Democrats indicate they don't need Trump's testimony to make case at impeachment trial

[Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin]

House Democrats prosecuting the case against Donald Trump are signaling privately and publicly they will likely avoid a dramatic showdown with the former President and are unlikely to issue a subpoena compelling his testimony.

Democrats believe there is ample evidence, from video and other sources, showing Trump's clear intent to incite his supporters to storm the Capitol that led to the deadly January 6 riot -- without his testimony. They plan to argue his refusal to testify underscores his guilt. And there is no appetite for a potential court showdown if Trump were to refuse to comply with a Senate subpoena for his testimony -- while many Senate Democrats are eager to keep the trial short in order to move onto other business quickly.

All of which, Democratic sources say, means it's unlikely that the managers will pursue a subpoena for the former President.

"His immediate refusal to testify speaks volumes and plainly establishes an adverse inference supporting his guilt," Rep. Jamie Raskin, the lead impeachment manager, said Thursday night, while making no mention of issuing a subpoena to compel his testimony.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/democrats-indicate-they-don-t-need-trump-s-testimony-to-make-case-at-impeachment-trial/ar-BB1dqLox?li=BBnbcA1&ocid=DELLDHP

[spooky3]

1. The case they present will show even DUers things we haven't seen. I think this will

open the eyes of everyone except the hard core T**** base.

[lagomorph777]

6. I hope they show the Jan 4th SecDef memo that blocked the National Guard from assisting.

...and then connect it to Trump. It demonstrates premeditation.

Also, they need to present the Jan 5th meeting at Trump Hotel, with all of Trump's family and cronies present.

And the fact that Trump's campaign plotted with Proud Boys, etc, and bussed in loads of terrorists.

[spooky3]

9. What complicates that, though, is that DC Mayor Bowser requested some of that.

A link to that request was posted at DU last week. Unless it's been debunked, I think it will have to be addressed.

[TheBlackAdder]

2. What's the defense attorney advice, "If you're guilty, it's best not to testify, even to a jury."

.

No matter how suspicious and guilty that looks, it's better than showing you are guilty by speaking.

.

[no_hypocrisy]

3. My guess is that the Democrats anticipated Trump's deferral/refusal.

They had to ask him, partly out of ethics, partly out of courtesy, and partly to avoid Trump's fake outrage that he wasn't asked to testify.

[Irish_Dem]

10. Yes I think this is it.

[crickets]

19. Exactly.

They're capable of making the case without his testimony, and his refusal will only help their arguments.

[EndlessWire]

22. Yes.

It only makes us look good. He was invited to defend himself.

[lagomorph777]

4. I'm sure that was the plan all along. "Invite" him, knowing he'll be a coward.

Then blast him.

[Baclava]

13. Sounds good to me! Never seeing his stupid face anywhere is fine by me, slam him!

[spanone]

5. trump would be most comfortable lying under oath. waste of time.

[Irish_Dem]

11. Right, and we already know exactly what he would say.

His usual BS.

[Laura PourMeADrink]

7. Sure! Hope they tell it all in a simple and clear timeline

chronologically.

[lagomorph777]

8. Definitely! The timeline shows how far in advance they plotted the crime.

Installing a new Secretary of Defense.
Arranging with the new Secretary of Defense to keep the National Guard away.
Arranging the busses to bring in masses of terrorists.
Meeting secretly at Trump Hotel to nail down last-minute arrangements.

[Irish_Dem]

12. And accepting a big sum of donor money to fund it all.

[lagomorph777]

14. Might be nice to list the top donors, for convenience in cancel-culture planning.

[Irish_Dem]

15. Oh it would be very very nice to do so.

[Laura PourMeADrink]

17. And didn't I see a chart somewhere that showed money

going the other way? From Trump campaign to various hate groups? Or did I dream that

[Irish_Dem]

18. Could be but I cannot see Trump giving away any money.

But of course it is possible.
If he thought he would be installed as dictator for life.

[Laura PourMeADrink]

20. No it was a chart that showed money to right wing protestor

groups! Like to get them to DC.

I'll look for it.

[Irish_Dem]

21. I hope the Dem MOC have the charts. They will be important info.

I know someone paid for bus and airline tickets.
Hotels, food, drinks.

[BComplex]

16. But for the safety and security of members of the Senate, the vote should be anonymous.

It is much too dangerous to allow voting members who want to vote to convict to have their names out there. We have seen how dangerous these mob members are. They have already killed, and they will kill again.

Besides, if the vote is anonymous, trump will be convicted, and not allowed to ever run again. For our national security, that has to happen. Voting Senators need to have their votes private for their own security, and for the security of our country, and our continuance of government.