I suspect Trump is discussing the difference between exchange of value and extortion. Hence shaking down the Ukraine was not quid pro quo in his eyes....
4
I don't think Trump really cares what quid pro quo means. He did what he wanted to do regardless of the legal or ethical concerns it might create and he just doesn't really care. Now he's been found out and he'll say whatever he thinks might get him off the hook, whether it's true or accurate or not. That's another thing he doesn't really care about.
9
There is an article in today's Washington Post reporting that the White House 2019 budget requested a decrease in funds for fighting corruption in Ukraine from $30 million to $13 million. Congress rejected the proposed decrease. Its 2020 budget requests a decrease to $13 million again. White House claims that it is interested in reducing corruption look as awkward as an elephant in a tutu.
10
One of the things that confuse me the most, is how his followers can believe Trump is not guilty of abusing his power? The man has abused every single power he has ever had. He abused his clients with the power of his money to crush tradesmen, he abused his name by setting up corrupt “universities”, he’s abused his power as a celebrity to harass women (when you’re a star you can do it”, he’s abused employees, he abused his position in beauty’s pageants (“inspecting” young models as they undress) he actively abuses his Twitter account (see threatening to “unleash his twitter followers” on Megan Kelly) He’s abused the law system with malicious lawsuits. He abuses his office for personal profit and gain.
He’s a abused every power he’s ever had and you lot thought it a good idea to give him the most powerful office in the world, yet instead of admitting you’re mistake, you hold onto his coat tails as he launches himself, his office, his country and the planet over a cliff. It’s okay to a admit a mistake. Admitting that mistake is how you course correct, to learn not to make similar mistakes in the future. Admitting a mistake is not a failure. But it is a failure to ignore that mistake and then repeat it.
14
I don't think Trump knows what quid pro quo means. What he is good at is to have his lawyers sue someone.
5
This "radical unelected bureaucrat" did not even want this job when contacted by the White House. Why even offer this position to a "radical unelected bureaucrat" in the first place? I am lost.
5
That is a question that doesn't need a response. Does Donald even know what the Latin term 'Quid Pro Quo' really means?
2
There’s a recent Reuter’s article about Hunter Biden. Reuter’s conducted their own investigation.
Hunter Biden was paid 83k per month, not 50k.
Hunter never stepped foot in Ukraine, but attended only 2 board meetings per year - outside of Ukraine.
Hunter was hired purely as a “ceremonial” figure, to ward off investigations.
There were multiple investigations into the owner of Burisma at the time Joe Biden demanded Ukraine fire that prosecutor - giving him ample motive for a quid pro quo, as that could have entangled his son.
So Trump was completely justified into asking Ukraine to look into the Bidens antics in Ukraine. Ukraine was engaged in pay for play with the VO of the previous administration.
So Trump couldn’t even ask about this blatant corruption, before handing over 400 million?
3
Your headline is exactly what I have been thinking about for weeks: does Trump even understand what quid pro quo means? He is so brazen in his actions and comments!
2
Dear journalists, readers, politicians I can assure you all that Trump did not do a "Quid Pro Quo" because he did a "Do ut Des". Please study Latin if you want to use it: Quid pro Quo means One thing INSTEAD of another: example I thought I was speaking to a Ukrainian BUT instead I was speaking to a Russian (I CONFUSED one thing for another); "Do ut Des" means: I give you one thing (Do) so that (Ut) you give me something in exchange (Des).
2
The Republicans who are sitting calm and quite quiet at the moment -- including the two U.S. senators from my state, Idaho -- are indeed cowards; men and women who are putting their careers and resumes ahead of the country they were elected to serve. Not good; not at all.
6
What is happening in the US is a COMPLETE farce - a charade - no matter WHO the participants are.
Sometimes it is comical, often non-sensical, but ALWAYS absurd.
It is not just Donald Trump. He has a LEGION of enablers, almost ALL Republicans of course! Ther are a few - VERY few - such as Mitt Romney who are different. NONE is effective in swaying the Republican establishment.
The Robert Mueller investigation fizzled. ALL he could do is to indict some underlings! Yipee!!
He folded like a wet rag!
Not a SINGLE day goes by in which there is some sort of dirty revelation. EVERY time there is one, people go into a tizzy, thinking that that will be PIVOTAL.
NONE of them is. Trump is a perfectly coated with Teflon!
Time will, of course, tell what the final outcome is going to be. Democrats can hold impeachment all they want. However, WITHOUT Republican Senate approval Trump will NOT be impeached!
People are drawing parallels with the Nixon scandals. They forget that this is a different kettle of fish. They still think that a Howard Baker will stand up and ask "What did the President know and when did he know it?"
It will be VERY unwise to hold one's breath for that!!!!
1
He doesn’t understand what “phony” means either.
2
I heard Trump order quid pro quo in a restaurant.
He thinks it's some sort of squid entree.
3
I'm sure glad that I took 3 years of Latin at the Jesuit high school over 50 years ago. Feeling real smug knowing about Quid pro quo.
1
There could never have been any Quid Pro Quo...Trump doesn't know Latin.
4
One of the first thoughts I had hearing Trump insist "There was no quid pro quo. . . " and repeatedly.- But considering his lack of "real" formal education-and his military school attendance where he was not a student of Latin, or foreign languages, and the probability that he used stand ins to attend college, or paid the school to ensure his graduation in exchange for a sizable donation-there-a quid pro quo!-(the records are sealed)
So Trump could not have really understood the meaning of the phrase.
As long as he had not passed a wad or a brick of hundred dollar bills, Mr Trump thought no problem could arise.
What everyone should fear is that Trump seems to believe "impeachment" is a punishment and indictment in one movement. He appears unable to get around the concept that his servants in the senate can torpedo any impeachment and that he will walk away, just as Bill CLinton and the really evil Andrew Johnsopn who helped to return the Confederate states to their pre civil war legal status, in government making all the blood and deaths seem to have been wasted. Though the slaves were freed, they were all but re-enslaved by black codes and a nationwide return to, and reinvention of, a form of racial serfdom for blacks.
So if Johnson could remain in the White House by 1 vote--so too, will Trump-And he will delight in ramming crow down the throats of the Democrats.
He is so used to living in the mobster zone of (im)plausible deniability -- where his meaning is clear but he phrases it all in oafish but unmistakable pseudo-indirection -- that he thinks if he didn't actually use the words "quid pro quo" in the actual conversation with the actual Ukrianian president, that somehow he can claim it didn't happen.
-- though he denies things that have happened, on record, all the time, so really nothing means anything to him. Words are just nothing, facts are nothing, America is nothing to this man -- only his cheeseburgers, his sycophants, and his gold toilet. Nothing else exists.
1
I find it ludicrous that after the Republicans did their extreme witch hunting with Benghazi and found a whole lot of nothing, over and over, that they are upset that the House of Representatives is actually doing investigations of a Republican.
They are aghast, not used to this sort of thing happening, usually they can fabricate some way out of or around such, but this time we have a president who seems to be intent on proving unequivocally that he is an extreme narcissist, blackmailing thug, and is too darn dumb to realize that he is nowhere near the level of proficiency of understanding when he reads no more than 280 characters at a time.
One of these days he just might come around to the point that his words actually DO things, they move people and it is no game as to what he has said, done and whipped up just at his rallies has threatened many and had killed dozens just due to his 'Base' being whipped up to the point of committing the violence they think Trump wants since he talks about it.
But even Trump does not know what he wants, as far as it comes to the Government, The People, and our relationships with the various world powers is not like some Trump Tower cocktail party where a few mumbled mis-stated facts, a little money and a 'fixer lawyer' to do the Fixing when he fumbles. His little flubs now cost lives, jobs and money for us in Real Life.
Needing a 'Fixer' means it must be pretty often that he screws up to the degree he NEEDS that fixer.
Cohen's leverage
3
What the country's need is to smoke the incompetent Trump out of the WH.
1
Quid pro quo. Really? What's more important is the misinterpretation of The Constitution wherein the phrase 'We The People' has been conveniently corrupted by our interim leader as
meaning, 'I The people.'
The rest is just noise.
7
I wonder how many Republicans in the Senate will even bother to read the 15-page testimony, as I did. If they would all just close their mouths and listen once in a while, and maybe reflect a bit on their constitutional oath for 10 seconds, their course of action would be obvious to them. The fact that they show little interest in actually upholding the Constitution, means they are not deserving of the trust the public has given them. Every American, regardless of party, deserves better representation than these Republicans show each and every day.
19
The Biden's error in judgement was the catalyst for this quid pro quo that will undoubtedly lead to impeachment and hopefully conviction and removal of DJT from office (or voted out next year).
Well Hunter, without your mistake we will still be hearing "no collusion, no obstruction". Now with Mr. Taylor's detailed account, the "no quid pro quo" slogan is dying out as well.
Sometimes it takes a minor "wrong" to expose a major one.
I am sure you will be very careful in the future.
5
@J. M. MD
D
So you’re saying Bidens indiscretions will lead to Trumps downfall?
Hardly. That would be quite hypocritical, wouldn’t it?
It’s ok for Biden, but not Trump?
Google Reuter’s Hunter Biden.
It’s going to get a lot worse for Biden.
1
I think a question that needs to be asked, especially if the American public needs to understand the need for impeachment, is whether the average American knows what "quid pro quo" means as a term. I bet if a survey were done, far less than 50% of Americans even know what that means...
10
Maybe the press should try "tit for tat." That, readers would get.
1
@Rob
I'll bet you 45 doesn't know what it means either.
Nor can he define EMOLUMENTS, or summarize the 2nd amendment; or differentiate the 3 branches of our government.
C'est la vie. And none of us is eating cake.
2
Trump probably thinks quid pro quo is some sort of fancy new calamari being served at Mar A Lago.
10
@Ray
Of course: squid pro quo!
It's a pasta sauce made with Diet Coke.
7
Don't know if he knows what it means, but he sure has a hard time pronouncing it.
8
He might get the meaning better if it were called tit for tat.
Excellent point! I'm pretty much convinced that a vast majority of Trump supporters do not have any clue what these Latin words means. I would also hazard to guess that a vast majority of Americans have only a shaky understanding at best. Better words need to be used to label this illegal activity. Extortion? Naaa. Nobody knows what that means either. Blackmail. Not completely accurate, but at least most people know what the gist is.
Trump BLACKMAILED the Ukraine. Either the Ukraine announces a fake investigation into Joe Biden and his son, or Trump will not release the military aid that Congress had already authorized. Sounds fairly easy to understand.
The NYTimes is very much responsible for contributing to the confusion and lack of general knowledge about this issue and many others by not using language that most people can understand. But, hey, it's the NYTimes. If you don't understand the new stories, its because you're not smart enough to.
5
You'd think the GOP senators would jump on this opportunity to legitimately get rid of Trump. No one could complain if, on the evidence we have to date, GOP senators voted for impeachment. If they're worried about his "base," well, I'd say they can be convinced of anything if they bought all of Trump's lies so far, so it shouldn't be too hard to turn them against Trump if they try, especially since there is so much real evidence. The fact that they aren't jumping on board just means they're so seriously corrupt that they can't even see the saving grace of doing so.
8
@Carlotta
If anybody looks to be worried about their base, it's Pelosi. That's the only rational reason she won't schedule an impeachment vote.
Look at the 3rd rate Eastern bloc burglars Trump is involved with. So low rent. And they’re gonna flip on him and Giuliani any minute now. What an embarrassment for our country. But what did we expect from a guy who douses his steak in ketchup? This guy is exhausting.
11
Even this isn’t enough for Republicans in the house and senate to remove this criminal for his despicable actions. We need a groundswell off public outcry. The media should show footage of Kurds being slaughtered.
For those who think Kurds are Muslims, most of them are Christians — that shouldn’t matter but let‘s be honest about what type of nation we’ve become.
13
No, he does not.
2
Who is the worst president in American History?
a. Andrew Johnson (1865-1869).
b. Donald Trump (2017- ).
These two are in the wretched category.
7
A smoking gun? This is more like a blazing canon. Watching that tool Lindsey Graham is borderline comical, since he is up for re-election in 2020 he must be trying to avoid one of those nasty trump tweets in good old boy South Carolina. And Kevin McCarthy is just plain making a fool out of himself. Sondland should be grateful that he has great wealth, he my need it to defend himself.
9
All the people who just a few years ago were chanting "lock her up" about Hillary Clinton, where do they all stand on this?
6
@Mike B
well one of them is in prison (looking at you Flynn)
and the rest....they no longer (if they ever did) put country before party
There are so many smoking guns associated with Trump that you’d have to go to an armory to find them all.
7
Seems everyone wants in on the Watergate reenactment.
6
Now Trump will get just the thing he has always deeply desired; He will be famous forever.
5
Infamous. It's not quite the same thing.
8
I get it. Apparently, Trump believes that the US of A, including our tax dollars is his property, which he is entitled to use to bargain with in the service of his plan to win the 2020 election. I mean, why not?
7
@Jenifer Wolf Yes, That is how the Tzar of all the Russias felt in 1917. The entire country was his private estate. Trump's days too are numbered.
3
But since there's still no "quo", what we're looking at is "quid pro quo sans quo"... or just "quid".
3
Please review your Latin. The two tangible items in question are USA military aid (quid)being contingent upon the public announcement of and initiation of an investigation into the activities of Joe and Hunter Biden (quo).
8
@carl bumba
there's plenty of "quo", just look at Ambassador Taylor's written and oral testimony.
3
@LMS
I got that figured out. I guess I wasn't explicit enough. I should have said, "there's still no EVIDENCE of a quo"
One thought concerns me: if not for the whistle blower, would any of these State Department men and women come forward knowing what they do about the terrible miscarriage of justice the President and his staff have perpetrated. What would it have taken for them to be scandalized?
They knew this was happening!
7
You don't need a quid pro quo. It's against federal law to even solicit foreign help. If "solicit" is beyond Trump's vocabulary, it means that it's illegal to even ASK FOR.
(a) Prohibition
It shall be unlawful for-
(1) a foreign national, directly or indirectly, to make-
(A) a contribution or donation of money or other thing of value, or to make an express or implied promise to make a contribution or donation, in connection with a Federal, State, or local election;
(B) a contribution or donation to a committee of a political party; or
(C) an expenditure, independent expenditure, or disbursement for an electioneering communication (within the meaning of section 30104(f)(3) of this title); or
(2) a person to solicit, accept, or receive a contribution or donation described in subparagraph (A) or (B) of paragraph (1) from a foreign national.
15
What a picture. How does that song go, "I need a hero... he's got to be this and he's got to be that.... Just add him to our savior-of-the-month club.
2
I keep thinking of the line from the play "A Man for All Seasons, " when Sr. Thomas More observes that it profits a man nothing to give his soul for the whole world, but . . . for Wales? Mr. Trump will sell out everyone to everyone else--for Wales, for dirt on the Bidens, for anything. Wales, indeed.
6
As a citizen of the USA, thank you for standing up for truth and the rule of law. A profile in courage.
4
" and one in which there is bipartisan support for fledgling democracies that share our values and there are diplomats who devote their lives to delivering on that support."
Please! America does not "support fledgling democracies, we try to nip them in the bud if they interfere with our corporate "interests". Ever since Reagan we've been doing this. He and his cabal started attacking Chile by installing Pinochet and running the elected government of Allende out of the country. in fear for his life. Then The Chicago Boys came in and did a test run on Supply Side economics Milton Friedman style.
Then there were the Iran Contras in El Salvador and other Central American nations...the Death Squads financed by OUR taxpayer dollars.
Then the right focused their Cyclopean Eye upon Americans themselves under Bush II and robbed us blind and blamed it on everyone but themselves.
So, it's really not surprising that Trump gave away the farm( literally) to the corporations and claimed it would "create jobs" which it didn't...but it lit up tech and other world destroying corpses to annihilate our civilization and planet and make a sexy run for the stars ( for the billionaires). Yeah this id4ea of one party rule has been really great for America and the world.
We've GOT to stop it with this American mythology
5
@Southvalley Fox
You can go much further back than Reagan; Cuba, Iran, Chile, etc. etc.....
1
When does Trump go before a grand jury, under oath ?
He asks: "where's my Roy Cohn/Guiliani?"
We ask: "Where's our Ken Starr ?"
7
“there should be no room in the Oval Office for someone like Donald Trump.”
Amen!
9
Let's see, whom should we believe.
A wife cheater.
Woman groper.
Shady real estate dealer.
Tax evader.
Phony University shill.
Serial, inveterate liar.
With bizzare hair to boot.
OR
This guy, Ambassador Taylor.
"I have dedicated my life to serving U.S. interests at home and abroad in both military and civilian roles. My background and experience are nonpartisan and I have been honored to serve under every administration, Republican and Democratic, since 1985.
For 50 years, I have served the country, starting as a cadet at West Point, then as an infantry officer for six years, including with the 101st Airborne Division in Vietnam; then at the Department of Energy; then as a member of a Senate staff; then at NATO; then with the State Department here and abroad — in Afghanistan, Iraq, Jerusalem, and Ukraine; and more recently, as Executive Vice President of the nonpartisan United States Institute of Peace."
Wow.
A West Point cadet and veteran to boot.
Such a tough choice!
27
The most absurd part of this testimony is where this guy has the gall to claim that Russia is threatening European "democracy" when it was the US and Germany who funded and initiated an actual coup where neo Nazis funded and armed by the West overthrew a democratically elected leader.
He’s just another regime change coup enthusiast.
1
@Chris
Are you actually claiming that Russian troops occupying the Ukraine (and after helping to shoot down an the Malyasion airliner, by the way), are supporting democracy? Seriously? Putin? This is absurd.
7
So, Lindsey Graham, you said you would consider impeachment if you were shown “something more” than the the July 25 Trump-Zelinsky phone call. Your move, sir.
