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Trump acquitted in second impeachment trial, but outcomes favour Democrats
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It can only be good news for the Democrats if the crack in the Republican Party widens, says Nirmal Ghosh.
PHOTO: AFP
WASHINGTON - Following a relatively speedy 5-day impeachment trial, former US president Donald Trump was predictably acquitted by the majority of Republican senators on Saturday (Feb 13) - 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.
