly arguments gave way to more pointedly political ones.
After one particularly bitter exchange, Roberts intervened, taking the rare step of admonishing both the Democratic House managers and the White House counsel to “remember where they are.”
“I think it is appropriate at this point for me to admonish both the House managers and the president’s counsel in equal terms to remember that they are addressing the world’s greatest deliberative body,” the usually reserved Roberts said. He asked them to “avoid speaking in a manner and using language that is not conducive to civil discourse.”
Throughout the long night, Republicans turned back Democratic amendments to subpoena documents from the White House, State Department, Defense Department and budget office. By the same 53-47 party-line, they turned away witnesses with front-row seats to Trump’s actions including acting White House chief of staff Mick Mulvaney and John Bolton, the former national security adviser critical of the Ukraine policy.
As the hours mounted, McConnell offered Democrats a deal to stack the votes more quickly, but Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer countered that voting could resume Wednesday. No deal was reached.
“It’s not our job to make it easy for you,” Rep. Adam Schiff, the chairman of the House Intelligence Committee leading the prosecution, told the Senate. “Our job is to make it hard to deprive the American people of a fair trial.”
Earlier, McConnell stunned senators and delayed the start of proceedings with his decision to back off some of his proposed rules. Republicans were said to be concerned over the political optics of “dark of night” sessions.
Instead, 24 hours of opening arguments for each side will be spread over three days, for a moment swelling Democrats’ momentum as they push to break the standoff over calling new witnesses.
As the visitors’ gallery filled with guests, actress-and-activist Alyssa Milano among them, and Trump’s most ardent House allies lining the back rows, the day quickly took on the cadence of a trial proceeding over whether the president’s actions toward Ukraine warranted removal from office.
“It’s time to start with this trial,” said White House counsel Pat Cipollone, the president’s lead lawyer, voicing impatience as the proceedings opened in public after weeks of delay.
Cipollone scoffed that the House charges against Trump were “ridiculous,” insisting the president “has done absolutely nothing wrong.”
The White House legal team did not dispute Trump’s actions, when he called Ukraine and asked for a “favor,” which was to investigate Democrat Joe Biden as the U.S. was withholding military aid the ally desperately needed as it faced off with hostile Russia on its border. But the lawyers insisted the president did nothing wrong. “Absolutely no case,” Cipollone said.
Schiff, the California Democrat, opened for the prosecution saying America’s Founders added the remedy of impeachment in the Constitution with “precisely this type of conduct in mind — conduct that abuses the power of office for a personal benefit, that undermines our national security, and that invites foreign interference in the democratic process of an election.”
Said Schiff: “It is the trifecta of constitutional misconduct justifying impeachment.”
The other lead lawyer on Trump’s team, Jay Sekulow, retorted, “I’ll give you a trifecta,” outlining complaints over the House Democrats’ impeachment inquiry process.
The impeachment trial, unfolding in an election year, is testing whether Trump’s actions toward Ukraine warrant removal at the same time that voters are forming their own verdict on his White House.
All four senators who are presidential candidates are off the campaign trail, seated as jurors. “My focus is going to be on impeachment,” Sen. Bernie Sanders, the Vermont independent, told reporters.
The day began as a debate over rules, and it was only when the clerk started reading the dry language of the resolution that the hand-written changes became apparent.
McConnell made the adjustment after encountering resistance from Republicans during a closed-door lunch meeting. Senators worried about the public reaction to cramming the 24 hours of opening arguments from each side into just two days.
Sen. Susan Collins of Maine and Sen. Lisa Murkowksi of Alaska, along with a substantial number of other Republicans, wanted to make the changes, according to people familiar with the situation. Some senators argued that the two-day limit would have helped Democrats cast Republicans as squeezing testimony through in the dead of night.
Collins and Murkowski, who often ally to buck GOP leadership, sat side by side in the Senate through the day’s proceedings.
The turnaround was a swift lesson as White House wishes run into the reality of the Senate. The White House wanted a session kept to a shorter period to both expedite the trial and shift more of the proceedings into late night, according to a person familiar with the matter but unauthorized to discuss it in public.
“READ THE TRANSCRIPTS!” the president tweeted from overseas, at a global leaders conference in Davos, Switzerland.
That’s the transcript of his phone call in which he asked new Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy for “a favor.” The Democrats cite that transcript as solid evidence against Trump, though he repeatedly describes it as “perfect.”
A whistleblower’s complaint led the House to impeach Trump last month on a charge of abuse of power for pushing Ukraine to investigate Democratic rival Biden and his son Hunter Biden as the White House was withholding military aid from Ukraine. Trump also was impeached on a second charge, of obstruction of Congress, in the House probe.
Schumer of New York said Republican senators “felt the heat” and it “shows that they can make other changes, and that we can get documents and witnesses.”
Schumer offered the first of several amendments to the rules — to issue a subpoena for to the White House for “all documents, communications and other records” relating to the Ukraine matter.
It was rejected on a party-line vote, as were the others.
Trump’s legal team, absent its TV-showcase attorneys, Alan Dershowitz and Kenneth Starr who were not in the chamber, argued that in seeking new evidence the House was bringing a half-baked case that would be thrown out in any other court of law.
But Rep. Zoe Lofgren of California, one of the House managers and the first woman to argue for the prosecution in a presidential impeachment trial, said the House wasn’t asking the Senate to do the job for them. “The House is asking the Senate to do its job, to have a trial,” she said. “Have you ever heard of a trial without evidence?”
The White House had instructed officials not to testify in the House inquiry, and refused to turn over witnesses or documents, citing what is says is precedence in defiance of congressional subpoenas.
The ambassadors and national security officials who did appear before the House delivered often striking testimony, highlights that were displayed on television screens during the Senate proceeding.
At one point, Democrat Schiff displayed video of Trump himself suggesting there should be more witnesses testifying.
One by one, the House managers made the case, drawing on their own life experiences.
Rep. Val Demings, D-Fla., a former police chief, said she never saw anyone take “such extreme steps to hide evidence.” Rep. Jason Crow, a former Army Ranger who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, seemed to capture senators’ attention when he told them near he knew the hour was late, but it was morning in Ukraine where soldiers were waking up to fight Russia, depending on U.S. aid.
Legal scholars have long insisted the framers of the Constitution provided impeachment as a remedy for “other high crimes and misdemeanors,” a particularly broad definition that doesn’t mean simply specific criminal acts.
Democrats point in particular to a General Accountability Office report that found the White House violated federal law by stalling money to Ukraine that had been approved by Congress.
No president has ever been removed from office by the Senate. With its 53-47 Republican majority, the Senate is not expected to mount the two-thirds vote needed for conviction.
Associated Press writers Mary Clare Jalonick, Eric Tucker, Alan Fram, Laurie Kellman, Andrew Taylor, Matthew Daly and Padmananda Rama in Washington and David Pitt in Des Moines, Iowa, contributed to this report.


