Well I wasn’t saying it is a 6A imperative, only that the principle exists in the law and the Constitution. A principle of equity would dictate similar consideration for an impeachment. More importantly is the gravity of the process. Many of the Demagogues said over and over on the House floor that POTUS is a “grave threat” to the Republic and that is why he must be impeached and removed.
And I know that has been hashed around already this week - if it is such a grave threat why would they be so hypocritical to delay his removal? But my point is slightly different - that even if the House wants to play games the Senate doesn’t have to play along.
Ultimately this is all political gamesmanship. Pelosi is using the Senate rules against the Senate. Because the rules say they won’t hold a trial until the managers are appointed and the articles filed, they allow Pelosi and the Democrats to hog the spotlight and control the narrative. Once they hand this off to the Senate they lose control of both. In fact, they have been running the narrative for years now first with Russia Hoax Mueller and now with this ridiculousness. So I say strip that power from her and change the rules, and make her pay a political price. Put a strict timetable on it, and eliminate “managers” and require that only the Speaker can present the case on the floor of the Senate. Then see how long she stays on as Speaker.
In my view, it isn't senate rules that cause this. That the tribunal waits for cases to be brought to it is axiomatic. Courts don't go looking for plaintiffs or defendants. Courts are open in case a plaintiff or defendant wants to avail of court process.
Senate is open in case house wants to avail of senate impeachment trial process.
The house does not lose control of its case. It is allowed to present it with full vigor. What it can't control is the outcome in court. The house knows the general lay of the senate process, just like plaintiffs know the general lay of civil procedure, and defendant lawyers know criminal procedure.
Ultimately, all this plays to the public. Pelosi has the hot potatoe. Can she handle it? It's all hers, coupled with all the 1st amendment speech coming her way.
She's stuck with the senate she has. Of course she is going to call it corrupt. The institutions are broken. Maybe changing the players will make them better.