Senate Republicans Treat Trump Trial With Contempt – Doodling And ‘Struggling To Stay Awake’

Topline

Republican senators, especially those allied with former President Donald Trump, approached the second day of Trump’s Senate impeachment trial with contempt, with many ignoring the proceedings as most said they’ve already made up their minds about the constitutionality of convicting a former president.

Key Facts

Crucial Quote

“I’ve continued to say that it is not constitutional to impeach and convict a former president,” said Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), who, shortly after the Capitol attack, had suggested Trump could be criminally tried for his role in the Jan. 6 Capitol attack.

Tangent

Several Republican senators said they have received no pressure from GOP leadership to vote any specific way on conviction. “It has always been expressed as a matter of conscience,” Rounds said. Sen. Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) said Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell only advised senators on the timeline, while Inhofe said he “hasn’t really told us to do anything.”

Chief Critic

Paul was perhaps the most egregious in his conduct. During the 2 p.m. hour, he amused himself by tracing the Capitol watermark on his notepad at least three times, according to Grace Segers of CBS. NPR’s Lisa Desjardins reported that Paul “notably and clearly intentionally turned his back” when impeachment managers played videos of an October incident in which pro-Trump drivers pursued a Biden campaign bus, which caught the attention of most other Republican senators.

Big Number

17. That’s how many GOP senators would have to vote with Democrats in order for Trump to be convicted. However, only 6 voted that the trial is constitutional on Tuesday, meaning Trump is all but certain to be acquitted.