Transcripts For CSPAN2 Impeachment Trial Of President Trump

Receive the managers of the house of representatives to exhibit the articles of impeachment against Donald John Trump, president of the United States. The president pro tempore the hour of 12 00 noon having arrived and a quorum being present, the sergeant at arms will present the managers on the part of the house of representatives. The sergeant at arms mr. President and members of the senate, i announce the presence of the managers on the part of the house of representatives to conduct proceedings on behalf of the house concerning the impeachment of Donald John Trump, president of the United States. The president pro tempore on the part of the house will be received and escorted to the well of the senate. The president pro tempore the sergeant at arms will make the proclamation. The sergeant at arms hear ye, hear ye, hear ye all persons are commanded to keep silent on pain of imprisonment while the house of representatives is exhibiting to the senate of the United States articles of impeachment against Donald John Trump, president of the United States. The president pro tempore the managers on the part of the house will now proceed. Manager schiff mr. President , the managers on the part of the house of representatives are present and ready to present the articles of impeachment which have been preferred by the house of representatives against Donald John Trump, president of the United States. The house adopted the following resolution which, with the permission of the senate, i will read House Resolution 798, appointing and authorizing managers for the impeachment trial of Donald John Trump, president of the United States. Resolved that mr. Schiff, mr. Nadler, ms. Lofgren, mr. Jeffries, ms. Demings, mr. Crow, and ms. Garcia are the impeachment managers to conduct the impeachment trial of Donald John Trump, president of the United States, that a message be sent to the senate to inform the senate of these appointments and that the managers so appointed may in preparation and conduct of the trial be given articles of impeachment of the senate and take all other actions necessary, which may include the following employing legal, clerical, and other necessary assistance and incurring such other expenses as may be necessary to paid from amounts available to the committee on the judiciary under applicable expense resolutions or from the applicable account of the house of representatives. Number two, sending for persons and papers and filing with the secretary of the senate on the part of the house of representatives any pleadings in conjunction with or subsequent to the exhibition of the articles of impeachment that the managers may consider necessary. With the permission of the senate, i will now read the articles of impeachment, House Resolution 755. House resolution 755, impeaching Donald John Trump, president of the United States, for high crimes and misdemeanors. Resolved that donald j. Trump, president of the United States, is impeached for high crimes and dismeerms and that the following articles of impeachment be exhibited to the United States senate. Articles of impeachment exhibited by the house of representatives of the United States of america in the name of itself and of the people of the United States of america against Donald John Trump, president of the United States, in maintenance and support of its impeachment against him for high crimes and misdemeanors. Article i, abuse of power. The constitution provides that the house of representatives shall have the sole power of impeachment and that the President Shall be removed from office on impeachment for, and conviction of, treason, bribery, or other high crimes and misdemeanors. In his conduct of the office of president of the United States and in violation of his constitutional oath faithfully to execute the office of president of the United States and, to the best of his ability, preserve, protect, and defend the constitution of the United States, and in violation of his constitutional duty to take care that the laws be faithfully executed donald j. Trump has abused the powers of the presidency, in that using the powers of his high office, President Trump solicited the interference of a foreign government, ukraine, in the 2020 United States president ial election. He did so through a scheme or course of conduct that included soliciting the government of ukraine to publicly announce investigations that would benefit his reelection, harm the election prospects of a political opponent, and influence the 2020 United States president ial election to his advantage. President trump also sought to pressure the government of ukraine to take these steps by conditioning official United States government acts of significant value to ukraine on its public announcement of the investigations. President trump engaged in this scheme or course of conduct for corrupt purposes in pursuit of personal political benefit. In so doing, President Trump used the powers of the presidency in a manner that compromised the National Security of the United States and undermined the integrity of the United States democratic process. He thus ignored and injured the interests of the nation. President trump engaged in this scheme or course of conduct through the following means one, President Trump acting both directly and through his agents within and outside the United States government corruptly solicited the government of ukraine to publicly announce investigations into a, a political opponent, former Vice President joseph r. Biden, jr. ; and b. , a discredited theory promoted by russia alleging that ukraine rather than russia interfered in the 2016 United States president ial election. Two, with the same corrupt motives, President Trump acting both directly and through his agents within and outside the United States government conditioned two official acts on the public announcements that he had requested a, the release of 391 million of United States taxpayer funds that congress had appropriated on a bipartisan basis for the purpose of providing vital military and Security Assistance to ukraine to oppose russian aggression and which President Trump had ordered suspended; and b, a head of state meeting at the white house, which the president of ukraine sought to demonstrate continued United States support for the government of ukraine in the face of russian aggression. Three, faced with the public revelation of his actions, President Trump ultimately released the military and Security Assistance to the government of ukraine, but has persisted in openly and corruptly urging and soliciting ukraine to undertake investigations for his personal political benefit. These actions were consistent with President Trumps previous invitations of foreign interference in United States elections. In all of this, President Trump abused the powers of the presidency by ignoring and injuring National Security and other Vital National interests to obtain an improper personal political benefit. He has also betrayed the nation by abusing his high office to enlist a foreign power in corrupting democratic elections. Wherefore President Trump, by such conduct, has demonstrated that he will remain a threat to National Security and the constitution if allowed to remain in office, and has acted in a manner grossly incompatible with selfgovernance and the rule of law. President trump thus warrants impeachment and trial, removal from office, and disqualification to hold and enjoy any office of honor, trust, or profit under the United States. Article ii, obstruction of congress. The constitution provides that the house of representatives shall have the sole power of impeachment and that the President Shall be removed from office on impeachment for, and conviction of, treason, bribery, or other high crimes and misdemeanors. In his conduct of the office of president of the United States and in violation of his constitutional oath faithfully to execute the office of president of the United States and, to the best of his ability, preserve, protect, and defend the constitution of the United States, and in violation of his constitutional duty to take care that the laws be faithfully executed donald j. Trump has directed the unprecedented, categorical, and indiscriminate defiance of subpoenas issued by the house of representatives pursuant to its sole power of impeachment. President trump has abused the powers of the presidency in a manner offensive to, and subversive of, the constitution, in that the house of representatives has engaged in an impeachment inquiry focused on President Trumps corrupt solicitation of the government of ukraine to interfere in the 2020 United States president ial election. As part of this impeachment inquiry, the committees undertaking the investigation served subpoenas seeking documents and testimony deemed vital to the inquiry from various executive Branch Agencies and offices, and current and former officials. In response, without lawful cause or excuse, President Trump directed executive Branch Agencies, offices, and officials not to comply with those subpoenas. President trump thus interposed the powers of the presidency against the lawful subpoenas of the house of representatives, and assumed to himself functions and judgments necessary to the exercise the sole power of impeachment vested by the constitution in the house of representatives. President trump abused the powers of his high office through the following means one, directing the white house to defy a lawful subpoena by withholding the production of documents sought therein by the committees. Two, directing other executive Branch Agencies and offices to defy lawful subpoenas and withhold the production of documents and records from the committees in response to which the department of state, office of management and budget, department of energy, and department of defense refused to produce a single document or record. Three, directing current and former executive Branch Officials not to cooperate with the committees in response to which Nine Administration officials defied subpoenas for testimony, namely John Michael Mick mulvaney, robert b. Blair, john a. Eisenberg, michael ellis, preston wells griffith, russell t. Vought, michael duffey, brian mccormack, and t. Ulrigh brechbuhl. These actions were consistent with President Trumps previous efforts to undermine United States government investigations into foreign interference in United States elections. Through these actions, President Trump sought to arrogate to himself the right to determine the propriety, scope, and nature of an impeachment inquiry into his own conduct, as well as the unilateral prerogative to deny any and all information to the house of representatives in the exercise of its sole power of impeachment. In the history of the republic, no president has ever ordered the complete defiance of an impeachment inquiry or sought to obstruct and impede so comprehensively the ability of the house of representatives to investigate high crimes and misdemeanors. This abuse of office served to cover up the president s own repeated misconduct and to seize and control the power of impeachment and thus to nullify a vital constitutional safeguard vested solely in the house of representatives. In all of this, President Trump has acted in a manner contrary to his trust as president and subversive of Constitutional Government, to the great prejudice of the cause of law and justice, and to the manifest injury of the people of the United States. Wherefore, President Trump, by such conduct, has demonstrated that he will remain a threat to the constitution if allowed to remain in office, and has acted in a manner grossly incompatible with selfgovernance and the rule of law. President trump thus warrants impeachment and trial, removal from office, and disqualification to hold and enjoy any office of honor, trust, or profit under the United States. Mr. President , that completes the exhibition of the articles of impeachment against Donald John Trump, president of the United States. The managers request that the senate take order for the trial, the managers now request leave to withdraw. The president pro tempore thank you, mr. Schiff. The senate will duly notify the house of representatives when it is ready to proceed to trial. Mr. Mcconnell mr. President . The president pro tempore the majority leader. Mr. Mcconnell for the information of senators, pursuant to yesterdays order, at 2 00 today, the senate will proceed to the consideration of the articles of impeachment. The chief justice of the United States will preside over the trial, as required in article 1, section 3, clause 6, of the United States constitution. Also, under the previous order, the presiding officer