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News analysis
Despite Trump's acquittal, outcomes favour Democrats
Trial was platform to make case to public, drew focus to crack in Republican Party
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United States Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (above) speaking after the acquittal of former president Donald Trump. While the Republican leader voted to acquit Mr Trump, Mr McConnell stressed that the former president was "practically and morally responsible" for the attack on the Capitol.
PHOTO: REUTERS
Following a relatively speedy five-day impeachment trial, former US president Donald Trump was predictably acquitted by the majority of Republican senators on Saturday - but the process, and the outcome, was on balance a net win for the Democratic Party.
Critics are of the view that the failure to convict Mr Trump for what even key Republicans believe he did - foment and incite an insurrection - means he got away with it. The acquittal will only burnish his image as a champion of his base. In that sense, the outcome was not a good one in a still dangerously divided country.
