In the short history of the United States, there have only been two presidential impeachment trials. In the two other instances, the trials of presidents Andrew Johnson and Bill Clinton, the senators took the proceedings and their oaths to be impartial jurors seriously. During the Clinton impeachment, Senate Minority Leader Tom Daschle, a Democrat, would not even discuss impeachment with the White House in order to avoid the appearance of impropriety. Contrast that with Senator Mitch McConnell openly coordinating with President Trump’s defense lawyers.
In neither of the prior proceedings was the integrity and legitimacy of the process itself in question. It definitely is today. We can’t rely on Senator Mitch McConnell to deliver a fair trial so let’s go around him, all the way to the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court
Senators aren’t the only ones with a constitutional duty during an impeachment trial. According to the Constitution, when the House of Representatives accuses a president of wrongdoing by impeaching him, the chief justice of the United States “shall preside” over a trial in the Senate.
We need Chief Justice John Roberts to ensure a fair trial.
ACTION: Demand a fair trial from Chief Justice Roberts!
Call The Supreme Court of the United States: 202-479-3000, 202-479-3211
Script:
Hi, my name is [NAME] and I’m calling from [PLACE]. I’m calling to ask Chief Justice Roberts to take an assertive role if necessary in the impeachment trial of President Trump. In an era when one constitutional norm after another has been shattered by partisan politics we must not let the impeachment process become the latest casualty. At minimum, the trial should involve arguments from both sides and testimony from relevant witnesses. We cannot depend on the Senate and we ask that Chief Justice Roberts fulfill his constitutional duty and deliver a fair trial in the Senate, whatever the outcome.
Background:
https://www.businessinsider.com/poll-52-of-americans-support-trumps-impeachment-and-removal-2019-12
