Readers discuss the political calculations being made by Republican senators.
Jan. 27, 2021
Representative Jamie Raskin, Democrat of Maryland, led the House impeachment managers as they delivered the article of impeachment to the Senate.Credit.Melina Mara/Agence France-Presse, via Pool/Afp Via Getty Images
To the Editor:
The vote by Republican senators against holding an impeachment trial doesnât necessarily mean they plan to vote to acquit Donald Trump. What it shows is that most of them donât want to have to go on the record either way.
Clearly too cowardly to vote to convict despite overwhelming evidence of Mr. Trumpâs guilt, the average G.O.P. senator also doesnât want to stain his or her personal legacy forever by voting to acquit. After all, the senators have to explain themselves to children and grandchildren.