Topic: Senate Trial

Following the House impeachment, the focus shifts to the Senate trial where a two-thirds majority is required for conviction. While ten House Republicans led by Liz Cheney supported impeachment, the Senate requires 17 Republicans to join Democrats. Speculation suggests Mitch McConnell may be using the trial as leverage for the 2022 elections rather than a genuine attempt to convict Trump after he leaves office.

Senator Ted Cruz promotes his new podcast, "Verdict with Ted Cruz," during an interview about the impeachment trial. During the segment, Cruz accidentally states that he believes the president will be "convicted" by the end of the weekend before correcting the narrative. The hosts mock the error and Cruz's self-promotion.

President Trump's legal team, led by Jay Sekulow, began their defense in the Senate impeachment trial by attacking Adam Schiff's characterization of the Zelensky phone call. The defense argues that the President did nothing wrong and that the House managers' case is a partisan hoax intended to influence the upcoming election. Republican senators like Joni Ernst praised the defense for "shredding" the prosecution's case.

Senator Mitt Romney has indicated he is likely to vote in favor of calling witnesses in the Senate impeachment trial. This move comes as House Manager Jerry Nadler is criticized for insulting the Senate "jury," potentially losing the support of other swing-vote Republicans. The hosts characterize Romney as a "creep" who is positioning himself as a hero while avoiding scrutiny of his own family's ties to Ukraine.

Senator Rand Paul and other critics argue that Hunter Biden’s role with the Ukrainian firm Burisma is directly relevant to the impeachment trial of Donald Trump. They contend that if Democrats are permitted to call witnesses like John Bolton, the defense must be allowed to investigate potential corruption involving the Biden family. There is concern among the Republican base that some senators may vote against calling relevant defense witnesses.

A clip of Nancy Pelosi features her defending the decision to hold the articles of impeachment until the Senate trial parameters are established. The hosts note the repetitive and often incoherent nature of her public statements on the matter.

Speaker Nancy Pelosi is observed wearing a ceremonial mace pin while outlining a strategy to withhold articles of impeachment from the Senate. This maneuver aims to pressure Mitch McConnell regarding trial rules and the appointment of impeachment managers, effectively extending the media cycle.

The discussion turns to the potential for a Senate trial if the House passes articles of impeachment. The hosts speculate that a Republican-controlled Senate could use the trial to call witnesses like Hillary Clinton, Cheryl Mills, and Robert Mueller to expose the origins of the Russia investigation.