pbs--2020-01-21--Bloomberg calls for Trump's removal in new impeachment ad

NEW YORK ( AP ) — Democratic presidential candidate Michael Bloomberg launched a new impeachment-focused television ad Tuesday urging the Senate to remove President Donald Trump from office .
The ad will run in 27 states , including states represented by vulnerable Republican senators , and be Bloomberg ’ s only ad on television in the next few days .
It comes as the Senate begins its impeachment trial against Trump based on charges he abused his power and obstructed Congress .
“ It ’ s time for the Senate to act and remove Trump from office , and if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this November , you and I will , ” Bloomberg says in the ad , which appears to use footage from a recent campaign stop .
Bloomberg has focused his campaign more on Trump than his Democratic primary rivals have .
The billionaire businessman and former New York City mayor has promised to continue spending his own money to defeat Trump even if he loses the Democratic nomination .
Forbes on Tuesday increased Bloomberg ’ s estimated net worth to $ 60 billion , up from $ 50 billion previously and making him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He ’ s already spent more than $ 200 million of his own money on his primary campaign , by hiring staff and running television ads in several dozen states .
Bloomberg ’ s impeachment-focused ad will run in Alabama , Arizona , Colorado , Florida , Maine , Michigan , North Carolina and Texas , as well as 19 other states , including some that have first-term Republican senators who could be defeated in November .
Five of those key states also vote on March 3 , known as Super Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the primary contest .
The ad also highlights Bloomberg ’ s spending to boost Democratic candidates in key U.S. House races in 2018 , when the party took back control of the lower chamber .

NEW YORK (AP) — Democratic presidential candidate Michael Bloomberg launched a new impeachment-focused television ad Tuesday urging the Senate to remove President Donald Trump from office.
The ad will run in 27 states, including states represented by vulnerable Republican senators, and be Bloomberg’s only ad on television in the next few days. It comes as the Senate begins its impeachment trial against Trump based on charges he abused his power and obstructed Congress.
“It’s time for the Senate to act and remove Trump from office, and if they won’t do their jobs this November, you and I will,” Bloomberg says in the ad, which appears to use footage from a recent campaign stop.
Bloomberg has focused his campaign more on Trump than his Democratic primary rivals have. The billionaire businessman and former New York City mayor has promised to continue spending his own money to defeat Trump even if he loses the Democratic nomination.
Forbes on Tuesday increased Bloomberg’s estimated net worth to $60 billion, up from $50 billion previously and making him the nation’s eighth richest person. He’s already spent more than $200 million of his own money on his primary campaign, by hiring staff and running television ads in several dozen states.
Bloomberg’s impeachment-focused ad will run in Alabama, Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Maine, Michigan, North Carolina and Texas, as well as 19 other states, including some that have first-term Republican senators who could be defeated in November. Five of those key states also vote on March 3, known as Super Tuesday, where Bloomberg is focusing his attention in the primary contest.
The ad also highlights Bloomberg’s spending to boost Democratic candidates in key U.S. House races in 2018, when the party took back control of the lower chamber.


