Come. One prediction. Yes . I dont even know why. I had one of those moments, tonight, that only people who do tv can really identify with. Which, as the words were coming out of my mouth, i was like, this is never going to happen. That party is never going to splinter. Okay . Gopq. Whatever. I heard you talking about that. I was listening because it was tom friedman. I was listening. Better mind than mine, for sure. But, they have no other home. No matter how reasonable a republican you are, youre not going with the democrats. Youll never be elected. Period. Any suggestion that you are even close to them, youre dead, anywhere in the country. And you are not going to leave and become democrats. Theyre not going to do that. So, that is your only home. And they are going to do exactly what mcconnell did, after the acquittal. Okay. Let me ask you, though. Youre assuming that that that they must become a democrat, in order not to be affiliated with because there are we have people, on this network, who are former republicans, right . They are still conservatives but dont want to be affiliated with the Republican Party. Theyre not becoming democrats. They hold no office. How do you get in office, if you are not a republican, and you dont switch to being a democrat . How do you get in office . Do we need five parties in this country . Maybe. You cant do it with an independent, because then you dont qualify. You have a hard time qualifying. You dont have the money to create the membership to get the footprint, to then have the Political Capital to get a seat. And they are going to stay right where they are. But i think, people like that, have they have much more leverage than you give them credit for. Because i think, those are people who are holding the line. Yes, you are 100 right. I think those are the folks who are holding the line. And i do think that this insurrection. I mean, listen. We all knew, right . We all knew that that the whole you know, i can shoot someone on fifth avenue and i still wouldnt lose any support. We all knew what was going to happen with this last impeachment. We knew he was going to be acquitted. That was a done deal. Right . We had been talking about that for a week since they said it. Not meaning they should not have gone through the process. But i think people like that are holding the line. I do think that the insurrection has damaged this president , in and in a way, that no other thing could have damaged him. And i do believe that it is enough there are enough people in the party. There is enough damage there, that probably precludes him from ever being able to become president again. Im not saying he wont try but i think the countrys done with it. Its just way too far. Too far. You may you may be right. However, every reaction, by that party, suggests otherwise. And remember. Just because a lot of stuff may be falling for the from the sky. It all depends on where it falls, and how its dealt with. You know who is okay with bad stuff falling from the sky . The dung beetle. I thought you were going to say cruz and no, because they cant play his game. They will never be liked the way he is, by those people. No but when you said dung beetle. Thats it. Okay. But i am telling you, this talk about them splintering. We have to be very careful. Because it creates a focus on a dynamic that doesnt exist, and it distracts from whats going on. We are going to put that as a, lets see. Let u lets see. I got to run, though. Is there reason to do nothing with biden . Thats my point. Ill see you soon. Happybelated valentines day. This is cnn tonight. I am don lemon. And you know we had valentines day. Now, this is president s day. We have one president , one president who is in the rearview mirror, and one who is looking ahead. One president , who is his grievances in exile and because he needs that support, right . And then, we have one moving forward on his promises to the american people. The one, who is really making america great, right . The one who is moving forward with his promises. President joe biden pushing the number one item on his agenda. His 1. 9 trillion stimulus, as Unemployment Benefits for millions of desperate americans, running out, in just a matter of weeks. And with the country coming out from under the shadow of the former president , House Speaker nancy pelosi is announcing an independent, 9 11type commission to investigate that attack on the capitol. What a beautiful shot at the capitol, by the way. Look at your screen. Its gorgeous. Wow. On a foggy night in washington, d. C. 57 senators, including seven republicans, voted to convict the former president. The most bipartisan Impeachment Vote, in history. But falling short of the 67 votes, needed, to convict. And now, the gop is taking revenge on some of those seven republicans, wouldnt you know . Punishing them. Punishing them for voting their conscious. Conscience. For for doing the right thing. For holding the former president accountable. Casenumber one. Exhibit a, as they say. Louisianas bill cassidy is censured by his state party, hours after his vote. Nebraskas ben sasse, number two, facing a vote in the next few weeks. And the North CarolinaRepublican Party, voting, tonight, to censure retiringsenator, richard burr, the former president