The Briefing Room

General Category => Politics/Government => Topic started by: libertybele on January 16, 2020, 01:15:19 pm

Title: Ted Cruz Pitches ‘Witness Reciprocity’ for Impeachment Trial
Post by: libertybele on January 16, 2020, 01:15:19 pm
Ted Cruz Pitches ‘Witness Reciprocity’ for Impeachment Trial

Senator Ted Cruz (R., Texas) on Tuesday pitched the idea of “witness reciprocity” for the Senate impeachment trial during a meeting with Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R., Ky.) and other top Senate Republicans.

The idea would allow Republicans and Democrats to summon an equal number of witnesses to testify. For example, if the Democrats subpoena testimony from former national security adviser John Bolton, Republicans would be allowed to summon Hunter Biden in return.

“We’ll be dealing with the witness issue at the appropriate time into the trial. And I think it’s certainly appropriate to point out that both sides would want to call witnesses if they wanted to hear from them,” McConnell commented to reporters. “So if you get to that issue, I can’t imagine that only the witnesses our Democratic colleagues want to call will be called.”

McConnell originally sought to dismiss the articles of impeachment without calling witnesses, angering Democrats who wanted to hear from Bolton before the Senate vote on impeachment. However, several Republican Senators have objected to the notion of dismissing charges before hearing from witnesses............

https://www.nationalreview.com/news/ted-cruz-pitches-witness-reciprocity-for-impeachment-trial/ (https://www.nationalreview.com/news/ted-cruz-pitches-witness-reciprocity-for-impeachment-trial/)
Title: Re: Ted Cruz Pitches ‘Witness Reciprocity’ for Impeachment Trial
Post by: Hoodat on January 16, 2020, 01:56:01 pm
It is my understanding that the current standard allows a side to call two witnesses to rebut one.  That works for me.  Witnesses are to Trump's advantage here, which is why the House Judiciary Committee failed to call any.  At a minimum, put Ciaramella, Schiff, and Yovanovitch under oath and grill them until they cry.

The Dems have nothing, and they know it.  And they also know that Bolton won't help.  And once the primaries get here, and Biden falls off the map, they won't even be able to make the case that he is a political opponent of Trump.
Title: Re: Ted Cruz Pitches ‘Witness Reciprocity’ for Impeachment Trial
Post by: catfish1957 on January 16, 2020, 02:46:17 pm
Cruz and everyone else knows that the big fish on the stand will be the Bidens.  GOP has great chance deep 6 the dim frontrunner if they play their cards right.
Title: Re: Ted Cruz Pitches ‘Witness Reciprocity’ for Impeachment Trial
Post by: Chosen Daughter on January 16, 2020, 03:12:26 pm
Sounds great to me.
Title: Re: Ted Cruz Pitches ‘Witness Reciprocity’ for Impeachment Trial
Post by: verga on January 16, 2020, 04:24:50 pm
It is my understanding that the current standard allows a side to call two witnesses to rebut one.  That works for me.  Witnesses are to Trump's advantage here, which is why the House Judiciary Committee failed to call any.  At a minimum, put Ciaramella, Schiff, and Yovanovitch under oath and grill them until they cry.
Grill them until they cry. How much can they answer in 15 seconds?
Title: Re: Ted Cruz Pitches ‘Witness Reciprocity’ for Impeachment Trial
Post by: Millee on January 16, 2020, 04:37:31 pm
Somehow the left will claim that that's unfair.   *****rollingeyes*****
Title: Re: Ted Cruz Pitches ‘Witness Reciprocity’ for Impeachment Trial
Post by: Cyber Liberty on January 16, 2020, 05:22:22 pm
My understanding on this is the Rat's opening position in this negotiation is they get at least three witnesses, and Trump gets zero witnesses.  They are trying to run the Senate Trial in the same manner as they did the Impeachment Articles in the House, after promising Trump will get his chance to defend himself at trial and not before.

