No Begging Or Pleading -- It's Senate Republicans Who Are On Trial
By Josh Marshall
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January 21, 2020 4:59 a.m.
Youve probably now read about Mitch McConnells cover-up plan for a Senate impeachment trial. Its outrageous and Democrats should fight it tooth and nail. But this is an important moment to remember just who is on trial. President Trump is obviously guilty. The Presidents trial briefs concede as much stating baldly the none of the alleged offenses are impeachable even if proven. Its always been Senate Republicans who are on trial.
We know what Trump did. What remains to be seen is whether Senate Republicans will back his behavior. Monday evening we got a big part of the answer.
When we say that its Senate Republicans who are on trial, thats not just rhetoric or wordplay. Its the reality and understanding it is a guide to political action.
Ive already seen a number of statements from Senate Democrats hoping that Republican moderates will force McConnell to backtrack. This is all wrong, not least because it prospectively credits the good faith of these supposed moderates who are in fact operating as McConnells foot soldiers in shutting the trial down. In other words, this is vouching for the good faith and good intentions of senators who deserve to be driven from office in November. Start making the case against them right now. If any of them think they are unfairly accused the solution is ready at hand.
https://talkingpointsmemo.com/edblog/no-begging-or-pleading-its-senate-republicans-who-are-on-trial