13
"...faithfully execute the office ... and to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States" ... hmmmmm .... Let's assume that faithful execution means faithfully following the law and the Constitution ... so lesseee ... the "phony" emoluments clause; impeachment process is a "lynching"; judges are "so-called" if they don't rule Drumph's way; the military can be used to enforce domestic laws; a sex offender is appointed to the Supreme Court when plenty of qualified, conservative alternatives without such baggage were available; payoffs to a porn star; quid pro quo in Ukraine; whistleblower is a spy; etc, etc, etc. Does preserving, protecting and defending mean NOT DISPARAGING...?
6
First: "Russia, if you're listening . . . ."
Next: "Ukraine, if you're listening . . . ."
Javelins for dirt on Biden. Pretty simple. Nothing complex about it.
12
This is so deeply disheartening--- I feel a sense of despair that our leader (who many of us have known for some time now) is a corrupt man who has no sense of honor or dignity or allegiance to the country he serves. I hate to make a comparison to Hitler (the go-to man for comparisons) but even Hitler had an allegiance to his country, though everything he did was inhumane. When, though, will someone from the Republican party stand up to Trump? Yes, we have seen a few brave ones but where are the others? Hiding and hoping this will all go away and not tarnish them? Historians one day will brand them as "cowards!"
148
@Dee
Anyone from the Republican party who stands up to Trump will be deselected.
If I were told I would lose my job and many friends if I did not support a Trump clone here in Europe I would certainly support the guy.
@Ian "If I were told I would lose my job and many friends if I did not support a Trump clone here in Europe I would certainly support the guy."
Speaking of Hitler and Nazi Germany...
5
@Dee deeply disheartened by cowards?!
How to help such people? Organize ?!
1
The well being of the Kurds and the Ukrainians mean as much to Trump as Tiffany and Melania's kid, whats-his-name.
10
When will the Times call for his resignation? It is time for trump to go.
9
According to Taylor’s statement, Sondland said Trump was conditioning “everything”—both the $381mm in security did and the White House meeting—on the Ukrainian president’s public announcement of investigations into the Bidens and into Russia’s role in our last presidential election. And then in almost the breath, Sondland said, in essence, “But the president assured me there was no quid pro quo.”
So which one is it, Mr. President? Are you just gaslighting us again? Or do you really not know what a “quid pro quo” is?
8
Let’s see:
• 17 American Intelligence and Security Agencies have said that Russia interfered in the last 2016 presidential elections
• Trump dismissed these American agencies in favor of Putin by saying “Putin said he did not do it and I believe him.”
• Mueller testified that Russia is still interfering in the coming presidential elections, a statement that is accepted by the Senate Intelligence Committee as a fact, not a conjecture
• Trump threatens Ukraine that unless they announce that they are conducting an investigation into the Bidens as the persons who seek foreign electoral interference and it was not Russia, aid will be withheld
All these beggar the Q —
Why is Trump desperately covering up Putin’s continuing electoral interference?
Also another Q —
Why is Moscow “I can’t recall” Mitch silent?
11
Oops, there it is! Oops, there it is! Oops, there it is!
3
@bill
You can see Obama at 1:00 xD
It'll be a time for worldwide celebration once we are rid of this pestilence that currently occupies our White House...And let's not forget that the only reason that Trump is currently in our White House is that he managed to steal the presidency with the help of his good friend, Putin...And he's trying to do it again!...But it won't work this time. We're on to his crooked and deceitful ways, now. Yes, he's toast...and good riddance to him!
7
@Mike B. - I've already got I'm On My Way to Happiness by the Proclaimers queued up and ready for that great day. I've even picked which street I'm going to dance in.
7
"Smoking gun"? More like a mushroom cloud.
11
Donald Trump is forgetting to wear ruby red slippers and click his heels three times when he says, "There's no quid pro quo, there's no quid pro quo, ..."
8
“'Let us in!' House Republicans staged a protest outside a closed-door deposition, stalling the testimony. Schiff summoned the Sergeant-at-arms to disperse them." NYT 10/23/19.
If the Republicans are so upset, Schiff must be doing something right.
11
If the Republican plan is to make Trump look like an ignorant and clumsy oaf, it seems to be working quite well since Trump exhibits all sorts of negative characteristics all the time. If it will be enough to be a defense in an impeachment process is another issue altogether.
2
OK. So quid pro quo is now established. But why has the media allowed Trump to make it some sort of point in the first place? The statute forbidding foreign interference in US elections does not require "quid pro quo". The WH transcript of the phone call already established Trump's guilt under the campaign finance laws, and the basically foul notion that he wants foreign help in OUR Presidential election. I fail to see why so many Americans poo-poo such a violation.
My test always is: What if Obama was caught doing the
same thing?
In any event, establishing quid pro quo proves the elements necessary for the additional crime of extortion.
5
Does Trump even know what Quid Pro Quo means!!? Just because he continues to chant “no quid pro quo,” doesn’t mean that there was none. Thank you Mr. Taylor.
7
To the jugular. The con man (never call him President, he's illegitimate) must be done with.
4
The definition f a real man is Mr. Bill Taylor and Mr. Mueller old school of decency. Both are the exact opposite of Trump in every way that matters in life.
Mr. Taylor is a graduate with honors from West Point, not like Pompeo who probably cant even find the building now
Mr. Taylor fought in Viet Nam unlike the draft dodger Mr. Taylor is a man of honor who loves America and Trump is a man of dishonor who loves nothing but his self and corruption.
Thank god in a white house of vipers we have Mr. Taylor and Mr. Mueller who stood up when the pathetic GOP looked for a closet to hide in.
6
DJT is a great example of a codependent who allows Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama, Joe Biden, and Nancy Pelosi (among many others) to live rent free inside his head. His obsession with his perceived enemies and his lust for riches drive his every move and thought. He cannot exorcise them from his head and the US is paying a heavy price for his delusions. His oath of office was meaningless, mere words that he recited for appearance. Most likely there was neither understanding nor care in what he was saying. The Constitution is a relic of history for him, not a living document by which to live and govern.
5
Nothing impeachable here, under the rules of the game.
What you need for impeachment, is a Video of Trump handing over to Putin the codes to disable our nuclear devices, and Putin handing Trump a large bag of cut diamonds.
These articles may amuse a certain segment of the Democratic party, but I don't see any wining 2020 strategy materializing.
Every bad thing anyone ever said about Trump is true - but he remains a formidable opponent.
How is funding an ethnic conflict conducive to good international order? The US Congress has become warmonger central. Zelinsky has stated that the phone conversation is essentially much different from Taylor's story. The story is catered to fit the completely confusing change by the moment facts the NYTs wants to present as dire evidence against Trump.
Wow, smoking gun is right. This is a direct quid pro quo and Trump and his sycophants can lawyer up all they want, they are all going down. This is our generation's Watergate x100. Will the GOP ever learn their lesson that lying, cheating, and trying to steal elections will only lead to their downfall? I think the biggest problem lingering from Watergate 1.0 is that the ringleaders and lawbreakers got away with it for the most part, particularly Nixon, who was given a pardon that he never deserved, thanks to the Republican Ford. I think this only emboldened the GOP since then to double and triple down on corruption at all levels of government. This time, no mercy, no quarter, they ALL need to go to jail for being traitors to this country, our Constitution and our democracy. #2020VoteBlue
4
Smoking gun? More like house on fire...
5
"What comes through most clearly in Mr. Taylor’s written testimony... is the sheer shock that an American president would be so reckless with both human lives and international relations, all for his own political gain."
No offense to Mr. Taylor, who sounds like an honorable man and an upstanding public service, but...
SHOCK?
SERIOUSLY?
Where have you been for the past 4 years? Or the past 40 years, since Donald Trump blazed onto the national scene?
At the very least since The World's Most Infamous Escalator Ride, it has been crystal clear to anyone paying even a modicum of attention that Donald Trump is a serious contender for the title of Worst Person in the World.
Cruel, mendacious, egotistical, narcissistic, and utterly devoid of human empathy. I have literally never met a human who is nearly as All Around Bad as Donald Trump.
6
The initial accusation was that President Trump threatened to withhold military aid from Ukraine unless newly elected Ukrainian President Zelensky agreed to “look into” the Burisma/Biden connection and allegations that Ukraine meddled in the 2016 U.S. presidential election. But the transcript of the July 2019 phone call shows Zelensky readily—even enthusiastically—agreed to Trump’s requests. Why wouldn’t he? The Treaty With Ukrainian on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters requires the United States and Ukraine to assist each other in the conduct of criminal investigations.
The U.S. Justice Department investigated the July phone call and determined “there was no campaign finance violation and that no further action was warranted.”
Now Ambassador Taylor alleges that Trump threatened to withhold aid unless Zelensky publicly announced he was opening an investigation on the Biden/Burisma relationship. Taylor say Zelensky promised to make such statement to CNN. The military funds were released on September 11, but on Zelensky said during an Oct. 10 press conference, “There was no blackmail. I had no idea the military aid was held up.”
The best evidence is that Zelensky simply agreed to Trump's requests without being coerced.
1
@William Case You don't seem to understand that the law expressly forbids soliciting this help. It does not matter AT ALL if the person he asks want to do it. You can't ask if, as here, the ask was to help Trump personally and not for the U.S. The treaty would in no way require any assistance to "investigate" a debunked theory that Biden did anything wrong(he didn't because what he did was to seek to have more investigations into corruption not less).
4
All it takes now is for Bolton to testify in public. I am sure he will back up Pelosi's statement that all roads lead to Putin.
Left out in the Ukraine saga is the fact that Trump, Barr, Giuliani , Mulvaney and Pompeo were doing Russia's bidding in trying to drive a wedge between Ukraine and the US. That is why Bolton had to go.
Impeach for Treason Now!
6
As other analysts have highlighted-- Graham's comments were less of an admission than a subtle legalistic attempt to move the impeachment goalposts somewhere into the asteroid belt...
5
Smoking guns have come to identify the Trump Presidency and it's enabler the Republican Party which over time has come to be subsumed into the agenda of right wing fanatics. When will all the accumulated artillery finally be discharged in defense of America itself to bring down these forces holding this country hostage? America is under siege, in crisis, in a condition that is nothing less than a fight to maintain its progressive legacy and the championing of humanitarian values. Under Trump and the Republicans Americans have been enduring an aberration in the American story. A debasing fascist chapter that demands closure. Our lives as Americans depend upon it.
This isnt a smoking gun.....this is a gun that went off in front of a crowd of people who are all spilling the beans and naming names. Why isn't every democrat calling for the immediate indictment of the whole lot of these co-conspirators?!?
Democrats are instead sitting on their biscuit- afraid to risk it - too busy being cautious and worrying about their own futures. That's deplorable in its own right.
Where is the strong democratic candidate calling to warm up the paddy wagons and get these traitors, grifters and slim-of-all-sorts off the street NOW. How about shutting down the government utterly, calling for a general strike, occupying congress, declaring this administration corrupt and withdrawing all participating in government ---all of which are justified--- these are things leaders do. Who is going to step up and lead?
2
Maybe Trump will end up in Russia. I'm sure Putin would be happy to offer him asylum. Then the country would be grateful that he spent all his time golfing and holding rallies instead of learning all those complicated, hard-to-remember state secrets.
4
William Taylor... will HE be our hero now? So many false prophets.
2
If you drive at 90mph in a 35 mph zone you don't have to tell me you were speeding; I know you did.
If Trump offered military aid to Ukraine in exchange for favors (i.e. permit to build a luxury hotel), you don't have to tell me he was offering quid pro quo or tit for tat even if he never said the Q word.
3
Trump, or the Constitution you swore to uphold. Choose!
6
Explain "quid pro quo" to Trump supporters. I doubt they are schooled in Latin. While you're at it, explain "E Pluribus Unum."
6
I am furious at every US official who refused to protect our country and the world from Trump's abuses at any time in his presidency even as they piled up from day one. When the spotlight was on them, these corrupt and stupid politicians took cover under what they deemed insufficient evidence, ignoring the fact that a legal standard of malfeasance is and should be not required when the president has so much power and so much is at stake. We now have met and surpassed that standard. Time has run out. Whatever damage Trump does beyond this point will be a ball and chain on the foot of every politician who does not fully support impeachment and conviction. Every single one needs to pay a terrible price for his complicity.
4
The smart play now for the GOP is for Donald to resign and pay the price for his crimes.
3
Attack the messenger, attack the message. That's all they have. What is astounding is that the base keeps falling for it, over and over. It defies logic that every negative thing about Trump is a lie. It shows a depressing lack of critical thinking skills among our populace.
4
Trump was investigating corruption in the Ukraine. He is the chief law enforcement officer. This is a nothing burger. Move on people.
@Geoff S.
The President is not "chief law enforcement officer". That's why you have a Department of Justice, which must be independent. If it isn't, you end up with the "Gestapo". Any suspected wrong-doing should be referred to the DoJ, not become the subject of a mafia shale down.
2
@Geoff S. - Using his personal attorney?
2
@Geoff S.
Then why did he hold up the funds they expected to use in the investigating?
How much more needs to come out before the Senate will convict and free us from this man & his ilk? He has corrupted everyone around him and poisoned the political system itself. If Trump can't be impeached, who can? For abandoning the Kurds, even murder is not a limit on his bad acts. Come on, Republicans, do the right thing and eject Trump from office. We simply cannot give him another year to wreck havoc with America and all that we stand for.
4
Let’s start calling the illegal actions that have been revealed by credible professionals what it is—extortion. The corruption of this Executive & his administration is the worst we have ever seen in this country. Blackmail is NOT normal, unless you live in Russia. Putin’s Puppet has run out of illogical excuses and there must be accountability from the top down.
3
I'm sure someone skilled in the art of the deal can negotiate with Trump, explaining to him his options:
* Resign now and perhaps avoid impeachment.
* Pay a huge financial penalty and perhaps avoid imprisonment.
* Continue to break the law, obstruct justice, suborn perjury, and defy the constitution, and go to prison for life, and see your co-conspirators such as Ivanka and Jared in prison too.
Nixon was a crook and a mentally deranged guy, and even he figured out it was better to leave rather than fight.
I'm sure someone can make Trump see the writing on the wall.
The art of the deal, indeed.
Bye bye, con man, and good riddance.
PS- Pence is impeachable too!
2
Quoting Pomerantsev, the British journalist who delves into the current Russian mindset, we can see how the President’s brain functions when it needs to assign reasons for actions.
And it appears it is a conglomeration of ideas used in attack espousing a philosophy where ‘nothing is true and everything is possible’. ‘Facts’ are nothing but mere trivia to be simply waved away to a foggy bottom.
2
Mr. Taylor is an American hero. The Republican senators in Congress are an American embarrassment and disgrace. And Donald Trump in the White House will go down in history as one of the greatest mistakes America has ever made.
America, you choose what is right. If you feel that you have been conned - speak up and say so. It is the only way that we will be able to rid ourselves, by any legal means available , of the tyrant and criminal who sits in the Oval Office.
4
Trump and the complicit GOP are traitors to democracy, clear and simple. The ringleaders of this shadow diplomacy to benefit Trump and Putin over the fledgling democracy of Ukraine and the will of the American people must be tried and FIRED by military firing squad for their deception and endangerment of personnel.
2
Trump is THE smoking gun. The sooner we and our elected employees recognize this, the sooner and better we can deal with him.
Trump is the whole of all his and this nations problems. Its not Loony-Skip Rudy, or Pompous Pompeo, or Moonie Mulvaney. Its Trump. He is every actor in the play. No matter what the others do or try to stop him from doing, he's still the one making the calls, and calling off the troops. He's the one who announces a deal - on Twitter - when there is none. Forcing a Staff Scramble. He's the one tweeting about a non existent military operation, or the reversal of one or more. He's the one undermining his staff and appointees.
He has made it abundantly clear, that he and only he is running the whole show...that all roads, all threads, all smoke trails and gunshot residue leads back to him!
Trump is THE smoking gun. We need to look no further. Its all him. Everyone else is simply the ones with the splatter all over them...he's the one who's loaded, who aimed and who pulled the trigger. Trump is the smoking gun.
3
"In that America, there should be no room in the Oval Office for someone like Donald Trump." We do know that if t rump is in the Oval Office there is no room for anyone else.
If there are any republicans left standing in positions of power and influence after this next year we might not have a democracy anymore.
A truly terrifying part of this scenario is that about 1/3 of US have decided it's OK to let this so called president shred the Constitution because a perfectly legal media outlet has been whipping up sedition and civil war for 20 years. With the full blessing of the republican party.
Now that internal cancer is being spread throughout the world and thousands plus of people, including children, are going to die as a result of this war criminal who squats in our White House.
3
These civil servants have spent their entire working lives for the betterment of the United States and for people in the countries they are assigned to.
For the president and this administration to mischaracterize them and say vile things about them is beyond contemptuous.
This administration needs to go!
2
No puppet, no collusion, no quid pro quo. Trump yet again shows us that, for him, "no" means "yes."
1
Those at the top almost always escape justice, but their toadies and henchman do not. At a minimum, Gordon Sondland is guilty of perjury. Things will not go well for him.
2
Once again, Republican voters and members of Congress, make it a point of pride not to read Mr. Taylor’s full testimony. Just like they didn’t read the whistleblower report and Mueller’s report. Fox News even tells their viewers not to read such things. Makes it so much easier to yell “Traitor” at those who investigate Trump. Listen to yourself, Trumplicans! As you would have it, a reporting on breaking of Constitutional law by a President is treasonous! This has become the playbook of the Republican Party. If Trump is guilty of treason, call everyone who merely dislikes the length of his tie a traitor. Every negative attribute of our President that is supported by television interviews, texts, tweets, and Congressional testimony is turned around and launched at those who note it - and without a shred of credible evidence. Trump’s law breaking actions in the Ukraine would have been the basis on an “October surprise” in 2020. In the short time that remained, it would not have mattered that the accusations were false.