s daughterinlaw, lara trump, by the way, reportedly, considering a run for his seat. And its not just senators. Republican congressman, Adam Kinzinger, who voted to impeach the thenpresident , attacked by some members of his own family. In a handwritten letter, reported by the new york times, quote, oh, my, what a disappointment you are to us and to god. We were once so proud of your accomplishments. So, this is whats interesting. Democrats. Members of the media. So on. Having getting letters like that, right . Text. Emails. Tweets. All social media. Forever. Now, its the Republican Party. Members of the Republican Party, who are getting letters and sentiment like that. Imagine that. But, even after everything that we have seen, the bloodthirsty mob, inflamed by thenpresident the then president , running riot at the capitol. Threatening to kill our elected representatives. Even after all of that, those elected representatives let the former president off the hook. In a wall street journal editorial, tonight, Minority Leader Mitch Mcconnell who voted to acquit the former president writes the senates duty last week was clear. It wasnt guarantee a specific punishment, at any cost. Our job was to defend the constitution, and respect its limits. That is what our acquittal delivered. Okay, Mitch Mcconnell. You are trying to have it both ways, right . To condemn trump, after refusing to convict him. Here it is. Theres no question, none, that President Trump is practically and morally responsible for provoking the events of the day. No question about it. The people who stormed this building believed they were acting on the wishes and instructions of the president. An an anding and having that belief was a foreseeable consequence of the growing crescendo of false statements, conspiracy theories, and reckless hyperbole, which the defeated president kept shouting into the largest megaphone, on planet earth. Mitch mcconnell, really, wants to have it both ways. Its obvious. But the fact is, they let him off, scotfree. Donald trump beat the wrap, again. The man, who once said this. I could stand in the middle of fifth avenue and shoot somebody, and i wouldnt lose any voters. Okay . Well, he beat the wrap, again. Thats the kind of power he still holds over the Republican Party. Mitch mcconnell, condemning the former president s actions, while refusing, at the same time, to do anything about it. Hanging on the claim the constitution doesnt allow them to convict a former president , who is now a private citizen. A claim, the senate rejected at the start of the trial. So, it was a bs argument. But, they figured people didnt know any better. Thats what they thought, so they went with it. And thats what happened. And the guy the guy, who now says that you cant convict a former president , is the same guy who refused to call the senate back into session, to hold the impeachment trial, while trump was, still, in office. Get it . Heads, i win. Tails, you lose. And then, there is Lindsey Graham. Still, a ride or die. Still, sucking up to the former president. Donald trump is the most vibrant member of the Republican Party. The Trump Movement is alive and well. People believe that he brought change to washington. Policywise, that was longoverdue. All i can say is that the most potent force in the Republican Party is President Trump. Woo he wanted to kiss up to the boss. There is your lesson, right there. Watch that tape. Potent. Vibrant. Lindsey graham says the gop cant take back the house or senate, without donald trump. And he may be right. But what does it say about the party . The party of lincoln . They cant win, without a disgraced, twiceimpeached, former president living in exile. Spending his days golfing. Not even six weeks after he unleashed a bloodthirsty mob on the capitol, putting every one of those senators, representatives, staff, and workers in danger, all because he could not accept the reality that he lost. Can you believe . He lost the election to joe biden. So, i want you to remember, back in 2016, when Lindsey Graham said, if we nominate trump, we will get destroyed. And we will deserve it. Remember, what he said just hours after the deadly riot at the capitol . Trump and i we weve had a hell of a journey. I hate it being this way. Oh, my god, i hate it. From my point of view, hes been a consequential president. But today, first thing youll see. All i can say is count me out. Enough is enough. Enough is enough. Well, political chameleon, really. Which way is the wind blowing . Like i said, Lindsey Graham is still ride or die. All trump, all the time. But the former president s legal troubles are far from over. Pay attention to this. Coming. Upcoming. Prosecutors in georgia investigating his hattempt to overturn the States Election results. So, look. All i want to do is this. I just want to find 11,780 votes, which is one more than we have, because we won the state. Desperation. And without the presidency to shield him, trump is now facing criminal investigations, civil, state inquiries, and defamation lawsuits by two women accusing him of sexual assault. But he wont be held accountable for what happened. What he incited on january 6th. We saw hate on disgusting display, that day. A confederate flag. Of the confederatebattle flag, paraded