There is no "nuance" to be considered as to the constitutionality of Trump's Senate trial.

[Atticus]

There are virtually no respected authorities who doubt that the trial is constitutionally appropriate.

There are no arguments asserting the trial's unconstitutionality that are not transparently silly.

So, let's be clear: the votes of the 45 Republicans who just voted that the trial was unconstitutional were basically the equivalent of 45 shameless votes agreeing that the sky is fluorescent orange. Everyone knows they can't possibly genuinely believe that because they all tie their own shoes and are permitted to go out in public without minders. But, today, unhampered by any semblance of a sense of shame and totally cowed by an obese out-of-shape and petulant man-child with a purchased degree and a big mouth, 45 Republican Senators violated their oaths and common sense to vote as he has commanded.

These are not even "Republicans". They are Trumpies and those who trust them will be almost as responsible as they are for the tragedies their obstruction will cause.

If today does not justify pursuing OUR agenda by whatever means are available to the majority party without regard to how these cowardly slugs feel about it, we may as well prepare for an administration held hostage by its own reluctance to piss off the opposition.

Didn't intend a rant when this started, but why not? I can no longer justify civility when confronting the likes of Rand Paul and Mitch McConnell!

[Chainfire]

1. The purpose of the whole exercise is to flush the rats out of their nests and

make them take a public stand that can be used against them later. They claim it is unconstitutional not because they believe it, they just don't want to be nailed to a position that can ruin them. It is a classic case of them wanting to have their cake and eat it too. Our job is to shove that cake in their faces.

A heck of a lot of very incriminating evidence about Trump will come to light in the next couple of years. The American people will be disgusted at everyone who voted to protect Trump. That is the point.

[Walleye]

2. They didn't really believe the election was stolen either, shameless

[CaliforniaPeggy]

3. I am in complete agreement with your well-written rant, my dear Atticus! n/t

[Botany]

4. They are like Germans supporting Hitler

Trump's own words from Dec. 2020 (NY Times)

"Big protest in D.C. on January 6th. Be there, will be wild!"
*******
And his campaign paid for the riot too.

Former President Donald Trump's re-election campaign paid more than $2.7 million to several individuals and firms who helped to organize the Washington rally that preceded the violent storming of the Capitol on January 6, according to the Center for Responsive Politics.

The payments indicate an ongoing financial relationship between the rally's organizers and Trump's political campaign. Financial disclosures show that the campaign made payments up until November 23, the most recent date covered by Federal Election Commission (FEC) fillings. The rally was announced in December.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/trump-rally-organizers-received-millions-from-re-election-campaign-before-capitol-riot/ar-BB1d0Ch8?amp;page=5&ocid=uxbndlbing

*******

And members of Trump's campaign help to plan the riot and got the permits too.

[theneworiginal]

5. This is the "insanity" defense of the RW.

When the facts and guilt are undeniable, object on the basis of suitability. Sorta like when decision comes down opposing a RW position, they say "It's should really be a State issue."

The refuse to accept the facts and merits and will always point to process as a distraction.

[kurtcagle]

6. Political Posturing

Those 45 Republicans fall into one of two camps:

1. The ones who were from very Trumpian districts who know that failing to take a stand now will ensure that they will be primaried in two years, and
2. Those who are genuinely stupid enough to support Trump without question.

Now few Senators are actually stupid: it takes a certain degree of intelligence (or at least base cunning) to get into the Senate, which is not as true in the House, so I'd also say that it's very likely that, as Trump fades politically, so too will his supporters at this level.

[EleanorR]

7. This gives them cover to vote to acquit despite what will be overwhelming evidence of trump's guilt

They are cowards and lack any sort of moral core.