In response to Raskin’s call to testify, van der Veen asked the trial to end on Saturday without witnesses. But if there are witnesses, he said he would need “more than 100 depositions”, including House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Vice President Kamala Harris.
“None of these testimonials should be done by Zoom. We didn’t audition for Zoom. These testimonials should be done in person, in my office in Philadelphia,” said van der Veen, to laugh in the living room.
“I don’t know why you’re laughing,” said van der Veen.
“It’s a civil case. That’s how lawyers do it,” said van der Veen. “We send deposition notifications.”
Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), President pro tempore of the Senate presiding over the trial, called for order in the chamber.
“I don’t laugh at any of you and there is nothing laughable here,” said van der Veen.