In this image from video, Alan Dershowitz, an attorney for President Donald Trump, speaks during the impeachment trial against Trump in the Senate at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Monday, Jan. 27, 2020. (Senate Television via AP)
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Dershowitz calls out House Dems in Trump's Senate impeachment trial as pressure for Bolton testimony mounts
Harvard Law School Professor Alan Dershowitz, delivering a spirited constitutional defense of President Trump at his Senate impeachment trial Monday night, flatly turned toward House impeachment managers and declared they had picked "dangerous" and "wrong" charges against the president -- noting that neither "abuse of power" nor "obstruction of Congress" was remotely close to an impeachable offense as the framers had intended.
In a dramatic moment, the liberal constitutional law scholar reiterated that although he voted for Hillary Clinton, he could not find constitutional justification for the impeachment of a president for non-criminal conduct, or conduct that was not at least "akin" to defined criminal conduct.
He said that "all future presidents who serve with opposing legislative majorities" now face the "realistic threat" of enduring "vague charges of abuse or obstruction," and added that a "long list" of presidents have previously been accused of "abuse of power" in various contexts without being formally impeached.
Dershowitz's presentation was arguably the high point of a series of arguments presented by Trump's defense team against the articles of impeachment at his Senate trial Monday. Meanwhile, senators faced mounting pressure to summon John Bolton to testify at the trial, after an excerpt from the former national security adviser's forthcoming book apparently leaked.
According to the manuscript, Trump told Bolton he had suspended aid to Ukraine in exchange for an investigation of the Bidens. The White House strongly denied the claim.
At least four Republicans suggested they could buck GOP leaders and form a bipartisan majority to force the issue. Republicans have held a 53-47 majority, and a mere majority vote would be required on the question of witnesses. Republican Sens. Mitt Romney of Utah and Susan Collins of Maine appear to be most persuaded by the need to call Bolton and hear from witnesses.
Fox News has been told that Trump's defense team will wrap up on Tuesday within a few hours after the trial resumes at 1 p.m. ET. The next phase of the trial, involving 16 hours of written questions that the senators can submit to be answered by Democratic House managers and Trump's lawyers, will not start until Wednesday. Then, there will be a vote on whether to hear more evidence or witnesses. Click here for more on our top story.
Other developments in Trump's Senate impeachment trial:
- Bolton confidant: 'Heads should roll' if bombshell book manuscript was leaked from National Security Council
- DOJ disputes report on Bolton conversation with Barr about foreign leaders
- Ted Cruz lashes out at Bidens on sidelines
LeBron James and Kobe Bryant look on during a basketball press conference ahead of the London 2012 Olympics on July 27, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)
LeBron James breaks silence on Kobe Bryant's death: 'I'm heartbroken and devastated my brother!'
LeBron James broke his silence on Kobe Bryant’s death on Monday night, writing a heartfelt caption on Instagram and posting several photos of the late Los Angeles Lakers star.
“The King” started off his caption saying he wasn’t ready to deliver the post, “but here I go.”
“Man I sitting here trying to write something for this post but every time I try I begin crying again just thinking about you, niece Gigi and the friendship/bond/brotherhood we had! I literally just heard your voice Sunday morning before I left Philly to head back to LA. Didn’t think for one bit in a million years that would be the last conversation we’d have. WTF!! I’m heartbroken and devastated my brother!!” Click here for more.
Other developments in the death of Kobe Bryant:
- Kobe Bryant helicopter crash site a 'devastating scene,' NTSB official says
- 7 people who died with Bryant, daughter Gianna, remembered for work in community
- Gordon Hayward debunks free-throw line rumor in Bryant's final game
Following coronavirus outbreak, US urges Americans to 'reconsider' China travel, plans to move personnel out of Wuhan
The State Department on Monday urged Americans to reconsider traveling to Wuhan, China, the epicenter of the coronavirus, and said it ordered the departure of all non-emergency U.S. personnel and their families out of the country.
The travel advisory increase from Level 2 to Level 3 comes as Chinese authorities continue to impose quarantines and travel restrictions in and around Wuhan, where the virus was first reported last year.
At least 106 people have died and nearly 2,000 have been infected. The warning said travelers should avoid non-essential travel to China. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also issued a Level 3 warning to avoid all travel to China. Click here for more.
Click here to find out why the public should be alarmed about coronavirus.
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SOME PARTING WORDS
Laura Ingraham urges moderate GOP senators to avoid a "one night stand" with Democrats on impeachment trial witnesses.
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