through the capitol. A camp auschwitz sweatshirt. A gallows. And now, we cant unsee any of that. We cannot sweep it under the rug. Thats what hate, in america, looks like right now. That is what america looks like. Still, out there. Its all still out there. Emboldened by the former president s acquittal. Listen to impeachment manager, joe neguse, who will be here in just a moment. But listen to what he said saturday night on the senate floor. This trial is not born from hatred. Far from it. Its born from love of country, our country, our desire to maintain it. Our desire to see america, at its best. And the stakes the stakes could not be higher. Because the coldhard truth is that, what happened on january 6th can happen, again. I fear, like many of you do, that the violence we saw on that terrible day may be just the beginning. Weve shown you the ongoing risks, the extremist groups, who grow more emboldened, every day. Senators, this cannot be the beginning. It cant be the new normal. It has to be the end. That was congressman and formerimpeachment manager, joe neguse. Does he think calling witnesses could have made a difference in the trial . The congressman is here, live, next. Tor burrito from boca burritos right here in aurora. doorbell rings excellent as a local access show, we want everyone to support local restaurants. Right cardi b . Yeah eat local trill sound now, simparica trio simplifies protection. Ticks and fleas . See ya heartworm disease . No way simparica trio is the first chewable that delivers all this protection. And simparica trio is demonstrated safe for puppies. Its simple go with simparica trio. This drug class has been associated with neurologic adverse reactions, including seizures; use with caution in dogs with a history of these disorders. Protect him with all your heart. Simparica trio. House speaker nancy pelosi, announcing a 9 11style commission to investigate the january 6th attack on the capitol. That, just two days after the senate acquitted formerPresident Trump of inciting the violence over his big lie, that the election was stolen. Seven republican senators, voting with democrats, to convict the president. Not enough to meet the twothirds threshold. Joining me, now, to discuss, is congressman, from colorado, and former house impeachment manager, joe neguse. Thank you, congressman. I really appreciate you joining us. Oh, my pleasure. Good to be with you, don. So much to talk to you about. Lets start with this the the new news that we have here, and that is, Speaker Pelosi wanting to set up this 9 11type commission to investigate this this, further. What questions do you, still, have . Well, i think its an important step. I applaud the speakers decision. I suspect, that therell be bipartisan support for a 9 11style commission, that is independent, that can take a realclose look at the vulnerabilities of the capitol complex. Potentialsecurity enhancements that need to be made into the future. Assessing financial needs, with respect to those investments. I think there are, you know, a number of different parts of that inquiry that are going to be very important, moving forward, prospectively, for securing our nations capitol. So, i think its an important step, and certainly one that i support. Lets go back a little bit. Not too far. Just over the weekend. Okay . Because there there was a moment, where it seemed like there might be witnesses in this impeachment trial, right . You succeeded in getting seven republicans to convict. Dont you think, hearing from witnesses might have won over, maybe, a few more witnesses . I mean, a few more republicans . Its a fair question, don, and i know, a question that many have have asked. Id say this. I think the evidence that we presented during the course of this trial was overwhelming. And i think, its fairly clear, that a majority of the United States senate, obviously, 57 senators, agreed with us. That, you know, applying an objective analysis and impartial lens to the evidence we presented, that the president was guilty of the constitutional offense, for which he was charged. But heres the interesting thing. And you played, of course, the minorityleaders remarks. Many of the senators, who voted to acquit the president , have, in effect, conceded that we proved our case. That the evidence was sufficient to to indicate that the president had committed the evidence for which he was charged. So, i dont think, you know, as leadmanager raskin said, whether it was five more witnesses or 5,000 more witnesses that it would have changed the ultimate outcome. As you said, there are some senators who chose to acquit the president on jurisdictional grounds which, of course, had been settled on the very first day of the trial. And as you know, that was an issue that we successfully argued on that day. And for a body, that purports to rely on precedent, so heavily. The fact that they refused to do so, in this instance, at least some of those senators, including the minority leader, is, of course, disappointing. Did the white house play into any of that . Did you not call witnesses because the white house wanted the trial over . I dont think thats the case. I, certainly, didnt have any conversations with the white house. And am not aware of any, in that regard. It