Economist Podcasts Imperfect call: Trump’s exoneration
Feb 6, 2020
John Fassman, The Economist's Washington correspondent, shares insights on the implications of Trump’s acquittal in his impeachment trial, highlighting the partisan divide and future political dynamics. Alok Jha, The Economist's science correspondent, discusses a groundbreaking map revealing 25,000 neurons in a fruit fly's brain, which opens new avenues in neuroscience and understanding complex brain functions. They also touch on the urgent locust crisis in East Africa, emphasizing the need for international aid to combat food insecurity.
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Acquittal's Impact
- President Trump’s acquittal, though predicted, raises concerns about executive power and congressional oversight.
- His impeachment remains part of his legacy, despite his claims of exoneration.
Trump's Reaction
- Trump posted a meme about extended presidential terms, indicating his feeling of exoneration.
- Senator Susan Collins's expectation of a chastened Trump was met with his insistence on the "perfect" call.
Fair Trial Concerns
- The Senate’s acquittal without witnesses lacked fairness, resembling juror-defendant coordination.
- Republicans argued Democrats had no firsthand witnesses while simultaneously blocking them.