Topline
A handful of moderate senators are attempting to gather support for a censure resolution as an alternative to impeachment after most GOP senators voted to dismiss the House charge, but senators from both parties said Wednesday it would not be the best course of action.
Key Facts
Sens. Tim Kaine (D-Va.) and Susan Collins (R-Maine), members of the “Common Sense Coalition,” a group of 16 moderate senators, confirmed that they are working together on a censure resolution that Collins said would be “in lieu of a trial.”
But Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), the most conservative Democrat in the Senate, spoke out strongly against the idea, telling reporters that censure would have been a better alternative to Trump’s first impeachment but that the latest article of impeachment is "much much more serious than anything we've ever seen in our lifetime."
Manchin suggested that a “criminal trial or criminal pathway” may be a better alternative to impeachment than censure, because “we want to make sure that no one ever does this again ... sedition and insurrection.”
Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.), another moderate, was similarly dismissive, calling it an “interesting” idea but noting that Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer is adamant about holding a trial, adding, “It’s important we find some form of accountability.”
Republican senators who oppose impeachment were similarly skeptical, albeit for different reasons: Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) told reporters he’s “worried” about the precedent that would be set if the Senate were to “try private citizens, or censure them, after they left office.”
Senate GOP Whip John Thune said censure is “so hypothetical at this point” and said discussions held on the matter so far lack “support from enough Democrats or Republicans for that matter to make this a realistic option.”
Key Background
Trump was impeached by the House earlier this month on one article of “inciting insurrection” for his role in the Capitol attack. He has come under fire from lawmakers in both parties for his false claims of election fraud and for telling his supporters to “fight like hell” at a rally on Jan. 6 – shortly before they stormed the Capitol in an effort to stop lawmakers from certifying President Joe Biden’s election victory.
Big Number
10. That’s how many House Republicans joined with Democrats in voting to impeach Trump. Several of them are now facing serious primary threats in 2022, with Trump gearing up to support challengers, according to the New York Times.
Crucial Quote
"I would think so. That would be my guess, yeah,” Thune told reporters when asked if he thinks the 45 Republican senators who voted for Sen. Rand Paul’s (R-Ky.) motion to dismiss the trial as unconstitutional will vote to acquit Trump.
Surprising Fact
Senate Majority Mitch McConnell, who voted with his caucus to dismiss the trial, signaled he is not necessarily a firm vote for acquittal on Wednesday, telling reporters, "The trial hasn’t started yet” and pledging to “listen to the evidence.”
What To Watch For
Trump is scheduled to respond to the article of impeachment with a pre-trial brief by Feb. 2, followed by a deadline for the House to file its own brief on Feb. 8. The trial is set to begin on Feb. 9.
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Key Senators Give Chilly Reception To Idea Of Censuring Trump In Lieu Of Impeachment - Forbes
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