Impeachment debate too boring? Senators from both parties “deserted” the meeting

U.S. Capitol Police officers on duty outside the Capitol on Jan. 7

As the impeachment trial of former President Donald Trump by congressional Democrats continued into its third day on Thursday (Feb. 11), most of the senators in attendance were visibly a bit tired, with Senate members from both parties beginning to desert as the lengthy hearings progressed.

U.S. media outlet The Hill noted that at least 18 Republican senators had disappeared from their seats by the Time the debate reached its second hour on Thursday. Many Democrats also seem to be feeling tired.

The newspaper mentioned that Senator Bernie Sanders, 79, was found crouched at his desk, not watching a video played by a Democratic defense manager about Trump inciting violence in Congress, perhaps because similar statements have been made too many times.

Democratic Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) was found propping himself up on his elbows in an armchair at the meeting, wobbling around on his shoes and knees and appearing distracted.

Democratic Senators Cory Booker (D-N.Y.) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) stood at the back of the chamber, leaning against a marble column to rest.

Democratic strategist David Axelrod (D-N.Y.) warned that House impeachment managers should not get too far ahead of themselves with their cases and hinted that the discussions were too lengthy.

Republican Sen. James Inhofe (R-Okla.) said the longer Democratic managers’ arguments go on, the more their efforts lose momentum.

“It’s the same thing over and over again,” he said, “and to me, the more times you hear it, the less credibility you have.”

On Wednesday (Feb. 10), the House impeachment manager gave a nearly seven-hour speech in an attempt to blame Trump for the Jan. 6 congressional riots.

Because the impeachment discussion was so lengthy, senators hope to conclude the trial as soon as possible on Saturday (Feb. 12), earlier than originally expected. Until then, the impeachment case is expected to last until next week.

Some lawmakers have expressed less interest in witnesses continuing to be called to speak, and senators will argue after a question-and-answer session during the defense portion of the trial. Trump’s lawyers have also been allotted 16 hours to make objections.

The impeachment failed to gain the support of as many as 17 Republicans in the Senate in two previous test votes, suggesting that Trump’s impeachment would end with a not guilty result.