pbs--2020-01-21--2020 Democratic candidates vow unity, but conflict escalates

DES MOINES , Iowa ( AP ) — Democratic presidential candidates have spent weeks reassuring voters they can unify the party , avoid the divisions that plagued the 2016 primary and defeat President Donald Trump in the fall .
Instead , the scars of that battle are being ripped open less than two weeks before the Iowa caucuses .
With tensions already escalating between leading Democratic contenders , the party ’ s last presidential nominee , Hillary Clinton , reignited a years-old feud with Bernie Sanders on Tuesday by refusing to say whether she would support her former rival should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before later insisting that she will do “ whatever I can ” to support the eventual nominee .
Clinton also said in an upcoming documentary that “ nobody likes ” Sanders , adding in an interview with the Hollywood Reporter that he has permitted a culture of “ relentless attacks ” on his competitors , “ particularly the women.
” Clinton ’ s criticism is the latest — and perhaps , the loudest — flash point in the Democratic Party ’ s high-stakes nomination fight that has exposed divisions based on gender , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officials fear that such divisions could ultimately make it harder to beat Trump , pointing to lingering bad blood between Clinton and Sanders four years ago that may have helped him eke out a victory .
“ My No .
1 goal is to win , ” Democratic National Committee Chairman Tom Perez told The Associated Press .
“ The only way this is possible is if we ’ re united around our eventual nominee , and I have no doubt that every candidate in this race will do that , no matter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ MORE : Fears of Sanders win are growing among the Democratic establishment “ The stakes get higher on an almost daily basis , ” he added , “ making it all the more imperative we come together.
” Clarifying her earlier comments , Clinton added later Tuesday in a tweet that “ the number one priority for our country and world is retiring Trump , and , as I always have , I will do whatever I can to support our nominee.
” Trump and his Republican allies , sensing an opportunity to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Democratic infighting from afar in recent days .
In particular , the president publicly sided with Sanders in a dispute with Elizabeth Warren and blamed Democrats for treating Sanders unfairly because the Senate impeachment trial prevents him — and three other Democrats seeking the presidency — from campaigning in Iowa .
Trump ’ s concern , of course , isn ’ t about the party ’ s treatment of Sanders .
He hopes that continued discord among Democrats might push some disaffected supporters of the Vermont senator in Trump ’ s direction @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them to stay home on Election Day .
That ’ s in part what happened after the party ’ s long and bitter nomination fight between Sanders and Clinton .
“ At the end of the day , no one wants history to repeat itself , ” said Democratic strategist Sabrina Singh .
Yet healing old resentments — and some new ones — that threaten to divide core factions of the Democratic Party may be easier said than done , especially as the 2020 field jockeys for position in the sprint to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sanders and progressive ally Warren just a week after the Massachusetts senator disclosed the contents of a 2018 private conversation with Sanders in which he allegedly said a woman could not defeat Trump .
Warren refused to shake Sanders ’ hand after last week ’ s presidential debate , and microphones captured a fiery confrontation in which Warren accused Sanders of calling her a liar .
Warren refused to address the explosive feud as she campaigned in recent days .
READ MORE : Warren says women on debate stage have outperformed men At @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into the ideological fight between the progressive and moderate wings of the party , raising questions about former Vice President Joe Biden ’ s commitment to Social Security .
Biden , who has been at the center of heated attacks related to race , gender and ideology for much of the last year , is trying to finish the run-up to Iowa highlighting unity as a core element in his closing message , according to senior adviser Anita Dunn .
Biden has said repeatedly that should he not become his party ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who is and work to help him or her in whatever way he could .
“ He believes the risk is too high for Democrats to form a circular firing squad , ” Dunn said .
Pete Buttigieg , the 38-year-old former mayor of South Bend , Indiana , also embraced an optimistic tone as he courted Iowa voters in recent days , casting himself as best positioned to take down Trump and to unify the nation afterward .
“ In this most divided moment , there is more unity than you would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pella , Iowa .
“ Not that any two people would agree on everything .
But we can agree on where we need to head in this country .
We can agree on the problems that need to be solved .
We can agree to come together to solve them.
” Sanders did not face voters on Tuesday , forced instead to join Warren and the rest of his Senate colleagues on Capitol Hill for the first day of Trump ’ s Senate impeachment trial .
Sanders ’ chief strategist Jeff Weaver said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ core plank in his message heading into Iowa , although with 13 days to go before voting begins , he warned that it was too soon to declare a definitive closing message .
Sanders has not shied away from attacking his Democratic rivals , particularly Biden , on issues like trade , health care and foreign policy .
“ In terms of the caucus , we ’ re still a long ways away , ” Weaver said .
“ Things can change even in the final days.
” Indeed , Sanders is trudging @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Democratic critics .
He has long insisted that he does not engage in personal attacks , but Sanders was forced to apologize Monday for an opinion article penned by a key supporter and promoted by his campaign that described Biden as corrupt .
“ It is absolutely not my view that Joe is corrupt in any way .
And I ’ m sorry that that op-ed appeared , ” Sanders told CBS .
Democratic strategist Jesse Ferguson , a former Clinton campaign aide , described “ vigorous debate over the issues ” as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ primary process that can be used to energize the Democratic Party ’ s diverse coalition .
“ What can do damage , ” Ferguson said , “ is when you ’ re making real character attacks rather than policy attacks — things that will linger into the general election and play into Trump ’ s message.
” Ferguson ’ s fears were playing out at a Biden campaign event Tuesday in Ames , Iowa , where 70-year-old Democrat Linda Lettow said she was worried about her party ’ s unity heading into November @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s criticism of Sanders , calling the Vermont senator the biggest threat to party cohesion and blaming him for not working hard enough to help Clinton in 2016 .
“ Why would she like him ?
” Lettow said of the independent senator .
“ He ’ s not even an actual Democrat.
” Associated Press writers Thomas Beaumont in Mount Pleasant , Iowa , and Bill Barrow in Ames , Iowa , contributed to this report .

