The last time Republicans acquitted Trump, it was bad but they didn’t know it would lead to hundreds of thousands of American deaths. If they acquit him again, the damage to America could be even greater in the long run and they own it.

Refusing to convict and ban from office a President who directly attempted to overturn the election and incited violence in that cause is declaring war on the Republic. It will embolden Trump and every imitator.

History shows that even if there are stern penalties for the combatants, if the ringleaders are not punished there will be more violence. It will be more organized and find more political support.

Refusing to acknowledge election results and threats of violence will become more common, both directed at politicians and by them. The GOP believes they will benefit from unleashing these forces and it’s not at all certain they are wrong.