On Tuesday, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell boldly boasted that he’s handing control of the nearly certain upcoming Senate impeachment trial of Pres. Donald Trump directly over to…Donald Trump.
“Everything I do during this, I’m coordinating with White House Counsel,” McConnell told Fox News’ Sean Hannity Thursday evening.
Yes, McConnell is putting the accused (Donald Trump, criminal) in charge of the trial.
Mitch McConnell: Everything I do during this, I’m coordinating with White House Counsel. There will be no difference between the President’s position and our position as to how to handle this pic.twitter.com/baFaTKWvUl
— Acyn Torabi (@Acyn) December 13, 2019
However, this poses certain problems, according to Lawfare founder Benjamin Wittes, who points out that all senators become jurors in a trial of the president of the United States. Specifically, they take an actual special oath that is a requirement when fulfilling their solemn constitutional duty.
It’s very hard to reconcile this statement by McConnell with the special oath senators are required to take in impeachment trials under the rules. https://t.co/3naNGsAovn
— Benjamin Wittes (@benjaminwittes) December 13, 2019
Wittes shares what the oath says.
“I solemnly swear … that in all things appertaining to the trial of the impeachment of Donald J. Trump, now pending, I will do impartial justice according to the Constitution and laws: So help me God.”
It will read: “I solemnly swear … that in all things appertaining to the trial of the impeachment of Donald J. Trump, now pending, I will do impartial justice according to the Constitution and laws: So help me God.” https://t.co/jnH7It51SM
— Benjamin Wittes (@benjaminwittes) December 13, 2019
Please. This is all fine and good, but Mr. Wittes is speaking as if these people actually care about oaths. They don’t care about their oaths. They don’t care about their country. And they don’t care about the American people.
Featured image via video screengrab
