What should we expect from today's impeachment trial?
Sean Callebs

Throughout the United States on Wednesday, people in offices, in schools, and at home will find themselves a witness to history.

The televised impeachment trial of U.S. President Donald Trump will be playing out and expect to see political polarization within the U.S. Congress on full display.

Trump is facing two charges under the heading of High Crimes and Misdemeanors – abuse of power and obstruction of Congress.

The House Impeachment Managers will lay out their case, detailing why they believe Trump should be removed from office.

They allege Trump is a threat to the American Democratic process as well as endangering U.S. security. House Democrats say this all stems back to a phone call Trump had with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, in which Trump asked for a "favor" and investigation into his political rival former Vice-President Joe Biden, and Biden’s son Hunter.

Trump also withheld some 400-million dollars in U.S. military, in what Democrats contend was a strong-arm method of forcing Zelensky’s hand.

Tuesday was dominated by lengthy debate of how and when U.S. Senators would hear the case coming from the lower house.  Initially, Senate Republicans led by Majority Leader Mitch McConnell dug in their heels, and they were not going to allow evidence gathered during the House investigation –at least until 24 hours of testimony concluded.

But McConnell gave in to more moderate GOP members, and the Senate will now consider evidence the House gathered.   McConnell also wanted 24 hours of testimony to be heard over two days, but again moderates swayed the Majority Leader and it will run over three days.

McConnell wields a great deal of power, and he wants the trial wrapped up quickly and with that in mind, the Senate will wait until the end of testimony to decide whether any witnesses, and documents can be entered as evidence.