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Democratic presidential candidates have spent weeks reassuring voters they can unify the party, avoid the divisions that plagued the 2016 primary and defeat President Donald Trump in the fall. Instead, the scars of that battle are being ripped open less than two weeks before the Iowa caucuses.
With tensions already escalating between leading Democratic contenders, the party’s last presidential nominee, Hillary Clinton, reignited a years-old feud with Bernie Sanders on Tuesday by refusing to say whether she would support her former rival should he win the nomination this year — before later insisting that she will do “whatever I can” to support the eventual nominee. Clinton also said in an upcoming documentary that “nobody likes” Sanders, adding in an interview with the Hollywood Reporter that he has permitted a culture of “relentless attacks” on his competitors, “particularly the women.”
Clinton’s criticism is the latest — and perhaps, the loudest — flash point in the Democratic Party’s high-stakes nomination fight that has exposed divisions based on gender, race, age and ideology. Democratic officials fear that such divisions could ultimately make it harder to beat Trump, pointing to lingering bad blood between Clinton and Sanders four years ago that may have helped him eke out a victory.
“My No. 1 goal is to win,” Democratic National Committee Chairman Tom Perez told The Associated Press. “The only way this is possible is if we’re united around our eventual nominee, and I have no doubt that every candidate in this race will do that, no matter who she or he is.”
READ MORE: Fears of Sanders win are growing among the Democratic establishment
“The stakes get higher on an almost daily basis,” he added, “making it all the more imperative we come together.”
Clarifying her earlier comments, Clinton added later Tuesday in a tweet that “the number one priority for our country and world is retiring Trump, and, as I always have, I will do whatever I can to support our nominee.”
Trump and his Republican allies, sensing an opportunity to weaken his opponent, have poked at the Democratic infighting from afar in recent days. In particular, the president publicly sided with Sanders in a dispute with Elizabeth Warren and blamed Democrats for treating Sanders unfairly because the Senate impeachment trial prevents him — and three other Democrats seeking the presidency — from campaigning in Iowa.
Trump’s concern, of course, isn’t about the party’s treatment of Sanders. He hopes that continued discord among Democrats might push some disaffected supporters of the Vermont senator in Trump’s direction come November, or at least persuade them to stay home on Election Day.
That’s in part what happened after the party’s long and bitter nomination fight between Sanders and Clinton.
“At the end of the day, no one wants history to repeat itself,” said Democratic strategist Sabrina Singh.
Yet healing old resentments — and some new ones — that threaten to divide core factions of the Democratic Party may be easier said than done, especially as the 2020 field jockeys for position in the sprint to the Iowa caucuses.
Tensions remain high between Sanders and progressive ally Warren just a week after the Massachusetts senator disclosed the contents of a 2018 private conversation with Sanders in which he allegedly said a woman could not defeat Trump. Warren refused to shake Sanders’ hand after last week’s presidential debate, and microphones captured a fiery confrontation in which Warren accused Sanders of calling her a liar.
Warren refused to address the explosive feud as she campaigned in recent days.
READ MORE: Warren says women on debate stage have outperformed men
At the same time, she stepped deeper into the ideological fight between the progressive and moderate wings of the party, raising questions about former Vice President Joe Biden’s commitment to Social Security.
Biden, who has been at the center of heated attacks related to race, gender and ideology for much of the last year, is trying to finish the run-up to Iowa highlighting unity as a core element in his closing message, according to senior adviser Anita Dunn. Biden has said repeatedly that should he not become his party’s nominee, he would endorse the person who is and work to help him or her in whatever way he could.
“He believes the risk is too high for Democrats to form a circular firing squad,” Dunn said.
Pete Buttigieg, the 38-year-old former mayor of South Bend, Indiana, also embraced an optimistic tone as he courted Iowa voters in recent days, casting himself as best positioned to take down Trump and to unify the nation afterward.
“In this most divided moment, there is more unity than you would think,” Buttigieg declared Sunday in Pella, Iowa. “Not that any two people would agree on everything. But we can agree on where we need to head in this country. We can agree on the problems that need to be solved. We can agree to come together to solve them.”
Sanders did not face voters on Tuesday, forced instead to join Warren and the rest of his Senate colleagues on Capitol Hill for the first day of Trump’s Senate impeachment trial.
Sanders’ chief strategist Jeff Weaver said that unity would also serve as a core plank in his message heading into Iowa, although with 13 days to go before voting begins, he warned that it was too soon to declare a definitive closing message. Sanders has not shied away from attacking his Democratic rivals, particularly Biden, on issues like trade, health care and foreign policy.
“In terms of the caucus, we’re still a long ways away,” Weaver said. “Things can change even in the final days.”
Indeed, Sanders is trudging toward caucus day through conflicts with several Democratic critics. He has long insisted that he does not engage in personal attacks, but Sanders was forced to apologize Monday for an opinion article penned by a key supporter and promoted by his campaign that described Biden as corrupt.
“It is absolutely not my view that Joe is corrupt in any way. And I’m sorry that that op-ed appeared,” Sanders told CBS.
Democratic strategist Jesse Ferguson, a former Clinton campaign aide, described “vigorous debate over the issues” as a healthy and helpful part of the primary process that can be used to energize the Democratic Party’s diverse coalition.
“What can do damage,” Ferguson said, “is when you’re making real character attacks rather than policy attacks — things that will linger into the general election and play into Trump’s message.”
Ferguson’s fears were playing out at a Biden campaign event Tuesday in Ames, Iowa, where 70-year-old Democrat Linda Lettow said she was worried about her party’s unity heading into November. Yet she agreed with Clinton’s criticism of Sanders, calling the Vermont senator the biggest threat to party cohesion and blaming him for not working hard enough to help Clinton in 2016.
“Why would she like him?” Lettow said of the independent senator. “He’s not even an actual Democrat.”
Associated Press writers Thomas Beaumont in Mount Pleasant, Iowa, and Bill Barrow in Ames, Iowa, contributed to this report.


