(Bloomberg) -- House impeachment managers will begin the first of what could be three days of arguments in their case to remove Donald Trump after a tense day of debate over rules signaled the bitter partisan battle that lies ahead.

House Intelligence Chairman Adam Schiff previewed the seven managers’ arguments, stressing the gravity of accusations that Trump withheld funds from Ukraine to pressure that country to taint Democratic opponent Joe Biden by announcing a corruption investigation into his son, Hunter.

Schiff called the impeachment articles “the most serious charges against a president” on Tuesday and urged senators to conduct a fair trial that uncovers the truth about Trump’s actions.

Trump joked to reporters in Davos, Switzerland, on Wednesday that he’d like to attend the trial himself but that his lawyers would probably object.

“I’d love to go,” he said. “I’d sit in the front row and stare in their corrupt faces. I’d love to do it. Don’t keep talking, because you may convince me to do it.”

The judgment of Americans -- particularly affluent and educated suburban voters who may back Republican policies but have reservations about the president’s conduct -- is likely to be more important than any influence the arguments may have on the senators, who are required to sit silently at their desks during the trial.

A verdict of acquittal is almost universally expected in Washington, with the GOP in control of the chamber 53-47 and a two-thirds majority needed to convict. But the historic proceedings -- only the third presidential impeachment trial in history -- may shape the views of voters in November’s election, particularly those not closely aligned with either party.

The two sides spent Tuesday in a tense debate on rules for the trial, ultimately voting along party lines to delay a decision on whether the House managers can call witnesses or subpoena documents.

Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer said Wednesday that Republicans’ rejection of his party’s initial requests to call witnesses reveal the trial as a “charade” and that Democrats will continue to press for testimony and documents.

“The pressure will continue to build on Senate Republicans,” Schumer said.

Trump’s defense team, led by White House Counsel Pat Cipollone, on Tuesday echoed president’s public claims that the charges against him are “ridiculous” and the House impeachment process was unlawful. Cipollone asserted that most Americans are turned off by long hours of repetitive arguments.

Neither side offered any pre-trial motions ahead of a 9 a.m. Wednesday deadline, clearing the way to begin the House managers’ opening arguments in the afternoon. The House managers will have 24 hours over three days to present their case, with the president’s defense team following under the same timeline.

Senators will then have 16 hours to submit written questions to each side. After that, they may consider calling witnesses or subpoenaing documents.

--With assistance from Josh Wingrove, Jordan Fabian and Erik Wasson.

To contact the reporter on this story: Mike Dorning in Washington at mdorning@bloomberg.net

To contact the editors responsible for this story: Joe Sobczyk at jsobczyk@bloomberg.net, Laurie Asséo

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