Why was Senator Tom Harkin allowed to make an objection during the impeachment trial? I thought Senators weren't allowed to speak. Washington, D.C. - 7/31/00

The fact that Harkin spoke out loud to render an objection did not violate the impeachment trial rules. An objection is a type of point of order. It challenges something happening that minute so you have to deal with it quickly. Otherwise the violation may pass without challenge.

However, Senator Harkin went beyond stating his objection to debating it. Senator Judd Gregg then objected to the one-sided discussion. The Chief Justice agreed. He told Harkin to wrap it up, and then the Chief Justice quickly ruled on the objection, sustaining it. To read the exchange, visit The Washington Post impeachment website.

Senators still cannot engage in debate or rise to make motions or ask questions. Those still have to be done in writing. But they can make points or order and briefly state them. Any debate beyond that is at the discretion of the Chair -- he may want to hear some explanation in order to make an apt ruling. Or, he may rule immediately once an objection is stated.