Oath above party

On Thursday, Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts asked 100 senators to recite this oath: “[I] solemnly swear that in all things pertaining to the trial of the impeachment of Donald J. Trump, President of the United States…[I] will do impartial justice according to the Constitution and laws, so help me God.”

We are not naive. Impeachment is a political act. Most senators come with pre-formed opinions. Democrats are inclined to believe Trump has committed acts worthy of his removal. Republicans generally either think him innocent or, at best, believe the stipulated offenses don’t meet the “high crimes and misdemeanor” bar triggering removal from office.

Can either party put aside partisan impulses and render close-to-impartial justice? Can Republicans, in particular, set aside their “witch hunt” script long enough to focus on the facts?

Speaking of facts, we learned these Thursday:

The nonpartisan Government Accountability Office declared that withholding $214 million in congressionally approved military aid to Ukraine was a violation, contradicting the administration’s months-long claim that the hold was completely above-board.

The FBI visited the home and office of GOP donor Robert Hyde, alleged to have surveilled former Ukraine Ambassador Marie Yovanovich (possibly in concert with some shady Ukrainian individuals), according to documents surrendered by Rudy Giuliani associate Lev Parnas.

And Ukraine announced the opening of an investigation into the reported surveillance of Yovanovich.

What else will come to light by the time the trial opens Tuesday? Most Republicans will resist the notion of hearing witnesses or scrutinizing more documents. A courageous minority of the majority must buck the party line.