NEW: Leading Political Scientist Lawless on Key Takeaways from Impeachment Proceedings

NEW: Leading Political Scientist Lawless on Key Takeaways from Impeachment Proceedings

University of Virginia Professor of Political Science Jennifer Lawless spoke to the “big takeaways” from President Donald Trump’s impeachment trial in the United States Senate so far — and what to expect moving forward. 

“The big takeaway — any hopes that [Senators] Mitt Romney, Susan Collins, Lisa Murkowski were going to buck the party is a pipe dream,” said Lawless.  “There maybe could be some sort of bombshell where their voices are in play, but if their votes this week were any indication, [they won’t].”

“One of the other key takeaways is that [Supreme Court Justice] John Roberts is pretty fair,” said Lawless. “And that’s been pretty consistent with how he’s been on the court. How he reminded both parties they’re behaving like children, you wouldn’t expect that from [Justices] Kavanaugh or Thomas. I think the Democrats can expect fair proceedings.”

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Lawless also spoke to what she expects to be the time frame for the trial. 

“The earliest they could be done is [February] 2nd — the 3rd is Iowa, and then it’s State of the Union,” said Lawless. “Of course, that’s based on the assumption there are no additional witnesses”

Democratic Primary Politics

Lawless also provided insights in the Democratic presidential primary, including the CNN poll released this week that has Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders ahead of former Vice President Joe Biden. 

“Well, Morning Consult had [a poll with] Biden ahead, so I don’t think there is any one poll is that predictive,” said Lawless. “We’ve seen the polls indicate basically that Bloomberg’s entrance didn’t do anything, they look like they did 6 months ago.”

And as for Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard’s lawsuit this week against former Democratic Presidential candidate Hillary Clinton for calling her a “Russian operative,” Lawless said Gabbard should “grow up.”

“This is Gabbard’s last attempt to reignite here campaign,” said Lawless. “Grow up, you’re a public figure, you’re running for President. You don’t sue people for defamation of character — I’m sure there’s been a lot worse said about Clinton.”