The Biden impeachment process is a wedge issue for the GOP. On the one hand, the base is demanding it as revenge for the two Trump impeachments, and Trump wants it to strengthen his spurious claim for false equivalence. On the other hand, impeachment is likely to galvanize a largely demoralized left, and it is nothing but poison for GOP House members in swing districts. Thus far, the leadership has bridged the gap by keeping the process going, but very slowly. What happens if the base will no longer take no for an answer? What would the process look like?
My guess is that Johnson and McConnell will treat it as the embarrassment it is and avoid public hearings to the maximum extent possible. Hunter Biden will not be given an opportunity to speak to the American people. The decision will be made on the existing written record, and as quickly as possible. The “trial” will be a pro forma event, Biden will be acquitted, and we will go on from there.