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Trump impeachment: opening arguments begin in favor of president’s removal from office – live Trump impeachment: opening arguments begin in favor of president’s removal from office – live
(32 minutes later)
Adam Schiff says his team will present ‘a factual chronology’ of the events surrounding Trump’s impeachmentAdam Schiff says his team will present ‘a factual chronology’ of the events surrounding Trump’s impeachment
Shortly before taking the Senate floor, lead impeachment manager Adam Schiff dismissed a report that some Democratic senators have weighed leveraging the testimony of Hunter Biden, the former vice president’s son, in order to hear from John Bolton, Trump’s former national security adviser.
“This isn’t like some fantasy football trade,” Schiff said just before the impeachment trial resumed. “Trials aren’t trades for witnesses.”
Campaigning in Iowa, Joe Biden also denied that Senate Democrats were considering such a proposal. “No, they’re not,” the presidential candidate said when asked about the report.
But one of the Washington Post reporters who spoke to Democratic officials about the proposal insisted the denials simply showed how sensitive the discussions were:
Echoing his earlier comments, lead impeachment manager Adam Schiff argued Trump’s actions toward Ukraine and House investigators prove the president believes he is “above the law.”
The House intelligence committee chairman applauded the administration officials who testified during the public impeachment hearings, but he insisted other officials -- including former national security adviser John Bolton and acting White House chief of staff Mick Mulvaney -- should be asked to testify for the Senate trial.
Schiff argued the documents that Trump was “unable to suppress” clearly “expose the president’s scheme in detail.”
The House impeachment managers now presenting their opening arguments will have 24 hours, spread over three days, to make their case, but it’s unclear whether they will use the full 24 hours.
The focus will then shift to Trump’s legal team, who will also get 24 hours to present their opening arguments. The president’s lawyers have so far kept mum on how much of their 24 hours they intend to use.
Adam Schiff, the lead House impeachment manager, began his team’s opening arguments by thanking Supreme Court chief justice John Roberts for his handling of the trial yesterday.
As yesterday’s proceedings concluded, Roberts admonished both sides for engaging in attacks against each other. “Those addressing the Senate should remember where they are,” Roberts said.
Schiff then moved on to his team’s arguments, starting with a reading of an Alexander Hamilton quote that warned of “a man unprincipled in private life desperate in his fortune.”
Supreme Court chief justice John Roberts has assumed his post, and Trump’s impeachment trial has officially resumed.Supreme Court chief justice John Roberts has assumed his post, and Trump’s impeachment trial has officially resumed.
House impeachment managers will soon begin presenting their opening arguments for why the president should be removed from office.House impeachment managers will soon begin presenting their opening arguments for why the president should be removed from office.
The trial rules allows each side 24 hours, spread over three days, to present its opening arguments, but it’s unclear whether the managers will use the whole time.The trial rules allows each side 24 hours, spread over three days, to present its opening arguments, but it’s unclear whether the managers will use the whole time.
As the House impeachment managers explained their plans for presenting their opening argument today, three Republican senators held a dueling press conference to defend Trump.As the House impeachment managers explained their plans for presenting their opening argument today, three Republican senators held a dueling press conference to defend Trump.
Lindsey Graham, one of the president’s closest Senate allies, said House Democrats are “on a crusade to destroy” Trump and accused reporters of being “complicit” in his impeachment.Lindsey Graham, one of the president’s closest Senate allies, said House Democrats are “on a crusade to destroy” Trump and accused reporters of being “complicit” in his impeachment.
“To my Democratic colleagues, you can say what you want about me, but I’m covering up nothing,” Graham said.“To my Democratic colleagues, you can say what you want about me, but I’m covering up nothing,” Graham said.
Adam Schiff, the lead House impeachment manager, told reporters on Capitol Hill that his team would present “a factual chronology” of the events surrounding Trump’s impeachment.Adam Schiff, the lead House impeachment manager, told reporters on Capitol Hill that his team would present “a factual chronology” of the events surrounding Trump’s impeachment.
