Trump's saying he "wouldn't mind a long impeachment trial" because, well...Apprentice

[Miles Archer]

He wants to "tell his side of the story," he wants Pelosi, Schiff, the whistleblower, plus Hunter and Joe Biden called as "witnesses."

In short, he wants to stage the greatest season EVAH of "The Apprentice," where he can sit and scowl and then stare down each of them and say "You're FIRED!"

McConnell may be able to rush this through and get the votes to not convict, but Trump will NEVER be "fully exonerated."

He will go into the history books as the president who was impeached by the House for abuse of power and contempt of Congress.

It's not a "censure," it's not a "We are very disappointed in you Donald, so PLEASE don't do that again" symbolic move.

It's impeachment in the House of Representatives. It will be the first detail school kids will learn about him, long after you and I are long gone.

There's no victory lap to be taken here, even if McConnell and his faithful Republicans "fully coordinate with the White House" on this.

[VarryOn]

1. I'm conflicted...

I’d love to see a long one with lots of witnesses. But, there’s realistically not enough time. When voters decide to start paying attention to politics, I’d rather maximize it on the presidential campaign. Right now and for the coming few months, no one is engaged except the political animals like ourselves.

I’m for continuing with short and sweet in the Senate.

The main thing is Trump will have the skid mark of impeachment after next week. That’s probably the best we could have hoped for.

[dchill]

2. As long as he can be executive producer...

That'd be great.

[Thomas Hurt]

3. More bee ess from Trump playing at being the tough guy.

[Scotch-Irish]

4. Reminiscing about his salad days; back when he was winning fans

and everyone was filling up the airwaves with his machismo.

What a frikkin' loser!