"Because impeachment, conviction and disqualification [from office] is not just about the past. It's about the future," he said. "It's making sure that no future official, no future president does the same exact thing President Trump does."
Lieu played audio and read quotes from various White House officials who resigned in the wake of the attack, along with comments from Republican lawmakers condemning Trump for his actions leading up to the insurrection. The strategy here was to undermine the defense team's argument that the trial is merely a partisan exercise.
America's Global Role
Rep. Joaquin Castro, D-Texas, pointed to statements from various world leaders in the days following the attack and argued letting Trump's actions stand without consequence puts the country's international stature in jeopardy.
"What message will we send the rest of the world?" he asked.
He referenced a statement from Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau that read: "What we witnessed was an assault on democracy by violent rioters incited by the current president and other politicians."
Castro said the "world is watching and wondering whether we are who we say we are" and told senators the trial is a chance to stand up for the rule of law.
What Is an Impeachable Offense?
Lead House impeachment manager Jamie Raskin, D-Maryland, once again offered a prebuttal of the defense's argument that Trump's speech is protected under the First Amendment.
He also argued there can be no doubt that Trump's actions constitute an impeachable offense.
"I hope we all can agree today that if a president does incite a violent insurrection against the government, he can be impeached for it," Raskin said. "I hope we all can agree that that is a constitutional crime."
Raskin, who taught constitutional law for decades, offered a historical view of impeachment as well.
"Centuries of history, not to mention the constitutional text, structure and original intent and understanding, all confirm the teaching of James Wilson, another framer, who wrote that impeachments and offenses come not within the sphere of ordinary jurisprudence," he explained.
"Simply put, impeachment was created for a purpose separate and distinct from criminal punishment. It was created to prevent and deter elected officials who swear an oath to represent America, but then commit dangerous offenses against our republic. That's a constitutional crime."
Watch Raskin's full closing remarks below.
Biden's Reaction
President Biden told White House reporters Thursday morning that he had seen news coverage of the trial thus far but had not watched the hearing live.
As to the ultimate outcome of the trial, Biden said he guesses "some minds may be changed."
Seventeen Republicans would need to join the Democratic conference in order to secure a conviction.
Later on Thursday, White House press secretary Jen Psaki downplayed Biden's comment, saying he was expressing a personal reaction, not indicating how senators should vote once the proceedings conclude.
Copyright 2021 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org.
9(MDAxOTAwOTE4MDEyMTkxMDAzNjczZDljZA004))
