BREAKING (MSNBC): U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) Floats Idea of House Not Sending Articles of Impeachment to Senate Unless GOP Agrees to Actual Trial*
* = I increasingly concur with this sentiment.
* = I increasingly concur with this sentiment.
1/ Imagine how *angry* Trump would be if he never got his "show-trial exoneration" because he refused to let his own officials testify under circumstances in which he's *sworn* that no one could possibly have damning evidence against him*. OK, sorry then, no Senate trial for you.
2/ As I said earlier today: you don't negotiate over *how many punches in the face you're going to take*; you *exit the ring*. If the Senate refuses to have a trial, there's no one and nothing for House Democrats to hand over the articles of impeachment to. It's that simple, now.
3/ Investigations are still ongoing. Court proceedings are still ongoing. Moderate GOP senators have more or less made clear that they don't want a trial. OK then, you don't get the articles. The investigations and court proceedings will continue. It's a very reasonable position.
4/ Mitch McConnell may not realize it right now, but for all that he thinks he's negotiating with Trump or Schumer right now and has the upper hand in those negotiations he is not and he doesn't.
Nancy Pelosi has and controls the articles. As of tomorrow *she* has all the power.
Nancy Pelosi has and controls the articles. As of tomorrow *she* has all the power.
5/ This is a very fair question. I'd answer this way: I am not saying and do not support the articles being held back forever. I think Pelosi and McConnell should negotiate for a few weeks or months and the investigations should, in the meantime, continue.