has been authorized to appoint a committee of four senators two, upon the recommendation of the majority leader and two upon the recommendation of the democratic leader, to escort the chief justice into the Senate Chamber. I ask that the presiding officer do so now. The president pro tempore the chair, pursuant to order of january 15, 2020, on behalf of the majority leader and the democratic leader, appoints mr. Blunt of missouri, mr. Leahy of vermont, mr. Graham of south carolina, and mrs. Feinstein of california to escort the chief justice of the United States into the Senate Chamber. Mr. Mcconnell so for the further information of senators, there will be a live quorum call prior to the arrival of the chief justice at 2 00 p. M. Today. I ask unanimous consent that the senate stand in recess subject to the call of the chair. The president pro tempore without objection, the Senate Stands in recess subject to the stands in recess subject to the the video here we are seeing of the members just a short while ago the managers from the house walking over from the house for those articles to be read and lead there by the sergeant at arms of the u. S. House, paul irving. The senate will be back in and out and 40 minutes just under an hour and 40 minutes at two p. M. Eastern. We will have live coverage for event of course here on cspan2. Cspan2. Will open up our phone lines for you to wait in on President Trump as the trial is ahead, the two articles of impeachment abuse the power and obstruction of congress is, if you think the press is guilty polite to call is 202 7488920. If you like to send us a text and wait in that line is 2027488003. Remind you if you send us a text. Remind you if you send us the text make sure you include your name and where you are texting from. Well get your your thoughts, carlson comments and other news were later to the impeachment coming up shortly with the cant reminder the coverage of the senate beginning at 2 00 eastern resuming then with as majority leader pointed out alive quorum call calling members of the senate to the floor. Want to take you back to 9 45 a. M. When procedures got underway on other matters on the senate floor laying out the dangers of the impeachment, the Donald John Trump<\/a>, president of the United States<\/a>. The president pro tempore the hour of 12 00 noon having arrived and a quorum being present, the sergeant at arms will present the managers on the part of the house of representatives. The sergeant at arms mr. President and members of the senate, i announce the presence of the managers on the part of the house of representatives to conduct proceedings on behalf of the house concerning the impeachment of Donald John Trump<\/a>, president of the United States<\/a>. The president pro tempore on the part of the house will be received and escorted to the well of the senate. The president pro tempore the sergeant at arms will make the proclamation. The sergeant at arms hear ye, hear ye, hear ye all persons are commanded to keep silent on pain of imprisonment while the house of representatives is exhibiting to the senate of the United States<\/a> articles of impeachment against Donald John Trump<\/a>, president of the United States<\/a>. The president pro tempore the managers on the part of the house will now proceed. Manager schiff mr. President , the managers on the part of the house of representatives are present and ready to present the articles of impeachment which have been preferred by the house of representatives against Donald John Trump<\/a>, president of the United States<\/a>. The house adopted the following resolution which, with the permission of the senate, i will read House Resolution<\/a> 798, appointing and authorizing managers for the impeachment trial of Donald John Trump<\/a>, president of the United States<\/a>. Resolved that mr. Schiff, mr. Nadler, ms. Lofgren, mr. Jeffries, ms. Demings, mr. Crow, and ms. Garcia are the impeachment managers to conduct the impeachment trial of Donald John Trump<\/a>, president of the United States<\/a>, that a message be sent to the senate to inform the senate of these appointments and that the managers so appointed may in preparation and conduct of the trial be given articles of impeachment of the senate and take all other actions necessary, which may include the following employing legal, clerical, and other necessary assistance and incurring such other expenses as may be necessary to paid from amounts available to the committee on the judiciary under applicable expense resolutions or from the applicable account of the house of representatives. Number two, sending for persons and papers and filing with the secretary of the senate on the part of the house of representatives any pleadings in conjunction with or subsequent to the exhibition of the articles of impeachment that the managers may consider necessary. With the permission of the senate, i will now read the articles of impeachment, House Resolution<\/a> 755. House resolution 755, impeaching Donald John Trump<\/a>, president of the United States<\/a>, for high crimes and misdemeanors. Resolved that donald j. Trump, president of the United States<\/a>, is impeached for high crimes and dismeerms and that the following articles of impeachment be exhibited to the United States<\/a> senate. Articles of impeachment exhibited by the house of representatives of the United States<\/a> of america in the name of itself and of the people of the United States<\/a> of america against Donald John Trump<\/a>, president of the United States<\/a>, in maintenance and support of its impeachment against him for high crimes and misdemeanors. Article i, abuse of power. The constitution provides that the house of representatives shall have the sole power of impeachment and that the President Shall<\/a> be removed from office on impeachment for, and conviction of, treason, bribery, or other high crimes and misdemeanors. In his conduct of the office of president of the United States<\/a> and in violation of his constitutional oath faithfully to execute the office of president of the United States<\/a> and, to the best of his ability, preserve, protect, and defend the constitution of the United States<\/a>, and in violation of his constitutional duty to take care that the laws be faithfully executed donald j. Trump has abused the powers of the presidency, in that using the powers of his high office, President Trump<\/a> solicited the interference of a foreign government, ukraine, in the 2020 United States<\/a> president ial election. He did so through a scheme or course of conduct that included soliciting the government of ukraine to publicly announce investigations that would benefit his reelection, harm the election prospects of a political opponent, and influence the 2020 United States<\/a> president ial election to his advantage. President trump also sought to pressure the government of ukraine to take these steps by conditioning official United States<\/a> government acts of significant value to ukraine on its public announcement of the investigations. President trump engaged in this scheme or course of conduct for corrupt purposes in pursuit of personal political benefit. In so doing, President Trump<\/a> used the powers of the presidency in a manner that compromised the National Security<\/a> of the United States<\/a> and undermined the integrity of the United States<\/a> democratic process. He thus ignored and injured the interests of the nation. President trump engaged in this scheme or course of conduct through the following means one, President Trump<\/a> acting both directly and through his agents within and outside the United States<\/a> government corruptly solicited the government of ukraine to publicly announce investigations into a, a political opponent, former Vice President<\/a> joseph r. Biden, jr. ; and b. , a discredited theory promoted by russia alleging that ukraine rather than russia interfered in the 2016 United States<\/a> president ial election. Two, with the same corrupt motives, President Trump<\/a> acting both directly and through his agents within and outside the United States<\/a> government conditioned two official acts on the public announcements that he had requested a, the release of 391 million of United States<\/a> taxpayer funds that congress had appropriated on a bipartisan basis for the purpose of providing vital military and Security Assistance<\/a> to ukraine to oppose russian aggression and which President Trump<\/a> had ordered suspended; and b, a head of state meeting at the white house, which the president of ukraine sought to demonstrate continued United States<\/a> support for the government of ukraine in the face of russian aggression. Three, faced with the public revelation of his actions, President Trump<\/a> ultimately released the military and Security Assistance<\/a> to the government of ukraine, but has persisted in openly and corruptly urging and soliciting ukraine to undertake investigations for his personal political benefit. These actions were consistent with President Trump<\/a>s previous invitations of foreign interference in United States<\/a> elections. In all of this, President Trump<\/a> abused the powers of the presidency by ignoring and injuring National Security<\/a> and other Vital National<\/a> interests to obtain an improper personal political benefit. He has also betrayed the nation by abusing his high office to enlist a foreign power in corrupting democratic elections. Wherefore President Trump<\/a>, by such conduct, has demonstrated that he will remain a threat to National Security<\/a> and the constitution if allowed to remain in office, and has acted in a manner grossly incompatible with selfgovernance and the rule of law. President trump thus warrants impeachment and trial, removal from office, and disqualification to hold and enjoy any office of honor, trust, or profit under the United States<\/a>. Article ii, obstruction of congress. The constitution provides that the house of representatives shall have the sole power of impeachment and that the President Shall<\/a> be removed from office on impeachment for, and conviction of, treason, bribery, or other high crimes and misdemeanors. In his conduct of the office of president of the United States<\/a> and in violation of his constitutional oath faithfully to execute the office of president of the United States<\/a> and, to the best of his ability, preserve, protect, and defend the constitution of the United States<\/a>, and in violation of his constitutional duty to take care that the laws be faithfully executed donald j. Trump has directed the unprecedented, categorical, and indiscriminate defiance of subpoenas issued by the house of representatives pursuant to its sole power of impeachment. President trump has abused the powers of the presidency in a manner offensive to, and subversive of, the constitution, in that the house of representatives has engaged in an impeachment inquiry focused on President Trump<\/a>s corrupt solicitation of the government of ukraine to interfere in the 2020 United States<\/a> president ial election. As part of this impeachment inquiry, the committees undertaking the investigation served subpoenas seeking documents and testimony deemed vital to the inquiry from various executive Branch Agencies<\/a> and offices, and current and former officials. In response, without lawful cause or excuse, President Trump<\/a> directed executive Branch Agencies<\/a>, offices, and officials not to comply with those subpoenas. President trump thus interposed the powers of the presidency against the lawful subpoenas of the house of representatives, and assumed to himself functions and judgments necessary to the exercise the sole power of impeachment vested by the constitution in the house of representatives. President trump abused the powers of his high office through the following means one, directing the white house to defy a lawful subpoena by withholding the production of documents sought therein by the committees. Two, directing other executive Branch Agencies<\/a> and offices to defy lawful subpoenas and withhold the production of documents and records from the committees in response to which the department of state, office of management and budget, department of energy, and department of defense refused to produce a single document or record. Three, directing current and former executive Branch Officials<\/a> not to cooperate with the committees in response to which Nine Administration<\/a> officials defied subpoenas for testimony, namely John Michael Mick<\/a> mulvaney, robert b. Blair, john a. Eisenberg, michael ellis, preston wells griffith, russell t. Vought, michael duffey, brian mccormack, and t. Ulrigh brechbuhl. These actions were consistent with President Trump<\/a>s