In this image from video, Majority Leader Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., speaks as the impeachment trial against President Donald Trump begins in the Senate at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Thursday, Jan. 16, 2020. (Senate Television via AP)
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GOP senators considering 'kill switch' option should impeachment trial spiral out of control
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell reportedly is close to finalizing a rule that would allow President Trump's team to move to dismiss the articles of impeachment in the Senate quickly after some evidence has been presented, as a sort of safety valve in case Democrats try to drag out the trial for weeks.
The discussions came as Texas GOP Sen. Ted Cruz told Fox News' "Sunday Morning Futures" that the trial could extend "to six to eight weeks or even longer" if the Senate decided to hear from additional witnesses -- a prospect that could interfere with the imminent presidential primary contests, as Sens. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., and Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., likely would get pulled off the campaign trail.
McConnell, R-Ky., wouldn't be obligated to publicize the final version of his resolution setting the parameters of the impeachment trial until Tuesday, but top Republicans have said they supported affording Trump the opportunity to cut the trial short. Republican Missouri Sen. Josh Hawley, for example, told Axios he would be "very, very surprised" if McConnell's resolution didn't include that kind of kill switch. Click here for more on our top story.
Other developments in Trump's impeachment:
- GOP senator: Dems 'pretty concerned' because Americans 'now solidly behind' Trump, despite impeachment
- Nadler says Dems unwilling to negotiate Hunter Biden testimony in exchange for other witnesses
- Reporter's Notebook: How Trump's impeachment trial could play out in the Senate
New York Times editorial board does away with 'convention' endorses two candidates for president
The New York Times announced late Sunday that its editorial board was breaking "from convention" and will endorse two candidates for president in 2020: Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar and Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren.
The paper’s endorsement has traditionally been one of the most coveted for a Democratic politician. The editorial board wrote that in choosing these two candidates, it recognizes that both "radical" and "realist" models should be considered. Click here for more.
The San Francisco 49ers celebrates after interception by defensive back Emmanuel Moseley (41) during the first half of the NFL NFC Championship football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Jan. 19, 2020, in Santa Clara, Calif. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
Super Bowl LIV matchup set as the San Francisco 49ers will face the Kansas City Chiefs
The San Francisco 49ers defeated the Green Bay Packers, 37-20, on Sunday to win the NFC Championship, setting up a showdown with the Kansas City Chiefs at Super Bowl LIV at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla., next month for a chance to claim the title of NFL champions.
It was on the back of Raheem Mostert that the 49ers were able to defeat the Packers. Mostert had a breakout performance: 220 rushing yards on 29 carries with four rushing touchdowns.
Kansas City Chiefs' Patrick Mahomes (15) celebrates a touchdown pass with Eric Fisher (72) and Mitchell Schwartz (71) during the second half of the NFL AFC Championship football game against the Tennessee Titans Sunday, Jan. 19, 2020, in Kansas City, MO. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)
Kansas City won the game behind a brilliant performance from Patrick Mahomes. The star quarterback was 23-for-35 with 293 passing yards, three touchdown passes and a rushing touchdown. Click here for more.
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SOME PARTING WORDS
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