| | | | Smile, Congress: You're on camera! |  | | As the House barrels toward impeaching President Donald Trump, both Republicans and Democrats put themselves on display (on television).
The House Judiciary Committee's markup hearing on the two articles of impeachment was, at times, wonky, confusing and long. But it was televised with the hopes that the American public could watch along as either side made its case on why Trump should -- or should not -- be impeached.
The hearing didn't even start until primetime on Wednesday (7 p.m. Eastern), adjourned overnight and then ran for 14 hours on Thursday. It could have gone even longer, but committee chair Jerry Nadler abruptly ended the day's hearing at 11 p.m. -- and reconvened the next morning.
Nadler's decision to close out the hearing for the day, rather than continue debating into the night, rankled Republicans. Ranking Member Rep. Doug Collins was surprised, calling the move "bush league" and said "words cannot describe how inappropriate this was."
Democrats on the committee said they wanted the vote to take place when the American public is more likely to see it ... on television Friday morning.
"They can't expect to go ... into the middle of the night without the American public seeing," said Florida Democrat Rep. Debbie Mucarsel-Powell.
Rep. Jamie Raskin of Maryland added that they wanted to hold the vote in "broad daylight."
Next week expect there to be even more camera-ready moments, as the articles of impeachment go to a full House for a vote -- along with big votes on USMCA and a government funding bill.
The Point: Congress had its eye on history -- and the camera -- this week.
-- Lauren
And now, the week in 15 headlines:
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday | | "I'll do whatever I want. Look -- we did nothing wrong, so I'll do long or short."
-- President Donald Trump on his preferred time frame for a Senate trial. | | | WHAT'S HAPPENING NEXT WEEK | | A tentative outline of next week's votes in Congress, from CNN's Manu Raju: - Tuesday: Spending deal (to stave off a government shutdown)
- Wednesday: Articles of impeachment
- Thursday: USMCA trade deal
Caveat! This not set in stone -- and still subject to change. | | | New LIVE version of "Stockholm" by Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit. | |
LAUREN'S CAMPAIGN TRAIL LATEST | | Coming over the next week: Seven Democrats head to California for December's primary debate, Iowa draws a crowd and Donald Trump holds a timely "Merry Christmas" rally in Michigan.
Saturday, December 14 - Bernie Sanders: Holds a rally in Burlington, Iowa
- Deval Patrick: Delivers the keynote speech at the Spartanburg County Democrats Annual Gala in South Carolina
- John Delaney: Campaigns in Iowa
- Elizabeth Warren: Kicks off a three day "Fair Share Road Show" through Iowa's southeast corner
- Marianne Williamson: Hosts a "A Conversation with Marianne Williamson" in Des Moines
- Andrew Yang: Wraps up his "A New Way Forward" bus tour in central and eastern Iowa
Sunday, December 15 - Bernie Sanders: Hosts batting practice with minor league baseball employees in southeast Iowa
- Tulsi Gabbard: Holds a town hall at Furman University in South Carolina, wrapping up four days campaigning in the state
- Amy Klobuchar: Campaigns in Iowa
Monday, December 16 - Amy Klobuchar: Holds three fundraisers in the Chicago area
- Tom Steyer: Campaigns in Iowa and celebrates his aunt's 100th birthday in Iowa City
Wednesday, December 18 - Donald Trump: Hosts a Merry Christmas campaign rally in Battle Creek, Michigan
- Cory Booker: Campaigns in north Las Vegas
Thursday, December 19 | | How Bill Clinton survived impeachment, from Clinton's former press secretary Joe Lockhart:
"Clinton knew the public would reject a part-time president who was more worried about himself than the country. He did feel rage, he did feel victimized, but he was careful to keep all of that private. He kept his job because he did his job and was seen doing his job."
Chris has more on Lockhart's advice for Trump. | | | | | | |
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