This verdict is no vindication or victory. Trump sold out our national security&committed a crime—bribery—specifically named in the Constitution as demanding impeachment&removal. The Senate reached the wrong verdict, but there is a Court of Appeals: the court of public opinion.
Too many of my Senate colleagues put on blindfolds&then complained that they couldn’t see. Too many deluded themselves into thinking that Donald Trump learned his lesson, even as he publicly boasts that he can do anything he wants.
There is still reason for faith in the resilience of our democratic institutions: For the first time, a senator voted to remove a president from his own party from office. In direct contrast w/Trump, House&Senate members voted their conscience instead of political self-interest.
Public servants came forward at great risk to their jobs&personal safety to speak the truth. At a time when the American people are understandably cynical about our political institutions, these patriots should inspire hope.
