And so, at last, Speaker Nancy Pelosi has stopped hugging the articles of impeachment to her bosom and has delivered them to the Senate so President Trump can be put on trial. They’ve been “exhibited” on the chamber floor, and Rep. Adam Schiff has read them out lovingly, stroking each tenuous charge with relish.

The monthlong delay delivering the articles was ostensibly so Pelosi could try to force Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to promise testimony she claims is vital but which she and Schiff couldn’t be bothered to obtain at the appropriate stage — that is, before voting to impeach. As we’ve noted, the Democrats want it both ways, saying the evidence they heard in the House is abundantly sufficient to impeach, but also that new witnesses are necessary for a proper trial.