HAMDEN, Conn. (WTNH) — The start of the impeachment trial of President Donald Trump in Washington D.C. is providing a ‘real-time’ teaching moment on college campuses here in Connecticut.
As the country watches the Senate impeachment trial of President Trump unfold, Quinnipiac University graduate students in Hamden know they are watching history in the making.
“I do understand how challenging it is to come into this and understand it all. It’s all these terms being thrown at you and it’s very confusing and very stressful.”
– Stephanie Ambrosio, QU
“I know its a big deal and that’s cool to be watching history as it happens.”
– Stephani Nizzari, QU
These student will watch the process play out for days, even weeks. Admittedly – on social media.
Dr. Scott McLean a Political Science professor at QU says no matter the medium they are getting an education in how the Constitution is not a clear- cut, finished document.
“It doesn’t lay out every single step. Much of this has to do with negotiation and power with in these institutions.”
– Dr. Scott McLean, QU Poli. Sci. Professor
There are strict rules in the Senate chambers. Senators can not have their cell phones. They can’t read any materials that don’t pertain to the trial and they can’t talk to one another.
“Right now it’s like watching Mitch McConnell, the Senate majority leader, and Senator Chuck Schumer from New York, the minority leader, in kind of like a grand master chess game.”
– Dr. Scott McLean, QU Poli. Sci. Professor
McLean says much of the game is focused on how can Democrats get four Republican Senators to change their votes to endorse impeachment. He says it’s politics masquerading as a judicial process.
“There’s not enough votes to convict President Trump. The only question that remains is how damaged or how victorious does President Trump look at the end of this process?”
– Dr. Scott McLean, QU Poli. Sci. Professor
Public opinion could be the final verdict, and both of these students say they will be voting in November.
