But the lofty threshold for conviction in an impeachment trial-67 of 100 Senate votes-means that this checking and balancing can occur only when partisans are forced to hold one of their own to account. Impeachment is the tool by which the legislative branch of the federal government checks and balances the executive branch. He knows that the trial, while it has many of the trappings of a courtroom drama, is, in reality, a political battle. Raskin’s understanding of the impeachment process, which he has studied for decades as an academic and as a legislator, is his strength in this regard.
#Jamie raskin yarmulke trial#
Second, he made it clear that he and his team are prepared to make this trial a high-stakes clash that will engage every American-and that will put Republican senators on the spot. First, the key member of the House Judiciary Committee showcased his confidence in the case the impeachment managers will put against Trump. Raskin played his hand brilliantly Thursday. That’s vital in any standoff with Trump, who in the past has used his social media platforms and bully pulpit to run circles around his accusers. By requesting that Trump testify under oath, and by signaling that a refusal to testify could be used against him, the representative was seizing control of the narrative. They called Raskin’s letter a “publicity stunt,” and claimed, “The use of our Constitution to bring a purported impeachment proceeding is much too serious to try to play these games.”īut it was clear that Raskin had outmaneuvered the former president. Trump’s legal team was scrambling Thursday evening. Trump declines the chance to clear his name by showing up and explaining under oath why his conduct on January 6 didn’t make him responsible for the lethal insurrection that day, it’ll be on him,” observed Tribe, shortly after the representative sent his letter. Harvard Law professor Laurence Tribe, who describes Raskin as “ the best constitutional lawyer in all of Congress,” recognized the genius in this move immediately. Instead of letting the former president game the trial, by making false claims and seeking to impugn the process, Raskin has called Trump’s bluff. So the lead impeachment manager has flipped the script. I look forward to your response and to your testimony.Īs a constitutional scholar and a savvy legislative strategist, Raskin understands that the impeachment managers cannot let Trump get away with his old tricks. I would request that you respond to this letter by no later than Friday, Februat 5pm. If you decline this invitation, we reserve any and all rights, including the right to establish at trial that your refusal to testify supports a strong adverse inference regarding your actions (and inaction) on January 6, 2021. We would be pleased to arrange such testimony at a mutually convenient time and place.
We would propose that you provide your testimony (of course including cross-examination) as early as Monday, February 8, 2021, and not later than Thursday, February 11, 2021. In light of your disputing these factual allegations, I write to invite you to provide testimony under oath, either before or during the Senate impeachment trial, concerning your conduct on January 6, 2021. You have thus attempted to put critical facts at issue notwithstanding the clear and overwhelming evidence of your constitutional offense. Two days ago, you filed an Answer in which you denied many factual allegations set forth in the article of impeachment. The Senate trial for this article of impeachment will begin on Tuesday, February 9, 2021. As you are aware, the United States House of Representatives has approved an article of impeachment against you for incitement of insurrection.
0 kommentar(er)
