FOG BLOG U.S. POLITICS LOG: SENATE VOTES 56-44 TO GO AHEAD WITH TRUMP IMPEACHMENT TRIAL:

In a 56-44 vote largely along party lines, the US Senate sets the stage for Trump’s second trial to begin on Wednesday.The Senate impeachment trial of former President Donald Trump has begun.

• Tuesday’s proceedings will focus on the constitutionality of holding impeachment proceedings for a former president, with up to four hours of debate allocated to the issue. If a simple majority votes to proceed, the prosecution and defence will have 16 hours each to present their case.

• House impeachment managers will argue that Trump’s campaign of misinformation to overturn the victory of President Joe Biden, and his comments to supporters before the US Capitol riot on January 6, amounted to “incitement of insurrection”.

• Trump’s defence will argue that he cannot be convicted after leaving office, and that his words are protected as free speech.