Today, Explained Acquitted
Feb 5, 2020
Journalist Andrew Prokop, who covered the Trump impeachment trial for Vox, dives into the gripping aftermath of President Trump's acquittal. He discusses the tough choices faced by Republican senators, balancing party loyalty against their constituents' views. Prokop highlights the potential consequences for the GOP and speculates on the future of impeachment in an increasingly polarized landscape. He advocates for innovative approaches, such as censure, and emphasizes the need for constitutional updates to align with contemporary democratic principles.
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Partisan Politics
- Republican senators' acquittal votes were influenced by their constituents' opinions.
- Around 90% of Republican voters opposed Trump's removal, putting pressure on senators.
Witness Testimony
- Republicans ultimately avoided calling witnesses, fearing a prolonged, messy trial.
- Senator Lamar Alexander believed no witness testimony would change his mind on Trump's removal.
Closing Arguments
- Adam Schiff's closing argument pleaded for even a single Republican senator to vote to convict Trump.
- This highlights the lowered expectations of the impeachment managers.