The California Democrat also dismissed a suggestion that John Bolton, Trump’s former national security adviser, could be called in to testify in exchange for calling Joe Biden’s son, Hunter Biden, to Capitol Hill.The California Democrat also dismissed a suggestion that John Bolton, Trump’s former national security adviser, could be called in to testify in exchange for calling Joe Biden’s son, Hunter Biden, to Capitol Hill.
“This isn’t like some fantasy football trade,” Schiff said. “Trials aren’t trades for witnesses.”“This isn’t like some fantasy football trade,” Schiff said. “Trials aren’t trades for witnesses.”
He concluded by offering a somber note about the managers presenting their case for Trump’s removal to the American public. “We’re trying this case to two juries: the Senate and the American people,” Schiff said.He concluded by offering a somber note about the managers presenting their case for Trump’s removal to the American public. “We’re trying this case to two juries: the Senate and the American people,” Schiff said.
The House impeachment managers will start presenting their opening arguments in favor of Trump’s removal from office in about a half an hour.The House impeachment managers will start presenting their opening arguments in favor of Trump’s removal from office in about a half an hour.
Here’s where the day stands so far:Here’s where the day stands so far:
Senate minority leader Chuck Schumer accused his Republican colleagues of trying to prevent a fair trial from taking place, saying the president’s legal team appeared “unprepared, confused and unconvincing” yesterday.Senate minority leader Chuck Schumer accused his Republican colleagues of trying to prevent a fair trial from taking place, saying the president’s legal team appeared “unprepared, confused and unconvincing” yesterday.
Early this morning, Supreme Court chief justice John Roberts, who is overseeing the trial, admonished both sides for their attacks on each other. “Those addressing the Senate should remember where they are,” Roberts said.Early this morning, Supreme Court chief justice John Roberts, who is overseeing the trial, admonished both sides for their attacks on each other. “Those addressing the Senate should remember where they are,” Roberts said.
The DC attorney general sued Trump’s inaugural committee for alleged misuse of funds at the president’s Washington hotel.The DC attorney general sued Trump’s inaugural committee for alleged misuse of funds at the president’s Washington hotel.
The blog will be providing updates and analysis once the trial resumes, so stay tuned.The blog will be providing updates and analysis once the trial resumes, so stay tuned.
Speaking to reporters in Davos this morning, Trump expressed some wariness about having his former national security adviser, John Bolton, testify during the Senate impeachment trial.Speaking to reporters in Davos this morning, Trump expressed some wariness about having his former national security adviser, John Bolton, testify during the Senate impeachment trial.
Bolton has said he would testify in the trial if he were subpoenaed by the Senate, which has become a pressing debate among the chamber’s members.Bolton has said he would testify in the trial if he were subpoenaed by the Senate, which has become a pressing debate among the chamber’s members.
Trump said he would prefer to have Bolton and others testify but then added, “The problem with John is that it’s a national security problem. ... He knows some of my thoughts. He knows what I think about leaders. What happens if he reveals what I think about a certain leader and it’s not very positive and I have to deal on behalf of the country?”Trump said he would prefer to have Bolton and others testify but then added, “The problem with John is that it’s a national security problem. ... He knows some of my thoughts. He knows what I think about leaders. What happens if he reveals what I think about a certain leader and it’s not very positive and I have to deal on behalf of the country?”
The president also noted he and Bolton did not part on “the best of terms.” “You don’t like people testifying when they didn’t leave on good terms,” Trump said.The president also noted he and Bolton did not part on “the best of terms.” “You don’t like people testifying when they didn’t leave on good terms,” Trump said.
The president’s allies now seem to be echoing that argument. Congressman Mark Meadows, one of Trump’s impeachment advisers, told CNN today, “When we start to look at it, the executive privilege aspect of that, I don’t know if John Bolton has anything to add.”The president’s allies now seem to be echoing that argument. Congressman Mark Meadows, one of Trump’s impeachment advisers, told CNN today, “When we start to look at it, the executive privilege aspect of that, I don’t know if John Bolton has anything to add.”
The Democratic presidential candidates who are required to stay in Washington this week to participate in Trump’s impeachment trial -- senators Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren, Amy Klobuchar and Michael Bennet -- are finding creative ways to keep their Iowa campaigns going.The Democratic presidential candidates who are required to stay in Washington this week to participate in Trump’s impeachment trial -- senators Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren, Amy Klobuchar and Michael Bennet -- are finding creative ways to keep their Iowa campaigns going.
