Ohio Senator Rob Portman, a moderate Republican, told CNN’s Dana Bash in the “State of the Union” that he believed that Trump’s comments that led to the Capitol attack were partly responsible for the violence and that he will keep his mind open.
“I said in relation to the president’s comments that day that they were partly responsible for what happened and for the terrible violence on Capitol Hill. I also said that what he did was wrong and inexcusable. I used the word inexcusable because that’s how I feel. I’ll see. I’m a juror and I’m going to keep an open mind, but I think the issue of constitutionality has to be resolved, ”said Portman, who will not seek re-election after his term ends in 2022.
Another moderate Republican, Louisiana Sen. Bill Cassidy, told Fox News separately on Sunday that he would wait to make a decision on his vote based on the evidence presented at the trial.
“The evidence, as I understand it, will focus on whether or not the president contributed to an atmosphere in which people attacked the Capitol, invading, threatening, if they like, members of Congress and Vice President (Mike) Pence. Therefore, I hope that any defense presented will refute this accusation, “he said.
A person familiar with the exits told CNN that Trump wanted lawyers to argue that there was massive electoral fraud and that the election was stolen from him, rather than focusing on the legality of convicting a president after he stepped down. Trump was not receptive to discussions about how they should proceed in this regard.
The rhetoric shows the split between House and Senate Republicans as the party struggles to find its voice after the tumultuous era was Trump. Many House Republicans remain staunch supporters of Trump, saying he did nothing wrong and should not be blamed for the violence that occurred on Capitol Hill.
Portman said on Sunday that he believes a forced Senate vote last week by Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul was not about rejecting the impeachment trial, but rather a vote to start a discussion of constitutionality. He believes that the constitutionality of a former president’s conviction should be discussed. “The vote was not about rejecting the trial, but about not discussing constitutionality as a critical issue,” he said.
The Democratic-led House has already voted to impeach Trump, accusing him of inciting insurrection by attacking the Capitol that left several people dead. But two-thirds of the Senate would have to vote to condemn Trump after a trial, an extremely high barrier to be resolved.