WASHINGTON — As President Trump’s Senate impeachment trial stretched into its third day on Thursday, the Democratic prosecutors arguing the case fo
WASHINGTON — As President Trump’s Senate impeachment trial stretched into its third day on Thursday, the Democratic prosecutors arguing the case for his elimination performed a video clip from 1999 of Senator Lindsey Graham, now one among Mr. Trump’s staunchest defenders, contradicting a central tenet of the president’s authorized protection.
Senators craned their necks from their seats to catch a glimpse of Mr. Graham’s response to having his phrases used towards him, however he was not at his desk or certainly within the chamber in any respect, and his seatmate was left patting his empty chair.
The absence of Mr. Graham, Republican of South Carolina, illustrated an rising actuality for senators as they attend a constitutional continuing with heavy political penalties: Even when you’re one among 100 folks weighing the destiny of a president in solely the third such trial within the nation’s historical past, restlessness can set in.
“We’re doing our greatest,” mentioned Senator Kevin Cramer, Republican of North Dakota. “With every break and with every disruption if you’ll, to the sitting within the chair, there turns into rather less self-discipline.”
Regardless of impeachment trial guidelines that require them to take a seat silently at their desks when the continuing is in session, senators have more and more been wandering out for brief or lengthy breaks, to accommodate lavatory stops, phone calls and even cable tv appearances. On Thursday afternoon, because the Democratic impeachment managers took turns talking throughout their second full day of shows, at the very least 19 senators might briefly be seen out of their seats.
Some rose from their chairs and crossed the chamber to whisper to 1 one other, whereas others exited the chamber completely for 15- to 20-minute stretches and may very well be seen within the cloakrooms on their telephones.
As Senator Dianne Feinstein, 86, of California, left the trial on Wednesday nearly an hour earlier than the session ended, she bade “good night time” to reporters gathered within the hallways. (A spokesman for Ms. Feinstein mentioned she had not been feeling nicely.)
The day earlier than, Senator Marsha Blackburn, Republican of Tennessee, appeared on Fox Information, whereas her colleagues sat contained in the chamber listening to a tense debate between the Home impeachment managers and Mr. Trump’s protection staff.
Those that stay of their seats have taken up some elaborate distractions. Senator Rand Paul, Republican of Kentucky, who was noodling over a crossword puzzle on Wednesday, may very well be seen on Thursday laboring over an in depth sketch of the Capitol. Senator John Cornyn, Republican of Texas, twice appeared to swipe at an Apple watch on his wrist, regardless of the ban on electronics. A number of senators, in an obvious try to awaken themselves, may very well be seen vigorously chomping on gum. Through the lunch break on Thursday, Senator Richard M. Burr, Republican of North Carolina, handed out fidget spinners for his 52 Republican colleagues, the higher to go the time.
Often, the environment has resembled that of an elementary faculty classroom, in methods giant and small.
Every morning, the sergeant-at-arms admonishes senators “on ache of imprisonment” to not converse through the trial. They stash their telephones and different digital gadgets every afternoon in specially designed cubbies.
A precedent set in 1966 by former Senator Everett McKinley Dirksen, who grew thirsty whereas delivering a prolonged speech, allows senators to sip milk on the ground, a privilege a number of Republicans, together with Senator Tom Cotton of Arkansas, have invoked through the trial.
They sit at their desks, outfitted with yellow No. 2 pencils, and surreptitiously go notes and trade whispers. On Thursday, a pair of senators even appeared to float into nap time.
“It’s like sitting within the entrance of the category or sitting within the entrance pew at church,” Senator Lisa Murkowski, Republican of Alaska, advised reporters. “You’ve bought to concentrate.”
Most senators have been usually attentive and compliant with the principles, diligently jotting down notes and stretching their legs by standing solemnly behind their desks.
“Aside from the occasional lavatory break or going into the cloakroom to get a snack or examine your texts or emails or one thing,” Mr. Cramer mentioned, “everybody’s been fairly nicely behaved.”
Nonetheless, the ambient motion within the chamber on Wednesday afternoon throughout a very antsy stretch threw off one of many impeachment managers.
“I do see the members shifting and taking a break,” Consultant Jason Crow, Democrat of Colorado, mentioned, interrupting his speech. “I in all probability have one other 15 minutes.”
Republicans mentioned they had been having a very robust time remaining centered on an argument they name repetitive.
Senator Ron Johnson, Republican of Wisconsin and an ally of Mr. Trump, mentioned the shows had left him “bored.”
“I don’t know what else they will preserve speaking about,” Mr. Johnson mentioned. “I imply, we heard their case within the first 13 hours.”
Senator Mike Rounds, Republican of South Dakota, grew…