1
Agree that there is no room for Donald Trump in the Oval Office in a democratic government! I don't really know how any of this is surprising however. DJT is an egotist who has no concern for humanity and wants to win at all costs. Many of us knew this before the election and his supporters who are willing to acknowledge and admit it know now also. IMPEACH!
5
Senator Lindsey Graham was used as an example of cracks in Republican support for Trump: “If you could show me that, you know, Trump actually was engaging in a quid pro quo, outside the phone call, that would be very disturbing.”
I don’t see it that way. Why “outside the phone call” when the evidence for quid pro quo was stunningly present in the phone call? Why is that phone call not “very disturbing”?
If there were five text messages also laying out a quid pro quo, Graham would surely say, “OK, but besides the phone call and text messages, what is there?”
Nope, Graham is stalwart. No cracks there.
158
@Eric Ressner
Lindsey Graham isn't stupid. He's just very scared and intimidated for whatever reason. Since he didn't initially react to the memo regarding the phone call, I feel he's just waiting for the right moment to condemn Trump's obvious quid pro quo.
6
@Eric Ressner Exactly. The goal posts are basically on wheels at this point. They concede one point in the same breath as they claim it is irrelevant. Such disgusting behaviour.
14
@Eric Ressner
BTW he also said this impeachment inquiry was a lynching "in every sense," which would mean a literal lynching. This coming from a Southern Senator. Disgraceful.
23
Why is everyone using the term "quid pro quo?" The money was already authorized by Congress and the funding was already vetted. The correct term is "extortion!"
11
If Senate Republicans protect Trump after Taylor's testimony we are no longer a country living under the rule of law.
9
"Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina said, 'If you could show me that, you know, Trump actually was engaging in a quid pro quo, outside the phone call, that would be very disturbing.'"
Prepare to be disturbed, (soon-to-be) Mr. Graham. Does Trump have to extort the leader of an ally in front of your eyes? Or would you still say it's all smoke and mirrors? Good god.
6
By definition, there can be no Quid Pro Quo if both sides are not aware of the terms. Despite the endless accusations, this still has not been demonstrated. Mainstream media has NO issues with putting the cart before the horse... unless there's no money being made.
3
@carl bumba ….Please get the facts. Read the White House transcript of the phone call. Read the statement issued by Taylor. Being informed is the first obligation of being a citizen. Facts are important if there is to be a rational discussion of events.
4
@W.A. Spitzer
What facts don't I have in your view? I didn't see in the 15-pages or elsewhere that there is evidence Ukraine officials understood that the reason for the delayed distribution of money was because they needed to do something for us (Trump)? I'm sure no lawyer, but I believe that OUR intentions and desires are are not enough for a quid pro quo. The other side, the quo part, has to be on board.
2
Why don't you tell us which party was not aware of the terms? Oh, OK, Trump was not aware he was extorting Zelensky, so he should be excused. Excuse me?
1
I care -- maybe you care -- about the "smoking gun" yet agin revealing the amorality and lawlessness of the president and his administration. But, the Republican Party and Trump's "base"? Not at all.
As has been noted many times before: when it comes to political battles, Republicans "fall in line" while the Dems "fall in love." These cliches seem more true now than ever, as Sanders battles Warren, Clinton battles Gabbard, Buttigieg battles O'Rourke. Biden wanders off. Are we watching Dems arranging themselves in their cliched "circular firing squad"...yet again?
Impeachment may be inevitable. But, unless the Dems prepare themselves to get (enthusiastically) in line behind whomever heads the Democratic Party ticket, the re-election of the Trump kakistocracy may also be inevitable.
3
All the president's men and their immoral leader need to be out of office, whether by vote in the next election or by impeachment. Will all those in the cheering section for Trump in the Republian party and at his rallies finally be persuaded of his corruption and unfitness for office? Let us hope this terrible chapter of American history will soon be behind us.
Meanwhile, if you go to the Fox News Web site, they're spinning all this the exact opposite way. They're claiming that, the more we hear, the more Trump is exonerated. And to read the comments after articles, their readers clearly go nowhere else for news. It's truly astonishing.
6
No Mr Trump it is not a smoking gun but it does show a well known and well played pattern that can follow your deeds back in time to well before you took office. Because we tend to be creatures of habit and I bet this really has you very afraid. So do the world a favor and resign now.
1
West Pointer’s should be proud of this alumnus. A “Profiles In Courage” moment.
3
@Time - Space
Unfortunately, Mike Pompeo is also a West Point grad.
1
@JimP
Every so often, there’s a West Point cheater and cheating scandal. This happens to be another unfortunately.
3
After reading William Taylor’s timeline a few thing become clear about our nation’s leader. He does not care about humanity. Ukraine is at war and their soldiers are dying. Nothing. Trump feels nothing and seems to care only about his re- election plans. The Kurds fought and died beside our soldiers and trusted us to follow through or at least keep ISIS prisoners from escaping. We left them to die. We left them homeless. We abandoned them.
Trump does not feel empathy the way Taylor or most of us do when we hear about soldiers fighting and dying. Even the Trump’s charity organizations had to be shut down, as pure selfish self-dealing operations.
This should be scary. Trump might be a psychopath, incapable of feelings and unable to let go of small slights. Revenge seems to be his only game. It would explain why people are so afraid to cross him.
5
Now that Lindsay Grahamhas evidence of quid pro quo "outside of the phone call", is his standard of evidence of a crime now going to be a written, signed contract?
2
And the criminal has to recite the name of the crime while he's committing it.
2
Whether Trump had a quid pro quo agreement with Zelensky or a tacit mutual understanding doesn’t matter—they are both abuse of power for personal gain. Wegman and the Democrats are fussing over details, heading toward a Mueller Report redux, where the truth comes out and Trump bulldozes through, accelerating his abuses of power, driving toward one-man rule. The House Democrats should use their power to charge Barr, Giuliani, Pompeo, and Mulvaney for contempt of Congress, prosecute them in federal court, to put them on notice the minute Trump leaves office they’re going to Leavenworth.
2
If the 2016 election is such a pressing matter for all Americans, then why wasn't the investigation going through official diplomatic channels? Why do we have the president's personal lawyer involved and why does it require moonlighting by the EU Ambassador and the Energy Secretary?
3
Those people who are not sure why Trump will not release his tax information and why he attacked Meryl Streep with insults should consider watching the Netflix 2019 movie "Laundromat". Hint -- it has nothing to do with washing machines.
My guess is that Trump is up to his eyeballs in offshore activity, and that his tax papers will demonstrate the depths he will go to avoid paying anything close to his fair share.
6
Remember back when a verifiable quid pro quo was not required for this situation to be egregious? It was enough that the leader of the US sought personal political "favors" from the leader of a weaker, dependent country. Back in those long ago days (a few weeks ago!), the obvious, implicit pressure was enough to spark the impeachment inquiry. Since then, the administration's spin doctors successfully re-set the bar at the higher "quid pro quo" level. Even though the facts have easily sailed right over that bar, everyone should be alerted and frightened by this change in threshold and accompanying narrative, because it will keep happening -- or at least, they'll keep trying. The architect of this strategy was interviewed a couple of weeks ago - very enlightening: https://www.nytimes.com/2019/10/10/podcasts/the-daily/impeachment-inquiry-democrats-republicans-kavanaugh.html
1
why is there so little discussion about the mueller report, trumps ties to putin and the fact that this is not an isolated incident. it is virtually the same MO that got trump "elected" ; as outlined by the report. this is the "mob boss" method.
the difference now is that there are people involved who have integrity and morals and believe in the law. and there is documentation beyond what trump and associates would have kept pre-election. the big giant elephant in the room is that trump just handed putin a huge win by withdrawing from syria. trying to subjugate Ukraine by drawing them into a mafia style 'favor' is a continuation of doing putin's bidding.
im not saying trump KNOWS that he's a Russian asset. but simply add the secrecy of his off-the-record conversations, his propensity towards self-dealing, and his giant, fragile, narcissistic ego .. (not to mention a lifetime of shady dealings with shady characters and an open willingness to circumvent the law) .. he is the perfect tool.
5
The only time a president has been impeached is over a crime punishable by law the American people can relate to.
Nixon: breaking and entering
Clinton: perjury
Nobody cares about a phone call to Ukraine. Democrats clearly have ulterior motives, ideological motives for the whole impeachment charade and everyone knows it. That's why Trump will not be impeached.
2
We understand treason.
3
Nixon didn't do the B&E. He covered it up and lied to the American people. Clinton lied too according to Republicans. Now Trump has his phone call transcript on super secret lockdown and witnesses seem to be revealing that he lied about extorting a foreign power using tax money for personal gain. Lying was enough to impeached others. Why does it not apply now?
2
In 2016, Donald Trump's campaign got dirt about Hillary from from a foreign entity. He got away with it. His desire to win and never be considered a "loser" takes precedence over the law and therefore necessitates that he do it again.
4
To get necessary votes in the Senate for impeachment, democrats and people need to go after republican senators with an ounce of feelings for the nation.
Time to ask Mitt if he truly cares for the country.
No one should hedge anything on Graham regardless of what he said in Axios on HBO. He is a chameleon who changes colors to match the surroundings. Remember that he was one of the only few republicans defending Trump's statement about 'Lynching'.
2
Trump's OWN acting envoy indicts Trump.
Draw up Articles of Impeachment now.
If Dems dither and do not act on this "smoking gun" testimony immediately, then Dems deserve to lose this battle.
Trump is a clear danger to our nation.
3
Is there not one Republican hero in the Senate who will stand up for America and be counted?
3
There's one, the junior senator from Utah, but unfortunately, we need 20 American heroes.
2
The so-called quid pro quo is not, in the minds of many of the president's supporters, a smoking gun.
I urge the Times to direct their reportrs to the areas where the president's support is strongest, and begin a conversation on why the efforts of the administration to enlist the Ukranian government's help in influencing the 2020 election are permissible under constitutional law.
1
Impeach and convict now. Let's not lose the momentum. If not now, when? "Tomorrow," after the trumpists' coup?
1
Mr. Taylor is an unimpeachable witness to a reprehensible presidential action putting his corrupt political interests above the interests of all Ukrainians and all Americans. Trump has no regard for others and deserves to be impeached. We cannot afford to leave this malefactor in office.
3
Republican Senators will either tell the tale of how they defended America against a coup attempt by crazed left-wing socialists, or about how they defended Democracy against a crazed would-be dictator. They don't care which story they tell, they're just waiting to make sure they put all their eggs in the right basket. Don't overestimate the power of an oath to defend the constitution. The betting sites still have Trump the odds on favorite in the 2020 election - if he wins, the story will be about a coup attempt crushed by brave and patriotic Republican senators. On the bright side, even when a rat has pledged his loyalty the ship, have you noticed what happens when it starts to sink?
2
Trump is going to make a public statement on Ukraine shortly. It will be delivered with flat affect since it will be on teleprompter, no doubt. Someone else wrote it and baby man will read it to us.
My wild dream is that he will announce that the endless “witch hunts” are costing him too much money so we will resign. He told us just the other day about the two to five billion he loses by being president. Good excuse.
Otherwise, it will just be hot air.
2
Well, Lindsey Graham’s “nothing burger” is looking a lot more like a 3/4 pounder.
3
As upsetting and damning as this is, this story will be a walk in the park compared to what the future unravelling may hold. Think of the possibility of kompromat.
3
From reading some of the comments here I would like to remind people of the blatant hypocrisy of demanding impeachment or jail time for something that probably every single member of congress has done in the past. Politics is Quid Pro Quo, you don't get to congress without promising something for your vote (get it!) Biden's son is the real issue being overlooked as it was hidden under Obamas agencies. I'm sure I wont be the first one to tell you this but I will promise that any impeachment will doom a lot of politicians (Dems and Repubs). Trump doesn't need to carry on a political career after this or write a book or go on a tour to make money, this makes him dangerous to the establishment. Draining the swamp may look more like a black hole vortex by the time he is done. Good Luck!
1
Uh, quid pro quo can be okay or not, depending on the context.
"Vote for my bill, and I'll vote for yours" is fine.
Presidential abuse of power that compromises national security to go after personal political rivals? Not so much.
3
@AACNY
Most Americans understand the difference between government to government quid pro quo, which is the normal give and take in negotiating. And that’s legal. What you fail to distinguish is government to personal quid pro quo. Which is what TRump pushed with Zelensky and is illegal.
4
If this can not turn the hearts of the Republican party and voters I am not confident that anything can.
Now we will be able to take the true measure of GOP integrity, or lack of same. Is there any honor or decency left in the Republicans or are they now simply driven by self-interest, self-advancement, and blind lust for power?
1
It was a smoking gun when he admitted to asking for the favor. If the media did their jobs that is.
Would also help if democrats were strong instead of constantly defensive and weak in action.
1
Republicans will claim that the smoking gun only fired blanks, doing no harm. We are not about to see a Nixon caught on tape committing a crime and compelled to resign, yet.
1
The mob boss (trump) stated there was no "quid pro quo". That's as valid of a defense as an armed robber stating over and over as he cleans out your wallet "this is not an armed robbery".
2
I, for one, would welcome a return to "political correctness".
1
I remember Watergate. They were all loudly. and angrily proclaiming innocence and announcing how they were being unfairly attacked until suddenly it was all over and everyone had long grey guilty faces and hang dog looks as they went off to jail. All the wind went out of their sails overnight. The only thing that makes a difference in their public attitude was the long arm of jail. They just can't summon innocence any more, its too obvious to all then.
1
Let there be no question, none at all: Trump is guilty of violating the very oath he took and is richly deserving of "serious" prison time.
2
I think things have gone from "smoking gun" to historical fact .
2
The RNC and the rest of the Republican members of Congress need to cut their losses, impeach Trump and open up the primaries to better Republican candidates.
2
Watching Erdogan and Putin tells the whole story -- whether it is with the Kurds or in Ukraine. Trump has surrendered our position(s), again and again to Vladimir Putin. In the case of Erdogan it is pretty much obvious. In fact, it spells out Trump's real inclinations. In the case of the Ukraine all you need to do is ask: "What would Putin want?" Restricted military assistance for Ukraine? Absolutely. Push Ukraine to deal with (or surrender to) Putin? Rachel Maddow has said that he has also done that. And for Putin? His great advantage in that would take the form of undermining U.S. sanctions against Putin. Trump continues to arrange for Putin to get his way. At the end of the day that is all there is to it.
1
Ambassador Taylor deserves the Congressional Medal of Honor for conduct above and beyond the call of duty. He did the right thing. It's so simple, really. It is also a concept the being in the White House and his minions don't understand and never will.
2
It appears to me that there is another angle on this whole debacle that is not being discussed and that could potentially constitute another impeachable offense in its own right. In addition to it being illegal to solicit something of value from a foreign government in connection with an election campaign (regardless of whether or not there is a quid pro quo) isn’t there also a violation of campaign finance law here? Trump was arguably seeking to pay for something his re-election campaign wanted (i.e. investigations by Ukraine of the Bidens / Burisma and of interference in the 2016 election) using money that didn’t even belong to his campaign - i.e. hundreds of millions of dollars of taxpayers’ money! I’m not familiar with the details of campaign finance law, but I assume that it is illegal for a sitting President to use (or attempt to use) taxpayer dollars to fund his re-election campaign?
3
That’s because the Justice Department took the campaign finance laws down from their website in January, 2017, I kept getting “404, Page Not Found”. The Republican corruption is boundless.
3
Demanding an investigation of widely-reported suspicious activity is a high crime and misdemeanor? If a president's competitors commit crimes are they immune from investigation? Indeed, is a president not duty-bound to insist on investigation of crimes?
1
@james : Personal benefit. Aid already approved. Impeach.
3
If all this is so clear what is the crime that the President committee that would incur a jail session? A President can be impeached for treason, bribery, high crimes and misdemeanors. If there was a real crime you can bet that there would be public hearings and the procedures in the Constitution would be followed, i.e. a vote to start an impeachment investigation with the minority having the right to call witnesses. The President is the only person vested with the rights to conduct foreign policy. He can do it the way he wants. Asking or even insisting that a foreign to investigate government to investigate corruption is not a crime. President Obama had Trump investigated by the FBI. Did he commit a crime? The place to resolve these issues is at the ballot box not in Congress!
1
@Bored : Treason: betraying an ally in time of war; Ukrainian allies, check. Bribery: receiving personal benefit in misuse of public position: political dirt in exchange for aid already approved, check. High crimes: both of the above, check. Misdemeanors: lying and coercing others to lie to the American people. You’re right Trump is not guilty of any Constitutional violation, he is guilty of ALL of them. Impeachment, now.
2
Perhaps you should take a look at the US constitution.
1
@Bored The phrase “High Crimes and Misdemeanors” has origins centuries before the constitution was ratified, and encompasses more than just crimes found in statutes or common law, and can include abuse of power and other items. Putting the phrase in the constitution was a compromise between framers that thought impeachment should only be limited to criminal acts, and others who wanted a broader “maladministration” to be the basis. But if you’re insisting on criminal acts, there’s a campaign finance law violation, getting/seeking something of value (an investigation into your potential electoral opponent, regardless of the merits) from a foreign individual for the purpose of influencing an election. There’s also just plain extortion, as the money was already allocated by congress for the aid and threatening to withhold money allocated already is not in the president’s power to do. As far as the impeachment process goes, the democrats do not have the independent counsel law as in past impeachments, so they have to gather the evidence like Ken Starr and Archibald Cox did. That kind of evidence gathering needs some privacy to protect the integrity of the investigation. No one would seriously insist Starr or Cox should have interviewed witnesses in public in front of Congress. As to your final point, the FBI received information about Trump and campaign associates they believed warranted an investigation, there wasn’t some kind of command from Obama saying “investigate Trump now”
1
I fear that none of this will penetrate the weltanschauung of Trump supporters. Two articles in the NYT recently brought this home to me with piercing clarity.
