Lead House manager Adam Schiff speaks to the press at the US Capitol on January 22, 2020. (Mandel Ngan / AFP via Getty Images)
Contrary to what some pundits say, Donald John Trump's acquittal did not unhinge him. He has been emboldened, at least, since William Barr became his Attorney General and "fixer." The decision by Nancy Pelosi and her caucus to impeach Trump was required by Trump's blatant corruption, even though there was never much chance of the Senate convicting him.
Nonetheless, the House Managers who prosecuted the case in the Senate were exceptionally effective, especially lead Manager, Adam Schiff. Although the Republicans prevented the presentation of witnesses or evidence, the Managers made a compelling case against Trump. Besides the satisfaction of fulfilling their duty, the Democrats did achieve some worthwhile objectives.
First, the truth about Trump's' behavior became clear to everyone, including some Senate Republicans despite the refusal of most Republicans to face the evidence against Trump. Except for two Republican Senators, Susan Collins and Mitt Romney, the Republicans voted against hearing from any witnesses. According to press reports, one potential witness, former National Security Adviser, John Bolton, would have testified that Trump told him to hold military aid to the Ukraine until the Ukraine had agreed to announce an investigation of Trump’s key political opponent, former Vice President, Joe Biden.
After voting to acquit Trump, two Republican Senators, Susan Collins and Lamar Alexander admitted that the House Managers had proven that their case against Trump. They then claimed that extorting the Ukrainian government to investigate one of his political opponents did not rise to the level of an impeachable offense. Alexander went on to argue that he had voted against hearing witnesses because it clear that Trump had extorted the Ukrainians. But he did not explain why he did not want to hear evidence from witnesses that may have shown Trump’s conduct to be impeachable.
Second, everyone, including Democrats, realized how in thrall Republican politicians are to Trump. Many observers attribute their sycophancy to fear of losing their political offices. But some of these Republicans, like Senator Alexander, are retiring. While even retirees might lose some rewards if they antagonize Trump, another explanation must be considered. Some of these Republicans, like Attorney General Barr, have flirted with authoritarianism for years. They renamed their version of authoritarianism the unitary executive. Regardless of the name, its purpose was to reduce or eliminate the power held by other branches of the government because it was easier for them to capture the Presidency than the entirety of federal government.
Third, the only issue now is whether the Democrats can effectively use the corruption uncovered in the impeachment, as well as the Mueller Report, to convince the public that Trump is unfit to be President. Trump has been investigated and impeached. The evidence uncovered is proof that Trump is unfit to be President or even unconfined. With Fox News and Facebook providing lies and propaganda, it is not clear how many voters will be exposed to the truth. If the Democrats are unable to get the word out, then the investigations and impeachment may have been for nothing.
Nonetheless, the House Managers who prosecuted the case in the Senate were exceptionally effective, especially lead Manager, Adam Schiff. Although the Republicans prevented the presentation of witnesses or evidence, the Managers made a compelling case against Trump. Besides the satisfaction of fulfilling their duty, the Democrats did achieve some worthwhile objectives.
First, the truth about Trump's' behavior became clear to everyone, including some Senate Republicans despite the refusal of most Republicans to face the evidence against Trump. Except for two Republican Senators, Susan Collins and Mitt Romney, the Republicans voted against hearing from any witnesses. According to press reports, one potential witness, former National Security Adviser, John Bolton, would have testified that Trump told him to hold military aid to the Ukraine until the Ukraine had agreed to announce an investigation of Trump’s key political opponent, former Vice President, Joe Biden.
After voting to acquit Trump, two Republican Senators, Susan Collins and Lamar Alexander admitted that the House Managers had proven that their case against Trump. They then claimed that extorting the Ukrainian government to investigate one of his political opponents did not rise to the level of an impeachable offense. Alexander went on to argue that he had voted against hearing witnesses because it clear that Trump had extorted the Ukrainians. But he did not explain why he did not want to hear evidence from witnesses that may have shown Trump’s conduct to be impeachable.
Second, everyone, including Democrats, realized how in thrall Republican politicians are to Trump. Many observers attribute their sycophancy to fear of losing their political offices. But some of these Republicans, like Senator Alexander, are retiring. While even retirees might lose some rewards if they antagonize Trump, another explanation must be considered. Some of these Republicans, like Attorney General Barr, have flirted with authoritarianism for years. They renamed their version of authoritarianism the unitary executive. Regardless of the name, its purpose was to reduce or eliminate the power held by other branches of the government because it was easier for them to capture the Presidency than the entirety of federal government.
Third, the only issue now is whether the Democrats can effectively use the corruption uncovered in the impeachment, as well as the Mueller Report, to convince the public that Trump is unfit to be President. Trump has been investigated and impeached. The evidence uncovered is proof that Trump is unfit to be President or even unconfined. With Fox News and Facebook providing lies and propaganda, it is not clear how many voters will be exposed to the truth. If the Democrats are unable to get the word out, then the investigations and impeachment may have been for nothing.