I guess the litmus test is to ask a Republican senator whether they believe Trump committed an impeachable offence, regardless of whether they think it's constitutional or not to proceed with an impeachment now. McConnell certainly thought so two weeks ago for example.
Ask them if it had happened six months ago would they vote to impeach - then watch them squirm as they say they're not going to discuss hypothetical situations.
I don't think the opinions of the Republican Senators who are trying to wriggle out of publicly passing a opinion on Trumps incitement charges really matter that much to be honest. the headlines can hardly say, Republicans claim the Impeachment is unconstitutional every night.
I don't there's a chance of getting Trump convicted by the Senate, not much chance of convincing the loyal Trump fanatics either, I don't underestimate just how fanatically stupid many of these Trump areas are, they are a lost cause.
This is more about exposing Trump for what he is in front of the millions of decent voters who do make up the majority of voters in the US, I thought the Republicans would argue we have to unite and move on blah blah and this may well still happen, decent voters might well swallow that argument. so I hope the democrats have a counter argument ready and waiting, How this will all be a big part of US history which will be remembered for hundreds of years. history is judging us all, take the easy way out and ignore Trumps crimes and History will judge them all badly blah blah.
Think the rules and the length of the trial and whether Trump gives evidence will be the most important points to look for next week, who gets subpoenaed and what evidence is allowed as a lot of witnesses could be the rioters themselves. I was watching a couple of the rioters lawyers talking about the defence they will be making when they face the courts. many are leaving no doubt. Trump told them to do what they did. attack the Senate and stop the Senators from stealing the election. be interesting to hear if any now feel Trump used them.