Trump in the Trial

The unauthorized, still updating, and infinitely more deflating sequel to George Saunders’ Lincoln in the Bardo.

The following are all real quotes, headlines, and tweets. God help us.

Chapter One: The Whistleblower

Trump was using the power of his office to solicit interference from a foreign country in the 2020 U.S. election.

-Anonymous Whistle Blower Report

You know what we used to do in the old days when we were smart? Right? The spies and treason, we used to handle it a little differently than we do now.

-President Trump

Whistleblower claimed that Trump abused his office and that White House officials tried to cover it up.

-Washington Post

Sounding more and more like the so-called Whistleblower isn’t a Whistleblower at all. In addition, all second hand information that proved to be so inaccurate that there may not have even been somebody else, a leaker or spy, feeding it to him or her? A partisan operative?

-President Trump

There’s a lot of talk about Biden’s son, that Biden stopped the prosecution and a lot of people want to find out about that so whatever you can do with the Attorney General would be great. Biden went around bragging that he stopped the prosecution so if you can look into it … It sounds horrible to me.

-President Trump (transcript of the call to Volodymyr Zelensky)

Did he also mention to me in passing the corruption related to the D.N.C. server? Absolutely. No question about that…That’s why we held up the money.

–W.H. Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney

Once again, the media has decided to misconstrue my comments to advance a biased and political witch hunt against President Trump. Let me be clear, there was absolutely no quid pro quo between Ukrainian military aid and any investigation into the 2016 election. The president never told me to withhold any money until the Ukrainians did anything related to the server.

-W.H. Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney

Today, as speaker of the House, I solemnly and sadly open the debate on the impeachment of the president of the United States.

-Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-CA)

Chapter Two: To Impeach or…

Officials Testify Trump Call Was Inappropriate; One ‘Couldn’t Believe’ It.

-New York Times

I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. It was probably an element of shock — that maybe, in certain regards, my worst fear of how our Ukraine policy could play out was playing out, and how this was likely to have significant implications for U.S. national security.

– Colonel Alexander Vindman (National Security Council)

When Jesus was falsely accused of Treason, Pontius Pilate gave Jesus the opportunity to face his accusers. During that sham trial, Pontius Pilate afforded more rights to Jesus, than Democrats have afforded this president in this process. #ShamImpeachment

-Representative Barry Loudermilk (R-GA)

A dozen more witnesses, some with direct knowledge of Mr. Trump’s actions, were blocked from speaking to investigators, and the Trump administration refused to produce a single document under subpoena.

-New York Times

The White House said Friday it would not participate in House Democrats’ impeachment proceedings.

-L.A. Times

House Democrats have wasted enough of America’s time with this charade. You should end this inquiry now and not waste even more time with additional hearings.

– Pat Cipollone, Trump’s White House lawyer

Trump Impeached for Abuse of Power and Obstruction of Congress

-New York Times

SUCH ATROCIOUS LIES BY THE RADICAL LEFT, DO NOTHING DEMOCRATS. THIS IS AN ASSAULT ON AMERICA, AND AN ASSAULT ON THE REPUBLICAN PARTY!!!!

-President Trump

Chapter Three: So We’ll Definitely Hear Evidence, Right?…Right?

Everything I do during this, I’m coordinating with White House counsel. We’ll be working through this process, hopefully in a short period of time, in total coordination with the White House counsel’s office. I’m going to take my cues from the president’s lawyers.

-Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY)

I would anticipate that it is likely that I would vote to have more information brought forward, whether witnesses or documents or both.

-Senator Susan Collins (R-ME)

The Senate’s fair process will draw a sharp contrast with the unfair and precedent breaking inquiry that was carried on by the House of Representatives.

-Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY)

McConnell makes changes after key Republican senators, including Susan Collins of Maine, argued that the rules for Mr. Trump’s impeachment trial should not deviate significantly from the rules used during the only modern precedent, the impeachment trial of President Bill Clinton in 1999.

-New York Times

Ultimately, the real test will be if they pressure Senator McConnell to allow witnesses and documents.

-Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY)

Senate rejects a Democratic push for State Dept. documents.

-New York Times

Senate rejects bid to subpoena Mick Mulvaney for testimony.