was really a balancing of the equities. As you know, lead manager raskin essentially moved forward with a motion to have one witness testify, which was congressman h herrera butler. About the statement she issued, that went to the heart, you know, of the president s state of mind. And supported our theory of the case, with respect to his culpability. And so, thats the decision we made was proceed having her testify by video deposition but it became clear the president s counsel was willing to stipulate that that statement be entered into the evidentiary record, so the United States senate could consider it as part of its deliberations. That was important and it was important for lead manager raskin to be able to read that into evidence, and ultimately, given that fact. Give that concession, we felt the most prudent course forward was to proceed. I also, would say, don, because you covered it so extensively the last several years. It was clear, had we proceeded with some of the witnesses that folks have speculated about it, it very well may have ended in litigation where we would have to litigate subpoenas for months, and perhaps years, as had been the case prior to this particular trial. So again, balancing the equities. It was clear. Overwhelming evidence of the president s guilt. And, of course, the fact that this was the most bipartisan Impeachment Vote in the history of our republic, with respect to president ial impeachments, is evidence of that. Let me ask you this because as as an impeachment manager, this is probably not your concern. But as a as a politician, as a democratic congressman. The the magaland is celebrating. The former president said that his Maga Movement has only just begun. You know what he said about, you know, the middle of fifth avenue. Is that, basically, what happened here . Because does this, maybe, on the backside, give him more power than if you had just ignored him . Look, i dont think thats the case. But at the end of the day, politics was not part of the calculus, for us. I mean, impeachment is a solemn tool, under the constitution, that is only utilized to hold the president accountable when hes committed constitutional offenses. And that was this, clearly, was one of those cases, as the president incited an insurrection on january 6th. So we were dutybound to move forward, as we did. And i also think we shouldnt lose sight of the fact that seven republican senators voted to convict the president. That is unprecedented. In very conservative, southern states, which is very interesting to me. Im from louisiana, and i am shocked that a louisiana senator would vote to convict donald trump. Im im grateful. I mean, honestly, the courage they showed to do the right thing, to choose country over party, to follow their conscience, i think, is something we should all applaud. And it should give us some pause. And i think, you know, some optimism for the future. You mention january 6th. And you warned, when you were there, doing your duty, that it could happen again. What needs to be done now, to deter anything like that, anything like what we saw in january . And are you worried about this this march 4th and qanon conspiracy, where believers think that trump will be back in the presidency . Well, im certainly concerned about the prospects, you know, for future violence. As i said, during the senate trial. Thats something that i think is on the mind of many americans. I think, the inquiry that Speaker Pelosi has announced will be helpful, in that regard. In terms of, again, assessing vulnerabilities and providing the congress with recommendations that are tangible and concrete, and can move the needle in that respect. But i would also say this, don. Because you played some of my remarks, with respect to the impeachment trial and the fact this was really born, not out of hatred but, out of love for our country. One part of that clip that was not there was a quote that i quoted from dr. King. Something that has sustained me. I know you are familiar with it. Which is, that dr. King once said ive decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear. And i just that, to me, is something that i hope every american is thinking about, right now. We are going to have to figure out a way, a path forward, to begin to talk to each other, listen to one another, and find a way to ensure that Political Violence is not, you know, the the means to resolving our disagreements. It just cant be. And im going to work, every day, to make sure that thats not the case. I hope the majority of americans are listening to you. Thank you, congressman, i appreciate your time. Thank you, don. Thank you. So smake sure you watch. President joe biden is going to join anderson, tomorrow, at 9 00 eastern. And then, ill be live, right after my normal time or close to it so make sure you tune in. Next, seven republican senators voting to convict trump. Some of them, getting heat from republicans, back home. Well talk about that. Wanna build a Gaming Business that breaks the internet . That means working night and day. And delegating to an experienced live bookkeeper for peace of mind. Your books are all set. So you can finally give john some attention. Trusted experts. Guaranteed accurate books. Intuit quickbooks live. So, what happens