Unlike the second day of the trial, when impeachment managers used security camera footage, bodycam videos and police radio communication snippets as proof against the former US president on trial, day three of the impeachment trial was filled with a flurry of statements that appealed to a sense of patriotism, duty and “common sense” of the US lawmakers which outlined the involvement of Trump in the deadly riots at the US Capitol on January 6. 

Jamie Raskin, one of the nine impeachment managers at the trial in the US Senate, said, “Let’s not get caught up in a lot of outlandish lawyers theories here. Exercise your common sense about what just took place in our country.” While further highlighting the need to keep Trump from running again, he added, “If you don’t find this a high crime and misdemeanor today, you have set a new terrible standard for presidential misconduct in the United States of America.”

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While building up on the statements made by Raskin, Ted Lieu made a bold statement that stressed on the argument made by the Democratic side of the lingering threat that exists to the security of Americans if Trump is not convicted. He said, “I’m not afraid of Donald Trump running again in four years. I’m afraid he’s going to run again and lose, because he can do this again.”

Joe Neguse, one of the impeachment managers who made his case today, set the tone of his argument revolving around key questions that, if answered, have the potential to unfold the entire trial without any roadblocks. His argument was based on the questions “Was the violence foreseeable?”, “Did he act wilfully?” and “Did he encourage the attacks?”. 

He said, “Was it foreseeable that the violence would erupt on January 6th if President Trump lit a spark? Was it predictable that the crowd at the ‘Save America rally’ was poised on a hair-trigger for violence that they would fight literally if provoked to do so? Of course, it was. When President Trump stood up to that podium on January 6th, he knew that many in that crowd were inflamed, were armed, were ready for violence. It was an explosive situation. And he knew it”. 

Joaquin Castro, a House Representative and impeachment manager, brought out an entirely different angle to the consequences of the January 6 attacks on the US Capitol by citing the possible impact on America’s reputation among the international community which looks towards the US for democratic inspiration. He further carefully highlighted the importance of a comprehensive constitution, like that of the US, and rule of law to uphold their democratic values and prevent any further violence in the country. 

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He said, “The world is watching and wondering whether we are who we say we are. Because other countries have known chaos, our Constitution has helped keep order in America. This is why we have a constitution. We must stand up for the rule of law because the rule of law doesn’t just stand up by itself.”

He later added, “This trial is an opportunity to respond and to send a message back to the world. I say this as somebody who loves my country, our country, just as all of you do.” 

Trump’s lawyers will begin his defense at noon on Friday and will have 16 hours to present their case.