In opening of his argument, Trump’s lawyer cites official acts undertaken in the best interest in the country. That is not THIS case, where Trump is charged with acting outside his official duties. Constitution assigns election administration to the states, not POTUS.
Roberts asks a question about bribery in exchange for appointing an ambassador, official conduct performed corruptly. Good development. Suggests line for Roberts might be even higher than official duties.
Sotomayor: Can president assassinate a political rival for personal reasons vs to protect the country? Suggests the line is intent to seek personal gain vs intent to serve the country.
Jackson: isn’t absolute immunity limited to official acts? So only official acts are immune. POTUS is acting outside official duties when he uses trappings of office for personal gain.
Jackson: The possibility of charging a president with a crime is the status quo, not any change. Presidents have always understood they could be charged with crimes. (See Ford pardon of Nixon.)
@BarbMcQuade This argument is going in circles. 😵💫