previous efforts to undermine United States<\/a> government investigations into foreign interference in United States<\/a> elections. Through these actions, President Trump<\/a> sought to arrogate to himself the right to determine the propriety, scope, and nature of an impeachment inquiry into his own conduct, as well as the unilateral prerogative to deny any and all information to the house of representatives in the exercise of its sole power of impeachment. In the history of the republic, no president has ever ordered the complete defiance of an impeachment inquiry or sought to obstruct and impede so comprehensively the ability of the house of representatives to investigate high crimes and misdemeanors. This abuse of office served to cover up the president s own repeated misconduct and to seize and control the power of impeachment and thus to nullify a vital constitutional safeguard vested solely in the house of representatives. In all of this, President Trump<\/a> has acted in a manner contrary to his trust as president and subversive of Constitutional Government<\/a>, to the great prejudice of the cause of law and justice, and to the manifest injury of the people of the United States<\/a>. Wherefore, President Trump<\/a>, by such conduct, has demonstrated that he will remain a threat to the constitution if allowed to remain in office, and has acted in a manner grossly incompatible with selfgovernance and the rule of law. President trump thus warrants impeachment and trial, removal from office, and disqualification to hold and enjoy any office of honor, trust, or profit under the United States<\/a>. Mr. President , that completes the exhibition of the articles of impeachment against Donald John Trump<\/a>, president of the United States<\/a>. The managers request that the senate take order for the trial, the managers now request leave to withdraw. The president pro tempore thank you, mr. Schiff. The senate will duly notify the house of representatives when it is ready to proceed to trial. Mr. Mcconnell mr. President . The president pro tempore the majority leader. Mr. Mcconnell for the information of senators, pursuant to yesterdays order, at 2 00 today, the senate will proceed to the consideration of the articles of impeachment. The chief justice of the United States<\/a> will preside over the trial, as required in article 1, section 3, clause 6, of the United States<\/a> constitution. Also, under the previous order, the presiding officer has been authorized to appoint a committee of four senators two, upon the recommendation of the majority leader and two upon the recommendation of the democratic leader, to escort the chief justice into the Senate Chamber<\/a>. I ask that the presiding officer do so now. The president pro tempore the chair, pursuant to order of january 15, 2020, on behalf of the majority leader and the democratic leader, appoints mr. Blunt of missouri, mr. Leahy of vermont, mr. Graham of south carolina, and mrs. Feinstein of california to escort the chief justice of the United States<\/a> into the Senate Chamber<\/a>. Mr. Mcconnell so for the further information of senators, there will be a live quorum call prior to the arrival of the chief justice at 2 00 p. M. Today. I ask unanimous consent that the senate stand in recess subject to the call of the chair. The president pro tempore without objection, the Senate Stands<\/a> in recess subject to the stands in recess subject to the the video here we are seeing of the members just a short while ago the managers from the house walking over from the house for those articles to be read and lead there by the sergeant at arms of the u. S. House, paul irving. The senate will be back in and out and 40 minutes just under an hour and 40 minutes at two p. M. Eastern. We will have live coverage for event of course here on cspan2. Cspan2. Will open up our phone lines for you to wait in on President Trump<\/a> as the trial is ahead, the two articles of impeachment abuse the power and obstruction of congress is, if you think the press is guilty polite to call is 202 7488920. If you like to send us a text and wait in that line is 2027488003. Remind you if you send us a text. Remind you if you send us the text make sure you include your name and where you are texting from. Well get your your thoughts, carlson comments and other news were later to the impeachment coming up shortly with the cant reminder the coverage of the senate beginning at 2 00 eastern resuming then with as majority leader pointed out alive quorum call calling members of the senate to the floor. Want to take you back to 9 45 a. M. When procedures got underway on other matters on the senate floor laying out the dangers of the impeachment, the Majority Leader Mitch Mcconnell<\/a> and my leader Chuck Schumer<\/a>. This body, this chamber exists precisely, precisely so that we can look past the daily dramas and understand how our actions will reverberate for generations. So that we can put aside animal reflexes and animosities and coolly consider how to best serve our country in the long run. So that we can break actual fevers before the jeopardize the core institutions of our government. As hamilton put it, only the senate with quote, confidence enough in its own situation, end quote, can preserve an on and under influence the necessary impartiality between an individual accused and the representatives of the people, his accusers. So, madam president , the house is the houses hour is over. The senate time is at hand. Its time for this proud body to honor our founding purpose. Is what Alexander Hamilton<\/a> warned of in federalist 6550 said the greatest danger is that the decision in an impeachment trial will be regulated more by the comparative strength of the parties banned by the real demonstration of innocence or guilt. Alexander hamilton even before the day Political Parties<\/a> were as strong as they are today wanted us to come together. The leader wants to do things on his own without any democratic input. Unfortunately, we have fortunately with the right to demand vote and work as hard as we can for a fair trial. A full trial, a trial with witnesses, a trial with documents. The founders anticipated that impeachment trials would always be operated by the wind of politics, but they gave the power to the Senate Anyway<\/a> because they believed the chamber was the only place where impartial justice of the president could truly be sought. In the coming days, these eventful and important coming days, each of us, each of us will face a choice about whether to begin this trial in the search of the truth, or in the service of the president s desire to cover up and rush things through. The democratic leader Chuck Schumer<\/a> on the floor the use senate early and we also heard part of what Mitch Mcconnell<\/a> had to say. I can that was early. We have censored from house managers in particular from adam schiff, the chart Intelligence Committee<\/a> reading two articles of impeachment on the senate floor. Dont be back at 2 00 eastern to get things underway in the senate trial. The lines are open for you to call in. Were interested in your thoughts President Trump<\/a> guilty or not guilty on the two articles of impeachment, abuse of power and obstruction of congress. We do ask you make sure you include your name and where you are texting from. A couple of folks went in. This is liz from alabama, from montgomery, alabama, saying guilty. Also hearing on text, texting will get to cut more of those techs in a moment for you. Again reminder the phone line is 2027488920 if you think the president is guilty of the articles of impeachment, and the not guilty line, 2027488921. Context this is liz in montgomery, alabama. Liz says guilty. And also from kirk in sacramento, california, not guilty. This is from kathy in new york, not guilty. We will go to calls now and youre from clarksville tennessee who thinks the the president is not guilty. Good afternoon and go ahead. Caller yes. I mean, ive been following this since day one when they had been doing this. I i mean, how can you have a cre committed you know, six months or so even longer than that, you know, two and half years before it even happens and all of a sudden he is now committed a crime two years later, you know . That doesnt make any sense to me. The title of impeachment like several times, you know, to do, to fit what he has done. I mean, and then you have the Democratic Party<\/a>, they have ties into ukraine with biden and him coming out on tv saying, you know, an investigation in his son and all that, you know, it doesnt make sense to me that host does the process make sense . Do think now it is gone to the Senate President<\/a> s case will be more clearly heard by his defense team . Caller i think it will be because i mean, if you heard they denied witnesses in the schiff part of investigation, not allowing witnesses, i think not really a better side but more of President Trump<\/a>s side of things. Host thats tennessee on a lie. The life of those you thinking not guilty is 2027488921. If you think the president is guilty 2027488920. Remind you that we have posted those articles of impeachment on our website at cspan. Org impeachment. It is a full website with not only the video from the recent impeachment but also back to the clinton impeachment. I want to point out between from our capitol hill producer craig kaplan who tweets this. Senator leahy is the only one of six Bipartisan Group<\/a> of senators who escorted chief Justice Rehnquist<\/a> into use senate to preside over the clinton impeachment trial who still serves in the senate. The senator from vermont escorts chief Justice John Roberts<\/a> who gets his notification from the senate to preside over the impeachment trial beginning at two p. M. Today. That was tweeted earlier with the official seal from the senate who covers the court for reuters. One more note from the News Conference<\/a> from Speaker Pelosi<\/a> earlier today. Because the trial could go a couple of weeks, she was asked do you think it will be appropriate to delay the state of union until after the impeachment trial . The speaker said its up to the president. President has them options. He can come that day or send a printed copy or ask a postlude. Heres what will happen. The senate will hold a quorum call for each senate, senator thune floor, expect chief justice to arrive just before that he will be sworn in and then he will swear in members of the senate for the trial ahead of President Donald Trump<\/a>. Two virginia in newport North Carolina<\/a>, virginia, go ahead. Not guilty line. Caller pardon me . Host youre on the air. Go ahead, virginia. Caller well, i just dont think the president is guilty. He has done nothing but try to help the American People<\/a> and all the other party ranks to do is knock them down on every turn that he makes, even though what hes doing is good for the people. Host virginia, well go to aurora, colorado, and hear from gay. Go ahead. Caller i would like to state that i think he is guilty as the day is long, has been since the day he first took office, the day he first took office. He has done nothing for the American People<\/a>, other than make as a laughingstock around the entire world. No one thinks we have any sense anymore. Host day in colorado. The senate coming back in just under an hour and half at 2 00 oclock eastern. The Majority Leader Mitch Mcconnell<\/a> laid out what may be ahead, what is likely had not just today but the weekend weeks to come. He talked about yesterday on the senate floor. The senate will receive a message from the house of representatives. Mr. President , a message from the house of representatives. Mr. President , i have been directed by the house of representatives to inform the senate, the house has passed h. Res. 798, the resolution appointing and authorizing managers for the impeachment trial of Donald John Trump<\/a>, president of the United States<\/a>. The message will be received. Mr. President . The majority leader. I ask unanimous consent pursuant to rule one of the rules of procedure and practice when sitting on impeachment trials, the secretary of the senate will inform the house of representatives that the said it is ready to receive the managers appointed by the house for the purpose of exhibiting articles of impeachment against Donald John Trump<\/a>, president of the United States<\/a>. Agreeably to the notice communicated to the senate, further, that at the hour of 12 noon on thursday, january 16, 2020, the senate will receive the managers on the part of the house of representatives in order that they may present and exhibit, two articles of impeachment against Donald John Trump<\/a>, president of United States<\/a>. Is or any objection . If not, so ordered. I ask