There’s an important missing witness in the impeachment of President Trump—Trump himself. And the best case for calling him has been established by his own lawyers.
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Trump’s lawyers contend that a president should not be impeached and removed for making a bona fide policy judgment or mistake. But precisely because of that, the true facts about the Bidens don’t strictly matter.
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What does matter is Trump’s state of mind: What he actually believed, and what basis he had for that belief, should determine whether he committed an abuse of power. Which means that it’s Trump, and not the Bidens, who should take the stand here.
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But it wouldn’t be enough for him to baldly assert that his motives “perfect,” and even if he truly believes he acted in good faith, that wouldn’t be enough to acquit. The president’s duties require him to act with diligence and upon a reasonable basis.
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Which means that the cross-examination of witness Trump would determine his fate. Trump would have to answer specific questions about what he did, what he knew and when he knew it. And he’d be confronted with the incriminating statements he’s made.
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Confronted by a skilled examiner, Trump would melt down in minutes. He’d be humiliated, and he knows it — which is why he’s too terrified to give testimony under oath, and why it won’t happen.
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But it’s the logical conclusion of the argument the president’s lawyers have been making, and they’ve opened the door to it.
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