Schiff pleas for 'courage' as daily arguments wrap

Democrats launched into marathon arguments in President Donald Trump's impeachment trial on Wednesday, appealing to sceptical Republican senators to join them in voting to oust Trump from office. The challenge before the House of Representatives managers is clear.

Democrats have 24 hours over three days to prosecute the charges against Trump, trying to win over not just fidgety senators sitting silently in the chamber but an American public, deeply divided over the president and his impeachment in an election year.

Representative Adam Schiff, chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, wrapped up the arguments for Wednesday by asking senators to show "courage".

"What brought us here is that some courageous people came forward," Schiff said, talking up whistleblowers and witnesses in the case who have "risked their careers".