unanimous consent pursuant to rules three and four of the rules of procedure and practice when sitting on impeachment trials, that at the hour of two p. M. On thursday, 16, 2020, the senate proceed to the consideration of the articles of impeachment and that the presiding officer to the secretary of the senate notify the chief justice of the United States<\/a> of the time and place fixed for consideration of the articles and request his attendance as presiding officer pursuant to article one, section three, clause six of the u. S. Constitution. Is there any objection . So ordered. I asked nevins consent the presiding officer be authorized to appoint a committee of senators upon the recordation of the majority leader and two upon the recommendation of the democratic leader to escort the chief justice into the Senate Chamber<\/a> or i i further ask cont of the secretary of the senate be directed to notify the house of representatives of the time and place fixed for the senate to proceed upon the impeachment of Donald John Trump<\/a>, in the Senate Chamber<\/a>. Is or any objection . If not, so ordered. I ask you nims consent access to the senate wing, to the senate floor evason Chamber Galleries<\/a> in all of the proceedings involving exhibition of consideration of the articles of impeachment against Donald John Trump<\/a>, president of the United States<\/a>, and all times that the senate is sitting in trial with the chief justice of the United States<\/a> presiding be in accordance with the allocations and provisions announced at the desk and asked that it be printed in the record. Is their objection . If not, so ordered. I asked nims consent the senate proceed as a consideration of s. Res. 471 submitted earlier today. The clerk will report. Senate resolution 471, authorizing the taking of the photograph in the chamber of the United States<\/a> senate. Is a objection of proceeding to the consideration . Without objection the senate will proceed. I ask unanimous consent the resolution be agree to and the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid on the table with no intervening action or debate. Without objection, so ordered. Now, mr. President , information involving senators, the senate was notified house of representatives is finally ready to proceed with their articles of impeachment. So by unanimous consent we have just laid some of the groundwork that will structure the next several days. Weve officially invited the house managers to come to the senate tomorrow at noon to exhibit their articles of impeachment. Then later tomorrow afternoon at 2 p. M. , chief justice of the United States<\/a> will arrive here in the senate. He will be sworn in by the president pro tem, senator grassley, then the chief justice will swear and all of the senators, will pledge to rise above any factionalism and to justice for our institutions, for our states and for the nation. And then we will formally notified the white house of our pending trial and some of the present to answer the articles and send his counsel. So the trial will commence in earnest on tuesday. But first, mr. President , some important good news for the country. We anticipate the senate will finish the usmca tomorrow and send this landmark trade deal to President Trump<\/a> for his signature. A major victory for the administration, but more importantly, more american families. So let me close with this. This is a difficult time for our country, but this is precisely the kind of time for which the framers created the senate. Im confident this body can rise above shorttermism and factional fever, and serve the longterm best interest of our nation. We can do this and we must. That senate Majority Leader Mitch Mcconnell<\/a>, yesterday on the senate floor laying out the process ahead, whats happened since then today just a short while ago, the house managers, the seven managers came over to present the articles of impeachment. They were read by the Intelligence Committee<\/a> chair adam schiff. The senate will return at 2 00 and get underway with the procedural part of the trial of President Donald Trump<\/a> for the third time in u. S. History. A president on trial in the u. S. Senate. Were asking you this afternoon until the senate comes in your thoughts. Is the president guilty or not guilty of the articles of impeachment . Again, abuse of power and obstruction of congress are the 22 articles of impeachment for a refresher course on what the are you can read them online. We posted them at our website at cspan. Org impeachment. Until then, we will also take your phone calls and comments. 2027488920 if you think the president is guilty. If those articles of impeachment, abuse of power and obstruction of congress. 2027488921 if you think he is not guilty. And for those of you who like to texture answer that line is 2027488003. We do ask you to make sure you include your name on that and were your texting from the former capital producer craig who tweets this about the escort will bring in the chief justice at 2 p. M. Eastern, four senators, one from misery, southcom len and lady will escort the chief justice into the senate at 2 p. M. For the impeachment trial of President Trump<\/a>. Senator leahy points out also escorted chief Justice Rehnquist<\/a> into the senate for the 1999 impeachment trial of president clinton. From igor baba cowrites for the post, inside that reading to your pc center set stonefaced while representative 2027488920 read the articles of impeachment. Most set endless and looking straight at him. Among. Among those taking notes, senator portman, scott, cassidy, senator sasse and senator boozman. Lets hear from salt lake city. Good afternoon. Go ahead. Caller good afternoon. I think he is certainly guilty. He is certainly guilty of the impeachment articles. Its totally clear that he did what is alleged that he did, and he should be convicted in the senate. In addition to that, he is guilty of violating the emoluments clause and personally i think he is a traitor in a way that he has tried to protect russia, who with Vladimir Putin<\/a> at its head is still our sworn enemy. All right. To charles in newport, rhode island. Welcome. Caller i would just ask to include the gentleman who just spoke to keep this in the back of them went over the course of the next two weeks. What would preclude the United States<\/a> senate from dismissing these articles under the grounds that they dont meet constitutional requirements . Host your asking that as a rhetorical question . That has been posed but it does look a number of senators and a couple of republicans as well in terms of dismissible but we wont know until actually the trial gets underway. Thats that much of an answer. I hope that helps. Caller i completely agree. As an american citizen i think we all owe it to ourselves to keep this in the back of our minds. Host appreciate that. Susan next up in gate city, virginia. Caller good morning. How are you . Host doing fine, thank you. Caller ive been watching this ever since donald trump came down the escalator. From day one the democrats have never treated him with any kind of respect him never appreciate him for anything he did and if called in everything at a book and tried to take them down from day one. This is all just a sham and its just, its in helping the country at all. He has done well, great for the country. Host so the end of this, if you think the president comes out of this, hes acquitted of the two articles, does this make him a stronger candidate or use weakened by the fact he was impeached by the house. Caller . [inaudible] i think youll be a stronger one. Host california, go ahead. Caller good afternoon. Or good morning. Calling from california. Yes, i believe President Trump<\/a> is not guilty because i believe the president sets Foreign Policy<\/a> so he should be able to set the money that goes to the ukraine. So if you decided to give the u. S. A taxpayer dollars to the ukraine, you know, hes doing it on our behalf. Hes also in charge of seeking out corruption, which the ukraine has been notorious for. Host there was an update on that ukraine story today with the white house was reportedly violated according to the Government Accountability<\/a> Office Federal<\/a> law in withholding that Security Assistance<\/a>, and i can write it be at the center President Trump<\/a>s impeachment. They say gao said in a report the office of management and budget violated the law in holding up the aid which Congress Passed<\/a> i sent a year ago saying both the president is not vested with the power to ignore or amend any such duly enacted law. Michigan. Youre on the air, go ahead. Caller howre you doing . Host im fine. [laughing] host are you there . Im in my ap government class and ive been chose to represent them and on behalf of all they think that donald trump is guilty. Host you been watching this pretty closely in your ap government class x. Caller yeah, oh, yeah. Host are you comparing it to the previous impeachment efforts . Caller yeah, we are. Host willie in newark ohio. Welcome. Caller i think hes not guilty. Host tell us why. Caller i think hes good for america. I mean, i think hes getting things done and you know, theyve all been his friends for years, you know picky donated money to them. He was always their friend but now that he has the power its a different story. He gets things done and they dont like it. Host if youre joining us here on cspan2, what happened is the house managers, the seven managers appointed by Speaker Pelosi<\/a> yesterday have come over to the senate. They have read Interviews Senate<\/a> that two articles of impeachment that were passed by the house, reading those articles was house Intelligence Committee<\/a> chair adam schiff. The senate will return at 2 00 eastern and they will shortly thereafter be joined by the chief justice of the United States<\/a>, john roberts. He will be sworn in and then he once worked in the senate and so begins the trial for the third time in use history of a president on the senate floor. We go to ohio and hear from perl who thinks the president is guilty. Excuse me, there you are. Tell us why. Call back because host youre on the air, go ahead. Caller because im 92 years old and our age, most of the people have never been for trump. And he, i dont think hes done his job. What was he doing with the people for ukraine . Giving them money. But people need im doing all right. Im 92, but hes not helping the underclass. Host what do you remember about the effort to impeach president clinton . [inaudible] i dont remember that at all. I do not that at all. And that was totally a young girl that was not a hostess, but they had been in, you know, in the house that did things. She was in on that. She should have been taken out of the white house, and he did very good. I have never heard anything about president clinton that they have about trump. Host a reminder, if you cant get through on the phone send us a text, click your name and where youre texting from. A few of them and well start with robert from maryland who says that the president is, should be found not guilty. Also from, i think he is guilty but the need to get the evidence uncovered to prove it from new york city. This is from frank in florida. Not guilty. And from taylor in michigan, guilty. A text from new jersey, not guilty. And finally, christine, im from the virgin islands. There appears to be some folks who are confusing criminality with gross violation of the constitution, underscores the need for civics classes. We will show you the introduction of those articles of impeachment in just a bit. We will continue to your calls and comments, 2027488920 if you think the president is guilty of the two articles of impeachment, construction of congress, the abuse of power in the first is the abuse of power. The second one is obstructing of congress. Even think he is not guilty that line is 2027488921. Well go to stockholm new jersey maureen, welcome. Caller hello. Host go ahead. Caller i feel hes not guilty. I think hes been doing a great job and a think the Democratic Party<\/a> is the punch that is guilty of what is going on in this country. Host jacklin in North Carolina<\/a>. Caller we know trump is guilty because he told us so. He tweeted about United States<\/a> air force veteran reality winner who sent proof, a document, to the media detailing russia hacking and meddling into our elections, like directly in our election infrastructure which impacted North Carolina<\/a> and at least 20 other states. Trump tweeted about her. He called her small potatoes. The woman won an accommodation for her work on the war. He tweeted about her, making fun of Jeff Sessions<\/a> because he didnt go after hillary clinton. But he acknowledged, he knows russia hacked