Political Quotes

“I seek recognition today regarding the recent impeachment trial of President Donald Trump. This was a rare moment in our young Nation's history. We had little to guide us other than the Founding Fathers' collective wisdom and sparse precedent. The process may seem daunting, and the debate over even the most basic mechanics of the trial could leave the future Members of this body susceptible to deception or misinformation. I therefore want to offer my thoughts for future Senators when this issue inevitably rises again. The impeachment trial proceedings are unique. It is an inherently political process analogous to a legal trial. There is a prosecution, represented by the House managers, as well as a defense, representing the President. There is also a presiding judge, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. As in a courtroom, the prosecution and defense take opposite sides of the judge as they make their arguments. The burden of proof is on the prosecutors, who must present their evidence, and it is the job of the defense to refute the arguments. There is also a jury, the U.S. Senate. Like a courtroom jury, we sit in silence throughout the trial listening to the arguments of both sides and are asked to render a verdict at the conclusion. However, unlike a courtroom but as instructed by the Constitution, we are not jurors subject to peremptory challenge; we are elected officials instructed to offer impartial justice based on the evidence presented to us.…”