Today, Explained The Senate trial begins
Jan 21, 2020
Andrew Prokop, Vox's political correspondent, dives deep into President Trump's Senate impeachment trial. He unpacks the political strategies behind the trial's delays and key decisions made by Senate leaders. Prokop highlights the contentious nature of witness testimonies, including the implications of Lev Parnas's connections and statements. The discussion contrasts the trial with past impeachments and reveals how public reactions and Republican support were shaped by these unfolding events.
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Pelosi's Gambit
- After the House impeached Trump, Speaker Pelosi delayed sending the articles to the Senate.
- She aimed to gain leverage in negotiating trial rules, particularly regarding witnesses, but McConnell refused to negotiate.
Witness Issue Unresolved
- Pelosi's gamble failed to secure preemptive witness concessions from McConnell.
- The witness issue remains unresolved, with McConnell aiming to postpone the decision until after opening arguments and questioning.
Trump's Legal Team
- Trump's defense team includes familiar names like Ken Starr, Robert Ray, and Alan Dershowitz.
- Starr's involvement is ironic, given his role in Clinton's impeachment, drawing criticism from Monica Lewinsky.