into and meddled and our there was a Voter Registration<\/a> systems in particular that she, the document was about. Host youre bringing up another, a number of other issues but on the specific two articles of impeachment, do you think the house managers alley so far, the house itself made its case on those articles of impeachment . Caller i think they have that we need to hear from the witnesses who were trump obstructed justice by not allowing some people to testify. And that in itself is an article of impeachment. And this parnas thing obviously we have to hear from parnas. We have to hear from both. But we have an air force veteran in prison and trump knows she was sentenced for over five years, the longest of anybody in relationship to the trumprussia thing. Host you mentioned parnas and report today the Ukrainian Police<\/a> said today they have opened an investigation into the possibility that the u. S. Ambassador came under, ms. Youre on a page came under illegal surveillance by an unknown party before she was recalled from her post last may. They say the announcement came to like this after democratic lawmakers in the u. S. Released a trove of documents that showed that parnas, an associate of trumps personal Lawyer Community<\/a> about the middle of the ambassador marie yvonne of it as ambassador to ukraine. This is a brandon in florida next up we hear from karen. Go ahead. Caller thank you for taking my call. I believe that President Trump<\/a> is guilty. An innocent man would not obstruct Congress Like<\/a> he has if he was an innocent man. If i obstructed my court system here in tampa, i would be strong in jail posthaste. And it is, like you said, found this morning it was an illegal act for him to hold money, you know, against ukraine and the republicans want to call the bidens, the son, and host do you think they should be allowed to if they ask that . Caller well, if they are, then i think probably we should call ivanka trump because she is actually serving as an advisor in our government, and yet she is being granted patents in china. So whats the difference . I dont think that he has anything to do with this, other than the fact that his last name is biden, and this whole thing was set up to disgrace the bidens in the upcoming election. Host a text from randy in ohio who says this, the president is not guilty. The democrats are guilty of every charge that accuse him of the democrats must be held accountable and pay the money back. We go to robert in wilkesbarre, pennsylvania. Reverend robert, though ahead. Caller i believe that President Trump<\/a> is not guilty. As far as withholding the money, he withheld the money until he was sure that there was not corruption and i was going to be diverting money away from the people of the ukraine. And the money was ultimately given within the appropriate timeframe established by law. As far as keeping people from testifying before congress, theres a thing called executive privilege. We dont need to know, or we shouldnt know what broadcast every word he utters. You know, sometimes the man make you angry and Say Something<\/a> host let me ask you about the ukraine aid. Does it help or hurt the president case with the Government Accountability<\/a> office think that if the president did violate federal law with withholding that aid . Caller i think they have misinformation there. Because the money was ultimately given in the legal timeframe. Host well hear from janet next, plainview texas. Go ahead. Caller thank you for taking my call. I believe trump is guilty as sin. Sin. I mean, not only of the charges that he has been charged with four impeachment. His obstruction and abstraction of the gop to be able to prove out all the evidence is outrageous. And besides that, i mean, he has got to be one of the most corrupt president s that is ever walked into the white house. Everything he does in a transaction is to benefit himself. He wasnt doing things illegally, why would he be fighting all the way to the Supreme Court<\/a> to hide his books . Host let me ask you, jenna, if the democrats got no supporters in the house and the two articles of impeachment, whats the argument that adam schiff and others come hes the lead speaker of the managers in prison if the case before the senate, whats different about the argument that they have to make to get enough senators on board, keep in mind they need 67, twothirds of the senate, to convict President Trump<\/a> of the articles of impeachment . Caller they need to stress with the senate that this has not got to be a party thing, that they need to stop the obstruction. They need to be able to prove out the evidence because obstructing all the subpoenas, they were not able to be able to present the evidence. They need to be able to present the evidence and they need to talk with the senate and say, listen, if we are really about the United States<\/a>, if were really doing things for the United States<\/a>, then we have to stop this party thing and got to work for the people and present the evidence. But the evidence fall where it may. And once that evidence comes about, every day more and more things come out, and the way everybody has been told not to testify, no documents proving these things, thats got to stop. Host appreciate that. More of your calls, comments, your texts coming up in an hour from now, the u. S. Senate will return to session. Concerning the impeachment of Donald John Trump<\/a>, president of the United States<\/a> on the part of the house will be received and ordered to the well of thesenate. The sergeant at arms will make proclamation. Here he, hear ye, all persons are commanded to keep silent. While the house of representatives with the senate of the United States<\/a>, articles ofimpeachment against Donald John Trump<\/a>, president of theUnited States<\/a>. The managers on the part of the house will now proceed. Mister president , the managers on the part of the house of representatives are present and ready to present the articles of impeachment which have been preferred by the house of representatives against Donald John Trump<\/a>, president of the United States<\/a>. The house adopted the following resolution which with permission of the senate i will read. House resolution 798. Appointing and authorizing managers for the impeachment trial of Donald John Trump<\/a> , president of the United States<\/a>. The result is that mister schiff, nadler, ms. Lofgren, miss dennings, miss crowe and ms. Garcia of texas are appointed managers to conduct the impeachment trial against Donald John Trump<\/a>, president of the United States<\/a>. A message be sent to the senate to inform the senate of these appointments and that the managers so appointed may in connection with the preparation and the conduct of the trial exhibit articles of impeachment to the senate and take all other actions necessary which may include the following. Employing legal , clerical and other necessary assistance in incurring such other expenses as may be necessary to be paid for amounts available to the committee on the judiciary underapplicable expense resolutions or the applicable account of the house of representatives. Number two, sending for purpose or persons and papers and filing with the secretary of the senate on the part of the house of representatives and any pleadings in conjunction with or subsequent to the exhibition of the articles of impeachment that the managers may consider necessary. With thepermission of the senate i will now read the articles of impeachment , House Resolution<\/a> 755. House of resolution 755. Impeaching Donald John Trump<\/a>, president of the United States<\/a> for high crimes and misdemeanors. Resolve , that president , that Donald J Trump<\/a> president of the United States<\/a> is impeached for high crimes and misdemeanors and the following articles of impeachment be exhibited to the United States<\/a> senate. Articles of impeachment exhibited by the house of representatives of the United States<\/a> of america in the name of itself and of the people of the United States<\/a> of america against Donald John Trump<\/a>, president of the United States<\/a> of america, in maintenance and support of its impeachment against him for high crimes and misdemeanors. Article 1, abuse of power. The constitution provides that the house of representatives shall have the sole power of impeachment. And that the President Shall<\/a> be removed from office on impeachment for and conviction of treason, bribery, or other high crimes and misdemeanors. It it in his conduct of the office of the president ofthe United States<\/a> , and in violation of his constitutional oath, faithfully execute theoffice of president of the United States<\/a> , and to the death of his ability preserve, protect anddefend the constitution of the United States<\/a> , and in violation of his constitutional duty to take care that the laws be faithfully executed, Donald J Trump<\/a> as abused the powers of the presidency in that using the powers of his high office , President Trump<\/a> solicited the interference of a foreign government, ukraine in the 20 20 United States<\/a> president ial election. He did so through a scheme where of course of conduct included soliciting the government of the ukraine to publicly announce investigations that would benefit his reelection. Harm the election prospects of a political opponent and influence by 2020 United States<\/a> president ial election to his advantage. President trump also sought to pressure the government of ukraine to take these steps by conditioning official United States<\/a> government acts of significant value to the ukraine. On its public announcements of the investigations. President trump engaged in this scheme or course of conduct for corrupt purposes in pursuit of personal political benefit. And in so doing President Trump<\/a> used the powers of the presidency in a manner that compromised the National Security<\/a> of the United States<\/a> and undermined the integrity of the United States<\/a> democratic process. He thus ignored and injured the interests of the nation area President Trump<\/a> engaged in this scheme or course of conduct through the following means. Number one, President Trump<\/a> acting both directly and through his agents within and outside the United States<\/a> government corruptly solicited the government of the ukraine to publicly announce investigations into a, a political opponent, former Vice President<\/a> Joseph R Biden<\/a> junior and the, a discredited theory promoted by russia alleging that ukraine rather than russia interfered in the 2016 United States<\/a> president ialelection. Number two, with the same corrupt motives, President Trump<\/a> acting both directly and through his agents within and outside the United States<\/a> government conditioned to official acts on the public announcements that he had requested. A, the release of 390 million , 91 million of the United States<\/a> taxpayer funds that congress had appropriated on a bipartisan basis for the purpose of providing vital military and Security Assistance<\/a> to ukraine to oppose russian aggression with what President Trump<\/a> had ordered spent and the, head of state meeting at the white house which the president of ukraine sought to demonstrate continued United States<\/a> support for the government of ukraine in the face of russian aggression. Number three, faced with the public revelation of his actions, President Trump<\/a> ultimately released the military and Security Assistance<\/a> to the government of ukraine but has persisted in openly and corruptly urging and soliciting ukraine to undertake investigations for his personal political benefit. These actions wereconsistent with President Trump<\/a>s previous invitations of foreign interference in the United States<\/a> election. In all of this, President Trump<\/a> abused the powers of the presidency by ignoring and injuring National Security<\/a> and other Vital National<\/a> interests to obtain an improper personal political benefit. He has also betrayed the nation by abusing his high office to enlist a foreign power in corrupting democratic elections. Wherefore President Trump<\/a> by such conduct has demonstrated that he will remain a threat to National Security<\/a> and the constitution if allowed to remain in office and has acted in a manner grossly incompatible with selfgovernance and the rule of law. President trump bus warrants impeachment and trial, removal from office and disqualification to hold and enjoy any office of honor, trust or profit under the United States<\/a>. Article 2, obstruction of congress. The constitution provides that the house of representatives shall have the sole power of impeachment and that the President Shall<\/a> be removed