Also, there was no need for Schiff and Pelosi to skip the Courts. The Courts can move quickly in these circumstances, and when they do it can be the end of the Executive in question. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_v._Nixon
So, in my view, Schiff and Pelosi malpracticed the impeachment - assuming that the testimony of Bolton, Pompeo, and the rest would have bolstered the Abuse of Power Article. This should piss off Ds and Anti-Trumpers everywhere, but it is probably too arcane a point for most folks. It is not too arcane a point for Schiff and Pelosi though. Their advisers know the law. These two chose to rush this through for political expediency, even though it
guaranteed no removal from office. Schiff gave up on any possibility* to have Trump's wikki article end something like this:
"The Court held that a claim of Presidential privilege as to materials subpoenaed for use in a criminal trial cannot override the needs of the judicial process if that claim is based, not on the ground that military or diplomatic secrets are implicated, but merely on the ground of a generalized interest in confidentiality. Nixon was then ordered to deliver the subpoenaed materials to the District Court. Nixon resigned sixteen days later, on August 9, 1974."
It is laughable to think now that the House or Schummer will shame McConnell into doing the House's job and corralling these witnesses for Senate hearings.
Jim
* (yes James, any possibility"so far"
)
