Roberts read the Massachusetts Democrat's question, which asked, "At a time when large majorities of Americans have lost faith in government, does the fact that the chief justice is presiding over an impeachment trial In which Republican senators have thus far refused to allow witnesses or evidence contribute to the loss of legitimacy of the chief justice, the Supreme Court, and the Constitution?"
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The Senate is fighting over whether to call witnesses, and some Senate Democrats argue that Roberts could step in and be the final arbiter in case of a tie vote. Most senators, however, do not want him to break a tie, and there is no modern precedent for him to do so.
Lead House impeachment manager Adam Schiff disagreed with Warren's contention about Roberts, responding in part, "I would not say that it contributes to a loss of confidence in the chief justice. I think the chief justice has presided admirably."
He added, "This trial is part of our constitutional heritage, that we were given a power to impeach the president. I don't think a trial without witnesses reflects adversely on the chief justice. I do think it reflects adversely on us. I think it diminishes the power of this example to the rest of the world."