from office on impeachment for and conviction of treason, bribery or other high crimes and misdemeanors. In his conduct of the office of the president of the United States<\/a> and in violation of his constitutional oath faithfully to execute the office of president of the United States<\/a>, and to the best of his ability preserve, protect anddefend the constitution of the United States<\/a> , and in violation of his constitutional duty to takecare that the laws be faithfully executed , Donald J Trump<\/a> has directed the unprecedented categorical and indiscriminate defiance of subpoenas issued by the house of representatives pursuant to its sole power of impeachment. President trump has abused the power of the presidency in a manner offensive to and subversive of the constitution in that the house of representatives has engaged in an impeachment inquiry focused on President Trump<\/a>s corrupt solicitation of the government of ukraine tointerfere in the 2020 United States<\/a> president ial election. As part of this impeachment inquiry the committees undertaking the investigation serve subpoenas seeking documents and testimony deemed vital to the inquiry from various executive Branch Agencies<\/a> and offices and current and former officials. In response, without lawful cause or excuse, President Trump<\/a> directed executive Branch Agencies<\/a>, offices and officials notto comply with those subpoenas. President trump thus interposed the powers of the presidency against the lawful subpoenas of the house of representatives and assumed to himself the functions and judgments necessary to exercise the sole power of impeachment vetted by the constitution in the house of representatives. President trump abused the powers of his high office through the following means number one, directing the white house to defy a lawful subpoena by withholding the production of documents sought therein by the committees. Number two, directing other executive Branch Agencies<\/a> and offices to defy lawful subpoenas and withhold the production of documents and records from the committees in response to which the department of state, the office of management and budget, department of energy and department of defense refused to produce a single document or record. Directing current and former number three, directing current and former executive Branch Officials<\/a> not to cooperate with the committees in response to which Nine Administration<\/a> officials defined subpoenas for testimony area namely, john michael mc mulvaney, robert b blair, john eisenberg, michael ellis, preston wells griffith, russell t vaughan, Michael Duffy<\/a>, Brian Mccormick<\/a> and t ulrich brathwaite. These actions were consistent with President Trump<\/a>s previous effort to undermine the United States<\/a> government investigations into foreign interference in United States<\/a> elections. Through these actions, President Trump<\/a> sought to abrogate to himself the right to determine the propriety, scope and nature of the impeachment inquiry into his own conduct. That froze the unilateral prerogative to deny any and all information to the house of representatives and the exercise of its sole power of impeachment. In the history of the republic, no president has ever ordered the complete defiance of them in the impeachment inquiry or sought to obstruct and impede so comprehensively the ability of the house of representatives to investigate high crimes and misdemeanors. This abuse of office serve to cover up the president on repeated misconduct and to seize and control the power of impeachment. And thus to nullify a vital constitutional safeguard vested solely in the house of representatives. In all of this, President Trump<\/a> acted in a manner contrary to his trust as president. And subversive of Constitutional Government<\/a>. To the great prejudice of the cause of law and justice and to the manifest injury of the people of the United States<\/a>. Wherefore President Trump<\/a> by such conduct has demonstrated that he will remain a threat to theconstitution if allowed to remain in office. As acted in a manner grossly incompatible with selfgovernance and the rule of law. President trump bus warrants impeachment and trial, removal from office and disqualification to hold and enjoy any office of honor, trust or profit under the United States<\/a>. Mister president , that completes the exhibition of the articles of impeachment. Against Donald John Trump<\/a>, president of theUnited States<\/a>. The managers request that the senate take order for the trial , the managers now request to withdraw. Thank you mister schiff, the senate will notify the house of representatives that it is ready to proceed to trial. One of the seven house impeachment managers, adam schiff, also the head of the house Intelligence Committee<\/a> on the floor of the Senate Reading<\/a> the articles of impeachment, the two articles against President Trump<\/a> here on cspan2. We expect to see in the next 45 minutes the arrival of the chief justice on capitol hill, chief Justice John Roberts<\/a>. At 2 00 eastern there will be a live for him calling all senators to the floor of the u. S. Senate. When the chiefjustice arrives he will be the presiding officer after he is sworn in. Then he in turn will swear in members of the u. S. Senate. Until then were getting your reaction, your thoughts. You heard from adam schiff laying out the articles of impeachment. You can read those articles of impeachment on our website cspan. Org. The president , guilty or not guilty . Do you think the president is guilty, buying his 242 2487980. You can also text us your thoughts, 202748 8003. Make sure you include your name and where you are texting from. This is from zach in lovell maryland who says i believe the President Trump<\/a> is guilty. He doesnt need to violate an actual law to be impeached and also at 2 pm, is that the start of the trial or something procedural . Zach, it is both of those. Kia in new jersey, not guilty, no crime. Also nick in tampa florida, trump is guilty in every sense of the word. Those who stand by him are traitors and one more from jean in california, guilty or not guilty of what . I read the transcript, no crime there. You can read the articles of impeachment, cspan. Org impeachment. Lets go to carl in Santa Barbara<\/a> california, go ahead with your comment. Caller housing going. Host fine thanks. Caller im a republican and its become pretty clear that hes not fit to be in office and the evidence is pretty overwhelming. You have the transcript, you have the Intelligence Committee<\/a> witnesses, you have leveraging zelensky and i just think all that compromises are standing around the world and its an issue of nationalsecurity. And the American People<\/a> deserve better and we, the constitution needs to be honored. So i implore my republican senators to look beyond themselves and think of the country. Were on the brink of war so i think its only the american thing to do is to vote for impeachment. To fill up next in grayslake illinois. Welcome. Hello. How are you . Im doing fine. All i can say is and ive been around in this very long time. And resident trump is only the third president in our countries storied history who has put the safety and wellbeing of american citizens first and foremost. To me its a big plus. This dog and pony show with the same people, these career Civil Servants<\/a> are nothing except selfserving, multimillionaires who had been in the business too long. We need term limits. We need toimmediately. And everyone of these career Civil Servants<\/a> who dont have a clue what the real people in this country go through, they need to be relieved of their duties. This is nothing except a Smear Campaign<\/a> against one of the greatestpresident s in our history. Host bill next up, williamsburg pennsylvania. You think the president is guilty, tell us why. Caller the senate trial has nothing to do with whether you think the president is doing a good job or if you think the economy is doing well, which it is at the time. The president abused his power by directing a scheme involving his personal attorney to withhold funds from the ukraine to try to pressure ukraine and to starting an investigation against his political rival joe biden area he tried to obstruct justice by telling everyone in his administration not to provide documents to congress and not to, to ignore congressional subpoenas. In my opinion, the only people who, the only senators who will vote not guilty are those are afraid that this bully president will come down on them and try to make sure theyre not reelected area. Are going to go to john next on are not guilty line. Go ahead john. Caller hello. Host you are on the air, go ahead. Caller i think hesnot guilty. We dont have any solid proof. Its all hearsay. I heard this from this and this person. The democrats said when they took control of the house, the first thing on the agenda was to trump. And to me, this is just a farce. This impeachment is just a farce because the democrats did not win in 2016. Within the next hour youll be seeing all of these centers taking in both. They take a separate for the impeachment trial larry sato, uvas university of Virginia Center<\/a> for politics. Note the concludingsentence of the trial. All senators will take when sworn in this afternoon. Quote, i will do impartial justice according to the constitution and law, so help me god. Impartial,senators make us believe again. Tony in north las vegas, go ahead. Im really concerned about the fact that this man is guilty and im also really concerned about those that are saying he is not guilty. Watching the same thing that ive been watching over the last several months. So i wish they would have a real trial in the senate. Allow witnesses to come forward. But other than the fact that hes guilty, which i think theres no question about, my bigger concern is those people that are saying that he is not guilty of mazes me and concerns me as much as this man in office is guilty. I dont understand how people , im assuming rational and i assume that most of them are educated, can watch the same information that i see and come up with such a totally different conclusion. Host another point of view from allen in apopka florida. Caller i dont think hes guilty at all. The congress showed no evidence that he had done anythingwrong. And as far as him asking ukraine to investigate the bidens, as commanderinchief i wouldwant him to look into that. I dont think hes done anything to be impeached about. We hear from shirley next, Riverside California<\/a> area thinks the president isguilty. I appreciate it. I think hes very guilty. I have watched this manfor many years. Before he was in government. And he was nothing that i would have considered anyone electing a president. Ive been a republican in my past but then an independent. I am not a democrat. And im proud of that. And im so proud of the democrat party. I hear all these people say the strangest things that they think that donald trump is not guilty when all my gosh, dont you listen to the newsare they only listening to fox tv . It horrifies me. Everything hes done since the day he took office has been embarrassing for the United States<\/a> public. We as americans, ive been horrified when hes gone overseas and talk to our allies and behavior that he shown and with his association with putin, that terrifies me even more. Host but when it comes to the senate trial itself, what you think the key is that the managers, need to make. Whats the point they need to make in their case against the president in the senate trial area. In the senate trial i think they really need to listen to the different people that want to come forward and talk and tell them what they know, ive got a horrible feeling that moscow mitch wont allow it but i think if we get enough people coming in and saying what they know, i think some of the people in the United States<\/a>, at least a majority will have changed their minds, the ones that think hes not guilty toguilty. Some of those decisions about witnesses have yet to be decided by the u. S. Senate. A couple of comments on twitter. Collided with msnbc, in the rating of those charges head especially given the surrounding news from partisan gao was more dramatic and devastating and some might have expected. The majority leader ive covered for decades who is in the trump fan looked more than usual. Mark sherman doing this about the chief justice, random fact about robert and the senatetrial area he will wear his judicial robe, will be driven from the court to the capital. One law clerk and counselor jeff junior with him and mike have lunch in the senate days area chad porter oncology Congressional Correspondent<\/a> for fox to say which last