Today marks the third and final day of opening arguments for Democrats in the Trump impeachment trial, and House Intelligence Chairman Adam Schiff and his team have made the most of their time. They came prepared, they did their homework, and by my viewing they have made the best initial argument that could possibly be presented to a Senate chamber who has largely made up its mind already.
They spoke eloquently and clearly. They provided both topical and historical context. They seemed to miss or forget very little previously presented in the House or revealed before or since their investigation. They presented visuals. They played video clips.
But best of all, they have the facts on their side and they acted like it.
The only thing Trump and his cronies can do now is argue from a couple of angles they've already tried, neither of which denies or even speaks to the crimes. They will argue what Trump did doesn't rise to the level of impeachment, or they will argue the House process was for whatever excuse invalid. But they will not argue the facts of the case because they are exactly that. The facts.
The most aggressive moments of this saga are no doubt yet to come, but House Dems have shown they're prepared. I would have preferred to hear a little more staunchness and anger in their voices, and they may be prompted to get there as this becomes even more divisive, but otherwise they're right on the mark.
The best part of this undertaking so far, to my mind, is that it's televised for all to see. These Democrats are literally the last line of defense keeping our democracy what it still is currently. It remains to be seen just how long this status continues; if Trump is acquitted and allowed to run for reelection, democracy will obviously be notched down from where it stands as of this writing. For now, however, Dems are fighting the fight, and coincidentally they're speaking to American values far better than any of the 2020 candidates. There is no better advertisement for any single one of them than video playback from these last three days, and they can thank Schiff and his team for the free content they generated. I hope they utilize the footage.
I know I thank them. I'm grateful for their service here.
Well done.