In addition to Klobuchar’s tele-town hall, the candidates have deployed high-profile surrogates across the first caucus state to campaign for them. Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is meeting with voters in support of Sanders, and former housing secretary Julián Castro is campaigning for Warren.In addition to Klobuchar’s tele-town hall, the candidates have deployed high-profile surrogates across the first caucus state to campaign for them. Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is meeting with voters in support of Sanders, and former housing secretary Julián Castro is campaigning for Warren.
But the candidates who are not required to be in Washington are making the most of their opponents’ absence. Joe Biden is in Iowa today and just announced he will be holding more events there over the weekend.But the candidates who are not required to be in Washington are making the most of their opponents’ absence. Joe Biden is in Iowa today and just announced he will be holding more events there over the weekend.
Chief justice John Roberts, who is overseeing the Senate impeachment trial and was on Capitol Hill past midnight for the rules debate, was back at the Supreme Court early this morning to hear oral arguments in a case regarding the separation of church and state.Chief justice John Roberts, who is overseeing the Senate impeachment trial and was on Capitol Hill past midnight for the rules debate, was back at the Supreme Court early this morning to hear oral arguments in a case regarding the separation of church and state.
The case, Espinoza v Montana Department of Revenue, centers on the constitutionality of a tax-credit program in Montana, which distributes scholarships that can be used at religious schools.The case, Espinoza v Montana Department of Revenue, centers on the constitutionality of a tax-credit program in Montana, which distributes scholarships that can be used at religious schools.
Over in Davos, Donald Trump courted controversy this morning when he reacted to reports that more service members at US bases hit by Iranian rockets have suffered concussion-related injuries by saying the troops “had headaches and a couple of other things” which he deemed “not very serious”.Over in Davos, Donald Trump courted controversy this morning when he reacted to reports that more service members at US bases hit by Iranian rockets have suffered concussion-related injuries by saying the troops “had headaches and a couple of other things” which he deemed “not very serious”.
The strikes on bases in Iraq were carried out by Tehran in retaliation for the US assassination by drone of Gen Qassem Suleimani. Trump initially responded by saying no US troops had been hurt. But 11 US service members were flown out of Iraq in mid-January for examination of concussion-like symptoms, and about 10 more have followed in recent days.The strikes on bases in Iraq were carried out by Tehran in retaliation for the US assassination by drone of Gen Qassem Suleimani. Trump initially responded by saying no US troops had been hurt. But 11 US service members were flown out of Iraq in mid-January for examination of concussion-like symptoms, and about 10 more have followed in recent days.
“I heard they had headaches and a couple of other things ... and I can report it is not very serious,” Trump told reporters in Switzerland.“I heard they had headaches and a couple of other things ... and I can report it is not very serious,” Trump told reporters in Switzerland.
“No, I don’t consider them very serious injuries relative to other injuries that I’ve seen. I’ve seen what Iran has done with their roadside bombs to our troops. I’ve seen people with no legs and with no arms. I’ve seen people that were horribly, horribly injured in that area, that war.“No, I don’t consider them very serious injuries relative to other injuries that I’ve seen. I’ve seen what Iran has done with their roadside bombs to our troops. I’ve seen people with no legs and with no arms. I’ve seen people that were horribly, horribly injured in that area, that war.
“No, I do not consider that to be bad injuries, no.”“No, I do not consider that to be bad injuries, no.”
According to the Associated Press, most of the troops flown out of Iraq are “being treated for symptoms related to possible traumatic brain injury (TBI).According to the Associated Press, most of the troops flown out of Iraq are “being treated for symptoms related to possible traumatic brain injury (TBI).
Trump’s dismissal of concussion-related injuries does not match official views. CNN reports that the Pentagon and Department of Veterans Affairs “announced last year … [funding of] up to $50m for new research on concussions.Trump’s dismissal of concussion-related injuries does not match official views. CNN reports that the Pentagon and Department of Veterans Affairs “announced last year … [funding of] up to $50m for new research on concussions.
