from article
***This concern for appearances that plays such an important part in Roberts’ thinking is one of the primary issues, along with an oddly inconsistent record as chief justice, that should worry anyone who cares about President Trump’s ability to receive a fair impeachment trial in the Senate. The pressure that will be applied to Roberts pursuant to the Senate trial will dwarf anything he has experienced during his tenure on the court. And the friction that already exists between Trump and Roberts concerning the judiciary will affect the latter’s judgment whether he knows it or not. Indeed, the Washington Times reports that John Cardillo of Newsmax TV has called for Roberts to recuse himself from President Trump’s Senate trial:***
Justice Roberts should recuse himself on the grounds that he does not understand the US Constitution.
I’m not worried.
The Senate majority will have total control over procedures and the CJ will have only a ceremonial role in adjudicating THOSE rules.
The Senate has unfettered power to define its own rules and procedures. There is no power on earth that can compel otherwise.
Other than that he just gets to sit there in a fancy robe and look judicious.