to the Republican Party, now that the former president has been acquitted in his second impeachment trial . Well, senategop leader, Mitch Mcconnell, wants to move them away from trumps grip. But senator Lindsey Graham says its still trumps party. He is excited about 2022, and im going to go down to walk with him, next week. Play a little golf, in florida. And i said, mr. President , this Maga Movement needs to continue. We need to unite the party. Trump plus is the way back in 2022. Oh, lord. Well, one thing is certain. Republicans who voted to impeach and to convict are facing a lot of heat, back homement i want to bring in, now, cnn political commentator, charlie dent. Cnns political analyst, john avlon. Leave it to Lindsey Graham. Never disappoints, right . Good evening, gentlemen. Good to see both of you. John, you just heard my interview with house impeachment manager, joe neguse. They got seven republicans to vote for conviction. How will that rebuke go down, in history . It is the mostbipartisan margin for any Senate Impeachment trial of a president , ever, by a lot. So, its not just that Donald Trumps got 50 of all the impeachments to date. Those seven. You know, it didnt clear the threshold for conviction. Thats never come close. But to have that much of rebuke shows there is still a backbone of the Republican Party, that he is willing to call out insurrection. And thats what is so insane because there is literally nothingless conservative than a violent mob storming the capitol. Those folks are taking the heat, right now. But they will be viewed as profiles in courage, in the eyes of history. No doubt about it. Seven, though, john . Maybe, thats a vertebrae. Its a couple of vertebrae. Charlie, North Carolina senator, richard burr, is responding to the North Carolina gop censuring him for voting to convict trump. Heres what he said. He says, it is truly a sad day for North Carolina republicans. My partys leadership has chosen loyalty to one man over the one man over the Core Principles of the Republican Party and the founders of our great nation. Look at arizona, don. The brain trust decided to censure jeff flake, cindy mccain. And so, they are shrinking their party. Many of these people are are more concerned about, you know, excommunicating heretics than they were about winning over converts. I have been censured, i should say, once over Marriage Equality because i supported it. Once, over not being supportive of trump enough. They said i was too hostile. I mean, who cares . I mean, these people are irrelevant. You know, they they think that, somehow, they are going to grow this party, by embracing a disgraced, twiceimpeached, loser. He lost. He lost. And why do they think this is going to help . You know, he cost them the senate. He cost them the house. So, why dont they double down on defeat . I mean, this makes absolutely no sense. Im sure pat toomeys going to get his hes going to get his knuckles wrapped for his vote, and all the rest of them are, too. But it just shows you how how detached from reality, many of these state and localgop committees are today in america. Its really embarrassing. I mean, how can you be a member of the party, and not be embarrassed by by what happened . And what these folks were doing . Go on, charlie. Whatd you want to say . Don. Don, just say, look. And they wonder why there are gop leaders out there talking about developing a new faction, either within the party or out outside independent of the party or even a new party. Thats what they are going to do. They are going to the partys fractured and they may split it up and it may be may be hard to put it back together, again, as a consequence of this type of stupidity. Who would i mean, who would want to be have any sort of relationship or any sort of identity with the looneytunes party. Seriously, i mean, if if your party john, im just being honest. If there was an insurrection, and you had a president who was, you know, always talking about conspiracy theories and trying to coerce people into finding votes. Who would want to be associated with that madness . It really is its become the looneytunes party. The question is, how much power should a twiceimpeached, oneterm president have over the party . Go on, john. A lot in acpersonality. What extremist groups do and cults do is a way to enforce group thing. Thats a sign of the problem. But lets look at some real numbers. Charlie just started. 140,000 republicans left the party, nationwide, in january, alone. 