Sen. Stabenow On Impeachment: Trial An ‘Opportunity’ for Trump to Cooperate

“And now in the Senate, this is his opportunity to show he is not trying to obstruct Congress,” says Sen. Stabenow of President Trump’s role in impeachment hearings

Donald Trump is now the third president in United States’ history to be impeached.

The House of Representatives’ vote Wednesday evening marked the end of a bitter, partisan debate and the commencement of a trial in the Senate. President Trump was impeached on two articles: abuse of power and obstruction of Congress, with votes mostly divided along party lines.

“I’m sad we’re at this point in this country.” — Sen. Debbie Stabenow

Michigan Senator Debbie Stabenow joins Detroit Today with Stephen Henderson to talk about the impeachment process thus far and looks ahead to the proceedings moving to the Senate. 

“I’m sad we’re at this point in this country,” Stabenow says on impeachment. 


Click on the player above to hear Sen. Stabenow on impeachment.


She goes on to say that she did not run for office to be in this situation and would rather be getting things done for Michigan. Despite being regretful about the circumstance, the senator ultimately feels elected officials have a responsibility under the constitution to make sure no one is above the law. 

Looking forward to the trial in the Senate, Sen. Stabenow insists that she is very comfortable saying she will be impartial to the evidence that is presented. She encouraged Trump to stop blocking key witnesses and defend his public claims that he has done nothing wrong. As it stands today, Stabenow says she has not heard any compelling defense against the articles of impeachment on the part of President Trump.

“The case was made,” she tells Henderson. “The President chose not to get involved and refute it. And now, in the Senate, this is his opportunity to show he is not trying to obstruct Congress.”

Stabenow says if Trump is willing to cooperate and allow all witnesses to testify, “I will be very open to that and weighing it.”

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  • Detroit Today
    Dynamic and diverse voices. News, politics, community and the issues that define our region. Hosted by Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Stephen Henderson, Detroit Today brings you fresh and perceptive views weekdays at 9 am and 7 pm.