Tom Harkin: “let me take off a little bit on one aspect of this. Some people say, ``Well, there is a benefit to Senators meeting…”

“let me take off a little bit on one aspect of this. Some people say, ``Well, there is a benefit to Senators meeting quietly, privately to discuss these.'' I believe that, and I would not, in any way, want to close, for example, some of the caucuses that we have--the occupant of the Chair remembers we had the closed caucus between the two parties to reach an agreement under which we are operating. I think there is a benefit to that, as the Washington Post article pointed out. That is fine, as we meet unofficially off the floor amongst ourselves to discuss things. But when the Senate meets as the Senate, as soon as that opening prayer is given by the Chaplain, this place should be open, and the trial should be open. Next, I believe that unless we open this trial up, we are going to sow the seeds of confusion, misinformation, suspicion and unnecessary conflict.”