Track 30: Presiding over Justice Chase's trial. Dignity in the face of partisan pressure. A moment of respect.
The Senate will come to order.
The United States vs. Samuel Chase.
I walk to the podium. I wear the robe.
My heart is a crater, my life is a probe.
But the Constitution demands a steady hand.
And I am the Vice President of this land.
Jefferson wants a conviction. He wants the head
Of the Federalist judge. He wants him dead
Politically speaking. He pushes the Senate.
But I will not be the one to pen it.
Impartiality.
That is the duty. That is the key.
I don't care about parties. I don't care about friends.
I care about how the story ends.
Justice must be blind. Justice must be cold.
Even when the judge is bought and sold.
I will run this trial like a work of art.
Even with a hole inside my heart.
The Senators watch me. They whisper and stare.
"Look at Burr. He acts like he doesn't care."
"He’s ruined. He’s finished. He’s out of the game."
But they stand up straight when I call their name!
I rearranged the chamber. I built a stage.
I turned the Senate into a history page.
Even the Federalists nod their respect.
"He is the dignity we didn't expect."
For one moment.
Just one moment.
I am not the villain. I am not the spy.
I am the standard held up to the sky.
Let them remember this.
When they write the lies.
Impartiality.
That is the duty. That is the key.
I don't care about parties. I don't care about friends.
I care about how the story ends.
The defendant is acquitted!
Case closed.
This court is adjourned.
And so is my career.