50 of the country is now identified as independent. Almost twothirds say its time for a new party. Or whether its folks in the center, trying to stand up and find new, cross coalitions. The constitution doesnt mention political parties. I heard you talking to brother, chris, earlier. And you know, this idea its a purely binary choice for most folks dont doesnt fit the way they live or the way they think. And so, its about time these parties realize, the more the Republican Party embraces the crazy, the more the few sane folks are going to stand up and say why do i want to be part of that . Doesnt mean i have changed my beliefs. Theyve left me. Speaking of, charlie, republican congressman Adam Kinzinger voted to impeach. Was censured by his party. If thats not enough, according to the new york times, 11 members of his family sent a letter saying that he was in cahoots with the devils army for breaking with trump. I mean, what does all that tell you about the chance of gop breaking from trump . I mean, wouldnt the devils army be the people who were involved in the insurrection . And those who made excuses for it . Shouldnt it be the other way around . But, jeez. I mean, this is crazy. Its beyond crazy. I was actually texting with adam about this and i said, adam, i would have never thought you were tied to the devil. Adam, look. He is comfortable. Hes very he is comfortable in his own skin. He knows he did the right thing. He can take this. It doesnt bother him, one bit. And by the way, speaking of going full crazy. We saw this, in 2010, when, during the tea party, some of these state committees decided to nominate some really wacky candidates. Remember christine odonnell, rich in delaware. In 2012 in indiana. And i am forgetting todd aiken. Legitimate rape. He is the one who brought that term made it popular. So we have these people on the fringe, we used to call them the exotics. Well, they cost republicans, the majority, in the senate. The gops going to go the same route. I mean, they already had Marjorie Taylor greene. We are going to get more people, like her, who are going to try, you know, become nominated. In many cases, they are going to lose. But some will slip through and win in overlyrepublican districts. So bottom line is, you know, this, by going after the kinzingers and cheneys and the uptons, they are going after the very best of the Republican Party. And many of the finest members of cop g of congress, of either party, that we have. So i dont understand and to embrace these these these fringe elements. Makes no sense. Yeah. I want to i want to camera at the kinzinger thanksgiving. John avlon. Look, there are a lot of families being split up by this crazy right now. That is the sad thing. If leader mccarthys trying to say i am going to hold my party together, there is no moral equivalence. Stop it. Donald trump lost the popular vote, twice, people. And you can isolate yourself, keep digging yourself in that hole. Its going to end badly for the Republican Party. And its not good for the republic, either. And listen. Its different with family. Some friends, you consider them family members. I cant tell you how many friends i have had, who have said including myself they have had to theyve lost so many friends over the the especially, this last, sad episode. You just cant you cannot you cannot negotiate or try to have a sensible conversation. Or any kind of relationship with someone who is not rooted in reality. And so, i dont know how the politicians deal with it. I dont know how they negotiate with people who believe in qanon or are thinking its okay to have an insurrection at the capitol and make excuses for it, i just dont see it. Thank you, gents, see you soon. Thanks, don. So he voted to acquit trump. Then, he said trump was morally responsible for what happened. And now, Mitch Mcconnell wants someone else to deal with it all. Stay with us. So what do you love about your always pan . The nonstick . Incredible. The builtin spatula rest . Genius . I just learned to cook and this pan makes it so easy. Your next celebrity cruise is ready for takeoff, i just learned to cook with our biggest air offer ever. Save on every flight, from every gateway, on every sailing. And, with drinks, wifi and tips always included for everyone, you have everything you need for an unforgettable vacation. Celebrity cruises. Sail beyond. Like you, my hands are everything to me. But i was diagnosed with dupuytrens contracture. And it got to the point where things i took for granted got tougher to do. Thought surgery was my only option. Turns out i was wrong. So when a hand specialist told me about nonsurgical treatments, it was a total game changer. Like you, my hands have a lot more to do. Learn more at factsonhand. Com today. To support local restaurants, weve been to every city. Including little rock and even worcester. And tonight. Ill be eating the chicken quesadilla from. Tonys tex mex. In. Katy. doorbell giggle do ya think they bought it . Oh yeah. Senategop leader, Mitch Mcconnell, dealing with the aftermath of his contradictions at trumps impeachment trial. Blaming the former president for the riot, just minutes after voting to acquit. Mitch mcconnell, now vowing to focus on electability, over loyalty, to trump. But some republican senators arent happy with his rebuke. He got a load off his chest, obviously. But, unfortunately, he put a load on the back of republicans. I think, his speech is an outlier, regarding how republicans feel about all this. Realize, as our leader, he he what he says reflects on us. Right. Hes he he is representing the entire caucus. I didnt particularly like it. Lets discuss, now. Cnn political commentators, alice stewart, and anna navarro, both here. Good evening, to both of you. Good to see you. Alice, lets talk about this. Mcconnell. Clearly, hes trying to have it both ways by appealing to moderate republicans. Yet, trying not to anger the base. Is that strategy going to work . Or is he allbutensured that trump will remain a force in the gop, by not voting to convict . Time will