What a day it was for Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton’s impeachment. A “trial” filled with missteps, misunderstandings of the law, and a superstar lawyer fizzling out on a national stage.

Let’s start with lead prosecutor Rusty Hardin. The seasoned attorney, who’s used to playing in front of a local jury, seriously went down in flames when he failed to hit the target. Hardin did his best to deliver courtroom theatrics, but this was not a room filled with hard working Texans who had left their jobs for jury duty. They might have bought his sarcasm. But this “jury” was made up of state senators, of whom many are lawyers. The plan failed miserably. Hardin probably wished he was back defending NFL quarterback Deshaun Watson on creepy sexual assault allegations. He even started asking leading questions that were filled with irrelevant material, and facts that had not been admitted to this case. You would have expected a lawyer like Hardin to prepare for such a big stage. This was definitely not the case.

Lt Governor Dan Patrick did not fare any better. Legal observers did not hold back in saying that Patrick was in “way over his head”. When he started making bad rulings on privileged information being admitted, many just shook their heads in disbelief. Patrick, who’s acting as the judge, looked nervous and uncomfortable in dealing with Paxton’s attorneys pre-trial motions. It’s like the Lt Gov was begging for cue cards to work his way through the process.

Paxton’s defense team, led by Houston attorney Tony Buzbee did not get off to a great start. But like classic car engines, watch out when they warm up. Observers mentioned phrases like “John Adams moments” when the crucially important topic of due process went public. Basically the legal equivalent of the 800 pound gorilla in the room.

Legal insiders are certainly familiar with the phrase, “The worm began to turn”. Can’t wait to see what happens in Day 2 of this debacle.