-New York Times

Senate rejects effort to subpoena documents from the Pentagon.

-New York Times

Senate blocks push to hear from 2 administration officials.

-New York Times

Senate turns back amendment over admission of evidence.

-New York Times

Senate rejects a third bid by Democrats to subpoena records.

-New York Times

Senate rejects request for more time to respond to motions.

-New York Times

Bid forcing Roberts to rule on subpoena motions is rejected.

-New York Times

Senate rejects bid to subpoena Bolton for testimony

-New York Times

Chapter Four: Here’s Johnny!

I have concluded that, if the Senate issues a subpoena for my testimony, I am prepared to testify.

–John Bolton (former National Security advisor)

The problem with John is it’s a national security problem. He knows some of my thoughts. He knows what I think about leaders. What happens if he reveals what I think about a certain leader and it’s not very positive?

-President Trump

Bolton Revelations Anger Republicans, Fueling Push for Impeachment Witnesses

-New York Times

According to an unpublished manuscript by the former adviser, John R. Bolton…President Trump told his national security adviser in August that he wanted to continue freezing $391 million in security assistance to Ukraine until officials there helped with investigations into Democrats including the Bidens.

-New York Times

For a guy who couldn’t get approved for the Ambassador to the U.N. years ago, couldn’t get approved for anything since, “begged” me for a non Senate approved job, which I gave him despite many saying “Don’t do it, sir,” takes the job, mistakenly says “Libyan Model” on T.V., and…many more mistakes of judgement, gets fired because frankly, if I listened to him, we would be in World War Six by now, and goes out and IMMEDIATELY writes a nasty & untrue book. All Classified National Security. Who would do this?

-President Trump

On Capitol Hill, Mr. Trump’s aides circulated a letter informing Mr. Bolton that the White House was moving to block publication of his forthcoming book.

-New York Times

I think it’s increasingly likely that other Republicans will join those of us who think we should hear from John Bolton.

-Senator Mitt Romney (R-UT)

The reports about John Bolton’s book strengthen the case for witnesses and have prompted a number of conversations among my colleagues.

-Senator Susan Collins (R-ME)

John, you’ve kind of thrown the country into a ditch here. Just come forward and say what’s on your mind, hold a news conference and we’ll consider what you’ve got to say if you think it’s that important.

-Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC)

Chapter Five: But maybe, like, it’s not that big of a deal? …If he did do it that is.

Republicans Move to Block Impeachment Witnesses, Driving Toward Acquittal

-New York Times

Efforts to bring wavering Republicans into line appeared to be working.

-New York Times

We’ve always known it will be an uphill fight on witnesses and documents because the president and Mitch McConnell put huge pressure on these folks. Is it more likely than not? Probably no. But is it a decent, good chance? Yes.

-Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY)

If President Trump had more than one motive for his alleged conduct, such as the pursuit of personal political advantage, rooting out corruption, and the promotion of national interests, how should the Senate consider more than one motive in its assessment of Article I?

-Senators Mitt Romney (R-UT), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), & Susan Collins (R-ME)

…

-Samuel Knutsen

What appears to rankle Ms. Collins is the suggestion that her votes are mere political calculations.

-New York Times

…

-Samuel Knutsen

As a matter of law, does it matter if there was a quid pro quo? Is it true that quid pro quos are often used in foreign policy?

-Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX)

Every public official I know believes that his election is in the public interest. Mostly, you’re right… If the president does something which he believes will help him get elected, in the public interest, that cannot be the kind of quid pro quo that results in impeachment.

-Alan M. Dershowitz, Lawyer for President Trump

Chapter Six: Wait! There’s Hope!

Democrats will need four Republicans to vote with them to allow witnesses as part of the trial — or three Republicans and Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts to step in to break a tie and side with them.

-The Hill

As promised, Sen. Mitt Romney will vote Friday for witnesses to testify in the impeachment trial of President Donald Trump.

-The Salt Lake Tribune

He is a decent, honorable man.

-Former Vice President Joseph Biden.

I think this is Senator Romney’s moment to shine. Hopefully he can bring some people with him.

-Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN)

Senator Mitt Romney’s ability to recruit Republican colleagues to his position has been minimal at best.

-New York Times

I believe hearing from certain witnesses would give each side the opportunity to more fully and fairly make their case, resolve any ambiguities, and provide additional clarity. Therefore, I will vote in support of the motion to allow witnesses and documents to be subpoenaed.

-Senator Susan Collins (R-ME)

It was inappropriate for the president to ask a foreign leader to investigate his political opponent and to withhold United States aid to encourage that investigation. When elected officials inappropriately interfere with such investigations, it undermines the principle of equal justice under the law. But the Constitution does not give the Senate the power to remove the president from office and ban him from this year’s ballot simply for actions that are inappropriate.

-Senator Lamar Alexander (R-TN)

The President, Vice President and all civil Officers of the United States, shall be removed from Office on Impeachment for, and Conviction of, Treason, Bribery, or other high Crimes and Misdemeanors

-Section II Article IV, United States Constitution

If Murkowski votes for witnesses and no other senator crosses party lines, that would set up a 50-50 tie. It’s not clear whether Chief Justice John Roberts, who is presiding over the trial, would break the tie. If Murkowski decides she’s heard enough, that likely sets up a 51-49 vote against witnesses.

-USA Today

I’m going to go back to my office and put eye drops in so I can keep reading. I’ve been forming a lot of thoughts so that’s going to be my job now at almost 11:00.

-Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK)

Chapter Seven: …Nevermind

Result all but Certain as Murkowski says No

-New York Times

Trump did it, some Republicans concede, but should not be removed

-New York Times

Given the partisan nature of this impeachment from the very beginning and throughout, I have come to the conclusion that there will be no fair trial in the Senate. I don’t believe the continuation of this process will change anything.

-Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK)

If you are persuaded that he did it, why do you need more witnesses?

-Senator Lamar Alexander (R-TN)

Republicans Block Impeachment Witnesses, Clearing Path for Trump Acquittal.

-New York Times

The Democrats’ push for more witnesses and documents failed 49 to 51, with only two Republicans, Mitt Romney of Utah and Susan Collins of Maine, joining Democrats in favor. A vote on the verdict is planned for Wednesday.

-New York Times

The Radical Left, Do Nothing Democrats keep chanting “fairness” when they put on the most unfair Witch Hunt in the history of the U.S. Congress. They had 17 Witnesses, we were allowed ZERO, and no lawyers. They didn’t do their job, had no case. The Dems are scamming America!

-President Trump

America will remember this day, unfortunately, where the Senate did not live up to its responsibilities when the Senate turned away from truth and went along with a sham trial. If the president is acquitted, with no witnesses, no documents, the acquittal will have no value because Americans will know that this trial was not a real trial.

-Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY)

Chapter Eight: Meanwhile in Iowa…

The question then is not whether the president did it, but whether the United States Senate or the American people should decide what to do about what he did. I believe that the Constitution provides that the people should make that decision in the presidential election that begins in Iowa on Monday.

-Senator Lamar Alexander (R-TN)

Iowans, Famously Indecisive, Worry the 2020 Race Is ‘a Mess’

-New York Times

In poll, Democrats care more about victory than ideology in 2020 nominee

-USA Today

Uncertainty, verging on anxiety and even panic for some Iowa Democrats, reflects the responsibility they feel as they seek a nominee who can beat the president in the general election.

-New York Times

Confusion and Anger as Democratic Results Are Delayed in Iowa

-New York Times

At this point, it’s been 3.6 hours since the start of the caucuses and 1.9% of precincts have reported results, which extrapolates out to knowing the results in a mere 189 hours, which would be at 9:30 pm next Tuesday, after voting in the NH primary has already closed.

-Nate Silver (FiveThirtyEight)

Pete Buttigieg claims victory in Iowa caucuses, though no results have been released

–CNBC

Results in the Iowa Democratic caucuses were delayed Monday evening, creating widespread confusion among the presidential campaigns. Party officials said the results had been delayed because of “inconsistencies” in their reporting. The reporting problems are believed to have only delayed the results, not called them into question.

-New York Times

Iowa, you have shocked the nation. By all indications, we are going on to New Hampshire victorious. Tonight, an improbable hope became an undeniable reality.