tell if it will work, right, don . I think it really makes no sense, whatsoever, to try and have it both ways, and talk out of both side of his mouth. Here he is, he makes the ultimate not to to convict the president but condemns him. He talks the big talk but doesnt walk the walk, with regard to a conviction. And and in addition to that, coming out, now, and saying that hes a private citizen. And he can face charges, outside of that. I think, that takes the responsibility off of the people that had the decision to make the tough choice. And, look, he can sit there and say, with a straight face, that the president was morally responsible for this and try to wash his hands of this. But i think republicans should have done what republicanattorney, chuck cooper, suggested. And judge this, based on the merits of the president s misconduct. And made a vote to convict. But, hiding behind this has been unconstitutional, i think, was a copout. And i feel like there should have been, certainly, more done by republicans in the senate to hold the president former president accountable for his actions that led to the insurrection at the capitol. Yeah. That whole not not constitutional, was bs, that was that was a real argument because they had deemed it constitutional, before. And it had the force of law, behind it. But they chose to hide behind that and they thought it was a good that was a good way to get out. A good escape. So so, listen, anna. Trumps allies are not happy with mcconnell, as you know. What about the republicans who did decide to stand up against trump . Are they going to have any faith in him, after this . Look, i think, this has been a huge blow to Mitch Mcconnell as a leader. Lets remember, until a month ago, he was majority leader. Hes now minority leader. But he he is derelict of duty when it comes to that word, leader. And i think of mcconnell and i think to myself, but for trump, he probably would be majority leader, today. But for trump, all that garbage he spoke in georgia, Mitch Mcconnell would probably be majority leader today. And Mitch Mcconnell, you know, he worked with the devil. Mitch mcconnell is a transactional guy. He packed the federal courts with conservatives, with the help of trump. They did that, together. But, you know, were past that, now. And a a Political Party, that exists to support one person, is not a Political Party. It is a cult. It might as well be jim jones, instead of Donald Trumps. Or it might as well be david karesh, instead of donald trump. Needs to stand on principles, and ideas, and solutions. And this party, this party, that has been talking and lecturing and clutching their pearls about cancel culture, for the last four years. Now, wants to cancel republicans, who have the the the spine to stand up and vote their conscience. What kind of Political Party penalizes elected officials, who vote their conscience . Not who commit crimes, not who arent corrupt, not who pardon criminals, but who stand up on principle. That you know, that is thats no longer a Political Party. It is a sham, pretending to be a Political Party. And Mitch Mcconnell. If he wants to be considered a leader, needs to figure out which side hes on. Yeah. Because straddling the fence is not a good look, at this state of his life. Well, alice, let me ask you. Mcconnell, telling this, to the wall street journal, when asked about trumps role going forward. He says, i dont rule out the prospect that he may well be supporting good candidates. Im not assuming that. To the extent the former president wants to continue to be involved, he wont be a Constructive Party of the process. We know what kind of candidates trump likes. So, whats mcconnell going to do, you know, if we see more in the vane of the marjorietaylorgreene types . Well, they will be in serious trouble. Look. Its almost as if you are in a situation trying to break up with someone, saying really, its not you, its me. And we need to just rip the bandaid off and acknowledge the fact that since the president , former president , has been in the white house. We have lost the house, we have lost the senate, and we have lost the white house. So why would we continue to go down the road of of continuing to lose, as a Republican Party . And and this point. There have been a lot of people in the Republican Party, that have gravitated toward the personality of the party, as opposed to the policies of the party. We need to get we need to get back to the founding principles of the Republican Party. Immigration, Second Amendment rights, and focus on that. The continuing to support the former president and what he plans to do moving forward is revenge politics, and putting primary opponents against those who have spoken out or taken action against him, that is not a winning formula. I do believe the former president will have some undue influence on the shortterm. The real question, don, i think will be his kids. What does ivanka want to do, laurajunior. If they want to have staying power, they will potentially have staying power. I would like to think the cooler heads in the Republican Party will prevail and realize weve lost too many in washington d. C. To continue to have former President Trump be the voice and the face of the Republican Party. It is not a winning formula. And