Transcript
Yesterday (Wednesday) began the first day of opening arguments and the second day of the Senate impeachment trial of President Trump.
House Intelligence Chair Adam Schiff and the six other impeachment managers took turns laying out their case.
Democrats continued to push for witnesses and documents.
And when it comes to the witnesses, Democrats rejected the idea of trading witnesses.
Schiff denounced agreeing to bring forward witnesses Democrats want to hear from, like John Bolton, in exchange for also bringing forward witnesses Republicans want to hear testify, like Hunter Biden.
He said that Biden’s testimony is “irrelevant” and that “trials aren’t trades for witnesses.”
But Republicans argued that Biden’s testimony is relevant.
Democrats also argued that if President Trump isn’t held accountable, it will set a dangerous precedent for future presidents.
They argued that the president’s impeachment offenses extend beyond the phone call with Ukraine, which is what the trial is centered around.
Yesterday evening after opening arguments one of the president’s attorneys called the impeachment trial “ridiculous” when speaking with reporters.
Impeachment managers will present more opening arguments today (Thursday) at 1 p.m. Eastern time and tomorrow (Friday).
After that, Trump’s legal team will also have 24 hours over three days for its opening arguments (likely Saturday, Monday and Tuesday).
Senators will then get to ask questions.