Former President Donald Trump’s impeachment trial protection didn’t get off to an excellent begin.
Bruce Castor, the legal professional who delivered the opening argument for the protection, baffled viewers throughout the political spectrum with an incoherent, rambling speech that was criticized throughout the board.
Castor spent the start of his tackle buttering up senators as “extraordinary people” and praising the Democratic impeachment managers for his or her “outstanding presentation,” noting that no member of Trump’s protection would voice something however condemnation for the Jan. 6 riots his consumer is accused of inciting.
The legal professional went on to debate the historical past of historic Greece and Rome, the significance of free speech and plenty of different subjects, spending comparatively little time addressing constitutional arguments or Trump’s conduct. He concluded by arguing that Trump shouldn’t be convicted and barred from holding future workplace as a result of the American individuals already made a option to take away him by voting him out.
Castor’s consumer, whose monthslong refusal to simply accept his election loss led to the riot, ostensibly doesn’t agree with that comment. Trump was reportedly very displeased with the efficiency.
Trump’s allies, too, had been aghast. Attorney Alan Dershowitz, a member of Trump’s protection staff in his first impeachment trial, stated, “There is no argument. I have no idea what he’s doing.”
Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas), one in every of 44 Republicans who voted to toss the impeachment trial out, told a reporter that Castor “just rambled on and on.” Numerous right-wing personalities additionally criticized his efficiency.
And on Twitter, the film “My Cousin Vinny” ― a comedy about an inexperienced lawyer’s try to defend his cousins in a homicide trial ― was trending following the tackle.
Comedian Blaire Erskine promptly launched a parody video.
See among the different commentary beneath.
Calling all HuffPost superfans!
Sign up for membership to develop into a founding member and assist form HuffPost’s subsequent chapter