It will take a simple majority of fifty-one to call witnesses.

[kentuck]

McConnell can afford to lose two votes if they are all "present". That is their goal on every vote.

We will know a lot about where all the Republicans stand after the first vote is taken in the Senate.

All the votes in the Senate will only require a simple majority except for the final vote for conviction, which requires two-thirds of those present.

How many Republicans will demand a fair and impartial trial?

[VarryOn]

1. I'm thinking more and more there will be a trial...

Talked to both my Senators’ (both Republicans) and both staff members made it sound like they were in favor of calling for several witnesses and not rushing things. Hopefully, this happens. The story needs to get out there!