“‘VA and DOD share an urgent, ongoing commitment to better understand the long-term impact of TBI,’ Secretary of Veterans Affairs Robert Wilkie said at the time.”“‘VA and DOD share an urgent, ongoing commitment to better understand the long-term impact of TBI,’ Secretary of Veterans Affairs Robert Wilkie said at the time.”
Famously, Trump avoided the draft for Vietnam through four academic deferments and one for bone spurs in his foot. In congressional testimony in 2019, former fixer Michael Cohen said Trump told him he made up the problem, because: “You think I’m stupid, I wasn’t going to Vietnam.”Famously, Trump avoided the draft for Vietnam through four academic deferments and one for bone spurs in his foot. In congressional testimony in 2019, former fixer Michael Cohen said Trump told him he made up the problem, because: “You think I’m stupid, I wasn’t going to Vietnam.”
Chuck Schumer, the senate minority leader, said Donald Trump’s defense team appeared “unprepared, confused and unconvincing” during the first day of debate at the president’s impeachment trial on Tuesday.Chuck Schumer, the senate minority leader, said Donald Trump’s defense team appeared “unprepared, confused and unconvincing” during the first day of debate at the president’s impeachment trial on Tuesday.
At a press conference on Capitol Hill, before House impeachment managers were set to make their case in the Senate trial, Schumer assailed Republicans for rejecting the Democrats’ proposals to subpoena witnesses and documents.At a press conference on Capitol Hill, before House impeachment managers were set to make their case in the Senate trial, Schumer assailed Republicans for rejecting the Democrats’ proposals to subpoena witnesses and documents.
“If there’s one thing we learned on the floor it’s that Leader McConnell and senate Republicans don’t want a fair trial,” Schumer said, adding: “The impeachment trial of president Trump begins a cloud hanging over it.”“If there’s one thing we learned on the floor it’s that Leader McConnell and senate Republicans don’t want a fair trial,” Schumer said, adding: “The impeachment trial of president Trump begins a cloud hanging over it.”
That all but one Republican voted against the amendments offered by Democrats “revealed the charade” that they intended to seriously consider calling witnesses at a later stage in the trial, as provided for in a resolution setting the ground rules for the trial, which was approved by the Senate on a party line vote in the early hours of Wednesday morning.That all but one Republican voted against the amendments offered by Democrats “revealed the charade” that they intended to seriously consider calling witnesses at a later stage in the trial, as provided for in a resolution setting the ground rules for the trial, which was approved by the Senate on a party line vote in the early hours of Wednesday morning.
Schumer added that the last-minute changes to the that proposal, which McConnell made to accommodate moderates who were uncomfortable with the restrictions placed on the trial, showed that “Republicans can make this trial more fair if they want to.”Schumer added that the last-minute changes to the that proposal, which McConnell made to accommodate moderates who were uncomfortable with the restrictions placed on the trial, showed that “Republicans can make this trial more fair if they want to.”
“It’s a question of conscience,” he said.“It’s a question of conscience,” he said.
The DC attorney general has reportedly sued Trump’s inaugural committee for its spending at the president’s Washington hotel.The DC attorney general has reportedly sued Trump’s inaugural committee for its spending at the president’s Washington hotel.
The Washington Post reports:The Washington Post reports:
A new national poll found Bernie Sanders and Joe Biden essentially tied for first, representing a significant spike for the Vermont senator with less than two weeks to go until the Iowa caucuses.A new national poll found Bernie Sanders and Joe Biden essentially tied for first, representing a significant spike for the Vermont senator with less than two weeks to go until the Iowa caucuses.
According to the CNN poll, Sanders has the support of 27% of Democratic primary voters, compared to Biden’s 24%. This marks the first time Biden has not held a solo lead in the outlet’s polling.According to the CNN poll, Sanders has the support of 27% of Democratic primary voters, compared to Biden’s 24%. This marks the first time Biden has not held a solo lead in the outlet’s polling.
Biden held a small lead in two Iowa polls released in recent days, but the national trend line in Sanders’ favor will likely cause anxiety in the former vice president’s camp.Biden held a small lead in two Iowa polls released in recent days, but the national trend line in Sanders’ favor will likely cause anxiety in the former vice president’s camp.