day in the on capitol hill. Seconds after the Senate Approved<\/a> the us mca, usmexico canada trade agreement the Senate Receives<\/a> the impeachment managers and that vote in the senate early, 89 to 10, that measure goes to the president for his approval. Jim in albuquerque new mexico, go ahead with your comments. Caller i like to sayhes not guilty. Ive been watching this every day from the beginning. And its back and forth. The democrats wont prove nothing, theres no crime there either on obstruction or abuse of power, obstruction of congress and on the abuse of power, im glad we got the president that talked to the ukrainians and said to us, not we democrats, to us , referring to the ukraine and to the United States<\/a> about these corruption and all this misdeeds over therein ukraine. And he could have held up for another 10 days, he didnt have to give it up until the last few days, he had a certain amount of time to give it in and he gave it in that amount of time with extra days to go. And as far as abuse of power, the congress, nancy pelosi , shes held up usmc for almost a year. She agreed on the last week of december of 2019. That abuse of power. This could help so many people. Our farmers, businesses and Everything Else<\/a> and in my opinion , the democrats have abuse of power. Now obstruction of congress, congress is set for themselves. They wouldnt let the republicans bring any witnesses when they had it in the house. They asked if they could bring more witnesses and if everybody would watch, you can look at nadler and you can look at schiff. After witnesses, could we bring our witnessesand they denied that. Jim in new mexico on the ukraine issue. Angle of these stories, the two articles of impeachment, headline hear from the New York Times<\/a> , headline says lev parnas, completes break with trump and giuliani. The trump story is the Ukrainian Police<\/a> said today they have an open investigation into the possibility that Us Ambassador<\/a> Marie Yovanovitch<\/a> came under surveillance and nancy pelosi was asked about that in her briefing this morning. We will show you that and comments from the minority leader evan mccarthy. Given the interviews last night, do you believe that lev parnas should be a witness at the trial and do you believe he would be credible . Credible as relates to the documents, it raises questions but now i have appointed a manager who taunted me, who are they, when are they coming, they are here and they have a responsibility and im very confident in how they will proceed. And again, there seems to be documentation that would validate the what lev parnas is saying but that has to be subjected to scrutiny. Would he be a credible witness . He would be acredible witness if what hes testifying to relates to the issue at hand. The president s behavior again , theres a process for how you go forward with witnesses and thats not done in the basement of the congressional visitors center. But among those who are making this decision, im so proud of our manager. Our members have been so positive about it and its not without risk. Theyre going to get a great deal of their intellect as an intellectual resource, as he treats. Theyre getting a great deal of time of course but also their courageous. Me just say that, their courageous. [inaudible] excuse me. I told you i wasnt answering, you have aquestion after that. I said the the attorney general was implicated, this testimony implicates the road attorney general who has been the puppet. I dont know whos the puppet, trump or the attorney general. But this is not, he says this is my attorney general, this is my department of justice area really and mark so in any case, its not a question of saying what proof, its what allegations have been made. And that has to be subjective to scrutiny as to how we go forward but it should not be ignored and the context of other events that have happened that would substantiate some of that. Yes maam. Would be appropriate to delay the meeting until after the trial . The president has some options. He can come that day and we are prepared to welcome him that day. He could send a printed copy which was for a long time the tradition the president would send a copy of his state of the Union Address<\/a> area or he could ask us to postpone it if in fact he wants to have it after all of this is resolved. But the timing of the investigation, the trial of the president for obstructing congress and abuse of power should not be hastened because of the speech he wants to make to congress and the United States<\/a>. Republicans maintain the president and white house have done no nothing wrong. These still maintain the sham investigation that theres nothing wrong . Its ombs response was they disagreed with the gaos opinion. Omb is a portion of the authority to ensuretaxpayer dollars are properly. These are taxpayer dollars going to another country people believe there was corruption with a new administration. I think it was the rightful thing to do. Yesterday, lev parnas, Rudy Giuliani<\/a> and associates said President Trump<\/a> was fully aware of the efforts on his behalf to sabotage information and im wondering if this changes your view in any way or if you have any reaction to the fact that he has said not only was mister trump aware but the attorney general was readin. Mike pence was involved, everybody was involved. This man lacks all credibility. This is the same pattern ive seen before. With the media, they tried to build something into it. Just it didnt show that he went on and the nature of what hespoke. This is the same man that said devon nunez was in indiana when he was not so he doesnt have anycredibility. [inaudible] you have the transcript of the phone call. Thats all you need. You have a phone call. Thats what theyre basing their impeachment. Though their managers decided onimpeachment , you have hockey who voted for it, two years almost to this date. Theyear before his phone call to place. You have adam schiff who met with the whistleblower, said he had proof beyond on circumstantial, we found that not to be true. That made a major case for impeachment. The senate role now is to judge you andthats what theyll do. You think that if it union should be delayed until the file is complete . The trial could be completed by then. How weak the case is itself but ill leave that to the president. I think it would be appropriate for him to be able to to the American Public<\/a> when they can all watch and listen. Every time hes given a state of the union, the country feels stronger. The country has a betterunderstanding of where theyre going. And i want to make sure hes given that opportunity. And a politico headline on what leader mccarthy was talking about, white house violated the law by creating ukraine eight, gao says democrats have said the aid pause is part of a broader pattern of abuse by the white house budget office. Within the next 25 minutes we expect the arrival on capitol hill of Supreme Court<\/a> justice chief justice i should say john roberts. John roberts will come into the Senate Chamber<\/a>. The senate will be in a live for him bringing members to the floor. The chief justice be sworn in. Senators will be sworn in and will be sworn in for the third time in us history, a trial of the president of the United States<\/a> will get underway. We are going to continue to take your calls and comments next couple of minutes area 2027488920 three if you think President Trump<\/a> is guilty of the articles of impeachment, not guilty. Minus 2027488921 and if you like to send us a text with your thoughts, 2027 48,003 and make sure that you include where your texting from area this one from michael in florida who says not guilty. The democrats are rewording the transcript to fill their political needs. Were going to break away from that and show you the chief justice arriving on capitol hill. Moment ago chief Justice John Roberts<\/a> arriving at the us senate. With the events set to get underway in 20 minutes. The chief justice will be sworn in, members of the senate will be sworn in for the senate trial, we will continue to take phone calls and comments on the articles of impeachment against President Trump<\/a>. Chris in atlanta, thank you for waiting. Caller as i see it,hes got to be guilty. We saw the constitution which is basically the rulebook and the rules state that as Congress Passes<\/a> this aid, theres no reason for you to hold it up. You have no Good Standing<\/a> to hold it up and i think weve seen some people running around trying to figure out an excuse for that kind of behavior, but thats not the rules. The rules say the president can hold up this money for x amount of time. What did he do with it and is he doing it for theright reasons . I guess we will find out in the trial, hopefully. And for the obstruction of congress again, we got lost. Weve got rules in the constitution that say if you get subpoenaed, you need to come testify. In congress, these people who work for us as americans have passed this rule. We all have to follow that rule and it seems like the president either doesnt know the rules or doesnt think they apply to him and this is congresss job to hold him accountable through the constitution, the rulebook which is supposed to apply to everyone. So i guess weve got to find him guilty. Host we will go to denise next in california saying not guilty. Caller thank you. Im listening to these people and wondering where they get their constitution, number one. I do not believe the president is guilty because the 2 articles of impeachment, neither one is a crime so how can you be guilty of a crime when none is alleged. Also in the house whenthey were asking for witnesses , that was after they had already told the republicans they couldnt have any input into the process area and so they on one hand had their cake and eat it too. Host also in terms of the articles of impeachment, you can find those on our website. There are not many pages there, you can read them online at cspan. Org impeachment. The articles of impeachment read into the Senate Record<\/a> by adam schiff, one of the seven house managers this afternoon. The presence of the managers on the part of the house of representatives, conduct proceedings on behalf of the house concerning the impeachment of Donald John Trump<\/a> , president of the United States<\/a>. On the part of the house will be received and escorted to the well of the senate. The sergeant at arms will make the proclamation. Here he, here he, all persons are commanded to keep silent on pain of imprisonment. The house of representatives is exhibiting for the senate of the United States<\/a> articles of impeachment against Donald John Trump<\/a> , president of the United States<\/a>. The managers on the part of the house will now proceed. Mister president , the managers on the part of the house of representatives are present and ready to present the articles of impeachment which have been preferred by the house of representatives against Donald John Trump<\/a>, president of the United States<\/a>. The house adopted the following resolutionwhich with permission of the senate i will read. House resolution 798, appointing and authorizing managers for the impeachment trial of Donald John Trump<\/a>, president of the United States<\/a>. Resolved that mister schiff, mister nadler, miss lofgren, miss jeffries, miss dennings, mister crowe andmiss garcia of texas are appointed managers to conduct the impeachment trial against Donald John Trump<\/a> , president of the United States<\/a>. A message be sent to the senate to inform the senate of these appointments and the managers so appointed may in connection with the preparation and conduct of the trial exhibit articles of impeachment to the senate and take all other actions necessary which may include the following. Employing legal, clerical and other necessary assistance and incurring such other expenses as may be necessary to be paid from amounts available to the committee on the judiciary under applicable expense resolutions are from the applicable account of the house of representatives. 