Sen. Schumer just told Rachel that CJ Roberts did NOT WANT to preside over this impeachment,

[spooky3]

and next in line was the Pro Tem (Leahy).

[SheltieLover]

1. Spineless?

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

4. It's not his job anyhow per the Constitution because Trump isn't the president.

[SheltieLover]

8. That's true.

I would!

[servermsh]

2. Well that is interesting. :) Understandable though. It's not for a sitting President. n/t

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

3. He also pointed out that the constitution provides that the Chief Justice presides

over trials of sitting presidents. I'm quite sure Roberts doesn't want to do it even if he could, but the constitution says otherwise anyhow.

[spooky3]

9. I'm not a lawyer and I know you are, but does the constitution state that

any certain individual presides over non-sitting presidents' cases? If not, then it is possible that the Dems (and possibly others) thought it would be best if CJ presided, and asked him, but he declined.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

10. The Senate's rules specifically provide that unless the CJ presides, the job goes to

the designated presiding officer, who is either the Vice President or, in the absence of the VP, the president pro tem.

[spooky3]

13. So it would make sense that the Dems (or whoever decides) could ask the CJ

to preside but could also decide not to ask?

[NYC Liberal]

14. It would be anyone who could preside over a session normally.

So the VP, president pro term, or any other Senator, as on any normal day.

[spooky3]

16. thx nt

[BigmanPigman]

6. He also said he has a secret plan.

Mitch just folded too!...removing filibuster demands! GREAT!

[former9thward]

19. He did not fold.

Manchin and Sinema said they would not support a filibuster repeal.

[GaYellowDawg]

7. Well, hey - maybe Roberts should just resign.

I think that's the ideal solution. Resign and let Biden's new Chief Justice preside. Sure, it'll delay the trial, but we should be extra considerate of his feelings.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

12. That's not the situation. The Chief Justice only presides when

a sitting president or vice president is being tried. Otherwise the task of presiding officer goes to either the Vice President or the president pro tem. Since this is an odd situation they might have considering asking the CJ, but even if he didn't want to do it, he wouldn't be necessary because he acts only because there is a potential conflict of interest if a VP is the presiding officer.

[mucifer]

11. With all the death threats going around I could see why.

[Walleye]

15. No great loss, Roberts didn't do much of anything in the first impeachment trial

[former9thward]

18. The CJ is not supposed to "do much of anything" in an impeachment trial

He rules on routine motions and that is about it. It is basically ceremonial.

[Jarqui]

17. My concern that remains unanswered so far ..

Does Leahy presiding cost the Dems a vote?

[Liberty Belle]

20. If it does, can they ask another Justice to preside?