Even Rand Paul is aghast.
Title: Re: Ted Cruz Pitches ‘Witness Reciprocity’ for Impeachment Trial
Post by: sneakypete on January 16, 2020, 05:28:13 pm
It is my understanding that the current standard allows a side to call two witnesses to rebut one.  That works for me.  Witnesses are to Trump's advantage here, which is why the House Judiciary Committee failed to call any.  At a minimum, put Ciaramella, Schiff, and Yovanovitch under oath and grill them until they cry.


@Hoodat

Maybe beat them up a little,too?
Title: Re: Ted Cruz Pitches ‘Witness Reciprocity’ for Impeachment Trial
Post by: skeeter on January 16, 2020, 05:30:29 pm
The defense needs to be able to call House Manager Adam Schiff.
Title: Re: Ted Cruz Pitches ‘Witness Reciprocity’ for Impeachment Trial
Post by: Hoodat on January 16, 2020, 05:31:28 pm
[The Dems] are trying to run the Senate Trial in the same manner as they did the Impeachment Articles in the House, after promising Trump will get his chance to defend himself at trial and not before.

This is what is know as 'abuse of power' and 'obstruction of Congress'.
Title: Re: Ted Cruz Pitches ‘Witness Reciprocity’ for Impeachment Trial
Post by: Cyber Liberty on January 16, 2020, 05:36:10 pm
This is what is know as 'abuse of power' and 'obstruction of Congress'.

Ayup!  Apparently the Rats see no downside, while I see them just digging a deeper hole for themselves.
Title: Re: Ted Cruz Pitches ‘Witness Reciprocity’ for Impeachment Trial
Post by: XenaLee on January 16, 2020, 05:42:35 pm
My understanding on this is the Rat's opening position in this negotiation is they get at least three witnesses, and Trump gets zero witnesses.  They are trying to run the Senate Trial in the same manner as they did the Impeachment Articles in the House, after promising Trump will get his chance to defend himself at trial and not before.

Even Rand Paul is aghast.

The only question is.... will Mitch (da bitch?) allow the rats to run the Senate as they did the House.   Mitch has talked a good game... but we all know how much tough talk is worth, ultimately.   Personally.... I don't trust Mitch as far as I can throw him (or the Rinos).  I fear a setup/ambush is forthcoming.
Title: Re: Ted Cruz Pitches ‘Witness Reciprocity’ for Impeachment Trial
Post by: Cyber Liberty on January 16, 2020, 05:45:09 pm
The only question is.... will Mitch (da bitch?) allow the rats to run the Senate as they did the House.   Mitch has talked a good game... but we all know how much tough talk is worth, ultimately.   Personally.... I don't trust Mitch as far as I can throw him (or the Rinos).  I fear a setup/ambush is forthcoming.

I think Cocaine Mitch knows he's holding all the cards on this, and won't budge.  He hasn't yet, and it's paid off.
Title: Re: Ted Cruz Pitches ‘Witness Reciprocity’ for Impeachment Trial
Post by: libertybele on January 16, 2020, 05:48:14 pm
The only question is.... will Mitch (da bitch?) allow the rats to run the Senate as they did the House.   Mitch has talked a good game... but we all know how much tough talk is worth, ultimately.   Personally.... I don't trust Mitch as far as I can throw him (or the Rinos).  I fear a setup/ambush is forthcoming.

Agreed.  Mitch cannot be trusted ... and with Roberts residing, what could possibly go wrong?
Title: Re: Ted Cruz Pitches ‘Witness Reciprocity’ for Impeachment Trial
Post by: XenaLee on January 16, 2020, 05:53:52 pm
I think Cocaine Mitch knows he's holding all the cards on this, and won't budge.  He hasn't yet, and it's paid off.

