Balancing Act: Democratic Senators Running for President in the 2024 Elections Navigate the Impeachment Trial and Campaign Trails
3 min read
The new resolution agreed to in the Senate impeachment trial provides a much-needed opportunity for Democratic senators running for president to hit the campaign trail between stints back in Washington as jurors. This unexpected break comes as the trial otherwise would have convened on Saturday, January 31, 2020, and the candidates are eager to make the most of their time.
Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont, one of the leading Democratic candidates, expressed his excitement as he dashed from the Capitol on Friday, January 31, 2020, after two long weeks of the trial. He confirmed his plans to head directly to Iowa, where the caucuses are taking place that day. Another rival, Senator Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts, also confirmed her travel plans to Iowa.
On Monday, the candidates could fly early to DC in time for the 11 a.m. ET start of the trial. Four hours are scheduled for final arguments by the House managers and defense lawyers, allowing the candidates to grab late afternoon flights back to Iowa. However, there is no strict rule requiring senators to be in the chamber when the trial resumes, and the candidates could skip Monday’s session altogether if they desire.
The candidates no doubt won’t want to miss the trial’s reconvening on Wednesday, January 31, 2020, at 4 p.m. ET, when final votes are cast on the impeachment articles. Colorado Democratic Senator Michael Bennet, who remains in the race despite low poll numbers, confirmed his plans to be present on Monday. He also announced his plans to head to New Hampshire for the weekend.
When asked why he would choose to return to DC instead of heading to Iowa on Monday, Bennet said, “I think we have to be where we have to be. Where we have to be on Monday is here.” However, the candidates have the flexibility to balance their roles as jurors and campaigners, making strategic decisions based on the trial’s schedule and their campaign needs.
On Tuesday, the trial will not convene, allowing the candidates to stay on the campaign trail if they desire. While the Senate will be in session, and many senators will be delivering their final speeches on the impeachment matter, the candidates don’t have to be there. This flexibility provides an opportunity for the candidates to connect with voters and gain momentum in the crucial early primary states.
The impeachment trial has presented unique challenges for the Democratic candidates, but the new resolution offers a reprieve, allowing them to campaign and fulfill their constitutional responsibilities. The candidates must navigate this delicate balance, ensuring they are present for the trial when necessary while making the most of their time on the campaign trail.
As the 2024 elections approach, the Democratic candidates face a critical period in their campaigns. The impeachment trial provides an unexpected opportunity for them to connect with voters and build momentum, but they must also remain focused on their roles as jurors. The coming weeks will test their ability to balance these competing priorities and demonstrate their leadership abilities to the American people.
In conclusion, the new resolution agreed to in the Senate impeachment trial offers Democratic senators running for president in the 2024 elections a much-needed opportunity to balance their roles as jurors and campaigners. This unexpected break comes as the trial otherwise would have convened on Saturday, January 31, 2020, and the candidates are eager to make the most of their time. The coming weeks will test their ability to navigate this delicate balance and demonstrate their leadership abilities to the American people.
The impeachment trial has presented unique challenges for the Democratic candidates, but the new resolution offers a reprieve, allowing them to campaign and fulfill their constitutional responsibilities. The candidates must navigate this delicate balance, ensuring they are present for the trial when necessary while making the most of their time on the campaign trail. As the 2024 elections approach, the Democratic candidates face a critical period in their campaigns, and their ability to balance these competing priorities will be a crucial factor in their success.
