WASHINGTON — Nearly five years prior, Adam Schiff, a Democrat, passionately argued on the Senate floor as a House impeachment manager, advocating for Donald Trump’s removal from office due to his misuse of presidential authority. “If right doesn’t matter, we’re lost,” he expressed, his voice experiencing a moment of faltering during his plea.
However, the Republican-majority Senate ultimately disagreed, leading to Trump’s acquittal concerning the Democratic-led charges surrounding his interactions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The former president would also survive a second impeachment a year after his supporters attempted to storm the Capitol to reverse his electoral defeat.
As Trump re-enters the political scene, seemingly more empowered and with a solid grip on the aligned Republican Congress, Schiff steps into his new role as a senator. He was sworn in recently, becoming part of a Democratic caucus that is now positioned in the minority and appears cautiously poised in their opposition to Trump’s impending return to the presidency, opting for a measured approach before he officially takes office.
Schiff, as California’s newly minted senator, insists he won’t shy away from opposing Trump when necessary. However, he also aspires to build a reputation based on bipartisanship. This goal is rooted in his campaign efforts in Republican-leaning areas of California, alongside an attempt to better understand rural issues that were not previously within his scope while representing urban Los Angeles in the House.
“I think being there and letting folks get to know me, kick the tires a bit, helps overcome some of the sort of Fox News stereotypes,” stated Schiff regarding the portrayal he faced during his confrontations with Trump in past years. He views this outreach as crucial for understanding how Democrats can progress after the setbacks they encountered in the recent elections.
Taking on the role in the Senate shortly before the new Congress begins on January 3 was necessary due to his replacement of the late Democratic Senator Dianne Feinstein, who passed away the previous year. Coinciding with Schiff’s swearing-in is fellow Democratic House member Andy Kim of New Jersey, who is also stepping into the Senate to fill the term of former Senator Bob Menendez, following his resignation due to federal bribery convictions.
Bipartisanship was a core value for Feinstein, who frequently collaborated with senators from the opposing party, fostering strong connections. However, her bipartisan efforts often drew criticism from the more liberal constituents in California.
Reflecting on his predecessor’s balanced approach, Schiff remarked, “Feinstein was able to do a couple things simultaneously, which I’m going to need to try to do as well, and that is work with others to deliver for the state… and at the same time, stand up and defend people’s rights and their freedom and their values when those things are threatened.” He acknowledges that these goals may conflict in the transformative political environment under Trump leadership.
Democratic Senator Brian Schatz from Hawaii, who has spent time with Schiff, commented positively on his approach, stating that Schiff is asking thoughtful questions without dominating conversations. He emphasized that while Schiff’s qualifications are well-recognized, he remains aware that he is entering the Senate as a newcomer.
Nonetheless, Schiff’s longstanding role as a prominent Trump opponent may be difficult to shed quickly. Known widely as the former chair of the House Intelligence Committee, Schiff has been vocal on social media against Trump, recently denouncing the FBI director nominee, Kash Patel, as “more suited as internet troll than FBI Director,” urging rejection of his nomination.
Schiff finds himself in a unique position as Trump openly threatens those he views as adversaries, which includes an array of Democrats. There is speculation about President Biden potentially issuing preemptive pardons to individuals who challenged Trump. Schiff himself noted that it would not be necessary for Biden to focus on defending him from possible backlash during Trump’s tenure.
Accustomed to navigating criticism from Republicans, Schiff took steps to engage with constituents in McCarthy’s district after facing censure from House Republicans. When confronted about his characterization by the House Speaker, he used humor to deflect, indicating that he took it as a form of a compliment.
Schiff aims to foster constructive relationships with his Senate colleagues, recognizing the Senate’s different culture compared to the House’s more confrontational nature. He has already reached out to incoming Montana Senator Tim Sheehy, discussing potential collaborative efforts on wildfire legislation—an issue of significance to both their states.
Schiff may gain respect from seasoned Senate Republicans, some of whom recognized his capabilities during the 2020 impeachment trial despite their disagreements. For instance, Senator Lindsey Graham complimented him after the first day’s arguments, acknowledging his effective presentation.
Ultimately, Schiff senses that certain Republican senators were surprised to discover that he did not fulfill their expectations of being a caricature, and he expressed optimism about the potential for a more collegial environment in the Senate compared to the House.