-Former Mayor Pete Buttigieg (Democratic Presidential Candidate)

Iowa Democratic Party hopes to report results on Tuesday

-New York Times

When will the Democrats start blaming RUSSIA, RUSSIA, RUSSIA, instead of their own incompetence for the voting disaster that just happened in the Great State of Iowa?

-President Trump

Troy Price, the chairman of the Iowa Democratic Party, said shortly after 1 a.m. that he expected to have caucus results to report “later today” after party officials had manually tallied the data.

-New York Times

While our plan is to release results as soon as possible today, our ultimate goal is to ensure that the integrity and accuracy of the process continues to be upheld.

-Troy Price (Iowa Democratic Party Chairman)

Iowa Might Have Screwed Up The Whole Nomination Process

–FiveThirtyEight

The Democrat Caucus is an unmitigated disaster. Nothing works, just like they ran the Country. Remember the  5 Billion Dollar Obamacare Website, that should have cost 2% of that. The only person that can claim a very big victory in Iowa last night is “Trump”

-President Trump

Chapter Nine: Senate Votes to Acquit President Trump – New York Times

Article 1: Abuse of Power:

Guilty (48)

-Tammy Baldwin (D-WI)
Michael Bennet (D-CO)
Richard Blumenthal (D-CT)
Cory Booker (D-NJ)
Sherrod Brown (D-OH)
Maria Cantwell (D-WA)
Benjamin L. Cardin (D-MD)
Thomas R. Carper (D-DE)
Bob Casey (D-PA)
Chris Coons (D-DE)
Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV)
Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)
Richard J. Durbin (D-IL)
Dianne Feinstein (D-CA)
Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY)
Kamala Harris (D-CA)
Maggie Hassan (D-NH)
Martin Heinrich (D-NM)
Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI)
Doug Jones (D-AL)
Tim Kaine (D-VA)
Angus King (I-ME)
Amy Klobuchar (D-MN)
Patrick J. Leahy (D-VT)
Joe Manchin III (D-WV)
Edward J. Markey (D-MA)
Robert Menendez (D-NJ)
Jeff Merkley (D-OR)
Christopher S. Murphy (D-CT)
Patty Murray (D-WA)
Gary Peters (D-MI)
Jack Reed (D-RI)
Mitt Romney (R-UT)
Jacky Rosen (D-NV)
Bernie Sanders (I-VT)
Brian Schatz (D-HI)
Chuck Schumer (D-NY)
Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH)
Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ)
Tina Smith (D-MN)
Debbie Stabenow (D-MI)
Jon Tester (D-MT)
Tom Udall (D-NM)
Chris Van Hollen (D-MD)
Mark Warner (D-VA)
Elizabeth Warren (D-MA)
Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI)
Ron Wyden (D-OR)

Not Guilty (52)

-Lamar Alexander (R-TN)
John Barrasso (R-WY)
Marsha Blackburn (R-TN)
Roy Blunt (R-MO)
John Boozman (R-AR)
Mike Braun (R-IN)
Richard M. Burr (R-NC)
Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV)
Bill Cassidy (R-LA)
Susan Collins (R-ME)
John Cornyn (R-TX)
Tom Cotton (R-AR)
Kevin Cramer (R-ND)
Michael D. Crapo (R-ID)
Ted Cruz (R-TX)
Steve Daines (R-MT)
Michael B. Enzi (R-WY)
Joni Ernst (R-IA)
Deb Fischer (R-NE)
Cory Gardner (R-CO)
Lindsey Graham (R-SC)
Charles E. Grassley (R-IA)
Josh Hawley (R-MO)
John Hoeven (R-ND)
Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS)
James M. Inhofe (R-OK)
Ron Johnson (R-WI)
John Kennedy (R-LA)
James Lankford (R-OK)
Mike Lee (R-UT)
Kelly Loeffler (R-GA) 
Mitch McConnell (R-KY)
Martha E. McSally (R-AZ)
Jerry Moran (R-KS)
Lisa Murkowski (R-AK)
Rand Paul (R-KY)
David Perdue (R-GA)
Rob Portman (R-OH)
Jim Risch (R-ID)
Pat Roberts (R-KS)
Michael Rounds (R-SD)
Marco Rubio (R-FL)
Ben Sasse (R-NE)
Rick Scott (R-FL)
Tim Scott (R-SC)
Richard C. Shelby (R-AL)
Dan Sullivan (R-AK)
John Thune (R-SD)
Thom Tillis (R-NC)
Patrick J. Toomey (R-PA)
Roger Wicker (R-MS)
Todd Young (R-IN)

