Let me be generous. In all my years as a professor teaching persuasion, negotiation and politics, I don’t think I’ve seen such a disgraceful performance by undergraduates let alone a legal team representing a former president in an impeachment trial.
Yes, all signs are that they’ll win anyway. So, why bother preparing? Why bother making sense? How about integrity? How about the fact that you’re a part of history? What about all future attorneys listening?
One could argue that the former president’s lawyers simply aren’t good at public speaking. But one would be wrong. They’ve been giving presentations throughout their careers. It could be said that they didn’t have a lot of time to prepare. Then make a few powerful points, show a few slides and sit down.
Could it be that they’ll win anyway and they know it? Still, the world is watching. The U.S. Capitol was attacked on January 6, 2021. People died. Others were terrified, many wounded. Have some respect!
The only reply I can make is to remember the closing words of your title “theme song”:
“But where are the clowns? Quick, send in the clowns … Don’t bother they’re here”
Seems that they are here, John. Anyone treating the trial as a circus joins them in the ring.