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/10/04/opinion/sunday/trump-arkansas.html
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/10/21/opinion/florida-republicans-impeachment.html
"Economic appeals are not going to sway any Trump voters, who view anyone who is trying to increase government spending, especially to help other people, with disdain, even if it ultimately helps them, too. ... They see Mr. Trump’s slashing of the national safety net and withdrawal from the international stage as necessities — these things reflect their own impulse writ large."
"In their eyes, Mr. Trump is a patriotic man doing the best he can, and those who go against him are traitors to the country. They see the Democratic Party as desperate, willing to do anything to take the president down. They fully believe the conspiracy theories Mr. Trump spins on Twitter — from the birther movement to wind turbines causing cancer and everything in between. They subscribe to the “witch hunt” mentality he pushes forward.
Republicans here can equate these “witch hunts” to things that have happened to them in their own lives. Just like they, unfairly, have not been able to move up in the world, so too is Mr. Trump, unfairly, being hunted down, his words and motives twisted to suit the needs of that same enemy. The investigations only strengthen their kinship with him."
4
The sheer brazenness, the chutzpah, the cavalier attitude to human life is on exhibit perpetrated by an out of control chief executive who is aided and abetted by millions as well as 53 Republican Senators.
We've had our John Dean moment. Trump is toast; without butter and jam...He has committed such heinous crimes in broad daylight, there is no defense, even from Fox, the presidents soapbox and propaganda machine.
Really, putting political interest above that of Country should ring the bells of even the most hard core Trumpist.
13
@Paul
Sometimes I wonder if Watergate damaged the liberals more than it did the conservatives. This situation is VERY different from Watergate.
1
I agree that Taylor’s testimony is the last nail in the coffin. However, the smoking gun is the memo/transcript. The latter shows a this for that, though maybe not as clearly as Taylor’s testimony. However, no quid pro quo is necessary. All Trump had to do was solicit something of personal value from Selensky, which he clearly did, to be impeached. Quid pro quo, or this for that, is used in common law to establish a contract. This is why a city might lease land to the Little League for $1/year for 100 years. The $1 solidifies the contract. Trump did something the constitution says he can’t do, no quid pro quo necessary. End of story. The “no QPQ” defense was simply a red herring.
4
@Anonymous
To be impeached? You could do ANYTHING and get impeached for it. And where does the constitution say that the president can't "solicit something of personal value"?
Carl Numba
Try Article 1, section 9, clause 8 of our Constitution.
1
@Charlene Barringer
Sorry, I'm a slow thinker. This clause does not apply because it is to prevent leverage or "quid pro quo" in the OTHER direction. Maybe Trump will be showered with honorary doctorates after his next term is over.
1
Suspense: How does this end? Trump lacks the dignity, class, respect for our nation and, of course, humility to exit patriotically. I believe that straight jackets are no longer in use. I can't envision this tale's climax.
4
When will American New York Times subscribers finally have enough of this daily madness? When will the Fourth Estate (in Trumpspeak the “Fake News”) start demanding real answers from Trump? For starters, ask him to EXPLAIN what he meant by the “phony emoluments clause in the Constitution.” Ask him to define, exactly, what withholding military support for campaign activities IS, if not a quid pro quo. Every time he uses inflammatory rhetoric, e.g., a “lynching,” to distract and confound, publish a picture of what a lynching ACTUALLY looks like. Why not publish a daily list of every statement Republican Congress members deploy to excuse, or worse, support this evil administration? By treating this President as an aberration and not a THREAT to this country, the Times is essentially helping this man and his minions buy time to plan his next attack on our democracy. I can only speak for myself, but I see the free press, our last check on an unhinged civil war, as fiddling- like a modern Nero- while Trump, Putin, and their allies are gathering kindling and timber to burn this nation down!
8
And speaking for myself, I’m truly bored with seeing lazy people scream at the press in exactly the same terms that Trump does.
Among other things, it hides ahat the press actually gets wrong.
The healthiest thing for this country is for Mr. Trump to serve serious jail time. It would send a message to our youngsters that bad guys (eventually) get punished. It would send a message to the world that we still abide by the rule of law. It would send a message to Republicans that sometimes when you play hardball, your bat cracks.
2692
@An Observer - I think the Republicans would cheat at hardball (in order to win), just like they do at everything else.
150
@An Observer In other words, "Lock HIM Up!" It has a nice ring to it, with more than a touch of irony.
123
@An Observer
Not just Donald. So many people have colluded with him, done his bidding, or actively participated in his crimes. We need to hold them all accountable. They have willingly and deliberately done more damage to the country and our future than most of those on Death Row. Will we enforce our Constitution or will we not?
186
If you have not read the 15 pages of remarkable prepared testimony from Ambassador Taylor, take the time to do it. The detail is astonishing and deeply troubling. This is a man who has served our nation for over four decades, through multiple administrations. There is no way to characterize him as anything other than a dedicated, knowledgeable, nonpartisan expert in the region. Donald can bay at the moon, but Ambassador Taylor has sterling credentials and an impeccable history.
In addition to reaping a personal benefit for his political campaign in 2020, it is abundantly clear that Donald had no qualms about throwing away the future of Ukraine and the people who live there, withholding aid that endangered this nascent democracy. It feels like a double betrayal in that regard. One for a Donald, one for his pal Putin. Same with Syria and the Kurds. Who won? Not the Kurds, not America.
Which brings me to my final point. It certainly seems that Jared has been running the shadow operation with the murderous MBS, as Rudy ran it with Ukraine. What role did Kushner play in helping MBS sidestep justice? What information has he given him, using his Donald ordered security clearance? I cannot imagine Donald is not exploiting that for his own benefit, given his predilection for self dealing.
1792
@NJlatelifemom I agree - there is "something rotten in Denmark" around the likes of Jared Kushner and Stephen Miller. I would guess their involvement in all of Trump's twists and grunts goes deep.
176
Agreed. The Trump Administration most likely has infiltrated and corrupted the diplomatic process with other countries as well.
139
@NJlatelifemom I am a senior citizen a 4 year military veteran and a significant taxpayer through my life and even now retired. I lead a very conservative life by the important measures. I have been honest law abiding in all significant ways and a devoted family man.
I worked hard all my long life and I have been a giver and not a taker in most ways some people judge such things.
I mostly respect people and do not expect all to think and act as I do. Indeed I am glad for the diversity it is healthy.
My point here is certainly not that I am superior to the average American but that I am "middle America" too.
I am the fabric of America too. I am well off middle class and I certainly am as much "forgotten and neglected" by the system as anyone like me situationally that votes Trump/GOP.
What I am though is a patriotic America who served his Country for the VALUES of liberal democracy. A solid citizen who values truth, justice, equality, fairness, ethics, modernity, progress, and the kinship of all humans and us with our environment.
I have a right to my opinion especially because the obvious facts bear it out.
Factually today's GOP with or without Trump is anathema to liberal democracy and our highest ideals.
To not judge them shameful, vile, and indeed enemies is supreme intellectual dishonesty or you just want theocratic authorization plutocracy.
Sorry but that is my reasoned PATRIOTIC opinion. Vote according!
144
Is the testimony from Ambassador Taylor a "smoking gun," Watergate-style? Oh, how I wish it were! But it's not, not quite, so let's not pop the champagne corks just yet.
Taylor cites a long list of conversations with others regarding Trump's quid pro quo. But the difference between this and Watergate is that in the latter there were recordings of conversations in which Nixon admitted to actions that were clear-cut crimes. Now, Trump can, rightly or wrongly, criticize the Taylor testimony as "hearsay evidence."
And while we're at it, Taylor isn't our new John Dean, either. Unlike Dean, he never had direct access to the president and can't testify as to Trump's (or Pence's) intentions, statements and orders.
Let's keep the bubbly on ice and keep searching for that smokin' 45 of 45's!
2
@Tom : Nice try. He is gone. Get used to it.
1
We now have a "smoking gun", but is that important? It confirms what we expected at this time last week - most people have probably already accepted the idea that Trump is using the power of his office to promote his personal financial and political ends. The important question is not 'did Trump do it?' - we all know he did.
The important question is 'do we as a nation consider this a sufficient reason to impeach?'. It should be - the constitution clearly states that the Office of the President should not be used for personal enrichment. However, many Americans don't seem to have read the constitution. For some reason Trump's outrageous behavior seems to be acceptable to many voters. This is the most troubling development in this affair - people have lost faith in the sanctity of public service. Can someone explain to me what is happening to public perception of government?
2
Republican senators seem OK with Trump using extortion to have Ukraine help Trump beat Biden.
That is the sickest part of all this.
5
Donald Trump is not quite Strange Fruit, he is rotten fruit and he needs to go.
2
It is not Quid Pro Quo to today's Republican. It is simply positive proof of a witch hunt & lynching.
The US President has committed at least one clearly impeachable offense. Open and shut case. If you have some resistance to that fact — get over it.
4
Reading Taylor's opening statement, perhaps the withholding of $$ from Ukraine had another purpose beyond getting dirt on Biden.
By withholding aid critical to Ukraine's war against the Russian invasion, Trump weakened Ukraine.
Did Trump just commit another impeachable offense by aiding an enemy at the cost of an ally?
Is that defined as treason?
Sen Martha McSally, my senator from AZ, you have been remarkably silent during this sordid affair. When will you tell your constituents your assessment of this matter?
When will you break your stone cold silence on impeachment and comment on the mounting evidence against Trump?
The people of Arizona want to hear from you.
3
No, you still haven’t found the “quo”.
2
@Jackson : You get your aid when you open the Biden investigation. Clear as day, a trade or bargain. High crime. Impeachment.
2
@Cal Prof and @ Jackson
Yes, there it is: TRump asked for a personal favor from a foreign government. It was not Trump asking for something to benefit a US business interest from a foreign government.
1
Trump Country, Russia and Sean Hannity are no longer in control.
2
Lindsey Graham? If Trump started a war with China, declared martial law in the US, and punched a baby in the face -- all in the same day -- Lindsey Graham would call those actions "disturbing," and do absolutely nothing else.
4
With this evidence and reporting, I just have one question:
Why hasn't Rudolph (Rudy) Giuliani been arrested for campaign violations, bribery, and illegally acting as a foreign agent?
This will make the president another "Individual 1". What a trophy room!
"No collusion, no quid pro quo" No more Trump, perp walk him outta the White House.
4
DJT now makes grifters look good and honorable.
1
Bill Taylor should run for President.
2
Have Trump's revenge tweets against courageous Taylor begun?
2
To the Trump voter none of this matters, they will vote for him again because they embrace his racism and his hate of immigrants. He may very well get impeached, and probably not convicted, but he stands a good chance of getting re-elected because hate Trumps all.
1
Haven’t had a chance to read all 15 pages yet or to see Trump’s clothing up close but clear to me that the President needs a new Taylor.
1
The whole thing reads like Soviet-style corruption. Or is it the new American-style corruption. If latter, God help us all!
3
But not a mushroom cloud either so why don’t we stick to what matters?
Republicans: meh. We’re cool with that.
1
And had Demorcats not taken back the House in 2018, none of this would have come to light.
Vote in 2020, ...as if America depends upon you.
5
I love that the author is channeling Inigo Montoya! Mr. Taylor will likely turn out to be one of the John Dean's of this putrid tale. Which Republican will step up and be Howard Baker?
2
If Lindsey Graham would have pause if there was independent evidence of an (unnecessary) quid pro quo, then why was he defending Trump's statement that the impeachment is like a lynching. Graham's attempt at defending Trump's racist equivalent was deeply disgusting. How dare this white man from South Carolina tell African Americans or even Italians that a legal constitutional process is like being dragged out of your home in the middle of the night and hanged by a hate-filled ignorant mob!
5
Just get on with the impeachment so we can watch it with our Thanksgiving turkey.
3
In TrumpSpeak, Ambassador Taylor's testimony is "a Smocking Gun".
3
It's not a smoking gun, it's a dumpster fire.
2
As long America's own acting President Donald Trump is backed up by the Vladimir Putin, Benjamin Netanyahu, Kim Jong Un, Mohammed bin Salman, Recep Erdogan, Mike Pence, Mitch McConnell and Sean Hannity nothing any acting envoy to anywhere says about anything matters.
In order to match Barack Obama Donald Trump is determined to actually deserve and earn a Nobel Peace Prize award.
Instead of landing on an American aircraft carrier in a jet and making a speech announcing victory beneath a 'Mission Accomplished" banner.
1
Trump's #1 plan is to incite violence by white supremacists and start "Civil War 2". That is the only way he can cling to power. Watch his commercials: "They are out to get us." "We must fight back." He is shouting fire in a crowded theater of gun toting racists.
3
And he is still screaming that the "emolument clause" is fake news. The only fake in all of this is him. From start to finish, fake policies which are traitorous, fake enrichment with his hotels, fake charges against Hillary. Of course all of the above are real and he should be impeached.
2
Wny are Republican's so corrupt? Let us not pretend that this is just this Presidency.
Between Nixon's Watergate, Reagan's Iran Contra, W's weapons of mass destruction push into a war with Iraq, and now the criminal cabal of Trump. Is there something in the water at the RNC???
4
His opening statement - all that we the public are privy to at this point - was thorough, concise, and damning. If Republicans do not act now, with clear corroboration of the whistleblower's account and then some, the Constitution is nothing more than a piece of paper. The next few days will be telling.
3
Our President basically says to the country, "I am a crook. Get over it!"
But, Republican Senators, please understand, if you "get over it," we may very well get over you.
2
@Didier "Our President basically says to the country, "I am a crook. Get over it!"
It reminds me of Trump`s fairy tale that he liked to tell/read on the stump, " The Snake". "You knew I was a poisonous snake when you took me in . Then I bit you because that`s what snakes do ."
America , you are better than the Trump-Kushner crime family ……...….aren't you ?
1
Lindsey Graham and Mitch McConnell are as morally and intellectually corrupt as their president. Twas only a few years ago that they worked tirelessly to defeat Obama and make his presidency as weak as possible. They slow-walked legislation and shutdown the judicial appointments process, and they supported the birther movement and the Tea Party. The only beneficiaries of their lawless rule in America: billionaires, yacht builders and Russian language program tutors.
4
Yeah! "Quid Pro Quo". Your Intellectual Superiors are telling you ignorant voters why your votes in 2016 are being overturned, and to punish you, they also will be disregarded in 2020.
Wait for 12 months and have an election is for wimps! Besides, we might have to put up superb candidates!
1
Ha you wish
This makes the people in diners MORE likely to vote for him
"Garcon ... coffee !!"
I own a beautiful wall in Texas that the Mexican government built for me that I am willing to sell dirt cheap to anyone who believes a single word of anything Individual-1 says before November 3, 2020.
2
Trump could be drowning in a cesspool, but Republicans would say that he's enjoying a moment in the hot tub.
Just a reminder to Republicans: There aren't any lifeboats on this Titanic.
2
The whole Trump administration is a mockery of The Constitution, justice, ethics, and morals. They are just a rotten bunch of oligarchs who will do anything to stay in power and line their pockets. Trump has the magic talent of enthralling his sycophant mob at rallies and appealing to their sense that they are victims of the terrible "elite" left. They should be offended when Trump himself is called to account for his criminal deeds. The sheeple are being hoodwinked by the wolf Trump.
2
Times readers question #1; is anyone surprised by this?
The shocking thing is that none of this is shocking under this president. His campaign spelled out an incompetent narcissist, pathological liar and dangerous person, and yet he was voted into office.
2
For the good of the country I think Putin should ask Trump to Resign.
1
Press please watch what you say as you are creating a false narrative without even knowing it: it’s not “dig up dirt”, it’s create fake dirt.
4
If anyone is wondering how any of this can possibly be defended look no further than that craven, hypocritical toady, Lindsey Graham. His performance as the aggrieved and principled Republican is Oscar-worthy. How does he do it? He's a "method" politician. The voters of South Caroline will reward his subservient boot-licking. He may not be so lucky in the world to come.
3
Just finished reading William Taylor’s 15 page introductory statement to the committee and I doubt that there could be a more damning indictment of the president and his enablers. Taylor is everything Trump is not; Taylor is a loyal American who has faithfully served this country for many years in different capacities; Trump is not even capable of understanding, much less emulating, a moral person such as Taylor. We don’t have a smoking gun here; we have an atomic explosion. Wake up America before it’s too late.
3
So there was a quidproco, and there is a smoking gun.
What you dont understand is that I used the gun against my ennmies, and my ennemies are by definition ennemies of our Dear Country. Any action taken against them is by nature legal.
Neither the Courts, nor Congress should be allowed to oppose my Executive Order Twits which are the only Law of the Land;
And if I say so, then so does even our Constitution. Period
“Lock him up” & “get over it”. And Then send his enablers packing on the next election. Then Donald Trump can Truly say, he drained the swamp!
1
I realize that an act of treason is defined as providing aid and comfort to the enemy, and we are not in a hot war with Russia, so a claim of treason is a real stretch, but still, Good Grief! If this is not a reason for impeachment and removal, then what is? Clinton was impeached for lying under oath about oral sex, and Nixon resigned for a third rate burglary. Surely, exhorting an ally for personal gain for military aid they are literally dying to receive in fighting a common enemy justifies impeachment and removal.
The press should stop using “quid pro quo”, this was not “quid pro quo”, it was extortion.
1
Smoking gun.
Baloney.
Another interpretation of second hand information, is more accurate.
Sondland corrected this guy's interpretataion in a text and verbally.
But because Taylor's interpretation fits the Time's anti-Trump bias, it gets the vote.
Fair enough, free speech and of the press, and all.
But that doesn't make it true, it just makes it leftist propaganda.
So far it seems clear to any objective person that the effort was all directed at the reticence of the Ukraine government to aid with an investigation of involvement of Ukranian government officials in meddliing with the 2016 campaign, and influence peddling between Ukrainian government officials and the son of a sitting vice president - two things worthy of investigation.
In a normal world.
But not here, in the progressive leftist fishbowl.
Just sayin...
