GOP senator questions effectiveness of using Dems' fiery rhetoric
Ahead of the trial resuming on Friday, Sen. John Thune of South Dakota -- the No. 2 in GOP leadership -- questioned the effectiveness of the defense team using videos of Democrats saying similar words that Trump has used. He said he isn't sure "that it bears a lot on this case."
However, it's a strategy the defense team is leaning into with its arguments.
"They may show some videos of other similar incidents, which I don't know if that's an effective strategy," Thune said.
![](https://s.abcnews.com/images/International/impeachment-thune-gty-rc-210212_1613154429463_hpMain.jpg)
Asked if there was an equivalency to what happened at the Capitol on Jan. 6 and Democrats' past rhetoric, Thune didn't express confidence that Trump's attorneys would make that case.
"Well, that's what I'm saying, I don't know, I think we will see. It depends, I suppose, on how they tie it all together," he said.
Looking past the trial, Thune said he might be supportive of a censure to the former president and said it depends on if that measure could be "effective."
"I know there were a couple of resolutions out there," Thune said, adding that at least a couple "could attract some support."
He said he didn't think resolutions to bar Trump from running again would "go anywhere."
-ABC News' Trish Turner