GOP senator who voted to dismiss impeachment smacked down on CNN for ignoring process case

On CNN Tuesday, anchor Erin Burnett pressed Sen. Kevin Cramer (R-ND) on his vote to find the impeachment trial of former President Donald Trump unconstitutional, reminding him of the overwhelming evidence presented to the contrary by House impeachment managers.

"What did you think of Trump defense team's performance?" said Burnett.

"I don't think they were very well prepared for what was something other than a discussion about the jurisdictional question," said Cramer. "While the House managers got to that point, it took them a long time to get there."

"I will tell you, it was addressed very specifically and in great detail by Congressman Raskin when he talked about it," said Burnett. "Democrats and Raskin went through this long list, right, of history. He talked about James Monroe and when the founding fathers were alive, the only context in which impeachment was used was for former officials. He quoted and listed many conservative lawyers and jurists and constitutional scholars who have all come to the conclusion that this is indeed constitutional. He cited Republican lawyer Chuck Cooper ... Mr. Cooper says, given that the Constitution permits the Senate to impose the penalty of permanent disqualification only on former officeholders, it defies logic to suggest that the Senate is prohibited from trying and convicting former officeholders. Did you find none of this compelling?"

"I found it interesting. I thought they did a better job of presenting their point, although I don't think the opposite point is that difficult to present and that is the plain reading of the Constitution," said Cramer. "By the way, what is it the Democrats are so afraid of? That's, I know, secondary to the point here. But why are they so afraid that Donald Trump might run again? Do they really believe that he could win another election?"

"Well, nobody believed it last time, Senator," said Burnett. "I'd be shocked if you'd think it's just not possible. That doesn't seem like a good reason here."

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