Running on empty: Senate Republicans ponder barring Donald Trump from seeking office again

David JacksonUSA TODAY0:000:55ADhttps://imasdk.googleapis.com/js/core/bridge3.433.2_en.html#goog_1164531947

WASHINGTON – An impeachment trial of Donald Trump isn’t about removing him from the presidency – his term ends Wednesday, either way.

It’s about preventing him from seeking the presidency again in 2024.

Several senators, including Republicans, have noted that if they vote to convict Trump of inciting last week’s attack on Congress, they could then vote to bar him from future public office, effectively nixing another presidential campaign.

“If the president is convicted, there will be a vote on barring him from running again,” said Sen. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., soon to be the new Senate Majority Leader.

Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., the chamber’s top Republican, made clear he is considering conviction, opening the door to an effective ban on Trump within the Republican Party.