Republicans will not announce publicly their positions on witnesses.

[kentuck]

That is something that they would inform McConnell about privately.

We don't really know how many Republicans at this time that are demanding witnesses in a Senate trial? They are keeping their cards very close to their vests.

We should watch for any comments from McConnell about whether or not there will be witnesses. If he is adamantly opposed, he probably has the votes to prevent any witnesses? If he shows that he might be open to witnesses, then he is getting private feedback from some Republicans that are not willing to go along with the idea of no witnesses.

[FBaggins]

1. He's avoiding the question entirely

Their position is that (like the Clinton trial), decisions on witnesses (if any) would be made after managers present the initial case/articles.

Even if his plan is to have no witnesses... he likely won’t say so.

[paleotn]

2. Good. Drag it out.

[guillaumeb]

3. Does anyone trust McConnell in this matter?

In a rare moment of truth-telling, McConnell announced that he would work closely with Trump to essentially prevent any fair trial. In my view, Pelosi should only sen over the Articles of Impeachment if McConnell commits publicly to calling witnesses, with the witness list announced in advance.

Anything else would allow him to conduct a Moscow style show trial.