Whenever a controversial political issue arises in my classroom, I ask students the same question: What evidence would get you to change your mind?

And if they can’t answer that, I add, we’re done talking. Of course, it’s OK for them to believe whatever they wish. But if they won’t tell me what new information would alter their beliefs, there’s really no point to having a discussion. Their views are more akin to religion, which is fine as well. It’s just not something we can debate or deliberate.

In that spirit, I’ve got a question for my fellow Democrats: What would get you to change your mind on the removal of President Donald Trump?

Everything — and I do mean everything — hangs in the balance. For the past few weeks, we’ve been condemning Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky and other Republicans for making up their minds before Trump’s impeachment trial even starts. But have we done the same thing? And if so, how can we denounce the GOP for doing it?

'Impartial justice' goes both ways

Let’s be clear: McConnell and his Republican henchmen have already violated the Senate oath they took last Thursday, to do “impartial justice” in the impeachment trial. Back in December, McConnell flatly announced that he’s “not an impartial juror.” He also admitted that he had been working with the Trump administration to win the president’s acquittal. “Everything I do during this, I’m coordinating with the White House counsel,” McConnell told Fox News, adding that “there will be no difference between the president’s position and our position.”