Every day during the impeachment trial I’ll be taking notes, which I’ll share some of here. Yesterday was day 1.
From where I sit, close to the doors in the second row of seats, I can see the faces of most of my colleagues: serious, focused, aware that the country is watching.
When the House managers came onto the floor, I felt the weight of history, and a small catch in my throat.
It was a relief to hear @RepAdamSchiff present the articles dispassionately, clearly, and rationally. We are all wondering what the President’s lawyers will bring.
It was a relief to hear @RepAdamSchiff present the articles dispassionately, clearly, and rationally. We are all wondering what the President’s lawyers will bring.
After lunch, the women were thinking logistics.
It’s freezing in the chamber, should I bring a shawl? One of my colleagues plans to wear long underwear. The stools under our desks are helpful - the chairs of the Senate were designed for the likes of Abe Lincoln.
It’s freezing in the chamber, should I bring a shawl? One of my colleagues plans to wear long underwear. The stools under our desks are helpful - the chairs of the Senate were designed for the likes of Abe Lincoln.
When Roberts came onto the floor the air changed. He looked, not pained, exactly, but as if he also felt the weight of history.
Senate staff on both sides of the aisle made sure we all lined up to sign the oath in the correct order. That was the only time all day that Democrats and Republicans mixed in together. We need to mix more.
Looking out at my colleagues, I was struck by how rare it is that we are all on the floor together, sitting down, and focused on one thing. What would the Senate be like if we came together like this more often?
In the Senate cloakrooms we now have carefully labeled cubbies to put our phones, iPads and smart watches aside while we go onto the floor. You can tell it’s hard for some of us to leave them there.
