Now that we have had the predictable end to the second impeachment trial of Donald J. Trump, I think we need to acknowledge several things.
First, the House Managers made the case against Trump, not just on the insurrection, but effectively displayed the cynical and dangerous conduct of his entire presidency. It was not pleasant to watch, but it provided a framework that we all needed to understand the lingering discomfort that has been omnipresent over the last four years.
But contrary to the CNN and MSNBC pundits, and even Speaker Pelosi, I think Mitch McConnell deserves some praise.
It was always unlikely that he would vote to convict as he leads a Senate caucus full of Trump admirers. Instead, he gave a speech excoriating Trump on terms every bit as condemning as the House Managers. He gave Trump no excuses and was unequivocal in assigning blame to Trump for both the insurrection and for the big lie about the election being stolen.
I know he used the excuse of the constitutionality to explain his no vote. But he didn’t need to attack Trump the way he did, knowing that the Trump team (such as it is) will respond in kind. I actually think that if he thought he could have found nine other Republican Senators to vote “yes,” he, too, would have pushed to convict.
I have never liked McConnell or his politics. However, he has decided to take on Trump when no other Republican leader has. He knows that Republicans must be with Trump or against him. He has cast his lot against Trump and I am fascinated to see what comes next.
Regardless of your opinion of the man and his vote, from this corner, I believe his speech would pass for a profile in courage these days.
From This Corner 
Allan, I always appreciate your insights and look forward to each next installment. I must say, I tried to explain the same thoughts to one of my daughters this afternoon (She wasn’t having any of it!) and I was pleased to see how closely your take and mine align. Although, I didn’t come up with the part about the likelihood of his voting differently if he thought he could get sufficient votes to convict.
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If your daughter thinks that Mitch is a gutless, and pathetic trump minion who considers only his self interest, then I agree with her.
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I agree with your statement Allan but wish he had the gut to vote to convict.
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You think Mitch’s speech is a profile in courage shows just what a low bar you have for considering profiles in courage. It is an insult to all those who are true profiles in courage.
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Allan:
You know how I admire your political skills and judgment and keen insights. Really! But this one I totally disagree with. McConnell is a depraved, calculating, craven, coarse and wicked opportunist who serves nothing but himself and his view of the despicable Republican Party. He is just saying these things to assuage his precious donor class and hope it will stick. A profile in sensibility and democracy, let alone courage would have voted to convict. I hope history judges them all where they belong in the cesspool of autocracy.
Here’s hoping democracy will strengthen and flourish despite the evils of trump, mitch, marco, josh, ted and the whole rotten core of them all. I, for one, am worried about the future.
Frank
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Amen, Amen, Amen. I totally agree with you, Frank
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Two thoughts: 1) I agree with Merry: low bar 2) I wonder if he would have been as outspoken against Trump if he hadn’t handily beaten his D opponent in last Fall’s election. There was little news on that, but that candidate showed little strength.
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