2, presenting for persons and papers and filings with the secretary of the senate on the part of the house of representatives and any pleading subsequent to the exhibition of the articles of impeachment that the managers may consider necessary. With the permission of the senate i will read the articles of impeachment, House Resolution<\/a> 755. House resolution 755. Impeaching Donald John Trump<\/a>, president of the United States<\/a> for high crimes and misdemeanors. Resolved, that president , that Donald J Trump<\/a>, president of the United States<\/a> is impeached for high crimes and misdemeanors and that the following articles of impeachment be exhibited to the United States<\/a> senate. Articles of impeachment exhibited by the house of representatives of the United States<\/a> of america in the name of itself and of the people of the United States<\/a> of america against Donald John Trump<\/a>, president of the United States<\/a> of america. In maintenance and support of its impeachment againsthim for high crimes and misdemeanors. Article 1 abuse of power. The constitution provides that the house of representatives shall have the sole power of impeachment and that the President Shall<\/a> be removed from office on impeachment for and conviction of treason, bribery, and other high crimes and misdemeanors. In his conduct of the office of the president of the United States<\/a> and in violation of his constitutional oath faithfully to execute the office of president of the United States<\/a> and to the best of his ability preserve, protect and defend the constitution of the United States<\/a> and in violation of his constitutional duty to take care that the laws be faithfully executed, Donald J Trump<\/a> has abused the powers of the presidency in that using the powers of his eye office, President Trump<\/a> solicited the interference of a foreigngovernment, ukraine , in the 2020 president ial election. He did so through a scheme or course of conduct that included soliciting the government of the ukraine to publicly announce investigations that would benefit his reelection. Harm the election prospects of a political opponent and influence the 2020 United States<\/a> president ial election to his advantage. President trump also sought to pressure the government of ukraine to take these steps by conditioning official United States<\/a> government acts of significant value to the ukraine on its public announcement of the investigations. President trump engaged in this scheme or course of conduct for current purposes inpursuit of personal political benefit. In so doing President Trump<\/a> used the powers of the presidency in a manner that compromised the National Security<\/a> of the United States<\/a> and undermined the integrity of the United States<\/a> democratic process. He thus ignored and injured the interests of the nation. President trump engaged in this scheme or course of conduct through the following means. Number one President Trump<\/a> acting directly and through his agents within and outside the United States<\/a> government corruptly solicited the government of the ukraine to publicly announce investigations into a, a political opponent, former Vice President<\/a> Joseph R Biden<\/a> junior and b, the discredited theory promoted by russia alleging that ukraine rather than russia interfered in the 2016 United States<\/a> president ialelection. Number two, with the same corrupt motives President Trump<\/a> acting both directly and through his agents within and outside the United States<\/a> government conditioned to official acts on the public announcement that he had requested. A, the release of 390 million , 91 Million Dollars<\/a> of the United States<\/a> taxpayer funds that congress had appropriated on a bipartisan basis for the purpose of providing vital military and Security Assistance<\/a> to ukraine to oppose russian aggression and which President Trump<\/a> had ordered suspended. And b, i head of state meeting at the white house which the president of the ukraine sought to demonstrate continued United States<\/a> support for the government of ukraine in theface of russian aggression. Number three faced with the public revelation of his actions, President Trump<\/a> ultimately released the military and Security Assistance<\/a> to the government of ukraine but has persisted in openly and corruptly urging and soliciting ukraine to undertake investigations for his personal political benefit. These actions were consistent with President Trump<\/a>s previous invitations of foreign interference in United States<\/a> elections area in all of this, President Trump<\/a> abused the powers of the presidency by ignoring and injuring National Security<\/a> and other Vital National<\/a> interests to obtain an improper personal political benefit. He has also betrayed the nation by abusing his eye office to enlist a foreign power in corrupting democraticelections. Therefore, President Trump<\/a> by such conduct has demonstrated that he will remain a threat to National Security<\/a> and the constitution if allowed to remain in office. And has acted in a manner grossly incompatible with selfgovernance and the rule of law. President trump thus warrants impeachment and trial, removal from office and disqualification to hold and enjoy any office that will honor, trust orprofit under the United States<\/a>. Article 2 obstruction of congress. The constitution provides that the house of representatives shall have the sole power of impeachment and that the President Shall<\/a> be removed from office on impeachment for and conviction of treason, bribery or other high crimes and misdemeanors. In his conduct of the office of president of the United States<\/a> and in violation of his constitutional oath faithfully to execute the office of president of the United States<\/a> and to the best of his ability preserve, protect and defend the constitution of the United States<\/a> and in violation of his constitutional duty to take care that the laws be faithfully executed, Donald J Trump<\/a> has directed the unprecedented categorical and indiscriminate defiance of subpoenas issued by the house of representatives pursuant to its sole power of impeachment. President trump has abused the power of the presidency in a manner offensive to an subversive of the constitution in that the house of representatives has engaged in an impeachment inquiry focused on President Trump<\/a>s corrupt solicitation of the government of the ukraine to interfere in the 2020 United States<\/a> president ial election. As part of this impeachment inquiry the committees undertaking the investigation serve the venous seeking documents and testimony deemed vital to the inquiry them various executive Branch Agencies<\/a> and offices and current and former officials. In response, without lawful cause or excuse, President Trump<\/a> directed executive Branch Agencies<\/a>, offices and officials not to comply with the subpoenas. President trump thus interposed the powers of the presidency against the lawful subpoenas of the house of representatives and assumed to himself the functions and judgments necessary to exercise the sole power of impeachment vested by the constitution in the house of representatives. President trump abused the powers of his high officethrough the following means number one, directing the white house to define a lawful subpoena by withholding the production of documents sought there in by the committees. Number two, directing other executive Branch Agencies<\/a> and offices to defy lawful subpoenas and withhold the production of documents and records from the committees in response to which the department of state, office of management and budget, department of energy and department of defense refused to produce a single document or record. Directing current and former number three, directing current and former executive Branch Officials<\/a> not to cooperate with committees in response to which Nine Administration<\/a> officials defined subpoenas for testimony. Namely, John Michael Mulvaney<\/a> , robert b blair, john eisenberg, michael ellis, preston wells griffith, russell vaught, Michael Duffy<\/a> , Brian Mccormick<\/a> and t aldrich michael. These actions were consistent with President Trump<\/a>s previous efforts to undermine the United States<\/a> government investigations into foreign interference in the United States<\/a> elections. Through these actions, President Trump<\/a> sought to abrogate to himself the right to determine the propriety, scope and nature of the impeachment inquiry into his own conduct. As well as the unilateral prerogative to deny any and all information to the house of representatives in the exercise of its sole power of impeachment area in the history of the republic, no president has ever ordered the complete defiance of an impeachment inquiry or sought to obstruct and impede so comprehensively the ability of the house of representatives to investigate high crimesand misdemeanors. This abuse of office served to cover up the president on repeated misconduct and to seize and control the power of impeachment and thus to nullify a vital constitutional safeguard vested solely in the house of representatives and all of this, President Trump<\/a> acted in a manner contrary to his trust as president and subversive of Constitutional Government<\/a> to the great prejudice of the cause of law and justice and to the manifest injury of the people of the United States<\/a>. Wherefore resident trump by such conduct has demonstrated that he will remain a threat to the constitution if allowed to remain in office and has acted in a manner grossly incompatible with selfgovernance and the rule of law. Resident trump thus warrants impeachment and trial, removal from office and disqualification to hold and enjoy any office of honor, trust or profit under the United States<\/a>. Mister president , that completes the exhibition of the articles of impeachment against Donald John Trump<\/a>, president of the United States<\/a>. The managers request that the senate take order for the trial, the managers now request to withdraw. Thank you mister schiff, the senate will notify the house ofrepresentatives when it is ready to proceed to trial. For the third time in history of president is on trial in the u. S. Senate. They return in a few minutes at 2 pm eastern. We will have that live here on cspan2. As they return the chief justice is sworn in, senators are sworn in. A few more moments for your phone calls as well, escorting the chief justice into the chamber, roy blunt of missouri, senator Patrick Leahy<\/a> of vermont was also part of the escort for Justice Rehnquist<\/a> in 1999. Lindsey graham whowas a member of the house and a manager, an impeachment manager in 1998 and dianne feinstein. Our capitol hill training this information, heading into the press gallery for the start of the impeachment trial, chief Justice Roberts<\/a> will be sworn in by pro tem grassley followed by 99 senators, senator in half is not here today due to a Family Member<\/a> with a medical issue. No phones or Electronic Devices<\/a> are allowed inside our cameras are outside of the us senate in the remedial corridor and other areas of the senate and we continue with your calls as we wait for the senate to return. We go toroy in newcastle delaware , thanks for waiting and go ahead with your comments. A been taking on this president from day one and i can see through it. I used to be a democrat but now im a republican and a lot of democrats are losing their place. Nancy pelosi, Chuck Schumer<\/a>, adler and all them, they need to just quit because theyre messing this country up. Theyre there to work for us and were paying them to work for us and all they have from day one is picked on this president. Next is lisa in washington and we say hello to lenny. Caller i tried phoning both lines because i feel that our legal system allows for someone to be considered innocent until Proven Guilty<\/a> and while i personally find the evidence that we heard in the house to be very damning and i personally do not like this president , i still think that asking us to declare guilt or lack of guilt before the trial is a little unfortunate. I wish you had chosen a different wording for it. However, i do think the senators have an obligation to call witnesses and see evidence and if there is anything exonerating, i believe the president needs to get it out there. There is enough evidence to show that he was using quid pro quo for personal gain. I think its True Department<\/a> and foreign relations, quit is used a lot but it is for the country. It is not for the gain of one individual in public office. So thats all i have to say i think hes innocent until Proven Guilty<\/a>, we need to have a trial and we need to have a serious trial. Host we appreciate your comments, lee is next. [inaudible]","publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"archive.org","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","width":"800","height":"600","url":"\/\/ia802805.us.archive.org\/13\/items\/CSPAN2_20200116_170500_Impeachment_Trial_of_President_Trump_U.S._Senate\/CSPAN2_20200116_170500_Impeachment_Trial_of_President_Trump_U.S._Senate.thumbs\/CSPAN2_20200116_170500_Impeachment_Trial_of_President_Trump_U.S._Senate_000001.jpg"}},"autauthor":{"@type":"Organization"},"author":{"sameAs":"archive.org","name":"archive.org"}}],"coverageEndTime":"20240716T12:35:10+00:00"}