WASHINGTON: Seldom has Mitch McConnell signaled so little about such a consequential vote.
While many expect the Senate’s top Republican to back acquitting former President Donald Trump of inciting rioters who assaulted the Capitol last month, no one is really sure. The Washington political universe and the world beyond will collectively hold its breath when the Senate impeachment trial roll call reaches the Kentuckian’s name.
Over 36 years in the Senate, the measured McConnell has earned a reputation for inexpressiveness in the service of caution. This time, the suspense over how he’ll vote underscores how much is at stake for McConnell and his party, though it seems extremely unlikely that 17 GOP senators will join all 50 Democrats to convict Trump.
The overwhelming number of Republican voters dont want Trump convicted, so that means any political leader has to tread carefully, said John Feehery, a former top congressional GOP aide. While Feehery noted that McConnell was…