Impeachment Trial Redux
Senate page hands question to parliamentarian
The second impeachment trial of now former president Trump took but five days, four of which are documented in these few sketches. Access to the Senate gallery was restricted because of the COVID19 pandemic which meant that we were rotated in for about twenty minutes every couple hours or so. Nevertheless the staff of the Radio-TV gallery were incredibly helpful and accommodating as always. I just hope to never sketch another impeachment.
One third of GOP seats empty during House managers’ args
Sen. Hawley ( feet up? )
House manager Rep. Swalwell and Republican senators
Senators Burr ( no socks ) and Fischer
Empty public gallery
Senators Cassidy ( taking notes ) and Cruz
Lindsey Graham has first GOP question
GOP Senator Braun reading magazine during House managers’ closing argument.
Trump defense attorney Michael Van Der Veen and House manager Stacy Plaskett shortly before announcement of stipulation on witness.
Senators huddle following vote to allow witnesses.
Courtroom sketching is a form of visual journalism or reportage drawing that is slowly dying out. Where once upon a time news organization each had their own artist covering a story, today a “pool” artist often sketches for all. It is a demanding and stressful discipline where the drawing is often done directly and under tight deadline.
After forty-five years of news sketching in courtrooms and congress I’m calling it quits. It’s been sometimes fun, sometimes frustrating, almost always interesting. I’ve been lucky to work with some really great people. Don’t think I’ll miss it, but a little scared of not having a deadline.
While I won’t be sketching in court anymore, I may continue to post to this blog from time to time. Not sure what that might be. I’m about to start a new assignment documenting infrastructure and construction. Could be interesting.
