The charges are legally frivolous. The GOP leaders in both the House and the Senate have to know that. And yet, they are going forward. What’s the point?
Several reasons. First of all, the MAGA cohort within the House has always been more interested in posturing for Fox News and the base back home than in getting actual results. Second, that same cohort wants to establish that it controls the Republican Party; moderate members in swing districts are obligated to follow their will. Third, the PBPs who voted for impeachment while presumably knowing the absurdity of the allegations fear upsetting the base and facing a primary more than losing a general election.
It’s yet another embarrassment for the GOP. While some of the Republican senators will use the opportunity to posture about border control, most of them will be happy to see the charges disappear as quickly as possible.