The President behaved without common sense, without courage, and without honor, but we are required to measure the totality of this case. I wish I did not conclude that their example frankly is in stark contrast to the experience we are now living. The House managers often spoke to us of principle and duty. And equally frequently we were challenged to stand up for the rule of law. Well, we all believe in rule of law.
Rule of law is a process in a democratic institution, and there is a duty to honor process.
I believe the Senate has distinguished itself in that effort and I want to express my deep respect for the strongly held views of all my colleagues. Reasonable people can differ and we do, but we can still come together in an affirmation of the strength of our Constitution. Right requires we be proportional as to all aspects of this case. I hope that what we do here will apply the law in a way that gives confidence to all our citizens, that everyone can look at the final result of our deliberations and say justice was done. And we have called an end to the process by which we savage each other, and are beginning to heal our country.