Regarding Sen. Flake's comments on 35 GOP Senators voting in Secret...

[berni_mccoy]

The Senate could hold a closed or executive session.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Closed_session_of_the_United_States_Congress

In the Congress of the United States, a closed session (formally a session with closed doors) is a parliamentary procedure for the Senate or the House of Representatives to discuss matters requiring secrecy.

The discussions which take place in a closed session are subject to confidentiality rules and are similar to an executive session, which itself can be open or closed. An executive session is for business which includes the President of the United States.

It requires a simple motion. There seems to be no limit on what a closed session could be used for and Impeachment is certainly matter that includes the President. Could this be a way to allow more Republicans to vote to convict?

In order for anything in the session to become public, it must be agreed on by Congress. It can happen during the session or anytime after. Anyone who leaks anything from the session would be subject to expulsion.

[Thekaspervote]

1. Interesting... thx for posting

[chowder66]

2. If they can't do it in public then they should leave public office.

They would never allow Democrats this option.

Make them make a decision in front of the nation. Either they are cowards or they are not.

[berni_mccoy]

3. I don't disagree with that. However, if it means convicting vs. not convicting...

then I can see this being an option.

I could see it being in the realm of something Democrats offer if it means making the difference. A last resort, but I bet it is something that is on the table.

Some Republicans may need a life-saver to prevent them from going down with the ship.

[chowder66]

7. I just read below they did it with Bill Clinton

but this is a far greater abuse of power and a major threat to our democracy than a blow job. I still think they should stand up publicly and make their voices heard whether they are for or against this abuse.

If there is a time to stand up it's now.

[LeftInTX]

4. I don't think a closed session is binding

All votes must be public.

I think the executive session would not be much different than closed hearings.

Since the senate is so polarized, I can't see this happening. McConnell will just speak privately with Republicans.

I can see this happening if the senate needs to "get together" or there are "rogue members"....I can also see this if the senate was more bipartisan.

They can certainly do this to discuss Trump, but I don't think they can do this to hold his trial and certainly not to vote.

[LeftInTX]

5. Never mind: I read the Wiki

They did it with Bill Clinton

However all votes were made public.


ETA: If there are truly 35 GOP senators that McConnell has privately identified and hasn't wrangled their arms, there will probably be a closed session. I just don't believe that these 35 senators exist. (Maybe they would vote to remove if Trump was a Democrat...or maybe they have shown "concern" like Susan Collins)

[berni_mccoy]

9. Yeah, I'm doubtful of 35, but 20 would be enough...

If a closed session that doesn’t reveal the vote is held, and Trump is convicted... well, then I’ll take it.

[Wellstone ruled]

6. Jeff Flake is floating the meme

anything Impeachment Related needs to be in Closed Session and zero Public exposure.

[Imperialism Inc.]

8. Remove an American president by secret vote?

That seems like a really bad idea to me. No thanks.