Impeachment Trial

WASHINGTON -- At about midday today, William H. Rehnquist will get into the back seat of a Supreme Court limousine and take a quick four-block ride into history -- to the Capitol to become the first chief justice to preside over an impeachment trial of an elected president.The initial duties for the 74-year-old chief justice will be ceremonial only.But nearly every gesture Rehnquist makes is likely to provide at least a hint of the kind of presiding officer he will be when -- and if -- a trial gets fully under way.After today's rituals, Rehnquist will be formally in charge.

WASHINGTON -- President Clinton's impeachment trial will formally open in the Senate tomorrow, and though details on its timing and format are uncertain, White House lawyers are preparing a vigorous defense.The opening of the trial promises to be a momentous piece of political theater. William H. Rehnquist, the chief justice of the United States, will be sworn in to preside over the first presidential impeachment trial since that of Andrew Johnson in 1868. Rehnquist will, in turn, swear in the 100 senators as jurors.

There's a sure way to speed up the impeachment trial. Omit the defense. Actual snow and ice are not required to paralyze Bawlamer and Washington. The very thought suffices. Delaware has its own quarter. It always was a two-bit state. Madeleine told Peter the O's may play in Havana, but somebody better check it out with Fidel. Pub Date: 1/06/99

PRESIDENT Clinton should deliver the State of the Union address to Congress on time Jan. 19. If members are too embarrassed to invite Mr. Clinton to the Capitol, he can send it on paper as did 19th century presidents. Then there's nothing to stop him from addressing the American public on television.The worst idea yet came from senators of both parties who said Mr. Clinton should delay his speech, so as not to mingle with them while under impeachment.Nonsense. President Clinton has been good about carrying out duties while under a cloud.

WASHINGTON -- Senators of both parties called on President Clinton yesterday to delay or cancel his State of the Union address so that he does not appear before Congress while his impeachment trial is under way.Even with momentum apparently building in the Senate for some kind of expedited proceeding, lawmakers agreed that there is little likelihood that impeachment action will be completed by Jan. 19, when Clinton is scheduled to make his annual address in...

IT TAKES neither genie nor wise man to be wary of coming attractions this January.In this new year, may sane and sensible minds in the Senate accede to the urging -- no, the demands -- of the American people who desperately desire a quick end to the national nightmare called impeachment. Otherwise, it is going to be a long, cold winter and national discontent may reach the boiling point.The first major event of January, the impeachment trial of President Bill Clinton impacts the month's second important congressional attraction -- President Clinton's State of the Union Address.

IT TAKES neither genie nor wise man to be wary of coming attractions this January.In this new year, may sane and sensible minds in the Senate accede to the urging -- no, the demands -- of the American people who desperately desire a quick end to the national nightmare called impeachment. Otherwise, it is going to be a long, cold winter and national discontent may reach the boiling point.The first major event of January, the impeachment trial of President Bill Clinton impacts the month's second important congressional attraction -- President Clinton's State of the Union Address.

WASHINGTON -- As senators struggled yesterday to decide how quickly to conduct a trial of President Clinton, leaders of the House impeachment drive argued for the chance to make a full presentation of their case, complete with testimony from witnesses.Trent Lott, the Senate majority leader, floated a proposal for a two-week trial next month that would conclude with a vote on whether to remove Clinton from office. If less than the necessary two-thirds of the Senate voted to convict, a lesser sanction, such as censure, could be taken up."