 Republicans are optimistic they will be able to wrap up President Trump’s

impeachment trial without hearing from additional witnesses like the former national
security adviser, John R. Bolton. But Democrats are hinting at a gambit to frustrate
the Republicans’ plans, though Senator Chuck Schumer, the minority leader, has
refused to tip his hand.
 Democrats are expected to question a broad argument made by Alan M. Dershowitz
on Wednesday, that anything a president does to help himself get re-elected is
inherently in the public’s interest, including a “quid pro quo.” Mr. Dershowitz said
Thursday on Twitter that his remarks had been mischaracterized.
 Senators are asking their final questions of the case. Early in the session on Thursday,
Chief Justice John G. Robert Jr. rejected a question from Senator Rand Paull that
would have identified the C.I.A. whistle-blower. After Wednesday’s session, they
have eight hours of questioning left of the allotted 16 hours. On Friday, they are
expected to debate calling for additional witnesses and documents.
 Chief Justice John G. Roberts refused on Thursday to read aloud a question submitted
by Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky, who has said he wants to ask about the origins of
the impeachment inquiry in a way that would identify the C.I.A. whistle-blower in the
Ukraine affair.
 “The presiding officer declines to read the question as submitted,” Chief Justice
Roberts said after Mr. Paul submitted the question.
 On Wednesday, Mr. Paul repeatedly sought to submit the question, but it was not sent
to be read aloud by the chief justice. Just before Mr. Paul sent his question to the desk
on Friday, Senator Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, the majority leader, made
comments that appeared to be directed at discouraging Mr. Paul’s actions.
 “We’ve been respectful of the Chief Justice’s unique position in reading our
questions,,” Mr. McConnell said. “And I want to be able to continue to assure him
that that level of consideration for him