Well.... I guess we will see starting on next Tuesday.   Call me a paranoid cynic.... but I have come to trust none of the DC critters to do what they're supposed to do vs. what the deep state wants done.   :shrug:
Title: Re: Ted Cruz Pitches ‘Witness Reciprocity’ for Impeachment Trial
Post by: libertybele on January 16, 2020, 05:56:51 pm
Well.... I guess we will see starting on next Tuesday.   Call me a paranoid cynic.... but I have come to trust none of the DC critters to do what they're supposed to do vs. what the deep state wants done.   :shrug:

Well, in that case, that makes me one as well.  Nope, don't trust them in the least - and their past track records speak for themselves.
Title: Re: Ted Cruz Pitches ‘Witness Reciprocity’ for Impeachment Trial
Post by: XenaLee on January 16, 2020, 05:59:14 pm
Agreed.  Mitch cannot be trusted ... and with Roberts residing, what could possibly go wrong?

Roberts, the already known compromised "Justice", will be presiding over THE most crucial attempted coup in the history of the nation.   

Swell.    9999hair out0000
Title: Re: Ted Cruz Pitches ‘Witness Reciprocity’ for Impeachment Trial
Post by: skeeter on January 16, 2020, 05:59:41 pm
Agreed.  Mitch cannot be trusted ... and with Roberts residing, what could possibly go wrong?

The entire base is watching very closely, expecting exactly what you are worried about.

I think Mitch knows this.
Title: Re: Ted Cruz Pitches ‘Witness Reciprocity’ for Impeachment Trial
Post by: XenaLee on January 16, 2020, 06:01:05 pm
Well, in that case, that makes me one as well.  Nope, don't trust them in the least - and their past track records speak for themselves.

Yep.

And... did you see this article on TOS?   I find it very telling re: the "why" Pelosi and Schiff are so hell-bent on destroying Trump....the one that wanted the corruption in Ukraine investigated....

https://conservativeus.com/as-president-pelosi-is-trending-on-the-internet-new-photos-emerge-that-connects-schiff-pelosi-to-a-top-ukrainian-arms-dealer/
Title: Re: Ted Cruz Pitches ‘Witness Reciprocity’ for Impeachment Trial
Post by: Maj. Bill Martin on January 16, 2020, 06:01:10 pm
I think Cocaine Mitch knows he's holding all the cards on this, and won't budge.  He hasn't yet, and it's paid off.

He's only holding those cards if the entire caucus backs him.  If he has more than a few defections, then it's Schumer holding the cards.
Title: Re: Ted Cruz Pitches ‘Witness Reciprocity’ for Impeachment Trial
Post by: Cyber Liberty on January 16, 2020, 06:01:23 pm
Well.... I guess we will see starting on next Tuesday.   Call me a paranoid cynic.... but I have come to trust none of the DC critters to do what they're supposed to do vs. what the deep state wants done.   :shrug:

I don't think you can go wrong by distrusting every thing politicians do or say.  That said, there's no downside to Turtle digging in his heels against the Rats on this.  They have gone wayyyyy beyond merely overplaying their hand.
Title: Re: Ted Cruz Pitches ‘Witness Reciprocity’ for Impeachment Trial
Post by: Cyber Liberty on January 16, 2020, 06:03:19 pm
He's only holding those cards if the entire caucus backs him.  If he has more than a few defections, then it's Schumer holding the cards.

At the moment, even Rand Paul thinks the Rats are being ridiculous.  I do agree, though, that he can only hold on as long as the Caucus stays in line.  This is always true, nothing new.
Title: Re: Ted Cruz Pitches ‘Witness Reciprocity’ for Impeachment Trial
Post by: Maj. Bill Martin on January 16, 2020, 06:09:14 pm
At the moment, even Rand Paul thinks the Rats are being ridiculous.  I do agree, though, that he can only hold on as long as the Caucus stays in line.  This is always true, nothing new.

Rand Paul isn't really an "even" on impeachment.  He's been one of the strongest critics of impeachment even though he disagrees with the President on other issues.

The problem children are going to be Collins, Murkowski, Romney, and maybe Portman.
Title: Re: Ted Cruz Pitches ‘Witness Reciprocity’ for Impeachment Trial
Post by: XenaLee on January 16, 2020, 06:14:15 pm
He's only holding those cards if the entire caucus backs him.  If he has more than a few defections, then it's Schumer holding the cards.

