Opening arguments begin on Tuesday in Trump’s Senate impeachment trial
When Chief Justice Roberts swore in senators for the start of Trump’s impeachment trial yesterday, he asked them to say two key words: impartial justice.
Just weeks ago—and in direct conflict with the oath he took yesterday— Senate Majority Leader McConnell said the exact opposite: “I’m not an impartial juror.” He and his Republican allies in the Senate continue to oppose calls for witness testimony in the trial, despite the fact that doing “impartial justice” means collecting all of the facts. It means hearing witness testimony and seeing all relevant documents. It means conducting a fair trial.
The need for witness testimony and evidence is indisputable, especially after the damning allegations that emerged this week in Lev Parnas’ interviews with the media. As the USA TODAY editorial board wrote: “Senators can summon witnesses…or demand previously denied government communications bearing on impeachment…It would go a long way toward reassuring the American people that the process isn’t rigged.”
Share this gif to spread the word: Every senator swore an oath to do impartial justice. Will they keep it?