Democratic New York Rep. Jerry Nadler stole the show from lead impeachment manager Adam Schiff Thursday evening, racing ahead of him to give a closing argument in President Donald Trump’s Senate impeachment trial.
Chief Justice John Roberts read the last question of the evening, provided by Democratic Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar. The question asked House managers to give senators any other comments before the trial ended for the night.
Rep. Schiff of California was sitting closer to the podium and stood up to respond to the question, but Nadler, another impeachment manager, scurried ahead of him. Schiff could be heard calling Nadler’s name, but the pleas went unanswered as the New York congressman began his speech.
“Jerry, Jerry, Jerry,” Schiff said as Nadler ignored him and delivered remarks.
WATCH:
Rep. Jerry Nadler got up to get the last word in for the night. Rep. Adam Schiff, the lead impeachment manager, got up and tried to get Nadler’s attention: “Jerry. Jerry. Jerry.” pic.twitter.com/M5K2OBXoK1
— Julio Rosas (@Julio_Rosas11) January 31, 2020
“This is a trial and a trial, as any 10-year-old knows, we should have witnesses,” Nadler said. “That’s why all these distractions, that’s why the president’s people are telling you to avoid witnesses because they are afraid of the witnesses.”
“Why do you need more witnesses? Because the truth can be bolstered,” Nadler, chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, continued. (RELATED: ‘The Senate Is On Trial’: Jerry Nadler Says The Impeachment Is No Longer Just About The President)
The House Judiciary Committee usually has jurisdiction over impeachment proceedings, but House Speaker Nancy Pelosi of California picked Schiff to lead proceedings. Schiff is the chairman of the House Intelligence Committee.
“Nadler ripped final argument away from Schiff, thinks Shifty did a terrible job. They are fighting big time!” Trump tweeted about the incident Friday morning.
The Senate saw its last question and answer phase Thursday evening.