WASHINGTON Before the historic House vote to impeach President Donald Trump Wednesday, Democrats argued the president violated his oath of office by abusing power and breaking the law. Republicans argued about process.

When Jesus was falsely accused of treason, Pontius Pilate gave Jesus the opportunity to face his accusers, Rep. Barry Loudermilk (R-Ga.) said on the House floor . During that sham trial, Pontius Pilate afforded more rights to Jesus than the Democrats have afforded this President and this process.

During more than six hours of debate, Republicans offered a wide range of procedural gripes. They called the process a witch hunt, a kangaroo court, a sham, a complete charade, and a total joke. One likened it to Pearl Harbor.

At one point, Republicans stood on the House floor in a solemn moment of silence to honor the 63 million Americans who voted for Trump.

As Democrats pointed out repeatedly, Republicans didnt spend much time disputing the facts. Instead, the primary focus for GOP members Wednesday was that Democrats hadnt provided due process to Trump.

Republicans started the day by forcing procedural votes, complaining that Democratic committee chairs had violated obscure committee procedures during the impeachment inquiry by not giving the minority the power to call their own witnesses. (In fact, Democrats allowed Republicans to suggest witnesses, and a number of them testified.)