And we already know of at least four that will probably go "Maverick" on him.   Collins, Muskowski, Lee and Romney.
Title: Re: Ted Cruz Pitches ‘Witness Reciprocity’ for Impeachment Trial
Post by: Cyber Liberty on January 16, 2020, 06:29:26 pm
And we already know of at least four that will probably go "Maverick" on him.   Collins, Muskowski, Lee and Romney.

It depends on how badly they perceive Rats as over-reaching.  Even Collins choked on what the Rats were selling in the Kavanaugh fiasco.
Title: Re: Ted Cruz Pitches ‘Witness Reciprocity’ for Impeachment Trial
Post by: skeeter on January 16, 2020, 06:32:07 pm
It depends on how badly they perceive Rats as over-reaching.  Even Collins choked on what the Rats were selling in the Kavanaugh fiasco.

On the other hand, Murkowski was able to swallow all of it. Romney will swallow it all and ask for seconds.

And who'da thought Mike Lee would in the end be hanging out with these clowns? All that Google cash really talks.
Title: Re: Ted Cruz Pitches ‘Witness Reciprocity’ for Impeachment Trial
Post by: Cyber Liberty on January 16, 2020, 06:34:40 pm
On the other hand, Murkowski was able to swallow all of it. Romney will swallow it all and ask for seconds.

And who'da thought Mike Lee would in the end be hanging out with these clowns? All that Google cash really talks.

Lee surprises me.  I guess it took Mittens to "get his mind right?"
Title: Re: Ted Cruz Pitches ‘Witness Reciprocity’ for Impeachment Trial
Post by: sneakypete on January 16, 2020, 06:54:44 pm
Well.... I guess we will see starting on next Tuesday.   Call me a paranoid cynic.... but I have come to trust none of the DC critters to do what they're supposed to do vs. what the deep state wants done.   :shrug:

@XenaLee

Me,either. One of the reasons I trust and support Trump is BECAUSE  he is not a career politician.
Title: Re: Ted Cruz Pitches ‘Witness Reciprocity’ for Impeachment Trial
Post by: sneakypete on January 16, 2020, 06:55:56 pm
Roberts, the already known compromised "Justice", will be presiding over THE most crucial attempted coup in the history of the nation.   

Swell.    9999hair out0000

@XenaLee

Well,Babs Bush is dead now,so I have no idea who his master is,but it ain't likely to be anyone I approve of.
Title: Re: Ted Cruz Pitches ‘Witness Reciprocity’ for Impeachment Trial
Post by: verga on January 16, 2020, 07:29:39 pm
Roberts, the already known compromised "Justice", will be presiding over THE most crucial attempted coup in the history of the nation.   

Swell.    9999hair out0000
The thing is he really has very little power. His 'rulings" can be overturned by a simple majority of Senators voting. If he is smart he will basically do that if either side objects.
Title: Re: Ted Cruz Pitches ‘Witness Reciprocity’ for Impeachment Trial
Post by: Formerly Once-Ler on January 16, 2020, 10:45:23 pm
Sounds great to me.
Agreed.
Title: Re: Ted Cruz Pitches ‘Witness Reciprocity’ for Impeachment Trial
Post by: Formerly Once-Ler on January 16, 2020, 10:46:47 pm
My understanding on this is the Rat's opening position in this negotiation is they get at least three witnesses, and Trump gets zero witnesses.  They are trying to run the Senate Trial in the same manner as they did the Impeachment Articles in the House, after promising Trump will get his chance to defend himself at trial and not before.

Even Rand Paul is aghast.

What in the world would make McConnell agree to that?  It makes no sense.
Title: Re: Ted Cruz Pitches ‘Witness Reciprocity’ for Impeachment Trial
Post by: Cyber Liberty on January 16, 2020, 10:48:48 pm
What in the world would make McConnell agree to that?  It makes no sense.

