A thread on the #ImpeachmentTrial thus far.
The House impeachment managers are presenting an emotional case.
They can't prove incitement, so they are trying to hold Trump broadly responsible for the riot.
Trump's team has yet to present a basic outline of his defense.
(1/4)— Joel Pollak (@joelpollak) February 11, 2021
The House managers went too far yesterday by using faulty "evidence," and spinning a conspiracy theory that Trump *planned* the riot. They also lectured the Senate on accepting election outcome -- a bit rich, after Russia "collusion." And using @EricSwalwell was an insult. (2/4)
The defense needs to explain its argument:
- There was no incitement
- The Democrats have used violence for years
- The trial is the wrong remedy for the riot
Since the managers insist the election was fair, Trump's lawyers can also discuss the abuses described in @TIME . (3/4)
The winning move -- the moral high ground -- is to argue that recent events *should* provoke both sides to condemn political violence, reject conspiracy theories, improve our elections, and treat each other with respect. Convicting the president will achieve the opposite. (4/4)
Dozens Of Former Anti-Trump GOP Officials Discussing Formation Of ‘Center-Right Breakaway Party’
Dozens of former GOP officials who hate Donald Trump are in talks to form a center-right breakaway party, because they view the Republican party as ‘unwilling to stand up’ to the former president, according to Reuters which cites four anonymous sources.
Those involved in the discussions include what Trump supporters call ‘swamp’ creatures; former officials in the Republican administrations of Ronald Reagan, George HW Bush, George W Bush and Trump himself - along with former GOP ambassadors and Republican strategists, and former CIA officer Evan McMullin, according to those involved. Think: Lincoln Project types.
Biden Says Stimulus Checks Will Stay at $1,400
Last Friday, McMullin co-hosted a Zoom call with more than 120 of them too discuss the breakaway strategy, which would run on a platform of “principled conservatism” that adheres to the Constitution and the rule of law - which they say Trump has ‘trashed.’
McMullin told Reuters that the former officials are concerned over Trump’s ‘grip on Republicans and the nativist turn the party has taken.’
Among the call participants were John Mitnick, general counsel for the Department of Homeland Security under Trump; former Republican congressman Charlie Dent; Elizabeth Neumann, deputy chief of staff in the Homeland Security Department under Trump; and Miles Taylor, another former Trump homeland security official. -Reuters
Call participants are said to e dismayed that over half of all Congressional GOP - eight senators and 139 House reps - voted to block certification of the 2020 election results in favor of Joe Biden, just hours after the Jan. 6 Capitol riot which temporarily disrupted the proceedings.
“Large portions of the Republican Party are radicalizing and threatening American democracy,” said McMullin. “The party needs to recommit to truth, reason and founding ideals or there clearly needs to be something new.”
I bet we could come up with good names for their party, my first thought is “stupid party”
My take
Democrats are throwing an “three year old” emotional style temper tantrum It’s complete with kicking feet - holding breath - alternating screams and tears.
The parents/adults are not being hooked by joining the chaos with screams or threats of retaliation But waiting till the emotional tirade is over. Then they will calmly and firmly set limits and administrator consequences.
“The children” will not get their candy, treat or other demands.