There is twisted logic and there are decisions that lack any logic whatsoever. Sen. Lisa Murkowski’s vote against calling witnesses for the president’s impeachment trial is the latter. A quick summary: Even the incomplete transcript of President Trump’s call with the Ukrainian president contains evidence of a quid pro quo and confirms his willingness to place personal political gain above the interests of the country.
The House moves forward with impeachment hearings and solicits witnesses. Some comply, but many Trump confidants refuse, on advice of the stonewalling White House. The House, not wanting a months-long legal fight over subpoenas, concludes there is enough damning evidence and impeaches the president.
As the Senate trial begins, revelations from new witnesses may solidify the case against Trump. Sen. Murkowski pointedly tells the president’s lawyers that this new evidence apparently conflicts with their argument of no quid pro quo. They reply that the House process was “half-baked” and it would set a bad precedent for the Senate to call new witnesses and finish the process. (It was incomplete only because Trump repeatedly stonewalled Congress.)
After much handwringing, Murkowski votes against calling more witnesses. Amazingly, she justifies her vote by saying the House rushed the process and “I have come to the conclusion that there will be no fair trial in the Senate.” Senator, there can be no fair trial when you refuse to vote for a fair trial. I hope her tortuous thinking leads Alaskans to a conclusion based on actual logic: They will never forget this betrayal of reason and common sense, all in service of an increasingly dangerous president.
— Bruce Scandling
Juneau
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