In entirely unsurprising news, the beginning phases of the impeachment trial have been beset by tribulations. Before we get to the trial itself, the two sides are arguing over what kind of trial it should be. Adam Schiff on Mitch McConnell’s resolution to make it quick, uninformative, and a win for Trump: “Why should this trial be different than any other trial? The short answer is it shouldn’t.” That may be the last short answer we hear as it looks like both sides will get 24 hours over three days for what, if we get witnesses, amounts to opening arguments. While the Senate ruling on Trump still seems headed for an acquittal, there is a larger pool of observers who will also have a say at the ballot box. All of America is on jury duty (and I call being foreman). Here’s the latest from WaPo and CNN.

+ Where’s My Edward R Murrow?: In the early days of the Russia scandal, President Trump famously asked, “Where’s my Roy Cohn?” Indeed, the trial in the Senate has more parallels with McCarthyism than it does with prior impeachment proceedings. McCarthy was an unliked, small-time, near-anonymous politician until he began making unfounded claims about communists working in the State Department. Thus began the meteoric rise of the man and McCarthyism. The big turning point that preceded his even more rapid political demise was precipitated by Edward R. Murrow’s television editorial. (See if this line sounds applicable to the current era: “The actions of the Junior Senator from Wisconsin have caused alarm and dismay amongst our allies abroad, and given considerable comfort to our enemies.”) Trump heard about McCarthy’s rise and fall in great detail from McCarthy’s right hand man, Roy Cohn. That’s why goal number one of the Trump presidency was (and is) to attack the media. And it’s worked. Today, there are hundreds of news anchors and reporters warning of the dangers of Trumpism and calling for a fair trial in the Senate. But there are no Edward R. Murrows because half the country doesn’t believe journalists and sees the media as the enemy. McCarthy was ultimately censured, humiliated, and broken after a hearing summed up by Joseph Welch’s memorable line, “Have you no sense of decency sir? At long last, have you no sense of decency?” One wonders how that line would play in today’s America, where it’s unclear whether decency is still considered admirable.

+ As I mentioned on Friday, I recommend that you watch the American Experience documentary, McCarthy.

+ Meanwhile, John Roberts looks how we all feel. (In the business, we call these News Curators’ Eyes.)