30-second recap: Impeachment Trial Day 4

The House managers completed their presentation of the case against President Donald Trump Friday, setting the stage for Trump’s defense team to take the stage and answer the charges.

Democrats took most of the 24 hours given them to present their case against Trump, methodically laying out the case that Trump allegedly abused the power of his office, then obstructed the investigation of that abuse.

Trump was impeached on the two charges over his dealings with Ukraine.

Here’s what happened today:

  • 'That has been proved'

Rep. Adam Schiff, D-California, in closing statements for the Democratic managers, went down the list of points in both articles of impeachment, saying after each one, “That has been proved.”

  • 'The next time, it just may be you' 

Schiff told senators they should put themselves in the shoes of Joe Biden to get a feeling for what it would be like for the world’s most powerful person to be calling for an investigation of you.

Why?

“Because I will tell you something,” Schiff told the senators. “The next time, it just may be you.”

  • Has impeachment hurt Trump?

Has impeachment hurt Trump's popularity? Not if a Washington Post/ABC News poll is to be believed.

According to the poll, the president’s approval rating is at 44%. That is six points higher than it was in October when the impeachment inquiry began in the House.

  • A 'toxic mess'

Impeachment manager Hakeem Jeffries, D-New York, called out Trump’s alleged actions and said his conduct had put the country in danger.

“President Trump tried to cheat,” Jeffries said. “He got caught. And then he worked hard to cover it up.”

Jeffries went on to say there was a “toxic mess” at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave and that he “humbly suggest it is our collective job on behalf of the people to try and clean it up.”

  • On the second article of impeachment

Managers finished their arguments on the first article of impeachment – abuse of power – and moved on to the second one – obstruction of Congress.

Rep. Val Demings says Trump’s refusal to cooperate with the House was “historically unprecedented.

Rep. Sylvia Garcia, D-Texas, accused Trump of committing obstruction of Congress in a “historic fashion.”

“In other words, he orchestrated a cover-up, and he did it in plain sight,” Garcia said.

  • He's a dictator

House manager Jerry Nadler, D-New York, slammed Trump saying his conduct in obstructing Congress clearly calls for his removal from office.

“This is a determination by President Trump that he wants to be all-powerful,” Nadler said. “He does not have to respect the Congress. He does not have to respect the representatives of the people. Only his will goes.”

“He is a dictator."

And one more:

A Capitol law enforcement officer to Virginia Sen. (and Hillary Clinton’s running mate) Tim Kaine:

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