2
@Objectivist
Trump supporters apparently live in their own "fishbowl" as well, darlin', and it's far from "normal." At least the "progressive fishbowl" is grounded in reality.
1
The “SHEER SHOCK” doesn’t surprise anyone who knows the Donald. Poor Lindsey Graham he may get the vapors, get the fainting couch.
2
"...waging war on the Constitution.”---serious charge?! ( memorable words?!! )
Trump's 2016 chant 'Lock her up' certainly fits him in 2019
2
trump could be filmed shooting someone on fifth avenue and he’d still call it “fake news”. The GOP has almost nothing left in terms of ethics, morals or meaning- aside from their almost religious maintaining of trump in the Oval Office. So I expect them to do whatever they can to sweep cast criminality under the rug. Despicable as it is that’s where we stand.
Perhaps we can pray that the needed republican senators will vote for their country over Fuhrer or party. Pray and keep the dirt coming. Public hearings will help to sway more centrist and sensible people to push this criminal president out- maybe a clean sweep including Pence. What a swamp.
1
If this damning testimony doesn't tip the scales against Trump then nothing will. Thank you William Taylor for your loyalty to your oath of office.
1
I've adopted a wait and see attitude. After the Access Hollywood Tape I thought Trump is toast ! Yet he brilliantly stood before the worlds to apologize for his...Locker Room Talk. Melania also said she was certain it was all what boys do...Locker Room Talk. In spite of it all the GOP endorsed and Americans Voted for what has become the most chaotic dysfunctional administration in American History !! Ah...the power of Propaganda and it's Hypnotic Effects upon the Fox Nation among us. The photo circulating around the world of Grandma Pelosi wagging her finger at Trump as those around the table sit with their heads down is sadly indicative of the Apathy in our Country !! It's always been true that 10% of the people do 90% of the work...the rest are hangers on !! MAGA? What an embarrassing abysmal failure !! Our Democracy is in trouble our standing in the world and with our allies faltering...and yet there is a GOP and Fox Nation of Americans among us that seem oblivious and ,,,uncaring and uninterested !! The other photo of a newly elected Trump laughing in the White House alone with the Russians as he explained his firing of Comey should have been a sign that...Trump support was ...UNAMERICAN and UNPATRIOTIC !! Have too many of us taken our freedom and Democracy for granted? This is our much awaited MAGA? This is really Americans...Being Best? PHOEY !! Worst President and most dysfunctional administration in American History !!
1
PLEASE! Enough of the "Smoking Gun" headlines! NYT (and other outlets) have been overusing this phrase for almost three years and it's all (pardon the pun) smoke. Until and/or unless Republicans in the Senate grow a spine or a conscience, there will be no meaningful consequence for the presidents behavior. Don't hold your breath...
cor·rupt, /kləˈrəp. adjective
1.having or showing a willingness to act dishonestly in return for money or personal gain.
see: Donald J. Trump
1
Quid pro quo is not a necessary element to the impeachable offense of enlisting a foreign government to interfere with our elections. NYT: quit encouraging this irrelevant GOP pivot.
2
So he did try to pressure that Ukrainian guy to look into Bidden Junior's dealings. So what? That's normal hardball politics.
That, by the way, is how we conservatives think. When I see that the commenter calling for Trump to serve "serious jail time" has 2,000+ likes... Yes, I guess it's true: this country has a serious partisanship issue.
1
@GC It's called extortion. Get over it. It's against the law.
1
We need to take back our democracy. We’ve slowly let it slip out of our grasp over the past 40 years and given away our power to corporate America and its political muscle of cultural extremists (i.e. Trump’s base).
I don’t have a specific antidote, but I do know that without the majority’s involvement, we’re likely doomed.
Drew, thanks! Sometimes I feel lost and adrift in a world that I don't recognize and it makes me angry. However, your insightful analysis reminds me that this country is loaded from sea to shinning sea with bright, alert, active minds who express what millions feel but can't find the words. You brightened my day! Keep up the good work and keep caring.
The formal impeachment inquiry has not begun; it’s in the preliminary deposition stage. Nevertheless, all indications are that criminal and impeachable offenses have already been established by a preponderance of the relevant, credible evidence, the civil standard applied in the Senate proceeding to remove. What’s also been established is the spurious, nonsensical utterances by the White House in its duplicitous efforts to defend Mr. Trump.
Perhaps it’s time for a televised prime time press conference by Speaker Pelosi and Rep. Schiff to explain to the public what will follow the deposition phase of the inquiry. If the House is attempting to limit the scope of this inquiry to make it understandable to most of us, it would be beneficial to make the closed door proceedings explained as part of the constitutional process to rebut the lies and misrepresentations coming from the White House and Republicans in Congress. Their defenses are simply part of the never ending obstruction of justice, the only defense this president has employed since he took the oath he continues to violate.
1
I wish PBS could blanket the country in civics ABCs PSAs a la schoolhouse rocks; that in the places where people identify with the president’s self-aggrandizing, self-pitying, self-interested propaganda, might be able to simply see how, unlike with an abusive father or the board of a private corporation, we get to collectively choose and fund leadership in democracy, and for all its failings, we do it on behalf of the collective good, with laws and processes for agreeing and disagreeing. Fox and other bought up small town news ‘provide’ the opposite, instead of public service announcements they provide public grievance tics. If people knew even just a little more about the context of his testimony and letter I feel we might be alright.
1
"President Trump placed his personal political future above the national-security interests of the United States. He did so at the expense of longstanding foreign policy, a critical international alliance and the stability of the global order — and he used hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars to do it."
In the past few weeks Republican senators have felt free to object strenuously to Trump's Syria policy-- presumably because they feel they have the political flexibility to push back when it comes to foreign policy. By their own logic, they ought to be objecting strenuously to the irregular Ukraine foreign policy particularly as human lives, an international alliance, critical military aid and bipartisan support for a fledgling democracy were at stake. If they can't risk being courageous and principled, can they at least be consistent?
1
The issue isn't whether it happened. The issue is whether Republicans believe in the rule of law over party and politics. They don't. Because they know if Trump goes down so will they and they'll just be another hustler on the street looking for a job.
Politicians fear losing their jobs more than factory workers in Ohio do.
3
He is likely to shut the govt down Nov 22 in an attempt to shift the light to the Dems. Wont work we all know the GOP is responsible for these govt shutdowns. Impeachment will continue whether or not he tries this. The next CR or the appropriations bills must pass with veto proof margins. BTW the Pentagon shuts down too Nov 22 if he forces it there is no passed yearly appropriation for it.
‘... the sheer shock that an American president would be so reckless with both human lives and international relations, all for his own political gain.’
Anyone who payed attention to his character, revealed during the campaign numerous times, is most likely not shocked. It was so clearly evident, and why I was literally sickened the night of the election.
3
I’m not sure that I’m correct about this, but I heard or read recently, that if 51 Senators (or more) vote to remove the President from office, he then becomes ineligible to run for office. If so, that may be the compromise that is acceptable for the Republicans. Get 4 Republicans plus Romney to vote for removal, and save what’s left of the Republican Party, not to mention the nation and our reputation.
4
The Democrats are trying to impeach Trump for winning the 2016 election. They were talking about impeaching him before he was even sworn in. Now that their case is falling apart they will just stay behind closed doors, not allow the republicans to defend anything and keep running with it until Christmas. The Democrats however will pay dearly at the polls in 2020 for spending all of their time in office trying to get Trump and doing nothing for people of the United States.
4
Wow! And you've been where, paying attention to what for the past 4 (or maybe 40) years? Trump's behavior now is different only in degree, not kind, from that he evinced over many years in the NY development and NJ casino business - stiffing contractors, declaring bankruptcies, and etc., etc., etc. Now of course he's playing with the world, on our dime. It does seem that, rather than losing steam, the impeachment inquiry is gathering more and more evidence of his egregious behavior. Now, not least, please check with Moscow Mitch regarding the number of House-passed measures that are gathering dust in his desk drawers! It is, clearly, Republicans who are doing nothing for us, while the Dems are both walking - developing legislation that helps all - and chewing gum - developing the evidence needed to bring this orange disaster to heel.
1
@Steve ….It would seem that you have not read either the White House transcript of the phone call or Taylor's prepared statement.
1
@Steve I completely agree. 3 plus years of a constant fit about winners and losers. This is worse then the 4th grade class my wife teaches.
I agree, and have felt before Trump was elected that there should be no room in the White House for him. There should also be no room for his Cabinet. They participated in his schemes, and failed to inform the public of what was really happening.
He's exemplifies the cult of personality gone wrong, and harmful words and actions. He talks about how everyone else is committing treason and reporting fake news.
When he looks into a mirror, he will never see the vast swath of bad ideas he's promoted. He has achieved something much worse than destructive impulses: he's pursued a chaotic path of undoing positive historical achievements and defined a tortuous path of severing significant alliances and and ensuring a judicial nightmare.
5
Mr. Taylor's testimony is THE REASON why Mr. Trump has recently been rather of matter of fact about the prospect that the House will file articles of impeachment against him.
The question now is whether the Senate will regard Mr. Trump's actions as constituting "high crimes and misdemeanors."
I have until now given Mr. Trump the benefit of the doubt, but in this instance he appears to have overreached.
To ignore the possible consequences of such action is to be unfit to serve as President. Not to put too fine a point on it.
10
Quid pro quo is a normal part of diplomacy. It is routine and is not unlawful or unethical. The United States attaches conditions to most foreign aide. For example, Vice President Joe Biden bullied Ukraine into firing it prosecutor general by threatening to withhold billions in aid. The Trump administration threatened to withhold aid from Mexico unless it agreed to stop migrant caravans from crossing Mexico to reach the U.S. border.
The evidence suggests the Trump administration would have threatened to withhold military aid from Ukraine if Ukraine President Zelensky had refused President Trump’s request to look into alleged Ukrainian meddling in the U.S. 2016 election and the Biden/Burisma relationship, But Zelensky did not refuse. He readily agreed. So no threat was necessary. Zelensky said there was no “blackmail” and that he never knew the U.S. might have withheld aid if he refused.
But if Zelensky had refused, the Tump administration could have argued it would have been justified in threatening to withhold aid. The Treaty With Ukrainian on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters requires the United States and Ukraine to assist each other in the conduct of criminal investigations. The United State routinely insist that countries comply with treaty obligations before releasing aid.
3
@William Case
Your case is a good one, with the exception that Mr. Trump would have benefited *personally* from the use of such leverage. The United States would NOT have so benefited.
12
@William Case
This is a bit like a drug dealer saying "people sell all sorts of things like cars and pies all the time and it's perfectly legal"
The problem isn't the quid pro quo by itself, it's what was being exchanged
8
The operative difference is Trump’s “request” withheld US money, already allocated and approved, for his personal good.
It’s simple. He told Ukraine he was holding up money, not his money, but our country’s money, till he got what he personally desired, what would personally benefit him.
And of course the Ukraine president will say he did not feel pressured.
8
Here we can see the use of latin in the English culture . Like in those private universities for the rich in England first, then in the USA, they created theses obscure and secret fraternities named with greek or latin formulas that nobody from the plebe can understand.
Here they reversed the meaning of " Quid pro quo " from idea in a relationship to an exchange of things . As if the Res Publica you could take in your hand, as a thing .
Even in its false use it still has this function of keeping the poor at a distance . Nobody really knows what it means .
The mystery latin formula engulfs the action and the situation into a state of symbolic forclosure .
The quid pro quo is kept even through the linguistic assumed formula.
And of course because of its false linguistic use.
It acts as a double quid pro quo.
The latin language in English still saves the social manipulator.
And that is precisely why the symbolic meaning in English has forked .
@JPH
Sir, this is a Wendy's
@Marion Grace Merriweather
Ouh La la ! What does it mean ?
This is a Wendy's . Another colloquial ready to wear- Sur la table _ syntagmic formula ?
You use linguistic cliches to the point that you do not know anymore what they mean.
What big deal if we reverse the meaning of a proverb. That is freedom of speech ...
I carefully read Mr. Taylor's statement and was, at the finish, thoroughly sickened by Trump's actions with regard to Ukraine, sickened in particular by the number of Ukraine soldiers who may have died while awaiting American military aide, and at the same time I was filled with elation and glee that there are dignified efforts here to stop the corruption in the White House.
But the glaring irony of this entire Ukraine situation is also nauseating. While we are trying to encourage the total absence of corruption in Ukraine, it is raging like a virulent flu in our own country. (Rhetoric of draining the swamp notwithstanding!).
The irony of this is overwhelming to me and I don't know how White House aides go to work every day knowing of the corruption they are enabling. In my lifetime, I never could have imagined a White House this corrupt, and I was a teenager in the Nixon years. My righteous indignation about the Nixon crimes could be heard for miles and for years, my mother felt. Yet, these crimes are so much worse, as they include an attempt to disrupt the world order.
7
Hunter Biden’s fortunate name tells us the media is biased and hypocritical, that it tells us only half the story and then only if it wants to. It is not Trump that is on trial for this holiday season, the bell tolls for his accusers, and the people who fan the hysterics they have created out of straw. The problem is that few really understand the scope of what is happening politically around the world, what time is is out there, and that this wake up is not going away for a very long time.
6
@Joe Gilkey ….Hunter Biden is not President. What Hunter Biden did is separate and independent from Trump's behavior. The argument "but look what he did" has all the sophistication and relevance of third graders arguing on the playground.
4
When I was in junior high, a teacher assigned us to write about “duty, honor, country.” This was a long time ago, way before Google. I was very sheltered and naive. My father, a former Marine, was long dead, so I couldn’t ask him for help and I really didn’t talk with anybody else in my family. I wrote something very weak and lame. Since then, I’ve had decades to ponder this assignment, and during this current, odious presidency, I think these 3 words are more redolent of the core constitutional obligations we should all think of and which our politicians, soldiers and civil servants should heed with renewed ardor. Mr. Taylor’s written statement speaks to the heart of this profoundly and eloquently. I hope teachers across the land will make it assigned reading. I hope it might inspire some young people to pursue a career in foreign service, even though it might not have the allure of money and prestige of STEM.
12
The Republicans are focusing on the procees rather then confronting the issue itself. This may work for them in the short term but it will bite them in the end.
It's a star chamber, it's unfair. Schiff has stated that the Republicans are given the same amount of time to question each witness and not a single republican has disputed this fact. " But it's behind closed doors." The Democrats are collecting evidence. This is just the beginning. All of this will be revealed in the eventual public hearings and the Republicans will be forced to deal with facts rather then making it about process. They will get their chance to openly question the people who are talking now and I look forward to see how the Republicans deal with Mr. Taylor. They will try to smear Taylor with charges of deep state Clinton activist and Mr. Taylor will respond with the facts rather then cheap republican talking points. The word of Rudy vs. Mr. Taylor. I can't wait.
11
Well in advance of the conclusion of a negotiation, experienced negotiators know when "It's over."
And so it is with Donald Trump. Fox News, The Wall Street Journal, and News Corporation are already publicly hedging their positions on Trump. The probability calculations have been completed: If Trump goes down, and we continue our unqualified support for him, that will be bad for business.
"It's over."
10
"Quid pro quo" is a Republican talking point. Every constitutional scholar who has weighed in has said that simply asking a foreign entity to do opposition research on a political adversary is all the "high crime and misdemeanor" needed for impeachment. The Republicans have harped on the quid pro quo because they feel it's harder to prove.
10
Precisely.
@AACNY
You seem to still be confused. Presidents have wide latitude within the framework of our Constitution to conduct government to government business, often using quid pro quos. What a President doesn’t have under our Constitution is the right to personally benefit via a quid pro quo when negotiating with a foreign government. Very simple really.
1
Now thanks to Mulvaney and Taylor we have the smoking gun - there was quid pro quo. In the process we also know who the gun owner is, Trump. Subpoena Rudy Giuliani not only for documents but testimony and we'll have the ballistics to match. I do not support just documents because he'll either not give them up or alter them. He's a lawyer after all. But he's a loose canon and will sing like a canary when entrapped - just like the other Trump's personal lawyer, Cohen.
4
It is worth noting that Trump was not asking the Ukrainians to investigate Hunter Biden and the 2016 campaign and get back to him IF they found any illegal or improper activity.
Instead, Trump was requiring the Ukraine to publicly announce investigations BEFORE anything military aid or White House visits. So this wasn't about "corruption" in the Ukraine, this was politics front and center.
Trump doesn't care about the truth, he only wanted to be able to say "the Biden's are under investigation" and " the Ukrainians are investigating their interference in the 2016 election. The Russians didn't do it."
Trump knows that branding anything doesn't need to be based on fact; you just need to say it constantly. It is the secret to Trump "success"; lies become" truth" with enough repetition.
25
Thank goodness for our professional foreign service staff. The parade of dedicated people testifying before Congress this past week are a true testament of their loyalty to our country.Now the real test will the republican's in the Senate be as loyal.
20
Trump had absolutely no qualms about throwing the Kurds under the bus, that is after he threw the Ukrainians under the bus so he could drive himself to another election victory. What a guy! Nobody could ever make him up and make a movie--too unbelievable.
IMPEACH
17
@amp The TV movie will be difficult to cast. Who would want their career tainted orange by having to portray Dishonest Don?
Is treason an impeachable offense?
If Taylor's testimony is true, Trump and his cohorts (including Giuliani) have sacrificed the welfare of Ukraine as well as the USA for political gain.
But Trump won't be the ultimate winner; Putin will. Begs the question: What does Putin have on Trump that Trump is willing to sacrifice our country for?
22
First of all, thank you, William Taylor, for your service to our country and your testimony. I just read Mr. Taylor's opening statement and on page 12, this really jumped out at me:
"....during our call on September 8, Ambassador Sondland tried to explain to me that President Trump is a businessman. When a businessman is about to sign a check to someone who owes him something, he said, the businessman asks that person to pay up before signing the check. Ambassador Volker used the same terms several days later while we were together at the Yalta European Strategy Conference. I argued to both that the explanation made no sense: the Ukrainians did not “owe” President Trump anything, and holding up security assistance for domestic political gain was “crazy,” as I had said in my text message to Ambassadors Sondland and Volker on September 9."
