The vote in the Senate took place as expected, acquitting Donald Trump of incitement to insurrection in the unconstitutional show trial performed by the Democrats and a handful Bush-league Republicans. But the last day was not without soap opera drama. The anti-Trumpers threatened to extend the clown show by several days when the Democrats announced they would call witnesses, which would then allow Trump’s team to call witnesses as well. Although their motion to call witnesses passed, 55-45, a quick conference was called and the Democrats backed down, letting the trial proceed to closing arguments.
The Democrats’ ploy was to call Rep. Kevin McCarthy, the House Minority Leader, regarding a reported phone call with Trump a few minutes after the breach of the U.S. Capitol by the rioters. According to Rep. Jamie Herrera Beutler (R-WA), who said she overheard the call, McCarthy asked Trump to call back the rioters, Trump claimed they were Antifa, McCarthy assured him they were Trump supporters, Trump said they appeared to be more concerned for the country and the Constitution than McCarthy, and McCarthy said “Who the fuck do you think you’re talking to?” True? Who knows.
