The legal and political issues at stake in the “trial of the century”, and what to expect in the upcoming weeks.

After a lengthy investigation in the House of Representatives, US President Donald Trump was accused of abusing his power and obstructing Congress.

Now his case moves to the trial phase, as the Senate converts to a big courtroom.

Despite the consensus being that Trump will be acquitted, this week was historic for the United States, and for democracy in general: It is only the third time in 243 years that a sitting US president has faced an impeachment trial.

Besides the debate on the facts of the case against Trump, Senators have political considerations to wrestle with as well, as national elections loom in the near future.

Democrats have framed the debate as a fight for the rule of law, and Republicans have framed it as a persistent political witch-hunt against a president who wants to permanently change the way Washington does business.

But which side will come out stronger at the end of the proceedings? And who will come out damaged?

Join Steve Clemons and his panel of experts as they get to The Bottom Line.

Guests:

- Jason Miller - co-host of the daily podcast, "War Room: Impeachment" and former spokesman for the 2016 Trump campaign

- Hilary Hurd - contributor for the Lawfare Blog who is wrapping up her law degree at the Harvard University

- Richard Goodstein - attorney and Democratic strategist in Washington, DC.

Source: Al Jazeera