How is this not a quid pro quo?
We must impeach, convict and replace this lot of treasonous criminals.
We are better than this. How far we have fallen. It's a sad, shameful time for our democracy.
21
The lack of an immediate denial of quid pro quo from Trump is a bit unusual, but let's keep in mind that the man is a serial liar. No matter what he says, and repeats and repeats again, one has to consider the source. Trump has evidently never learned that once your credibility is gone there is no hope of recovery. Repeating a lie, even with increasing volume, does not make is anything but a lie.
10
Yes, it is a smoking gun.
Yes, rational people understand that Trump ordered the quid pro quo.
But look at Fox News today, online, with an article claiming that Kevin McCarthy’s questioning “destroyed” Mr. Taylor’s testimony.
The propaganda of Fox News is one of the chief weapons Trump and Putin maintain.
12
The meaning of Quid pro quo in latin is to take something for what it is not . A confusion. Something for something (else ) .
Not something for something . It never had that meaning in latin.
The english language has derived the symbolic sense into something else .
Quid pro quo in english, is a " quid pro quo " itself .
2
Trump's quid pro quo was a conflict of interest, pure and simple. Though commentators are having trouble putting a label on his crime, that was it: he put his own interests in front of those of the country's.
13
Prediction: Pompeo and Nikki Haley WILL be the GOP nominees for 2020. Trump will finally make a big, beautiful deal, and Resign, to spend more time with his loot. Pence will grovel back to Indiana, and become a televangelist.
Bet on it.
5
@Phyliss Dalmatian I agree with your prediction, but for 2024. Trump will have four more years because there is still a lot of swamp to drain and he is just now getting started. On the D-side, it looks like Warren-Boot-edge-edge, but there is still time for someone with a pulse to storm onto the stage.
2
@Phyliss Dalmatian
Pompeo? Haley? Two of the most non-telegenic individuals to have served in public office? Surely you jest.
@Phyliss Dalmatian You may be on to something, However, it looks like Pompeo is damaged too. Anyone close to Trump gets covered with his slim.
Donald Trump is a malignant narcissist. He may understand right from wrong, but he doesn't care. He only cares about himself which means his image and his money. Trump certainly doesn't care about the country. I just hope the Republicans can find a spine, because they know Trump is a clear and present danger, but will they put country over party?
6
They already have and will continue to support the "chosen one" until it hurts them too much to do so.
Nixon spent his post-presidency sitting by his pool in San Clemente with a full pardon. Trump will likely never see the inside of a jail cell, sending the message that even if you are so corrupt you eventually HAVE to be removed, you won't face consequences if you are rich and prominent enough.
5
Drip. Drip. Drip. There are cracks in the poorly constructed dam that the Republicans have built to contain the corruption of the Trump administration. The dam will burst open and all those still defending Trump's corrupt, un-Constitutional behavior and condemning the "Impeachment Inquiry" as a "Lynching" or "Witch Hunt" will be covered with the muck and sewage that has filled the White House. Soon Lindsey Graham and all the other Trump supporters will suffer the consequences of their self-serving support of this totally unqualified, ignorant, egocentric, morally deficient creature who is now the chief representative of the Republican Party. When the Americans still supporting Trump finally understand just how bad he has been for their own personal lives, not to mention how bad he has been for the entire nation, they too will reject Trump as well as those who stood by him as he destroyed America's reputation and credibility around the world. Hopefully the sewage that pours out of this White House will wash away all those self-serving Congressman and Senators who still support the garbage dump of the Trump administration. 2020 will be a truly "revolutionary" year for the American democracy. Can we survive Trump until 2021?
8
I'm now waiting for the Howard Baker moment:
"What did the President quid?
And when did he pro quo it?"
6
Lindsey Graham’s support today for the President’s description of the impeachment process as a “lynching” was obscene. Even Mitch McConnell had the temerity to parse his words. This is no lynching. We have seen violations of the Constitution nearly every day since Trump took his oath of office. Those violations are by word and deed, in front of and out of sight of cameras and microphones. A dead person can understand how our laws have been violated by this President.
Apparently Mr. Graham has forgotten the sordid history of lynching in his state and is also brain dead at recognizing how this President has undermined the national security of the United States in order to advance a personal political vendetta against someone he expected to be his opposition in the next election.
What is it about Mr. Trump that he is so able to undercut the personal integrity of anyone who comes within his sphere that they betray themselves as well as others? Lindsay Graham will never live long enough to clear his reputation as an old Southern bigot because he seems unable to distinguish a legal procedure from a vile and grotesque lynching of an innocent black citizen!
10
Truly the photograph of our time. Here is William Taylor marching into Washington - a story line from a folk song written by Joe Hill and sung by Joan Baez - "I dreamed I saw Bill Taylor Last Night". Taylor, a former army officer and career diplomat arriving to clean up the swamp and rescue us all from the tyrant with the authority vested in him by a Netflix high drama series that we have all been binging on.
4
@Ian Macdonald That is a brilliant analogy! Nicely done.
1
Let's wait for the full transcript of the testimony, not just the portions that Schiff leaks to the NY Times.
Of course, if you're right and Trump is toast, let's get the impeachment and trial over ASAP. Or do you have a sinking feeling that this Ukraine impeachment fever is the worst political mistake for the Dems since they nominated Hillary?
My prediction: they'll still be holding hearings up through the day before the November 2020 election. No guts, no glory.
4
Why do the republicans continue to defend this man? Just because he did not say the words "quid pro quo" does not mean he didn't want one. They couldn't get Clinton impeached fast enough...a lie to the grand jury was less than what trump is doing. He is using this country for his personal vendettas & financial enrichment. He hasn't even tried to govern for the people since he was elected. Will they get trump in front of a grand jury? There is a precedent to subpoena him because of Clinton being subpoenaed to appear. Let him keep hanging himself in his panicked state. The House will give him more rope (time) to hang himself.
6
No puppet, no puppet!
No collusion, no collusion!
No quid pro quo, no quid pro quo!
8
The problem is that Trump's base really doesn't care about the Constitution or the rule of law. They want power and the Republican Senators will sell our the country to get their vote. Perhaps the independent voters will take notice and save our country from the lawless, uncaring Republicans.
5
If this is not impeachable what is. Pelosi is right all Trump roads lead to Putin. Why is everyone going along.
5
At impeachment time, gonna be fun to watch the Rs tie themselves in knots trying explain away this crime. The contortion is already happening.
4
Not only Trump but Pence, Pompeo, Mulvaney and Mnuchin are all guilty of the same crime, using taxpayers' money to extort political favors from a foreign government. Impeachment for Trump yes, then prison for the lot of them.
4
I am a slow learner. Now, I understand Trump's real interest in being POTUS and his embrace of despots around the world: His name on Towers.
Not only should he be impeached, he ought to be imprisoned along with his cohorts.
6
In light Bill Taylor's bombshell testimony, President Trump should be immediately impeached and removed from with all reasonable speed.
Also, and stunningly, if Mr. Taylor's assertions regarding Secretary Pompeo, Ambassador Sondland, Vice President Pence, Secretary of Energy Perry and Attorney General Bill Barr are supported by corroborating evidence, it is clear they have violated their oaths "to protect and defend the constitution of the United States of America..."
Maybe they will soon have guaranteed, no-cancellation-allowed reservations for a spartan bunk in Otisville, New York; Allenwood, Pennsylvania, or Pensacola, Florida.
6
What remains stunning is that less than 24 hours after Mueller completed his bumbling testimony to congress Trump is on the phone to Ukraine trying to blackmail using authorized taxpayer funds.
Right now, it's hard to find a gun that isn't smoking.
8
It's not a "smoking gun"... it's the bullet to the heart.
8
What do the Republicans have to say about Mr. Taylor's testimony. Lies, confabulations, conspiracies, outright fairy tales or rather demon tales? How will they spin with a flat ball?
3
I wonder where the Republicans are going to move the goalpost to now?
5
"Smoking gun?" Are you kidding?
What we have, building since before Day One of this benighted administration is a smoking artillery, with nuclear-tipped missiles operated by criminal human drones.
The evidence of wrongdoing started with Paul Manafort and DJT Jr's "I love it" response to seditious Russian overtures for election meddling, and has exploded exponentially ever since.
I wish the American news media would call our current inside-out political rot for what it is and when it occurs, not years later when it is too late to hold the rotting agents to account.
Next up? The president literally shooting someone on Fifth Avenue while the Democrats and a supine media wring their hands and dither.
4
I am sure that Trump is just hours away from attempting to discredit Taylor via Twitter. Maybe he will fire him via tweet. Unstable “genius”
3
A White House transcript showing Trump asked a favor in exchange for military assistance is not a smoking gun?
A press conference afterward in which Trump said he offered such an exchange an wanted to extend it to an arrangement with China is not a smoking gun?
What does it take for a NYTimes editorial member to recognize a smoking gun?
Now a smoking gun? There's been a gun and its been smoking since Trump invited Russia to hack Hillary's emails and Russia responded the same day by hacking.
Are we that daft that a raft of smoking guns is ignored but only come lately one particularly smoking gun is treated for what it is?
How weak! Stop pulling your punches NYTimes editorial and op-editorial writers!
3
I took a mini-poll of people in my neighborhood. The question: How interested are you in the Ukraine scandal? Of the twenty-one responses, 1 is very interested, 3 are somewhat interested, 16 are not interested, and 1 asked me "What's the Ukraine scandal?" I found the results appalling. We're talking about a president of the United States attempting to fix the next election!
6
Let’s face it: if you can shoot someone in broad daylight on Fifth Avenue and get away with it, the fact the gun is smoking is not a factor.
2
Mr. Taylor's opening written statement is crystal clear about what Trump did, and Lindsey Graham just says he would find it "disturbing "? Lordy. What is going on with Graham that he must be dragged kicking and screaming to acknowledge any of his golfing buddy's multiple impeachable behaviors? And what is going with South Carolinians that they keep re-electing him?
5
But what about her emails?
6
He threw Ukraine AND the kurds under the Russian bus.
5
Credible allegations of malfeasance are coming faster.
I would not wish to be a Republican politican on the day––and it is arriving––when national polls overwhelmingly speak in favor of impeachment.
If the Murdochs, in the guise of Fox News, cut bait and turn against Trump, he's finished.
2
After impeachment and conviction, the RICO Act is coming.
5
I know most of you don't, but I do listen to the likes of Rush Limbaugh, and Mark Levin and some of the also-speaks of RW talk radio to understand just what they tell their considerable number of listeners.
Daily, by the hour, all over this country they spew a completely "alternative" reality to the one expressed by reputable journalists. Of course, they don't call themselves journalists they hide behind labels such as "info-tainers" and other ambiguous titles. Millions and millions of people hear the exact opposite of fact-based information. They are fed a steady diet of lies, spins, and thinly disguised, racist tropes that are meant to adore and promote Trumpism. They, of course, say a reader of the NYT is being brainwashed. We
all love the free speech aspects of life here in America but honestly, people are so locked into their belief systems that it may well come to a second civil war. The Republicans and their media "brayers"have brought us to the brink.
3
Mitch to Mitt today: "Please say you'll run if we dump Trump".
1
This should but just the beginning of an avalanche of evidence showing how horrible and actually criminal this president is.
3
Americans are not used to democratic processes. Even people who work in a newspaper that is supposedly progressive and banned as such from the "white house " - the house that is painted in white color....they cannot confront democratic ideas. They still think they must think with abusive or autoritative ( I don't write authoritarian for no purpose...) ways.
If Taylor testified behind closed doors, how does anyone know what he said? Is this from a whistle blower, that pieced together his remarks, by talking to people in the room?
@Mike: There was a 15-page statement that was released, if I'm not mistaken, and that had the 'smoking cannon.' I prefer to believe the words of a decorated Viet Nam war veteran, and long-standing diplomat to those of a compulsive liar.
2
@Mike
His 15 page opening statement was released to the public, that's how.
1
We read the first 15 pages of Mr. Taylor’s opening remarks, which were published in The NY Times online, that’s how we know.
1
Trump's base doesn't care about any smoking gun, proving his three year old claim that he "could stand in the middle of 5th Avenue and shoot somebody and ... wouldn't lose voters."
1
Giving up on the ridiculous "no quid pro quo" argument, Trump is resorting to sophistry. He is now saying on Twitter, in essence, there might be evidence that we held back military funds and white house meeting in order to get Ukranians to announce an investigation, but there is no direct evidence that the Ukranians knew about it.
Donald J. Trump
@realDonaldTrump
Neither he (Taylor) or any other witness has provided testimony that the Ukrainians were aware that military aid was being withheld. You can’t have a quid pro quo with no quo.” Congressman John Ratcliffe @foxandfriends Where is the Whistleblower? The Do Nothing Dems case is DEAD!
1
Any conservative GOP person that now start to say 'OMG, is this real?', I'm thinking for example of the honourable (?) senator L.G. representing South Carolina and the honourable (?) M.G. representing Florida and so many others if not all of them, to them I say, paraphrasing mulvaney: 'get over it' and I would add to this: 'while you're at it, get lost'. All those GOP persons knew very well what kind of a person they have been supporting now for almost 3 years.
And it is time to stop quoting Lindsay Graham's "concerns", as if anything any Republican could say would somehow signal a change.
Graham, McConnell, Pence, et al have zero credibility, and it appears very little loyalty to the United States.
People who support traitors are traitors.
5
If Trump had even half the class of Nixon (a bar easily reached by most) he would resign now and spare the country the gutless drama he's so well known for...
We the people have decided, 'You're fired!"
5
Kudos to the NYT for this clear, just-the-facts, no false equivalency summary. More of this, please.
By recruiting all the top members of his administration (Pence, Barr, Pompeo, Perry, and more) into this clearly illegal and treacherous move that both benefits himself and Putin, Trump appears to be relying on a threat as insurance. He's daring Congress. "Come on" he's saying, "you wanna get me, well you gotta to take down the rest of my crew," i.e. wipe out the whole administration. What a gangster.
1
Why do we continually care what Lindsey Graham has to say. He’s a self-possessed sycophant who uses relationships to powerful men to make himself seem important. At least, John McCain was a patriotic war hero with dignity and integrity, excepting his choice of Ms. Alaska for VP.
Graham loves seeing his name front page everyday, no matter what stupidity he is muttering about. I’ve been sick of him since his preaching in the real Witch Hunt Clinton impeachment trial. Could it be the other 99 senators are smart enough to keep their mouths’ shut and he’s the only one who never shuts up about anything ever? It was more interesting reading about Ben Carson’s homophobic remarks. What a pathetic bunch.
Otherwise, I enjoyed the commentary and proud to have Mr. Taylor in Ukraine. Why is Sondland still Ambassador to the EU? It was only a lousy million dollars. He’s spent close to that on renovations from taxpayers money. Also, Orban’s 81 year old pal, Cornstein, another ambassador whose only qualification is “friend of the don” should be investigated far more than just today’s item, but it was a great start.
4
The testimony yesterday with Mr. Taylor in Congress demonstrated that the truth is out there . Yes it happen the way Mr. Taylor ,Republican Congressman , raked Mr. Taylor over the coals.
Mr. Taylor's record serve this country well for speaking the truth about Ukraine because President Donald Trump with held aid to Ukraine 1500 Ukrainian soldiers died with the help of the Russians.
Like the news conference with Mick Mulvaney in the White House finally told the truth, but try to walk it back on Chris Wallace Fox News. Is time for the Republicans act for the American people not hide behind this President Donald Trump .
The Republicans on Capitol Hill are clearly preparing to betray the Constitution of the United States.
2
One thing that may bite Trump is what he did before without great cost yet. Gaslighting and impugning civil servants whose fidelity was forged in places like West Point, Quantico, Foggy Bottom and Langley runs the risk of turning power institutions against you.
4
Thank you Mr. Wegman, and thank you New York Times, for laying out the story of withholding aid from Ukraine so clearly and distinctly and for calling for the removal of Donald Trump from office.
4
Can we please get the transcript of the Erodgan call so we can find out what that Quid Pro Quo was about and why he threw the Kurds and American foreign policy under the bus?
Can we subpoena the Russian translator so we can find out what kind of Quid Pro Quos and deals Donald made with Putin?
3
Trump has so many smoking guns, he makes NRA proud.
But talks are cheap. The Impeachment article from the House is inevitable, times to watch the Mitch gang in the Senate
2
You know this story is misleading, if not outright falsified for dramatic news cycle effect. Taylor's testimony has already been blown to smithereens by its third- or fourth-hand nature.
Outright charade politics, as usual.
1
Can’t wait for Trump’s grilling by Barry Berke and Norm Eisen in a nationally broadcast Senate trial.
The predictable fiasco of a deposed Trump must be a nightmare for any Republican now. The man can’t tell the weather for his life!
The public will see how disgusting Trump is. This is what he will be impeached upon.
2
Note how successful Trump has been in getting his “transcript” accepted. Like the man said, “A lie is halfway around the world before the truth can get its pants on.”
3
Either Trump is lying through his teeth (likely), or he is too stupid to fathom the concept of quid pro quo (also likely). This is curious, considering he has deep experience with the 'quid pro quo' arrangement. Case in point: "Stormy, you have illicit, extramarital sex with me, spank me with a magazine, and I'll pay you $130,000 to keep your mouth shut about the affair. Deal?"
3
"... a threat to withhold money unless Mr. Zelensky did the president’s bidding — what sticklers might call a quid pro quo. Mr. Trump has denied this, repeating “no quid pro quo” as though it were a magical incantation."
Perhaps if Mr. Trump closes his eyes, and clicks his wingtip heels together three times while chanting "No quid pro quo", he'll end up back in Trump Tower and find the last three years were nothing but a dream.
