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Can any of us really have the confidence that Donald Trump will put his personal interests ahead of the national interests? You know you can't count on him to do that. That's the sad truth.
In this screenshot taken from a Senate Television webcast, House impeachment manager Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) speaks during impeachment proceedings against U.S. President Donald Trump in the Senate at the U.S. Capitol on January 23, 2020 in Washington, D.C. (Photo: Senate Television via Getty Images)
In nine-minute closing remarks capping off the third day of President Donald Trump's Senate impeachment trial Thursday night, Rep. Adam Schiff argued the evidence for Trump's guilt is overwhelming and said his removal from office is a necessary step toward protecting the U.S. Constitution and the national interest.
Schiff, chairman of the House Intelligence Committee and one of Speaker Nancy Pelosi's (D-Calif.) handpicked impeachment managers, contended it is undeniable that Trump has "done what he's charged with"—abused the power of the presidency and obstructed Congress.
The only remaining question, said Schiff, is: "Does he really need to be removed?" The Democrat from California argued unequivocally that the answer is yes.
"Can any of us really have the confidence that Donald Trump will put his personal interests ahead of the national interests?" Schiff asked. "You know you can't count on him to do that. That's the sad truth."
"If right doesn't matter, it doesn't matter how good the Constitution is," Schiff continued. "It doesn't matter how brilliant the framers were. Doesn't matter how good or bad our advocacy in this trial is. Doesn't matter how well written the oath of Impartiality is. If right doesn't matter, we’re lost. If the truth doesn't matter, we're lost."
This article originally appeared on Common Dreams
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