Article I says: "The Senate shall have the sole power to try all impeachments. When sitting for that purpose, they shall be on oath or affirmation. When the President of the United States is tried, the Chief Justice shall preside
Donald Trump is not the President of the United States. Therefore, the conflict inherent in having the Vice President preside is eliminated, I believe Vice President Harris will be in the chair.
67 votes is a high barrier. The Republican caucus MUST KNOW that if they provide the necessary 17 votes to convict that it will be the end for them - but it is very worrying that they are showing signs of thinking we can go back to Jeb and Mitt.
And you just KNOW that if Trump could (miraculously) be convicted WITHOUT 17 Republican votes (he can't), that McConnell et al would be very, very relieved when 49 Democrats + only 2 Republicans voted to ban him from office in the future. THAT sentence, following conviction by 67 votes, only requires 51.
17 Republican votes to convict President Trump, and the GOP will cease to exist within the hour!