He won't, and Schumer knows that.  Everybody does.  It's his opening posture going in to what he thinks are "negotiations."  That is how he thinks he can get what he wants eventually, it's an ancient bargaining technique.
Title: Re: Ted Cruz Pitches ‘Witness Reciprocity’ for Impeachment Trial
Post by: Formerly Once-Ler on January 16, 2020, 11:10:44 pm
He won't, and Schumer knows that.  Everybody does.  It's his opening posture going in to what he thinks are "negotiations."  That is how he thinks he can get what he wants eventually, it's an ancient bargaining technique.

I have a great admiration for Mitch McConnell.  I think he has an unparalleled political acumen and I know he will not let himself to be thrown under the bus to protect the President.  I doubt many Democrats would say it but I believe Speaker McConnell will preside over a fair trial.
Title: Re: Ted Cruz Pitches ‘Witness Reciprocity’ for Impeachment Trial
Post by: libertybele on January 16, 2020, 11:12:27 pm
I have a great admiration for Mitch McConnell.  I think he has an unparalleled political acumen and I know he will not let himself to be thrown under the bus to protect the President.  I doubt many Democrats would say it but I believe Speaker McConnell will preside over a fair trial.

It is Roberts that will preside over the proceedings. As for McConnell, I have little faith in the Turtle.
Title: Re: Ted Cruz Pitches ‘Witness Reciprocity’ for Impeachment Trial
Post by: Wingnut on January 16, 2020, 11:14:42 pm
Reciprocity.  I like that word.  It just rolls off your tongue like a phlegm filled loogie before you spit it at a demorat.
Title: Re: Ted Cruz Pitches ‘Witness Reciprocity’ for Impeachment Trial
Post by: Formerly Once-Ler on January 16, 2020, 11:18:59 pm
It is Roberts that will preside over the proceedings. As for McConnell, I have little faith in the Turtle.
Thank you for correcting me.  Let me restate "I doubt many Democrats would say it but I believe Speaker McConnell will oversee the scope of the trial rules fairly."
Title: Re: Ted Cruz Pitches ‘Witness Reciprocity’ for Impeachment Trial
Post by: Cyber Liberty on January 16, 2020, 11:32:32 pm
Thank you for correcting me.  Let me restate "I doubt many Democrats would say it but I believe Speaker McConnell will oversee the scope of the trial rules fairly."

"Majority Leader McConnell."  I'm thinking he will, too.   :beer:
Title: Re: Ted Cruz Pitches ‘Witness Reciprocity’ for Impeachment Trial
Post by: Hoodat on January 17, 2020, 12:01:23 am
"Majority Leader McConnell."  I'm thinking he will, too.   :beer:

Considering that this is not a legal issue but purely a political one, I don't believe McConnell is going to let House Democrats railroad him.  As much as I despise him, he does know how to play politics effectively.  He has been downright brilliant in getting judicial vacancies filled with Conservatives.
Title: Re: Ted Cruz Pitches ‘Witness Reciprocity’ for Impeachment Trial
Post by: Formerly Once-Ler on January 17, 2020, 12:02:49 am
 
"Majority Leader McConnell."  I'm thinking he will, too.   :beer:
:beer:  Yes! Yes!  Time for another.   :beer:
Title: Re: Ted Cruz Pitches ‘Witness Reciprocity’ for Impeachment Trial
Post by: skeeter on January 17, 2020, 12:28:52 am
"Majority Leader McConnell."  I'm thinking he will, too.   :beer:

Judging by his recent statements from the floor of the Senate, I’m inclined to agree. He knows what racket is being run here, and has made it plain he knows.
Title: Re: Ted Cruz Pitches ‘Witness Reciprocity’ for Impeachment Trial
Post by: Cyber Liberty on January 17, 2020, 12:46:41 am
Judging by his recent statements from the floor of the Senate, I’m inclined to agree. He knows what racket is being run here, and has made it plain he knows.

He has been all along.  He's playing it cool, because he can.  He seems to know he's been dealt a strong hand by Pelosi.