With former President Donald Trump facing his second Senate trial in as many years, Democrats are keeping him in the spotlight as part of a process intended to make him go away.

The main practical purpose of continuing to pursue Trump’s impeachment following the expiration of his term, a move most Senate Republicans contend is unconstitutional, is to bar him from serving in public office in the future. A conviction would almost certainly lead to votes that would put any future political ambitions in 2024 and beyond on ice.