What You Need to Know About the Senate Vote to Impeach Trump
The caucuses went off without a hitch in Iowa politics this week, with President Trump boasting that the economy is “the best it has ever been ” during his address to the State of the Union yesterday.
In other upside-down news, Trump’s Senate impeachment trial will conclude soon after months of wrangling between Democratic and Republican leaders. Curious what happens if you’ve turned it all off or just can’t figure it out? Below are the answers to your questions about President Trump’s impeachment status.
I’m lost. What has happened lately?
Lot. In short, the Senate has had a busy schedule over the past two weeks, which has included hearing opening arguments from Democratic managers and Trump’s defense team , a session of written questions prepared by senators , a debate over whether witnesses will be called in to testify (as a former national security John Bolton), as well as a series of closing arguments by leading House manager Adam Schiff and Trump’s lawyer Jay Sekulow.
Oh shit. What is happening today?
This morning, leaders, including Oregon Senator Jeff Merkley and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, made closing statements ahead of the Senate vote on whether to convict or acquit President Trump on charges of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress. The constitution requires a two-thirds majority to remove the president, but don’t hold your breath. Republicans have a majority in the Senate, and according to NPR, Trump is expected to be acquitted mainly on the party line.
Did Trump appeal to his impeachment during his appeal to the Union?
No, but he talked a lot about the stock market, job creation and the economy, and also criticized Medicare For All and cities in America that have become a haven for illegal criminals. Soon after the speech, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi tore up a copy of his speech. (If you’d like to read the transcript, the New York Times has an intact copy.)
I want to watch the vote. How can I broadcast it?
Yes, NPR will air the vote starting at 4:00 pm ET. CNN also provides live updates throughout the day.