pbs--2020-01-21--Brazilian prosecutors accuse U.S. journalist Glenn Greenwald in phone hacking case

SAO PAULO ( AP ) — Prosecutors accused U.S. journalist Glenn Greenwald on Tuesday of involvement in hacking the phones of Brazilian officials involved in a corruption investigation , though Brazil ’ s high court had blocked investigations of the journalist or his Brazil-based news outlet in relation to the case .
A federal judge would have to give approval to lodging a formal charge based on the allegations by prosecutor Wellington Divino Marques de Oliveira in the capital of Brasilia that Greenwald helped a group of six people that hacked into phones of hundreds local authorities .
De Oliveira @ @ @ @ @ @ @ interception of communications .
He charges the six alleged hackers with criminal organization , money laundering , cybercrimes and illegal interception of communications .
Brazil ’ s federal police looked at the same evidence and did not find any wrongdoing by Greenwald .
A ruling by Supreme Court Justice Gilmar Mendes later barred investigations of Greenwald and his The Intercept Brasil in relation to the alleged hacking .
Prosecutors decided to recommend charges against the journalist anyway .
Greenwald ’ s The Intercept Brasil published excerpts from conversations involving current Justice Minister Sérgio @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was improperly coordinating with prosecutors at the time he was a judge overseeing a vast corruption investigation .
That probe led to the imprisonment of numerous business executives and politicians on corruption charges , including former President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva .
He was released from jail in November because he has appeals pending .
While many Brazilians hail Moro as a hero , others believe he unfairly targeted da Silva and other top leftist figures .
Moro is now a key member of far-right President Jair Bolsonaro ’ s Cabinet .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ allegations “ bizarre ” and said the accusations challenge the top court ruling protecting the journalist and freedom of the press in Brazil .
“ Their objective is to disparage journalistic work , ” the lawyers said in a statement .
Greenwald posted a video saying the accusation is “ an attack to freedom of the press , to Brazil ’ s Supreme Court ( rulings ) , to the conclusions of the federal police and to Brazilian democracy.
” “ We will defend a free press .
We will not be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ apparatus or by the Bolsonaro administration , ” he said .
Prosecutors said in a statement that an unreleased audio links Greenwald to the group of hackers as they broke the law , terming it “ auxiliary participation in the crime ” and saying he was “ seeking to subvert the idea of protection of a journalistic source into immunity to guide criminals.
” Brazil ’ s top court last year said that “ the constitutional secrecy ” around journalistic sources prevented the Brazilian state from using “ coercive measures ” against Greenwald @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would have to authorize any attempt by prosecutors to formally investigate the journalist or bring charges .
Judge Ricardo Leite will analyse the unusual accusation against Greenwald and the group of six alleged hackers .
There is no deadline for a decision .
The Brazilian Association of Investigative Journalists said in a statement that “ the charges against Greenwald are based on a distorted interpretation of conversations of the journalist with his source , and has as its sole purpose embarrassing the professional , which is very serious.
” Greenwald , an attorney-turned-journalist @ @ @ @ @ @ @ come under criticism by Bolsonaro .
Moro has not acknowledge the veracity of the reports by The Intercept Brasil , saying they come from “ criminal invasion ” of the phones of several prosecutors .
Many others involved in the leaked messages or mentioned in them have confirmed their content .
Lawmaker Eduardo Bolsonaro , a son of the president , celebrated the accusation on social media .
“ Glenn Greenwald always said he loved Brazil and wanted to know the country ’ s depths .
Maybe he will even know jail , @ @ @ @ @