Speaking to reporters in Davos, Trump mocked Lev Parnas, the former associate of Rudy Giuliani who claimed the president was fully aware of his personal lawyer’s efforts to have Ukraine investigate Joe Biden.Speaking to reporters in Davos, Trump mocked Lev Parnas, the former associate of Rudy Giuliani who claimed the president was fully aware of his personal lawyer’s efforts to have Ukraine investigate Joe Biden.
“He’s a con man,” Trump replied when asked about Parnas. “I don’t know him, other than he’s sort of like a groupie.”“He’s a con man,” Trump replied when asked about Parnas. “I don’t know him, other than he’s sort of like a groupie.”
Trump similarly denied knowing Parnas last week, but the former Giuliani associate said the president was “lying.”Trump similarly denied knowing Parnas last week, but the former Giuliani associate said the president was “lying.”
“I welcome him to say that even more. Every time he says that I’ll show him another picture,” Parnas told CNN on Thursday. “He’s lying.”“I welcome him to say that even more. Every time he says that I’ll show him another picture,” Parnas told CNN on Thursday. “He’s lying.”
Lead House impeachment manager Adam Schiff is coming under fire for reportedly mischaracterizing a text message from Lev Parnas, a former associate of Rudy Giuliani.Lead House impeachment manager Adam Schiff is coming under fire for reportedly mischaracterizing a text message from Lev Parnas, a former associate of Rudy Giuliani.
Politico reports:Politico reports:
The apparent error will likely fuel Republican accusations that Democrats rushed to impeach Trump based on questionable evidence. The president himself tried to draw attention to the story in a morning tweet:The apparent error will likely fuel Republican accusations that Democrats rushed to impeach Trump based on questionable evidence. The president himself tried to draw attention to the story in a morning tweet:
Good morning, live blog readers!Good morning, live blog readers!
It’s an important day in the Senate impeachment trial of Donald Trump, as House impeachment managers and the president’s legal team present their opening arguments for whether he should be removed from office.It’s an important day in the Senate impeachment trial of Donald Trump, as House impeachment managers and the president’s legal team present their opening arguments for whether he should be removed from office.
But both sides started the day off with a scolding from the chief justice of the Supreme Court. John Roberts, who is overseeing the trial, advised the managers and the president’s lawyers to remember they are presenting before “the world’s greatest deliberative body.” “Those addressing the Senate should remember where they are,” Roberts said.But both sides started the day off with a scolding from the chief justice of the Supreme Court. John Roberts, who is overseeing the trial, advised the managers and the president’s lawyers to remember they are presenting before “the world’s greatest deliberative body.” “Those addressing the Senate should remember where they are,” Roberts said.
The admonishment came after impeachment manager Jerry Nadler and White House counsel Pat Cipollone engaged in a tense back-and-forth, during which Nadler accused Republicans of participating in a cover-up and Cipollone responded by saying the congressman “should be embarrassed.”The admonishment came after impeachment manager Jerry Nadler and White House counsel Pat Cipollone engaged in a tense back-and-forth, during which Nadler accused Republicans of participating in a cover-up and Cipollone responded by saying the congressman “should be embarrassed.”
As the trial advances toward 24 hours of opening arguments from each side, there is some skepticism that Roberts’ “play nice” message will have much of an impact.As the trial advances toward 24 hours of opening arguments from each side, there is some skepticism that Roberts’ “play nice” message will have much of an impact.
Here’s what else the blog is keeping an eye on:Here’s what else the blog is keeping an eye on:
Trump is returning to Washington from Davos.Trump is returning to Washington from Davos.
With 12 days to go until the Iowa caucuses, Joe Biden, Pete Buttigieg, Andrew Yang and John Delaney are campaigning in the Hawkeye State.With 12 days to go until the Iowa caucuses, Joe Biden, Pete Buttigieg, Andrew Yang and John Delaney are campaigning in the Hawkeye State.
The winter meeting of the US conference of mayors will be held in Washington.The winter meeting of the US conference of mayors will be held in Washington.
That’s all still coming up, so stay tuned.That’s all still coming up, so stay tuned.