Trump's attorneys sought to halt the trial on constitutional grounds, but lost that bid on Tuesday. Their arguments were meandering at times, leaving Trump fuming over his lawyers' performance and allies questioning the defence strategy. Some called for yet another shakeup to his legal team.
"That's a high crime and misdemeanour," Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Md., declared in opening remarks. "If that's not an impeachable offence, then there's no such thing." The House impeachment managers described police officers maimed in the chaos and rioters parading in the very chamber where the trial was being held. Trump's team countered that the Constitution doesn't allow impeachment at this late date.
Republicans made it clear that they were unhappy with Trump's defence, many of them saying they didn't understand where it was going -- particularly Castor's opening. Louisiana Sen. Bill Cassidy, who voted with Democrats to move forward with the trial, said that Trump's team did a "terrible job." Maine Sen. Susan Collins, who also voted with Democrats, said she was "perplexed." Sen.
Disorder in the court....