Good morning, I am updating because of the rapid developments Saturday.
Trump’s Narrow Escape
57-43 to convict. That was the tally which fell short by only 10 votes to convict Trump on inciting a riot, despite the fact 7 Republicans joined the Democrats to convict because it was so clear. If you listen to the evidence you would hear Trump courted violence throughout his Presidency, he laid the groundwork for discontent by claiming the election was a fraud even before it was held, and long after the votes were tallied. He called radicals from white supremacist groups to the capitol and ignited a violent march on the Capitol with the express desire to thwart the Senate confirmation of the election which he clearly, and by all accounts including his own party and courts lost.
Worse than that, during the riot he refused calls to cancel the riot, knowing his Vice President was in danger. In fact what came to light on the last day of the trial is the knowledge Trump had an angry phone call with Rep. House Leader Kevin McCarthy who told him they mob was smashing his office windows and begging him to call off his followers. Trump didn’t, as he watching the riot from The White House and revelled in what was happening and even tweeted calls to hold Pence responsible for the vote to confirm the election, while he knew Pence was being evacuated andd was close to personal danger.
https://edition.cnn.com/2021/02/12/politics/trump-mccarthy-shouting-match-details/index.html
The legacy of Trump is for many Americans, an acidic President who divided the nation and tried to destroy American democracy in the name of clutching at power. The big lie, the election was stolen or was not fair was debunked by the courts and his own republican party. What’s remarkable and leaves most people extremely frustrated, is after the impeachment vote this incredible statement by Senate Minority leader and elder Statesman Mitch McConnell who said “There’s no question — none — that President Trump is practically and morally responsible for provoking the events of the day,”
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/video/2021/feb/14/mitch-mcconnell-lambasts-donald-trump-but-votes-not-guilty-video
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/02/13/us/mcconnell-trump-impeachment-acquittal.html
McConnell said he has no choice to vote down impeachment because the President had left office by the time the trial was held which will be seen by many critics as a political dodge by republicans, and will be seen to be morally on the wrong side of history.
McConnell notes Trump is still accountable to the criminal and civil courts, and investigations and civil law suits against him should be plenty. Trump issued a statement saying his movement is still alive and the best is yet to come, but it’s likely Trump may be crippled politically now.
Imagine if he can be allowed to run again in 2024 and pushes the same big lie about election fraud? I imagine the country can’t stand another election with Trump in it.
https://www.rawstory.com/gop-disarray-2650534018/