SAO PAULO (AP) — Prosecutors accused U.S. journalist Glenn Greenwald on Tuesday of involvement in hacking the phones of Brazilian officials involved in a corruption investigation, though Brazil’s high court had blocked investigations of the journalist or his Brazil-based news outlet in relation to the case.
A federal judge would have to give approval to lodging a formal charge based on the allegations by prosecutor Wellington Divino Marques de Oliveira in the capital of Brasilia that Greenwald helped a group of six people that hacked into phones of hundreds local authorities.
De Oliveira accuses Greenwald of criminal association and illegal interception of communications. He charges the six alleged hackers with criminal organization, money laundering, cybercrimes and illegal interception of communications.
Brazil’s federal police looked at the same evidence and did not find any wrongdoing by Greenwald. A ruling by Supreme Court Justice Gilmar Mendes later barred investigations of Greenwald and his The Intercept Brasil in relation to the alleged hacking.
Prosecutors decided to recommend charges against the journalist anyway.
Greenwald’s The Intercept Brasil published excerpts from conversations involving current Justice Minister Sérgio Moro, saying they showed the then-judge was improperly coordinating with prosecutors at the time he was a judge overseeing a vast corruption investigation.
That probe led to the imprisonment of numerous business executives and politicians on corruption charges, including former President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. He was released from jail in November because he has appeals pending.
While many Brazilians hail Moro as a hero, others believe he unfairly targeted da Silva and other top leftist figures. Moro is now a key member of far-right President Jair Bolsonaro’s Cabinet.
Greenwald’s lawyers called the prosecutors’ allegations “bizarre” and said the accusations challenge the top court ruling protecting the journalist and freedom of the press in Brazil.
“Their objective is to disparage journalistic work,” the lawyers said in a statement.
Greenwald posted a video saying the accusation is “an attack to freedom of the press, to Brazil’s Supreme Court (rulings), to the conclusions of the federal police and to Brazilian democracy.”
“We will defend a free press. We will not be intimidated by the abuse of the state apparatus or by the Bolsonaro administration,” he said.
Prosecutors said in a statement that an unreleased audio links Greenwald to the group of hackers as they broke the law, terming it “auxiliary participation in the crime” and saying he was “seeking to subvert the idea of protection of a journalistic source into immunity to guide criminals.”
Brazil’s top court last year said that “the constitutional secrecy” around journalistic sources prevented the Brazilian state from using “coercive measures” against Greenwald. Because of that, a judge would have to authorize any attempt by prosecutors to formally investigate the journalist or bring charges.
Judge Ricardo Leite will analyse the unusual accusation against Greenwald and the group of six alleged hackers. There is no deadline for a decision.
The Brazilian Association of Investigative Journalists said in a statement that “the charges against Greenwald are based on a distorted interpretation of conversations of the journalist with his source, and has as its sole purpose embarrassing the professional, which is very serious.”
Greenwald, an attorney-turned-journalist who lives in Brazil, has frequently come under criticism by Bolsonaro.
Moro has not acknowledge the veracity of the reports by The Intercept Brasil, saying they come from “criminal invasion” of the phones of several prosecutors. Many others involved in the leaked messages or mentioned in them have confirmed their content.
Lawmaker Eduardo Bolsonaro, a son of the president, celebrated the accusation on social media. “Glenn Greenwald always said he loved Brazil and wanted to know the country’s depths. Maybe he will even know jail,” the legislator said.


pbs--2020-01-21--Senate amends impeachment trial rules, but defers on witnesses

Well , it 's very significant in terms of the calendar .
But , first of all , let 's just go over really quickly what the change does exactly .
It moves from up to — it allows each side up to three days of presentation .
It was just two days .
And that meant those were going to be two very long days , possibly going into 1:00 a.m. or 2:00 a.m. in the morning .
Now that will shorter days ending in the evening .
Also , that change meant that any previous House-gathered evidence will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trial .
That was something that McConnell was going to require a vote for .
Now that evidence , which includes , as you know , almost 4,000 pages of witness testimony , will be entered into the record as part of this trial .
So , what does it mean for all of us watching this trial ?
Well , it means the trial could be a little bit longer .
Let 's look at the schedule going ahead .
If they wrap up the rules debate today , as we expect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ next three days will be when the House managers and Democrats present their case for removal of the president .
Then , Saturday is when we expect the White — or the president 's team would begin their defense of the president .
They could have up to three days .
We 're not clear if the White House team , the president 's team , will choose to have three days .
If they do , that will go into the middle of next week .
After that , as Nick reported @ @ @ @ @ @ @ That could take a couple of days .
Judy , the bottom line of all this is , now we have a better idea that this trial could , in fact , wrap up next week toward the end of next week .
But that 's only if they decide not to call witnesses .
And that is very much an open question right now .

Lisa Desjardins:
Well, it's very significant in terms of the calendar.
But, first of all, let's just go over really quickly what the change does exactly. It moves from up to — it allows each side up to three days of presentation. It was just two days. And that meant those were going to be two very long days, possibly going into 1:00 a.m. or 2:00 a.m. in the morning.
Now that will shorter days ending in the evening. Also, that change meant that any previous House-gathered evidence will now be admitted as evidence for this trial. That was something that McConnell was going to require a vote for.
Now that evidence, which includes, as you know, almost 4,000 pages of witness testimony, will be entered into the record as part of this trial.
So, what does it mean for all of us watching this trial? Well, it means the trial could be a little bit longer.
Let's look at the schedule going ahead. If they wrap up the rules debate today, as we expect, we believe this now means the next three days will be when the House managers and Democrats present their case for removal of the president.
Then, Saturday is when we expect the White — or the president's team would begin their defense of the president. They could have up to three days. We're not clear if the White House team, the president's team, will choose to have three days.
If they do, that will go into the middle of next week. After that, as Nick reported, senators can ask written questions. That could take a couple of days.
Judy, the bottom line of all this is, now we have a better idea that this trial could, in fact, wrap up next week toward the end of next week. But that's only if they decide not to call witnesses. And that is very much an open question right now.


pbs--2020-01-21--What we learned from the 1st day of Trump's Senate impeachment trial

