Democrats face risks and limits in Trump's impeachment trial

The challenge is becoming increasingly clear for House Democrats prosecuting President Donald Trump's impeachment case as the Senate convenes for a second day of arguments in the landmark trial.

No matter how overwhelming the evidence confronting Trump, it becomes less compelling when presented again and again, day after day, as Democrats try to convince not just fidgety senators but an American public deeply divided over the Republican president in an election year.

The team led by Rep. Adam Schiff, the chairman of House Intelligence Committee, constructed a gripping account of Trump's political pressure on Ukraine and attempt to cover up the "corrupt scheme" central to the charges.

But the limits are apparent.

Prosecutors must rely on the same loops of videotaped testimony ambassadors, national security officials and even the president himself after Trump's GOP Senate allies blocked new witnesses.

Democrats were once reluctant to take on impeachment during an election year but are marching toward a decision by the Senate that the American public also will judge.

"We're trying this case to two juries the Senate and the American people," Schiff acknowledged Wednesday ahead of opening arguments.

"The American people are watching. The American people are listening. And they do have an open mind."
Trump blasted the proceedings in a Thursday morning tweet, declaring them the "Most unfair & corrupt hearing in Congressional history!"
Senators must cast their votes and "live with that in history."
"There's a lot of things I'd like to rebut," said Trump lawyer Jay Sekulow at the Capitol, "and we will rebut."
He spoke directly to Republicans to join them in voting to oust Trump from office to "protect our democracy."