its not a way to move forward. Well see. As you said at the beginning. Only time will tell. Most republicans refuse to convict trump. Thats one thing. Take this. Lindsey graham is threatening someone else with potential impeachment. Vice president Kamala Harris. There was nothing i could do. daughter daddy dad vo shes safe because of our first outback. And our new ones even safer. vo welcome to the 2020 subaru outback. An iihs top safety pick . The highest level of safety you can earn. vo get 0 for 63 months on select new 2021 models. Now through march 1st. I give to shriners hospitals for children because i want to be a part of something amazing. I know my gift to shriners hospitals for children makes a difference in the lives of children. Our support gives kids a bright future. I give because when i see a child smile, i smile. When you support shriners hospitals for children, youre joining thousands of other caring people like you who have helped kids like me and over 1. 4 million other kids do Amazing Things. Will you call the number on your screen right now and give 19 a month, just 63 cents a day . Youll be making a lifechanging difference for a kid just like me. Your support helps us do Amazing Things we never thought would be possible, and this is how we say thank you. [child] thank you water splashing thank you trombone honking thank you buzzer buzzing thank you [child] because of your support, we can say thank you by having the life we wouldnt have had without shriners hospitals for children. My donation to shriners hospitals for children give kids a brighter future. I donate money to shriners hospitals for children so children can heal and go home. Yay, shriners yay, shriners with your monthly gift, well send you this adorable love to the rescue blanket as another way to say thank you. Plus, its a reminder of all the children who now have hope because of your support. Will today be the day you send your love to the rescue . Go online right now to loveshriners. Org to give your monthly support so more kids like me get the care we need to be kids. Thank you. Thank you for giving. Thank you for giving. [child] please call right now to give. If operators are busy with other caring donors, please hold patiently, or go to loveshriners. Org [child] your gift, no matter how small, shows you care. Take this. Senator Lindsey Graham looking for payback now that former President Trump has been acquitted in his second impeachment trial. Graham insists anything trump said leading up to the deadly insurrection is what graham calls, and i quote, politically protected speech. Tell that to the family of Capitol Police officer Brian Sicknick who lost his life after defending lawmakers an our democracy. Yesterday on state tv news, graham not only defended the former president , claiming the trial was unconstitutional. He threatened someone else with impeachment. Weve opened pandoras box to future president s. If you use this model, i dont know how Kamala Harris doesnt get impeached if the republicans take over the house because she actually bailed out rioters and one of the rioters wentz back to the streets and broke somebodys head open. Weve opened pandoras box here. So lindsey is reaching. Right . If youre wondering what this pandoras box talk is about, this is the story. After the Police Killing of george floyd in minneapolis last spring, thousands of people including black lives matter supporters took to the streets. Kamala harris tweeted support for donations to the Minnesota Freedom Fund which helped people post bail if they were arrested while protesting. So lets set the record straight. There was no bailing out. Right . Kamala harris tweeted about a fund to help people post bail which is entirely legal. Stop it, lindsey. You guys know better than that. Well, maybe you dont. Donald trump incited an insurrection at the u. S. Capitol. People were killed. Our elected representatives had to run for their lives. Our democracy was in peril. Theres no comparison. Enough, though, Lindsey Graham, and most of the gop want to move past the capitol riot. Right . The investigation is far from over. Stay with us. T ill be eating a calzone from doughballs in aurora. doorbell rock on. Tonight ill be eating lobster thermidor au gratin. Really . Shyeah, and monkeys might fly out of my butt. Make it two calzones if your dry eye symptoms keep coming back, inflammation in your eye might be to blame. Looks like a great day for achy, burning eyes overthecounter eye drops typically work by lubricating your eyes and may provide temporary relief. Ha these drops probably wont touch me. Xiidra works differently, targeting inflammation that can cause dry eye disease. What is that . Xiidra, noooo it can provide lasting relief. Xiidra is the only fda approved treatment specifically for the signs and symptoms of dry eye disease. One drop in each eye, twice a day. Dont use if youre allergic to xiidra. Common side effects include eye irritation, discomfort or blurred vision when applied to the eye, and unusual taste sensation. Dont touch container tip to your eye or any surface. After using xiidra, wait 15 minutes before reinserting contacts. Got any room in your eye . Talk to an eye doctor about twicedaily xiidra. I prefer you didnt xiidra. Not today, dry eye