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By C.J. Atkins
Before the impeachment trial even began, the Republican leadership in the Senate made clear that the whole affair would be a sham. Evidence and witness testimony? Hearsay. The reports from the House Judiciary and Intelligence Committees’ extensive investigations? Irrelevant. The “transcript” of Trump’s call with Ukrainian President Zelensky? A “perfect” call. In short, the verdict was in before the charges were even read.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell—prior to the House even voting to impeach—declared, “I’m not an impartial juror.” In a criminal court, such a statement would get a person tossed from the jury pool. But in the GOP-controlled upper chamber, it was a signal that Republicans had no intention of even pretending they would follow the rule of law.
President Donald Trump would be acquitted of the charges against him—abuse of power and obstruction of Congress—regardless of what the truth might be. From McConnell’s initial declaration, to the blockade on witnesses, and right up to the final vote to let Trump off the hook, this trial has proven that the entire Republican Party is guilty.
Guilty of allowing an autocrat to use his office for personal political and financial gain.
Guilty of abetting an authoritarian’s attempt to subvert the U.S. Constitution and destroy democracy....
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