Can Justice Roberts make Moscow Mitch recuse himself? eom

[MoonRiver]

[MineralMan]

1. No. He can't.

His role is to "preside" at the Senate trial. Historically, that has been pretty much of a passive role, although it is not described in any detail in the Constitution.

As a co-equal branch of government, the Supreme Court (or its Chief Justice) can't make the Majority Leader of the Senate recuse himself in an impeachment trial. The Senate makes its own rules.

On the other hand, I don't see how Moscow Mitch can declare the oath all Senators will take before the trial. I'm sure he will, but he will make himself a liar as he does so.

[Demsrule86]

2. Who would be better ? No GOP will go against Trump.

[dem4decades]

3. Isn't the Senate in charge of this? And Mitch is the leader of the senate. I'd say Roberts has no

power.

[bdamomma]

4. hmm....

now it's McConnell's turn to be focused on, for his dirty deeds.

[California_Republic]

5. I understand the Senate will write rules

And Roberts will rule on them as needed

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

6. No. The role of the Chief Justice in an impeachment trial is pretty limited.

His job as Presiding Officer is mainly as a referee - to ensure that the Senators follow their own rules. And the Senate can change the rules by a majority vote and can also vote to overrule a decision of the Presiding Officer.

[Bayard]

7. I think we should go low this time when rethugs go high (which they won't)

So, its going to be mud wrestling. I know some Dems will be disappointed, but its time to get on our own bombastic soapbox. We have to hit them with everything we've got. They won't be expecting it.

[maxsolomon]

8. At best, he could refuse to preside over a sham trial.

Maybe he has some leverage that way.

Probably, he won't even try.