Uh ooh...could be a problem

[senseandsensibility]

Those of you who watched the first impeachment trial remember how difficult it was to get the republicans to treat the proceedings with even a modicum of respect or seriousness. They were required to be in their seats and not use their phones, but of course many still planned to look bored, and wasn't someone reading a book?

Anyway, now, because of covid, and the necessity for social distancing, they will not be required to remain in their seats. From what I heard on CNN, they will be allowed to leave the floor at will. I'm all for safety precautions, but can't you just see some of them texting during the trial, or even giving interviews to Fox as the trial is ongoing?

Seems to me that some additional rules for this situation should be considered.

[lagomorph777]

1. I'm sure avid C-Span watchers will care.

The other 99.99% of the population will be unaffected.

However, the votes will be recorded. And we will exploit them in campaign ads, labeling every one of them as insurrectionists.

[underpants]

4. I agree. This is already over and the Repubs know they are branded now

Without big fiery riots they know they are in trouble in the next election. The Trump stamp is going to show for a long time.

[lame54]

14. They think they have the midterms in the bag...

With their intense gerrymandering and voter suppression laws they may be right

Crazy and wrong may not be an impediment to them

[leftieNanner]

2. In the first trial

I remember Amy Klobuchar being asked about the "mobile" Senators. She said that there were TV screens in a number of the other spaces so that they could get up and stretch their legs and still be informed about what was going on in the Senate chamber.

If there are no requirements for the Senators to pay attention this time, I agree with you that it ............ could be a problem.

[Walleye]

3. If not on the floor, they have to be watching it remotely.The committees set up for that anyway.

[Mike 03]

5. Yes, Marsha Blackburn was reading a book.

You're making good points. I thought the COVID situation might make it better, but probably not.

[senseandsensibility]

6. OMG completely off topic, but

thanks to the kind DUer(s) who gave me a heart just since I started this thread a few minutes ago!

[underpants]

7. Won't be surprised if Rand Cotton or Hawley make asses of themselves

I know it’s supposed to be up to the lawyers but I can see one of them trying to be audibly disruptive

[senseandsensibility]

12. "Make" asses of themselves?

I agree, but I think they'll just cement their status.

[North Shore Chicago]

8. Reading a book, really?

Most don't seem curious enough, well maybe Cat in The Hat. Ted?

[senseandsensibility]

9. Yes, Mike 03 reminded me that it was

Marsha Blackburn, so, yes, the jokes really write themselves.

[Wounded Bear]

10. If half of the Repubs leave for the final vote, I could live with that...

[senseandsensibility]

11. Lol... that's why

it pays to look at things from every angle.

[lame54]

13. A Clockwork Orange comes to mind