Republicans complain about the impeachment trial's lack of new evidence while blocking new evidence [View all]

[babylonsister]

Republicans complain about the impeachment trial’s lack of new evidence while blocking new evidence
Republicans are using an astoundingly self-refuting talking point to lay the groundwork for Trump’s acquittal.
By Aaron Rupar@atrupar Jan 23, 2020, 5:10pm EST


As Democratic impeachment managers made the case against President Donald Trump on Wednesday and Thursday, Republican senators rolled out a rationale for their future vote to acquit: that the trial is a waste of time because Democrats aren’t presenting new evidence.

“So far what [head impeachment manager Adam Schiff] has said we’ve heard before,” said Mike Braun (IN) on Wednesday. “I didn’t hear anything new today. We’ll see,” added Pat Toomey (PA). Rick Scott (FL), alluding to the lack of new evidence, repeatedly characterized the trial as “boring” during TV interviews.

But on Tuesday night, every Republican senator took vote after vote to block impeachment managers from gathering new documents and compelling witness testimony. So Republicans are complaining about Democrats not doing something they’re preventing them from doing.

This point was made succinctly by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (NY) during a news conference held just before Wednesday’s hearing.

“What are the Republicans saying? Well, they’re saying they heard nothing new. But these Republicans voted nine times on Tuesday against amendments to ensure new witnesses and new documents,” he said. “The same Republicans saying they heard nothing new just voted nine times to hear nothing new.”

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https://www.vox.com/2020/1/23/21078993/impeachment-trial-republican-talking-points-new-evidence