A few people are suggesting that the impeachment delay is necessary and unavoidable because of the time it takes to whip votes (make sure that the votes are there and the shakier edges of the coalition are firmed up).
This may well be true.
But as ever, messaging matters.
More from Alexandra Erin
On the subject of the apparent Trump family strategy of keeping Trump in a protective bubble for the next 12 days... Hicks is one of his deftest handlers.
News \u2014 One of President Trump's closest confidants and top aides, Hope Hicks, is discussing resigning before he leaves office, according to two people. She has told people if she does, she would likely leave within the next 48 hours. It's not clear she has made a decision.
— Kaitlan Collins (@kaitlancollins) January 8, 2021