1
The pales in comparison to what the Obama administration did to Trump and Hillary's and the DNC's Steele Dossier.
@KR: It was the RNC's dossier long before it was used by the DNC.
2
@KR
Still confused on the origin of the Steele dossier? It was Peter Singer and other NeverTrumpers who funded the report. It was completed in early January 2016, Hillary’s campaign paid for a copy some months later once it was clear that TRump would be the Rs nominee.
So. Mr. Graham. Do you find this "disturbing" to the point of impeachment and removal yet?
Or will you opine that, ' apart from the phone call and the testimony, if you could show me that trump was actually engaging in quid pro quo.....'
1
Unfortunately, there are many benighted humans who don't give a hoot about The Donald's misdeeds. To them, he's the Great (Orangish) White Hope, from TV Land. Deplorable.
3
He’s just a businessman who expects to get what he’s owed before he gives something. ...and who apparently doesn’t understand Latin.
2
This goes to Trumps state of mind for withholding military aid ...did he discuss directly with Taylor ? No....Taylor speculates here ..This doesn’t hold water The level of desperation here to get Trump is pallid able .... but sorry doesn’t hold water and let’s be honest is going to ultimately hurt the Dems... why not get him out of office the old fashioned way ... by making your case with the electorate,,,
What happens when Putin has gotten everything he wanted?
2
You all keep thinking there's a red line with #MAGA...there literally is none. Well, except if he suddenly acted decent, then they'd have second thougths...
The GOP, to quote from "The Matrix: Reloaded"
Neo : "You won't let it happen, you can't. You need human beings to survive. "
The Architect : "There are levels of survival we are prepared to accept."
Who knows more about the Ukraine situation? Mr. Taylor or the whistleblower? Are they one and the same? I have an image of Mr. Taylor as Superman, writing that original missive from a drab little office somewhere and now out in public showing all the world that integrity, decency and honesty are alive and well.
2
If Ambassador Taylor's testimony is not sufficient to get Donald Trump impeached, I doubt if Jesus Christ himself, coming down from the cross to testify, would be able to do it.
2
Because Republican Senators are, if they aren't just bluffing, are sending all manner of signals that they won't be considering a fair prosecution of Trump after the House votes to impeach him, the American public really needs the equivalent of a smokin' M134D gatling machine gun or a smokin' rapid fire howitzer to expose the truth.
2
The GOP senate, a cult of worship to Trump, cares not. The path to the cure lies in turning the GOPers out of office in 2020. This is the sole path to a cure to a growing cancer on our body politic.
1
Americans, we did not learn the most vital lesson from the illegal acts of Richard Nixon; Mr. Nixon was allowed to ride his horse into the sunset/ride Marine 1 & Air Force 1 away to safety and a presidential library. We now should fully realize that was a HORRIBLE MISTAKE!
Great crimes, at any level of US Govt, deserve great punishment or the lessons to be gained go unlearned only to return as new schemes. We did not deserve Donald Trump & without Russia & Facebook, we would not now have him in the WH. We need also to punish Russia AND Facebook.
We need to quickly fix and end this very sad chapter in American history after which, we need to build strong barriers to make sure that it does not recur soon, if ever, again. Just ending it is NOT enough. We should never have to have whistle blowers in the WH save us from tyranny & treason. Mr Trump & knowing cohorts should spend ample time in jail custody because, unlike Ehrlichman & Haldeman, they threatened the very existence of the USA.
1
Extortion is essentially blackmail. Will this be the first POTUS to spend time behind bars?
1
And now we wait...
Will the Senate Republicans overcome their stupefying doctrine of protecting the criminal-in-chief.
All that is needed are 23 brave, upstanding GOP Senators who value country over party.
I'm not holding my breath though...
1
Too complicated for the MAGA Mob. If it doesn't fit on a ball cap or front of a T-shirt they have no interest or comprehension.
1
It's not about Trump anymore; it's about House and Senate Republicans aiding and abetting a criminal executive branch. They can spin the "witch-hunt" tale in public, but in their hearts and minds they know that Trump is a criminal psychopath
Trumo has been willing to throw Ukrainians, and the Kurds, to the dogs of war for his own political benefit. Congressional Republicans seem just as willing to throw American constitutional democracy into the dumpster for their own benefit.
As they chanted in Chicago in 1968, "The whole world is watching."
1
The testimony is undeniably damning. But Lindsay Graham, regardless of what he says today or said yesterday, will not be on the front lines defending the Constitution or honoring his oath of office. He will be right there feet up on the Resolute Desk defending his Boss, Donald Trump. The trial in the Senate will require Republican Senators with much more character and integrity than Lindsay Graham possesses to come to the obvious verdict that this President is guilty of high crimes and misdemeanors.
1
'... the President belongs to the party which is desirous of limiting that power to the clear and precise letter of the Constitution, and which never puts a construction upon that act favorable to the government of the Union; far from standing forth as the champion of centralization, General Jackson is the agent of the state jealousies; and he was placed in his lofty station by the passions that are most opposed to the central government. It is by perpetually flattering these passions that he maintains his station and his popularity. General Jackson is the slave of the majority: he yields to its wishes, its propensities, and its demands—say, rather, anticipates and forestalls them. ... (He) stoops to gain the favor of the majority; but when he feels that his popularity is secure, he overthrows all obstacles in the pursuit of the objects which the community approves or of those which it does not regard with jealousy. Supported by a power that his predecessors never had, he tramples on his personal enemies, whenever they cross his path, with a facility without example; he takes upon himself the responsibility of measures that no one before him would have ventured to attempt ... even treats the national representatives with a disdain approaching to insult; (vetoes) ... laws of Congress and frequently neglects even to reply to that powerful body. He is a favorite who sometimes treats his master roughly.
Alexis de Tocqueville, Democracy in America, 1835, Volume I, Chapter XVIII
2
Bill Taylor is the Bob Mueller we needed all along.
1
But, but, but ... Trump didn't say "quid pro quo"
2
If this testimony is not sufficient not only to impeach Trump but also to put him behind bars, I would think even the staunchest believer that we live in a constitutional democracy would acknowledge that we do not.
Please congresspeople of both houses, do your country a service that you were elected by us to do and impeach this man. Enough is enough.
6
For the past nearly three years, we have watched the Trump maladministration violate all the norms of international relationships, the legal requirements of the US Constitution and laws, and simple normal social practices.
Now we are being treated to an explicit recitation, by an "insider," of the misbehavior of Donald Trump personally and of his various enablers, including explicitly Rudy Giuliani, Mick Mulvaney, Bill Barr and Mike Pence.
Not only will it be time to impeach, try, convict and remove Donald Trump from any office of public trust, but also all of his various enablers should be subject to such procedures, or in the case of Rudy Giuliani, simple trial for traitorous acts and violation of 52 US 30121, the law that makes it illegal for foreigners to mess around in our elections, and makes it illegal for Americans to ask for such help, or accept such help.
The Trump maladministration is engaging in a scandal that makes Watergate, Teapot Dome, and Credit Mobilier COMBINED look like kids' play.
Lots of people connected to the Trump maladministration should, and I expect will, spend serious time in jail.
6
I have begun calling my senator (he endorsed Trump's re-election early) on a weekly basis as new details emerge to tell him that the evidence seems quite clearly to point to impeachable offenses, and that I'll be expecting him to vote to impeach when the day comes.
5
Mr. Taylor’s public statement should be required reading for every high school student in this country. If his CV on the first two pages isn’t enough to impress, then keep reading; it is only 15 pages long, so much easier to digest (and harder to debunk) than the Mueller report.
Republicans and WH staffers should read it as well; it is a document for the ages, penned by an American hero. Clearly, based on the shameful way they seek to defend the president, they have neither read the statement, nor have any interest in speaking the truth.
5
What struck me is Mr. Taylor's text messages, particularly in light of his military service in Vietnam. He asked, *in writing*, whether Ukrainian aid was conditioned on opening an investigation. In the military asking for written orders is a clear statement that "someone is going to be court martialed for this and it's not going to be me."
He sent a text message, knowing it would be on permanent record as an official communication. Sondland responded with a demand for a phone call, *refusing* to go on permanent record.
6
One thing is sure : there is no "Quid pro quo " here !.
A Quid pro quo means in latin a confusion in which something is taken for something else.
It is interesting that the English usage has derived it into the complete different meaning of exchange in a bartering relation.
The concept of " Quid pro quo " in latin is about an idea , not a thing .
There is absolutely no confusion in Trump's bartering manipulation .
No quid pro quo at all.
@JPH
You keep repeating that to yourself, just like Dorothy in her ruby slippers.
Trump is irredeemably corrupt.
@Skeletonman I am not repeating that to myself . I am repeating it to you.
And indeed it shows that Trump is corrupt and that you are part of it .
The real problem is not with this incident, the problem is that Trump and co. are absolutely correct when they say "this is how the government works" - not just under Trump, but under Obama, Bush, Clinton, etc. If people want to change that, it would be wonderful. But mostly this just seems like partisan sniping because people don't want Trump to get re-elected.
2
@jkw: What Trump did was against the law, period. If "everybody does it," why have laws?
1
It is astonishing to me that Trump has any remaining defenders and that registered voters are not turning against him in droves.
If Trump were re-elected, all of these behaviors would become normalized, not just for Trump but for all US presidents going forward.
Will populism now crowd out genuine democracy as it has any so many other countries?
Does the US still deserve to be a democracy? We will find out in this next election.
4
Have you noticed lately that these pictures of various people coming to testify before Congress are all surrounded by police bodyguards? Look at the phalanx around Mr. Taylor. Security is warranted to a degree, of course, but are people worried about a "hit" on these potential witnesses? If that's the case, we're in bigger trouble than might be readily imagined.
6
To throw a wet blanket on these "revelations"...
1) We already knew all this.
2) Unfortunately, it's still not proof. During Watergate, everybody that wasn't willfully blind knew Nixon was guilty. But it wasn't until proof was acquired (in the form of the tapes) that stuff happened.
So unless there are tapes, Trump's defenders will rightly point out that this is all a matter of "he said, she said."
Reasonable people will, of course, conclude that the if somebody here is lying it's the person who lies, on average, six times a day (counting just the lies that are said in public). But I'm not expecting the GOP to be reasonable.
On the other hand, removing Trump from office would give the GOP the opportunity to nominate somebody who would beat Warren in 2020...which means basically anybody with a pulse *except* Trump.
1
If you shot somebody and 10 people testify that they saw you so it, is that not proof?
2
@David Rea
Ziggy,
That is what David is pointing out, no one has come forward with a first hand account.
All the witnesses that have given testimony so far, reported what they had heard from others.
Not the same thing as the eyewitness testimony you are talking about.
Trump will resign by the end of the year. He'll continue to barnstorm since he loves the attention and adoration of being on stage, the center of intention and the power to say anything no matter how foolish. What an awful, awful man.
7
@WDP I am convinced that the majority of people who are backing Trump, are too selfish and conceited to care about anything but their very own well being. They may care about their grandchildren but are too full of hubris to believe that their actions today will impact the world they will be leaving behind for them.
4
Trump has and will say anything that pops into his head, if he thinks it will deflect attention. I saw the clip commenting upon "the phony emoluments clause."
Does a body need another example of the man's ignorance? To characterize Mr. Taylor as as a “radical unelected bureaucrat” is another telling statement about Trump's dim view on the purpose of governance. The President shall shape his own foreign policy and corps of foreign service, but Trump has more vacancies than past administrations.
Likewise, alluding to two stories is appropriate for demonstrating this national dilemma ... the deceit of human character against the uncommon decency of a democratic philosophy. We have no shortage of deceitful governance.
If impeachment will not hold (I have no tolerance for Pence) ... vote him out !!!
4
I believe that many americans don't know what quid pro quo means. I thing the term that should be used is blackmail. It would give a better sense of what actually happened.
4
Honestly I would stop framing Trumps actions as quid pro quo. The real point here is abuse of presidential power and breaking his path to look after the interests of the US. His conduct in office doesn't have to constitute a crime to be impeachable. It's analogous to any one of us going into work and cursing out our boss. It's not a crime, but it is conduct that would get us fired.
3
It seems that the key to Trump's succeeding in his malfeasance is his ability to bully others into agreeing with him or them backing off.
William Taylor has shown how to do so and has exposed the man behind the curtain as just that, just a man (?) with no scruples and a desire to only make himself look powerful, even though the evidence shows he is anything but.
All Trump has going for him is the title of President.
That title can make a man show his true worth as a person by how he handles that title.
Thank you, Mr. Taylor, for showing the path to others on how to just walk through the haze.
Lindsey Graham, Mitch McConnell, and the other GOP Senators, your turn.
4
Trump referred to the emoluments clause of the Constitution as being "phony". I assume that was the same Constitution that he swore to preserve, protect and defend. How long will this nonsense be allowed to continue?
8
@Clark Landrum - I wish a reporter would ask him this question.
Amazing, but Republicans don’t care these days. They built their infrastructure on dirty tricks - swarming local governments, gerrymandering, refusing to vote on judges, allowing Christians to opt out of our laws, tackling reporters. And now that includes ignoring the Constitution. We have to hope they don’t survive the rising tide of young voters, and majority who want Trump gone, with more trickery.
3
The GOP trying to support trump is like dying from a slow poison and is becoming unbearable as they face a senate trial. For party survival they must consider removal, face the furious base, and primary Pence out as soon as possible as time is running out. Only Fox can facilitate this by turning on trump and lessen backlash since that is the only source of information the GOP base hear.
That GOP primary would be horrific with the base losing their warrior. It would make 2016 GOP primary look like child's play play.
2
What is hilarious is how we pretend this is the first time an American President played this game. How we pretend this mutual back scratching is something new.
You do for me, I do for you is the main tool used by governments to get things done under the table.
And we pretend an outrage just because was done by a guy the establishment does not like.
Crooked Joe will do that, has done that, Obama did it, Clinton and all the Bushes.
The Potomac Two Step is the oldest tune played in Washington.
Will you be as outraged when Warren does that as well?
2
@AutumnLeaf - Interesting that you find this funny. Please enlighten us on when any of Trump's predecessors so openly and cravenly put their personal desires before that of the country.
@AutumnLeaf: Yes, it's "hilarious" that we even have laws!
1
@AutumnLeaf
"Crooked Joe ... has done that, Obama did it, Clinton and all the Bushes."
Specific examples, please?
To see the level of corruption laid bare, yet still, have the majority of the GOP in denial that there was any wrongdoing is outrageous and maddening. To see Republicans like Lindsay Graham defend Trump's lynching comment by saying it was a lynching "in every sense of the word" - which is particularly egregious coming from a white conservative in the South - and then to learn this morning that he is introducing a resolution to condemn the impeachment inquiry is so morally repugnant it is breathtaking. I hope every GOP member of congress who is up for reelection in 2020 and is participating in this gaslighting phantasmagoria loses in a landside so big that their political careers and reputations are unrecoverable.
3
Mr. Wegman:
Thank you for this article and especially for your last paragraph. Knowledge is power - V.O.T.E.
2
Trump is responsible for deaths all over this world.
Since the start of the year, at least 72 Ukrainian soldiers – 29 of them in summer alone – have been killed in the Donbas, according to the Kyiv Post count based on military and media reports.
The Trump administration initially told Congress it was releasing the aid to Ukraine on February 28. It repeated that assertion to Congress again on May 23, but failed to explain to lawmakers but struggled to explain — both publicly and to the lawmakers who approved the aid — exactly why the funds were withheld.
Even Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell couldn’t get a straight answer from Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Defense Secretary Mark Esper over the summer on why the aid hadn’t been dispersed yet.
But then on September 11, the Trump administration suddenly disbursed the money.
2
Lock Him Up! We need to set an example to the Republican party, which apparently does not believe in the rule of law. We let Nixon off with a pardon, which the Republicans took as a green light to continue illegal election activities. If there is any justice in this country, Trump will spend the rest of his life in prison.
2
Ambassador and American hero, William Taylor should be praised by all Americans for his courage under fire! Conservatives will attack this honorable man because he dared to tell the TRUTH! And honored his Oath!
Bravo, Ambassador Taylor! Thank you!
2
This article underscores Trump’s desperation to remain in office for four more years. And, he will do whatever it takes to remain POTUS in order to avoid what could be an uncertain future. A Narcissist will do anything to protect himself ... even ruin America’s democracy, alliances, and reputation as a protector of freedom. By the calculus of one who has never seen a battlefield or laid his life on the line for his country, it costs him NOTHING to sell out his country, or any other country as well, by walking away from agreements. It doesn’t matter how many deaths may result from his decisions or directives when he puts his own soldiers and other allied fighters as targets of an aggressive autocrat or two, especially when those autocrats are those he would like to emulate, seen strong men and pals. On January 21, 2020, without the shield of the office, he will most likely fall into the hands of the SDNY. Who knows where or what he’ll be after that? He will do ANYTHING and EVERYTHING to avoid looking like a loser! He IS a loser when he serves only himself.
2
Donald Trump is a traitor to his oath of office and to the people of the United States, and he should be in prison - exactly where Richard Nixon should have been after the crimes he committed on office.
I’ll settle for out of office, as soon as possible, so we can start the process of healing from this three-year national catastrophe.
1
As soon as there is a house vote on impeachment there needs to be a mass march on Washington to show the senate the American public will not tolerate this.
3
Whenever anyone says something Trump dislikes, he launches an ad hominem attack. He does not give a point-by-point rebuttal. Instead he will dismiss the content in general terms such as hoax, smear, witch hunt, or lynching. He will denounce the process that is being followed. If an investigation is being carried out in public, then the investigators are showboating. If the investigation is in private, then it is unfair, unConstitutional, and depriving him of his rights. His echo chamber of Fox, lawyers, GOP legislators, Barr, Pompeo, and others use the same tactics.
