Amid a rising American atmosphere of political death threats and violence, some are calling for a secret vote to determined Donald Trump\u2019s upcoming impeachment trial to protect senators\u2019 safety.<\/p>\n
The idea was discussed last time around after Trump\u2019s first impeachment in 2019. Some argued that Republicans were unable to vote their conscience because of pressure from their party and constituents.<\/p>\n
Secret votes, however, run contrary to a principle of transparency and senators\u2019 accountability. Critics on Twitter complained Republicans would claim they voted one way, while actually voting exactly the opposite.<\/p>\n
This time around, for Trump\u2019s second impeachment, the risk of danger appears significantly higher in the wake of a death plot against Michigan\u2019s Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, and death threats against infectious disease expert Dr. Anthony Fauci for crossing Trump \u2014 and the storming of the Capitol by Trump supporters.<\/p>\n
Former Clinton administration labor secretary Robert Reich was among those suggesting a secret vote in the upcoming February impeachment trial.<\/p>\n
Harvard law professor and Constitution expert Laurence Tribe, supported Reich\u2019s idea as the \u201cfairest way to proceed \u2014 as with any ordinary jury,\u201d but didn\u2019t think it was \u201cin the cards.\u201d<\/p>\n
New York Times author Kurt Eichenwald also backed the idea.<\/p>\n
Other responses were sharply mixed.<\/p>\n