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Biden says ‘McConnell thinks Trump is guilty’ & ‘morally responsible for Capitol riots’ despite impeachment acquittal
JOE Biden insisted Republicans like Mitch McConnell believe Donald Trump "is guilty" and "morally responsible" for the deadly Capitol riots – hours after he survived the impeachment vote.
Biden issued a lengthy statement after Trump was acquitted for the second time in the Senate and later on Saturday, vowed that his MAGA journey "has only just begun."
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Despite Biden's statements, the fell short of the two-thirds majority needed to convict on Saturday.
The president acknowledged those who stood guard in the Capitol and the people who were killed in the violence that unfolded on January 6.
"Today, 57 Senators – including a record 7 Republicans – voted to find former President Trump guilty for inciting that deadly insurrection on our very democracy," Biden said in his statement.
"While the final vote did not lead to a conviction, the substance of the charge is not in dispute."
"Even those opposed to the conviction, like Senate Majority Leader McConnell, believe Donald Trump was guilty of a 'disgraceful dereliction of duty' and 'practically and morally responsible for provoking' the violence unleashed on the Capitol.
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He added: "This sad chapter in our history has reminded us that democracy is fragile."
Biden said that "each of us has a duty and responsibility as Americans, and especially as leaders, to defend the truth and to defeat the lies."
In the vote, seven of the 50 Senate Republicans joined the chamber's unified Democrats in favoring conviction after the five-day trial in the same building that was invaded by Trump fanatics during a violent riot on January 6.
Seven Republicans broke ranks and voted to convict Trump: Richard Burr of North Carolina, Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, Susan Collins of Maine, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, Mitt Romney of Utah, Ben Sasse of Nebraska and Pat Toomey of Pennsylvania.
Senate Majority Leader McConnell after Trump's acquittal.
McConnell said, however, that he thought it was unconstitutional to vote to convict Trump as the former president's term has ended.
This was met with backlash from some members of Congress – including House Speaker Nancy Pelosi – as he did not move to expedite the impeachment process in the Senate while Trump was still in office.
Trump welcomed his acquittal, repeating his claims of a "witch hunt" and saying that his movement "has only just begun".
In a statement Trump said: “Our historic, patriotic and beautiful movement to Make America Great Again has only just begun.
"In the months ahead I have much to share with you, and I look forward to continuing our incredible journey together to achieve American greatness for all of our people. There has never been anything like it!” Trump said.
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“It is a sad commentary on our times that one political party in is given a free pass to denigrate the rule of law, defame law enforcement, cheer mobs, excuse rioters, and transform justice into a tool of political vengeance, and persecute, blacklist, cancel and suppress all people and viewpoints with whom or which they disagree.
"I always have, and always will, be a champion for the unwavering rule of law, the heroes of law enforcement, and the right of Americans to peacefully and honorably debate the issues of the day without malice and without hate.”
Trump attorney said in his closing remarks that Democrats were hypocritical for impeaching Trump over a pre-riot speech and claimed the impeachment was unconstitutional.
“Throughout the summer Democrat leaders including the current president and vice president repeatedly made comments that provided moral comfort to mobs attacking police officers,” van der Veen said.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said anyone who had voted to acquit Trump should be ashamed of themselves.
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“The failure to convict Donald Trump will live as a vote of infamy in the history of the United States Senate,” Schumer said.
He added: “if lying about the results of an election is acceptable, if instigating a mob against the government is considered permissible, if encouraging political violence becomes the norm, it will be open season on our democracy and everything will be up for grabs by whoever has the biggest clubs, the sharpest spears, the most powerful guns.”
Lead impeachment manager Rep. Jamie Raskin had argued that Trump must be convicted and banned from holding office again to preserve US democratic traditions.
“We’ve shown you how President Trump created a powder keg, lit a match and then continued his incitement even even as he failed to defend us from the ensuing violence,” Raskin said.
“This case is about whether our country demands a peaceful, non-violent transfer of power.”
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“We’re defending the US Senate and the US House against a president who acted no better than a marauder and a member of that mob by inciting those people to come here. And in many ways he was worse.
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"He named the date, he named the time and he brought them here. And now, he must pay the price,” Raskin closed.
Trump was the first president to be impeached twice and the first to face trial after leaving office.
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell votes not to impeach Trump but slams former president in fiery speech over Capitol riots
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