Hear the Evidence

The staff is rash to ask the Senate to dismiss the impeachment charges and avoid a full trial. The president lied under oath and it is the Senate's responsibility to hear the facts and decide whether that lying constitutes a "high crime." Additionally, only in a full trial might the case for the President's obstruction of justice come to light.

The House proceedings were admittedly rancorous. Now, however, the Senate has the chance to do the right thing and follow constitutional procedure by putting the president on trial. Senators should not bow to public opinion by trying to find the quickest way out.