And we turn now to several individuals who have extensive experience working in the Senate and in the House .
Martin Paone , the Democratic Senate secretary from 1995 to 2008 , he is a 30-year Senate veteran who sat beside Senator Tom Daschle , who was then the Senate minority leader during President Clinton 's impeachment trial .
He 's now a — currently a senior adviser at Prime Policy Group here in Washington .
Elizabeth Chryst , she was the Republican Senate secretary from 1995 to 2001 .
She 's a 26-year Senate veteran .
She sat beside @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time during President Clinton 's trial .
She 's currently a principal at Congressional Global Strategies .
Margaret Taylor worked on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee from 2013 to 2018 as deputy chief counsel , then as Democratic chief counsel and deputy staff director .
Margaret Taylor was also an attorney at the Department of State for 10 years .
She 's currently a governance studies fellow at the Brookings Institution and a senior editor at Lawfare .
And John Hart , he worked for Congressman Tom Coburn , Republican of Oklahoma , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's currently a GOP consultant for Mars Hill Strategies .
He works on congressional campaigns , and he works for corporate and nonprofit clients .
And hello to both — to all of you .
You have been here with me during our live coverage today .
We appreciate your sticking around .
I know you 're going to be here on into the evening .
But what I want to get a sense from you — and I will start with you , Marty Paone — right now is , what do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ saw the majority leader , Mitch McConnell , pull back a little on the rules that he had wanted to employ .
What did we learn from that ?
And does that — is it going to materially change what unfolds ?

Judy Woodruff:
And we turn now to several individuals who have extensive experience working in the Senate and in the House.
Martin Paone, the Democratic Senate secretary from 1995 to 2008, he is a 30-year Senate veteran who sat beside Senator Tom Daschle, who was then the Senate minority leader during President Clinton's impeachment trial. He's now a — currently a senior adviser at Prime Policy Group here in Washington.
Elizabeth Chryst, she was the Republican Senate secretary from 1995 to 2001. She's a 26-year Senate veteran. She sat beside Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott at the time during President Clinton's trial. She's currently a principal at Congressional Global Strategies.
Margaret Taylor worked on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee from 2013 to 2018 as deputy chief counsel, then as Democratic chief counsel and deputy staff director. Margaret Taylor was also an attorney at the Department of State for 10 years. She's currently a governance studies fellow at the Brookings Institution and a senior editor at Lawfare.
And John Hart, he worked for Congressman Tom Coburn, Republican of Oklahoma, during the Clinton impeachment trial. He's currently a GOP consultant for Mars Hill Strategies. He works on congressional campaigns, and he works for corporate and nonprofit clients.
And hello to both — to all of you. You have been here with me during our live coverage today. We appreciate your sticking around. I know you're going to be here on into the evening.
But what I want to get a sense from you — and I will start with you, Marty Paone — right now is, what do you think was accomplished today?
We saw the majority leader, Mitch McConnell, pull back a little on the rules that he had wanted to employ. What did we learn from that? And does that — is it going to materially change what unfolds?


pbs--2020-01-22--5 video moments to watch from the House managers' first day of oral arguments