Article II: Obstruction of Congress

Guilty (47)

-Tammy Baldwin (D-WI)
Michael Bennet (D-CO)
Richard Blumenthal (D-CT)
Cory Booker (D-NJ)
Sherrod Brown (D-OH)
Maria Cantwell (D-WA)
Benjamin L. Cardin (D-MD)
Thomas R. Carper (D-DE)
Bob Casey (D-PA)
Chris Coons (D-DE)
Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV)
Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)
Richard J. Durbin (D-IL)
Dianne Feinstein (D-CA)
Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY)
Kamala Harris (D-CA)
Maggie Hassan (D-NH)
Martin Heinrich (D-NM)
Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI)
Doug Jones (D-AL)
Tim Kaine (D-VA)
Angus King (I-ME)
Amy Klobuchar (D-MN)
Patrick J. Leahy (D-VT)
Joe Manchin III (D-WV)
Edward J. Markey (D-MA)
Robert Menendez (D-NJ)
Jeff Merkley (D-OR)
Christopher S. Murphy (D-CT)
Patty Murray (D-WA)
Gary Peters (D-MI)
Jack Reed (D-RI)
Jacky Rosen (D-NV)
Bernie Sanders (I-VT)
Brian Schatz (D-HI)
Chuck Schumer (D-NY)
Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH)
Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ)
Tina Smith (D-MN)
Debbie Stabenow (D-MI)
Jon Tester (D-MT)
Tom Udall (D-NM)
Chris Van Hollen (D-MD)
Mark Warner (D-VA)
Elizabeth Warren (D-MA)
Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI)
Ron Wyden (D-OR)

Not Guilty (53)

-Lamar Alexander (R-TN)
John Barrasso (R-WY)
Marsha Blackburn (R-TN)
Roy Blunt (R-MO)
John Boozman (R-AR)
Mike Braun (R-IN)
Richard M. Burr (R-NC)
Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV)
Bill Cassidy (R-LA)
Susan Collins (R-ME)
John Cornyn (R-TX)
Tom Cotton (R-AR)
Kevin Cramer (R-ND)
Michael D. Crapo (R-ID)
Ted Cruz (R-TX)
Steve Daines (R-MT)
Michael B. Enzi (R-WY)
Joni Ernst (R-IA)
Deb Fischer (R-NE)
Cory Gardner (R-CO)
Lindsey Graham (R-SC)
Charles E. Grassley (R-IA)
Josh Hawley (R-MO)
John Hoeven (R-ND)
Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS)
James M. Inhofe (R-OK)
Ron Johnson (R-WI)
John Kennedy (R-LA)
James Lankford (R-OK)
Mike Lee (R-UT)
Kelly Loeffler (R-GA) 
Mitch McConnell (R-KY)
Martha E. McSally (R-AZ)
Jerry Moran (R-KS)
Lisa Murkowski (R-AK)
Rand Paul (R-KY)
David Perdue (R-GA)
Rob Portman (R-OH)
Jim Risch (R-ID)
Pat Roberts (R-KS)
Mitt Romney (R-UT)
Michael Rounds (R-SD)
Marco Rubio (R-FL)
Ben Sasse (R-NE)
Rick Scott (R-FL)
Tim Scott (R-SC)
Richard C. Shelby (R-AL)
Dan Sullivan (R-AK)
John Thune (R-SD)
Thom Tillis (R-NC)
Patrick J. Toomey (R-PA)
Roger Wicker (R-MS)
Todd Young (R-IN)

Chapter Ten: Lessons Learned

I believe that the president has learned from this case…[He] will be much more cautious in the future…The president has been impeached. That’s a pretty big lesson.

-Senator Susan Collins (R-ME)

It was all bullshit.

-President Trump