Blogger Candidate Forum: No Witnesses

Hello Everyone:

This is The Blogger Candidate Forum with a quick thought on today’s vote in the Senate trial of Mr. Donald Trump. Today, the senators voted on the question of whether to call witnesses to testify on the facts surrounding that infamous July 25th phone between Mr. Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymr Zelensky. It was a close 51-49 vote to oppose calling witnesses, paving the way for an acquittal.

Based on the reactions in the digital stratosphere, there are a lot of angry people who believe the Republican Party failed to uphold the principles in The United States Constitution. They called the trial a sham. Whether you think that Mr. Trump is guilty of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress or not, one thing is apparent, the majority Senate Republicans proved that the are more concerned about staying in the president’s good graces than serving their country. Unfortunately, this is the state of the Republican Party today.

Once upon a time, the Republicans were like dad: stern, yet  concerned. You did not always agree with them (Blogger Candidate Forum never did) but you still respected them.  Today the once respected political party fully demonstrated that its elected lawmakers were craven onto a man who places himself and his interests above his duties in office and the national interest. The Candidate Forum understands that some of the senators, who are up for re-election this year, are stuck between a rock and hard place: do what is right, vote in favor of calling witness and risk losing to a more pro-Trump candidate or having your seat flipped. Or, towing the party line, increase the likelihood of your re-election, even if you firmly believe president’s actions were inappropriate. Regardless if you are one of those senators, you are there to serve you country, not a president who demands your personal loyalty above all else. So what comes next?

Monday we begin closing arguments, one last chance for both sides to make their appeals for conviction or acquittal. It is also a game day, the Iowa Caucus, the first time potential Democratic nominees will go before the voters. Tuesday is the State of The Union and Wednesday we will have a verdict. Blogger will be back on Monday with its regular scheduled programming and The Candidate Forum will bring you the highlights from closing arguments on Tuesday, as well as the results from Iowa. On Wednesday, The Candidate Forum will review the State of The Union and the bring the verdict when it comes in. We are adjourned until Monday. Have a great weekend.