The mood in the Senate chamber on Wednesday was reminiscent of a high school classroom .
Senators — barred from using mobile phones and other electronic devices — dozed off in their seats and passed notes to their friends .
Still , the real gravity of the day could not be ignored : The Senate impeachment trial for President Donald Trump had begun in earnest .
The seven-member team of House managers tasked with arguing for Trump ’ s removal from office gave their first day of opening arguments .
During the House Democrats ’ eight-hour presentation , each manager @ @ @ @ @ @ @ efforts to pressure Ukrainian officials to announce investigations into his political rival , former Vice President and 2020 presidential candidate Joe Biden , and his son , Hunter .
Trump “ abused his office and the public trust , ” argued Rep. Adam Schiff , D-Calif. , the lead House manager and chair of the House Intelligence Committee .
It is lawmakers ’ responsibility to consider the facts impartially and to act accordingly , he added .
Here are five key moments for the first day of opening arguments in the Senate trial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ powerful as the evil it was meant to combat ’ Schiff turned to the framers of the Constitution in presenting the Democrats ’ case against Trump .
At one point , Schiff read from a 1792 letter by Alexander Hamilton warning against an autocratic leader .
“ The framers of the Constitution worried then , as we worry today , that a leader might come to power not to carry out the will of the people he was elected to represent , but to pursue his own interests , ” Schiff said on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that a president would subvert our democracy by abusing the awesome power of his office for his own personal or political gain.
” Impeachment was created by the founders , Schiff continued , to remedy the threat of such a leader .
During his remarks , Schiff put in context the security aid that the Trump administration withheld from Ukraine in the summer of 2019 .
The president used the hold on aid as leverage , Schiff argued .
“ These funds , they don ’ t just benefit Ukraine .
They benefit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ensuring that Ukraine is equipped to defend its own borders against Russian aggression , ” Schiff said .
“ The United States provides Ukraine with radar , and weapons , and sniper rifles , communication that save lives.
” Jeffries says Trump ’ s call with Zelensky is evidence of ‘ corrupt scheme ’ Trump has described his July 25 phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as “ perfect.
” But House manager and New York Rep. Hakeem Jeffries said on Wednesday that “ nothing can be further from the truth.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ President Trump ’ s solicitation of foreign interference in the 2020 election as part of a corrupt scheme , ” he added .
Zelensky was in a vulnerable position and needed support from the U.S. , Jeffries said .
“ On the July 25 call , Mr. Trump could have endeavored to strengthen the relationship with this new Ukrainian leader .
Instead , President Trump focused on securing a personal favor.
” John Bolton wanted to send a message about Trump ’ s actions , Demings said House manager and Florida Rep. Val @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during the House impeachment hearings .
One of those witnesses was Fiona Hill , a former White House Russia adviser , who testified publicly that then-national security adviser John Bolton characterized the Trump ’ s efforts in Ukraine as a “ drug deal.
” “ Senators , as a former chief of police , I think it ’ s quite interesting that ambassador Bolton characterized the pressure campaign as a ‘ drug deal ’ , ” Demings said .
“ I think that ambassador Bolton was trying to send us a very powerful @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” ‘ A cover-up is not a reason to classify a document , ’ Lofgren says Democrats have criticized the White House for withholding potentially relevant documents they requested as part of the House impeachment inquiry .
House manager and California Rep. Zoe Lofgren urged the Trump administration to declassify these documents .
“ It ’ s improper to keep something classified just to avoid embarrassment or to conceal wrongdoing , ” said Lofgren .
Lofgren specifically cited a classified addendum to testimony given by Vice President Mike Pence ’ s special adviser @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a right to see the information , Lofgren argued .
• Read the full articles of impeachment against Trump • Should Trump be removed ?
Poll shows Americans are divided equally • WATCH : House votes to impeach Trump after hours of debate • ‘ Here ’ s the Deal ’ with impeachment .
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The mood in the Senate chamber on Wednesday was reminiscent of a high school classroom. Senators — barred from using mobile phones and other electronic devices — dozed off in their seats and passed notes to their friends.
Still, the real gravity of the day could not be ignored: The Senate impeachment trial for President Donald Trump had begun in earnest. The seven-member team of House managers tasked with arguing for Trump’s removal from office gave their first day of opening arguments.
During the House Democrats’ eight-hour presentation, each manager took a turn outlining Trump’s efforts to pressure Ukrainian officials to announce investigations into his political rival, former Vice President and 2020 presidential candidate Joe Biden, and his son, Hunter. Trump “abused his office and the public trust,” argued Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., the lead House manager and chair of the House Intelligence Committee. It is lawmakers’ responsibility to consider the facts impartially and to act accordingly, he added.
Here are five key moments for the first day of opening arguments in the Senate trial:
Schiff says impeachment is ‘as powerful as the evil it was meant to combat’
Schiff turned to the framers of the Constitution in presenting the Democrats’ case against Trump. At one point, Schiff read from a 1792 letter by Alexander Hamilton warning against an autocratic leader.
“The framers of the Constitution worried then, as we worry today, that a leader might come to power not to carry out the will of the people he was elected to represent, but to pursue his own interests,” Schiff said on the Senate floor. “They feared that a president would subvert our democracy by abusing the awesome power of his office for his own personal or political gain.”
Impeachment was created by the founders, Schiff continued, to remedy the threat of such a leader.
Ukraine aid withheld by Trump isn’t ‘charity,’ Schiff says
During his remarks, Schiff put in context the security aid that the Trump administration withheld from Ukraine in the summer of 2019. The president used the hold on aid as leverage, Schiff argued.
“These funds, they don’t just benefit Ukraine. They benefit the security of the United States by ensuring that Ukraine is equipped to defend its own borders against Russian aggression,” Schiff said. “The United States provides Ukraine with radar, and weapons, and sniper rifles, communication that save lives.”
Jeffries says Trump’s call with Zelensky is evidence of ‘corrupt scheme’
Trump has described his July 25 phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as “perfect.” But House manager and New York Rep. Hakeem Jeffries said on Wednesday that “nothing can be further from the truth.”
The call is “direct evidence of President Trump’s solicitation of foreign interference in the 2020 election as part of a corrupt scheme,” he added.
Zelensky was in a vulnerable position and needed support from the U.S., Jeffries said. “On the July 25 call, Mr. Trump could have endeavored to strengthen the relationship with this new Ukrainian leader. Instead, President Trump focused on securing a personal favor.”
John Bolton wanted to send a message about Trump’s actions, Demings said
House manager and Florida Rep. Val Demings reviewed testimony from key witnesses given during the House impeachment hearings. One of those witnesses was Fiona Hill, a former White House Russia adviser, who testified publicly that then-national security adviser John Bolton characterized the Trump’s efforts in Ukraine as a “drug deal.”
“Senators, as a former chief of police, I think it’s quite interesting that ambassador Bolton characterized the pressure campaign as a ‘drug deal’,” Demings said. “I think that ambassador Bolton was trying to send us a very powerful message … that every person would understand.”
‘A cover-up is not a reason to classify a document,’ Lofgren says
Democrats have criticized the White House for withholding potentially relevant documents they requested as part of the House impeachment inquiry. House manager and California Rep. Zoe Lofgren urged the Trump administration to declassify these documents. “It’s improper to keep something classified just to avoid embarrassment or to conceal wrongdoing,” said Lofgren.
Lofgren specifically cited a classified addendum to testimony given by Vice President Mike Pence’s special adviser Jennifer Williams. The American people have a right to see the information, Lofgren argued.
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