Michigan’s Two Senators Not Optimistic About Senate Trial Under McConnell

“In order to look at the facts, we actually have to have the facts presented,” says Sen. Gary Peters (D-MI).

The Senate trial of President Trump shifts into full gear this week. Many questions swirl around how this will play out. Will additional witnesses be called? Will this be a real examination of evidence and a serious consideration of whether the president’s conduct warrants removal of office? Or will this be a show trial designed from the beginning to exonerate Trump?

Detroit Today host Stephen Henderson talks with Senators Gary Peters and Debbie Stabenow before the proceedings get underway. Plus, Jeffrey Engel, director of the Center for Presidential History at the Southern Methodist University, who is also the author of the book, “Impeachment: An American History.”

Jake Neher/WDET
Jake Neher/WDET

“In order to look at the facts, we actually have to have the facts presented,” says Peters of the importance of having sufficient information going into the proceeding. “When you have someone in the executive who says… ‘I’m above the law,’ that’s very problematic for our democratic system,” adds Peters.

Jake Neher/WDET
Jake Neher/WDET

Stabenow says she’s never seen anything like this before. In discussing the tensions that exist within this trial, Stabenow says Democrats might have a chance to assert themselves. “This is about having the people in the room testify as to what happened…the President chose not to have his attorneys testify, he could have. He blocked all the witnesses from coming to the House. so this is his opportunity,” she explains. 

Meanwhile, in looking at the format and order of the Senate trial, Engel points out that “we need to get away from the idea that what we’re going to see is a trial like we’d see on Law and Order.” He says senators are not really “jurors,” explaining instead that the Senate is a court, which is a very important distinction. 

Click the audio player above to hear the full conversation. 

Support the news you love.

Here at WDET, we strive to make our journalism accessible to everyone. As a non-profit public media institution, we maintain our journalistic integrity through independent support from readers like you. Because you value WDET as your source of news, music, and conversation, please make a gift of support today. Even $5 helps! Donate today »

Author

  • Dynamic and diverse voices. News, politics, community and the issues that define our region. Hosted by Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Stephen Henderson, Detroit Today brings you fresh and perceptive views weekdays at 9 am and 7 pm.