

The Moderates’ Impeachment Moment
Jan 22, 2020
Julie Hirschfeld Davis, Congressional editor for The New York Times, delves into the impeachment trial’s procedural intricacies. She explores why Senate rules differed from Mitch McConnell’s original plan and highlights the stark partisan divide during proceedings. Davis discusses senators' aspirations for fairness amidst intense political tensions and the challenges moderate Republicans face in balancing loyalty with credibility. The conversation also touches on public perceptions of the trial's legitimacy and unforeseen health concerns arising during this pivotal moment.
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Differing Impeachment Trial Perspectives
- Senator McConnell wants a swift trial modeled on Clinton's, aiming for fairness and efficiency.
- Senator Schumer criticizes this as a cover-up designed to protect President Trump.
Delayed Rules and White House Brief Alignment
- McConnell delayed releasing the trial rules, causing uncertainty among senators.
- The White House's legal brief, calling for swift rejection, mirrored McConnell's proposed rules.
McConnell's Proposed Rules
- McConnell's proposed rules deviated from Clinton's, compressing arguments into two days instead of three.
- This faster timeline and limited debate time seemed to favor Trump.