3
Trump, and many Americans, really want to get to the bottom of foreign interference in the 2016 election. Why no investigative reporting on why JoeBiden shrugged off the advice of diplomats snd politicians when his son took the dream job from Burisma in 2016? Was Ukraine the main culprit in the Steele dossier or was it Russia? Isn’t Hillary guilty of using this false narrative to destroy trump?
Was the $700 billion that Obama gave Iran a quid prid pro quo Iran to agree to the terms and conditions of the nuclear arms treaty? A true impeachable crime putting the United States and the Middle East in danger because of Obama’s support of a terrorist regime?
So far, all of the testimony comes from disgruntled foreign diplomats and bureaucrats who have lived off the fat of the taxpayers back for decades. Who have turned the other cheek when all other president have used these same tactics.
3
I truly hope Mr. Taylor has been assigned some sort of protection. I’m worried for his safety given the craziness of the MAGA folks. It would not be surprised if Trump tweets something along the lines of “Will no one did me of this sniveling civil servant?”
1
Beautifully said. What more evidence of Trump's duplicity does the GOP Senate need to see or hear?
1
Perhaps Biden will be the one who defeats Trump after all, as many thought he would be. Just not at the ballot box.
1
"the sheer shock that an American president would be so reckless with both human lives and international relations, all for his own political gain" ................ "sheer shock"? Really? We're talking Donald Trump here.
1
there is no way trump cared that ukraine is corrupted. he tried to oust people in a corrupted company with even more corrupted people. he coerced zolensky to so there was no quid pro quo publicly and zolensky had no idea of this idea until the last second.
1
As of today, approx. 55% of America "disapproves" of Trump, where as "approval" falls at a pretty consistent 40% (both on average.) (Five-Thirty polling site)
That's a roughly 15% difference. Please note: at no point in his administration has Trump EVER reached or exceeded the approval rating of B. Obama. Not once.
It will be interesting to see if the Deplorable needle moves AT ALL as the proof of Trump's lies and corruption expands exponentially. What we do know is 40% of the adult population does not read, does not hear, does not practice functional discretion, and does not care.
This is a subpopulation that views the world through a pinhole; who for the eight yrs. of the Obama administration was fed mountains of hate and disinformation as part of a Republican strategy to define H. Clinton as the Wicked Witch of the West. Every day, another drip of acid, another set of sulphuric lies. There was no way to resist listening to the boundless stream of trash on AM talk shows as blue collar workers drove to work at 6:30 AM, as farmers sought the weather for the day at the breakfast table. Even Joan of Arc was ultimately burned at the stake by way of political manipulation; little has changed.
There are no words in any language which adequately describe Donald Trump ... and that is an exceptionally frustrating fact! We do know, however, few human beings across history have ever been as worthy of a painful death followed by an unmarked grave.
3
@forgetaboutit: I can't believe the NYT published your last sentence! I've literally looked at the news everyday hoping that Trump died overnight, or had a dominant hemisphere stroke, although those two events wouldn't be painful exactly. But only with sudden death or severe incapacitation would we avoid the likely scenario of him weathering impeachment and another electoral college win.
More like a smoking Howitzer as a TV commentator called it. Unfortunately with years of so many smoking guns coming from the trump administration and his collaborators, they've made it very difficult to see with so much acrid smoke. So many crimes, so little time and so few journalists to investigate 'em all.
With trump it is never just a mere quid pro quo - it's a s-quid pro quo with so many tentacles of coerced "deals" for so much quid easily laundered from pounds sterling to dollars.
"President Trump placed his personal political future above the national-security interests of the United States [and Ukraine]." Likewise he's placed Putin's interests above America's national-security interests and reputation as a global ally while ordering our forces to retreat in humiliation with rotten fruit thrown at them - NOT because we were beat but because our forces were too successful! - to Putin-Erdogan-al-Assad-Iran's glee. He's also more interested in gouging American tax payers - nope, he isn't one of them - and allies with his properties.
Like so many gospels, there are a few Constitutions with the Constitution-according-to-Republicans the one the rest of us must follow, not the "phony" one that expired the day trump took the perjured oath of office. As for the un-elected civil servant in chief - the only election he won is the anti-democratic un-elected group called the Electoral College - not a ringing endorsement for the one who lost the citizen vote by several million.
Lindsey Graham has so little integrity he'll 'clarify' his remark tomorrow by saying he meant 'the other quid pro quo'.
No obstruction.
No collusion.
No puppet.
No quid pro quo.
No emolument.
No president.
1
"Mr. Taylor laid out with a stunning degree of detail the extent of Mr. Trump’s effort to extort Ukraine’s new president, Volodymyr Zelensky, to investigate former Vice President Joe Biden"
I think 'blackmail' would be better than 'extort' in that sentence. Otherwise, great article.
Reading testimony from a prepared text is one thing, having the opportunity to cross examine Mr. Taylor will be quite another.
3
@Kurt Pickard
Trump wouldn't even face Mueller.
LinGra might feel this disturbing--but hey, haven't they already been told to 'Get over it?"
Interesting how the same testimony is interpreted by the Republicans very differently.
The bottom line is this-unless partisan blinkers are removed, this will also get accepted as the new norm!!! (anything goes)
Why is Gordon Sondland still Ambassador to the EU? Clearly he was a central broker of the corrupt and illegal quid pro quo demanded by trump. Pompeo should have relieved Sondland of his position the minute after Ambassador Taylor's testimony was publicly released.
The people( base) who need to understand the damaging testimony by Taylor will not read his 15 pages. They refuse to listen, to learn to use critical thinking skills. They will just scream
“ fake news” and “ witch hunt.” There’s no hope for those who decide that Trump has been treated unfairly. I’m not sure how you do it.
Initially, the information provided by the Whistleblower was viewed in doubt, as a fabrication.
Now, comes Mr. William Taylor, a true patriot, who has given so much of his time to our country, a former civil servant, and a vietnam war veteran. The information that has come out from Mr. Taylor's testimony is very alarming, and disturbing.
It is very disturbing to see the testimony points directly at Mr. Trump, the President. All the time, Mr. Trump claiming there to be no quid pro quo.
Mr. Trump continues to deny that there was no quid pro quo. He continues to claim that this is all part of a smear campaign to discredit him. Mr. Taylor's testimony, clearly contradicts what Mr. Trump and his supporters in Congress, are telling us. If there were efforts to influence Ukraine, to extend them with the aid already approved by Congress, in exchange for their investigation on a political opponent, is clear in the testimony. If that is not a quid pro quo, someone has to explain what else should it be?
No to appear hyperbolic...
I wonder if any trump supporter has come to realize that they too would be cast into hazard if trump felt it would improve hi situation.
"I can't take it anymore", Sincerely, William Taylor (and the rest of us that believe in our great country).
Couple of big problems here. Taylor cant prove Trump threatened Zelensky with anything, and Zelensky already said he was never pressured at all to do anything. The second, this whole "inquiry" is one sided. It isnt supposed to be. in order for it to be fair, the accused should be abl;e to cross examine and bring their own witnesses. They cant because Schiff keeps changing the rules. This leaves the door wide open for Republicans in the Senate to claim the entire process illegitimate and not even conduct a trial or vote.
This aint happening folks.
2
@Sports Medicine: Did Zelensky testify under oath? The reason the investigation is behind closed doors (with both R and D members present), is so witnesses can't be aware of what was said by other witnesses. This is like a grand jury investigation. There will be public testimony later.
1
@Sports Medicine …."in order for it to be fair, the accused should be abl;e to cross examine and bring their own witnesses."....Apparently you don't understand how the legal system works. During the course of a trial the accused has a right to cross examine prosecution witnesses. During the course of a pretrial investigation they do not.
1
i would suggest that Mr Giuliani keep his eyes wide open for an approaching bus, especially when his boss Trump is about because i would expect that he may just find himself being thrown under it.
He said there was no quid pro quo.
When you have a dead body next to you and a smoking gun in your hand there's only one thing you can do, deny, deny, deny.
Trump will never admit that he did anything wrong, because in his mind he feels that he has every right to do what he did.
This is and always will be the problem with this administration, I'm rich so I can get away with anything I choose to do.
1
This and myriad other criminal acts by the occupant of the white house mean it should be impeached immediately, tried, convicted and removed from office forthwith. No more approval of judges for life, no more caging of children, no more of any of the despicable acts of its criminal maladministration of the government infrastructure (yes, the deep state, which has kept us going). dence and pomPOUSpeo should be impeached and removed, along with any other cabinet member that is not acting, and those acting indicted tried and imprisoned.
It is my opinion that Taylor and others, the whistle blower, etc., required to hire lawyers, need to file personal lawsuits against Trump (since Trump loves lawsuits) for payment for all legal fees they have incurred by Trump's incompetence, reckless. dangerous, negligent, self-serving, illegal, purposeful, corrupt actions. Additionally, the government should seek personal reimbursement from Trump for taxpayers' money for the investigations Trump has created, caused and required due to all his actions. In light of the Mueller investigation, the sociopathic actions of Trump to immediately turn around to collude, conspire, extort, break campaign finance laws, pathologically lie and abuse his power for personal gain, to include utilizing the government's (the peoples' money). There are so many criminal actions involved here ----to include utilizing appropriated money by Congress to commit his crimes. All of Trump's actions and words are for personal benefit, all in violation of the Constitution. There needs to be political, criminal and personal financial consequences for this blatant, corrupt, dangerous and abusive behavior. So many questions: Did Guiliani have proper security clearance to conduct these activities? Who paid and how did Guiliani make his trips to the Ukraine and other places. Was the State Department involved in payment for these trips and expenses? Pompeo has a great deal to answer, as Pence and Mulvaney!
"Quid Pro Quo" is the favored branding terminology of Republicans.Mr. Wegman was more accurate to connect "extort" to that phrase. It should always be written as a "quid pro quo to extort" Ukraine.
Ukraine's leader, unlike Republicans, was savvy enough to recognize Trump was on Russia's side in the fight and did not trust his promise to release the aid.
Only a Trump voter could believe in a Republican investigation of Ukrainian corruption by the man who hired Manafort, the author of corruption in Ukraine who took Russian money to undermine democracy and harm the Ukrainian people risking their live to support rule of law.
Only a Trump voter could support the ridiculously unqualified team of Giuliani and Barr to "investigate" actions a cohort of professional investigators at the CIA and State Dept had previously explored.
A Democratic server transported and hidden in the Ukraine?
The technical term is "Nuts."
2
Soliciting assistance from Ukraine for campaign advantage has been clearly proven and the Republicans just yawn.
There is only one way the Republicans in the Senate will definitely remove Trump --if he is impeached for treason and aiding and betting Russia.(Definition in the constitution)
Let them argue publicly that Russia is not an enemy of the US or that treason is not a crime.
The evidence is overwhelming of Trump's attempts to follow Putin's orders and cover up his financial ties to Russia.
"All Roads Lead to Putin"
IMPEACH FOR TREASON NOW!.
i don't have a good feeling about this. No matter what anyone comes up with regarding Mr. Trump's malfeasance, his crazed 'base' will become aggressive. Perhaps violent. How can this potentiality be minmized?
@kate By upholding the rule of law. Any incidence of violence must be widely condemned and aggressively prosecuted.
The only workable solution I can see for this would be for the much dirtied Pence to resign and have Mitt Romney named Vice president - then show Trump the door.
The Democrat party imploded some time ago. They have no message, no platform and the weakest of their members running for the top job in 2020. Each day I expect that they will begin to get their act together and the insanity only deepens. Two years of Mueller produced less than nothing. If that hasn't awakened the woke then probably nothing will.
2
"Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina said, “If you could show me that, you know, Trump actually was engaging in a quid pro quo ..."
But we all know that there is no level of evidence convincing enough to get Mr. Graham to agree. A video would have been faked, testimony of 500 experienced State Department officials would end up being a conspiracy and a "lynching." A signed notarized document plus a tape recording from Mr. Zelensky would be lies.
The Party of No is in trouble and deep down they are afraid of a blue wave in 2020 because the GOP will never recover.
1
While I don't like to use the WSJ to support the NYT reporting, the Journal has essentially the same article today along with a fascinating opinion piece comparing Trump to Charles I. Charles I was impeached for using diplomatic overtures to investigate domestic political opponents .
The opinion piece destroys Trump's executive privilege argument
"All the trees in the forest will fall"
If you don't recognize that quote it was James McCord when sentenced for Watergate burglary
--Trump tried to use Ukraine to help his campaign -- and to take the heat off Putin for interference in our last election.
--Trump gifted Syria to Putin.
What other "gifts" will Trump quickly try to bestow on his good buddy Putin, in the last frantic months before he leaves the White House?
Taylor is quoted as saying: “Over 13,000 Ukrainians had been killed in the war, one or two a week." If two were killed each week that would be 100 per year, or 1000 per decade. So how did we reach the number 13,000? Just asking.
Trump gave Russia what it wanted in Syria and Ukraine. He received nothing in return. Think about that for a moment. Where is the republican outrage?
Taylor’s testimony should be the “smoking gun”. But Trump’s loyalists don’t care if he breaks the law. Moscow Mitch and the other toadies will follow their lead. If Trump did shoot someone in the middle of Fifth Ave in NYC, they’d wait to identify the victim before deciding his guilt. Hillary, Romney, Anderson Cooper, et al. No problem.
"...is the sheer shock that an American president would be so reckless with both human lives and international relations, all for his political gain." this quote should be repeated and repeated and repeated relentlessly everywhere. the MAGA group must feel this in their faces relentlessly. enough is enough!! get. trump. out!!!! and do it before more kurds die needlessly.
The gun was smoking when we saw the whistleblower’s flash-action memo.
The bullet is now visible and the target is clear.
Impeachment can’t be far away.
Republican Senators, the gig is up. Time to do your jobs.
So Lindsay Graham wants to obviate a trial in the Senate by having the Senate vote on a resolution condemning the House impeachment process. Please do so Senator Graham, let’s put you and your colleagues on record. You do not vote on much anything else. By actually voting to shirk your responsibility you will help flip the Senate next year. So go right ahead.
President Trump has interfered in our elections enough and will continue to do so as he sees nothing wrong with it or anything he he has done. He needs to resign or be removed along with Pence and Pompeo. Jail time would be appropriate. No one is above the law. Maybe this time Congress will restrict presidential powers, pardons and privileges to hold our presidents accountable the same as everyone else. Partisans have a responsibility to uphold the law based on the facts and evidence. If they can't do that, they need to be voted out. Both sides of the aisle are guilty. Our Nation is badly damaged from the lies and misrepresentations that are contrary to the facts and our Democracy. Mr. Trump clearly does not have a conscience along with most of his supporters. (cf Paul Krugman NYT 10-22-19)
He’s done.
And Republicans who continue to protect him are now accomplices.
1
Just want to point out that there appears to be a typo or factual error in the description of the conflict. If 13,000 have died at the rate of "one or two a week", we're talking about something that has been going on for more than 300 years.... Just to be clear, I'm sure there's just a clarification missing. Mr. Taylor is clearly an honest and unimpeachable American. Mr. Trump, I have no doubt, will one day be convicted of treason in a vote that will be joined by awakened republicans... once they figure out their exit strategy. That would go a long way to setting things right in the world.
1
Even the evidence against Russia's FBI spy Robert Hansen wasn't THIS clearcut!
1
Like a gangster, Donald Trump tried to shakedown the country of Ukraine, alleging it needed to do something about corruption.
But the very something Trump wanted was corrupt, and his actions constituted an extortion: dirt on Biden and the DNC server, in exchange for aid money authorized by Congress.
The world has witnessed this. Because of that, there must be impeachment and removal of Trump. Because the world is watching what the US does next, and Trump threatens the integrity and image of the nation.
You can't accuse one country of rampant corruption with your own corrupt entreaty to that country. Especially if you're the leader of the free world.
#impeachremove
I’ll take the comedian over the reality star any day.
Imagine if trumps pressure led to discovery of serious malfeasance or corruption by Biden. Would we really be so aghast by that pressure?? Or imagine if the president were a Democrat pressuring Ukraine about trump. Would we be aghast? That’s impeachable?? Think about it and be honest
1
The federal election statute has no requirement for a “quid pro quo” or exchange of benefits as an element of the crime. Solicitation or acceptance (along with requisite mens rea - knowing it violates the law) of election help from a foreign person or government are the only elements of the crime.
The Trump administration’s ludicrous and irrelevant defense - “no quid pro quo” - would seem even dumber if news outlets everywhere would “smarten up, “ consult the statute, a lawyer or even The Google, but stop chasing the “quid pro quo” narrative like a bright shiny ball that Trump keeps throwing under the couch. Trump has never denied committing the acts that constitute elements of the “high crime” and the bribery that both constitute impeachable offenses. At a time when our nation faces a dangerous security risk from a lawless president, we need a competent press as a counterbalance not a lazy or distracted one.
There was a satirical news sketch "Inside the Beltway" on SNL a few weeks ago. The setup was simple: 3 journalists recount the week's revelations around Trump's corruption, arguing that this will be the "turning point" in the Trump presidency.
However, the 4th commentator at the table, Black studies Professor Quincy Maddox (played by Kenan Thompson), simply smirks and mutters, "Ain't nothing gonna happen."
Throughout the course of the sketch, we go further back into time, watching the same conversation at other key junctures: after Mueller, after Stormy Daniels, after "grab them by the...". In every instance, Professor Maddox repeats his refrain, "Ain't nothing gonna happen." Each time, the other commentators try to persuade him -- it really be different this go around!
Today's news? Ain't nothing gonna happen.
Seeing Mike Huckabee in an add yesterday talking about how confusing the constitution is and to understand it better all you had to do is subscribe to his program, made my skin crawl.
I'm certain that his interpretation of the constitution is similar to his interpretation of the bible- you know God said people of color, gays, and women are inferior to white men. And yes, every white male has a god given right to own as many AR15's as he likes.
Magical incantation. Perpetual smears and perfidious berating. Arson by lying and by spreading the hating. That sums up Trump and his mode of operation. To sully the law and to sully the nation.
1
I'd like to know how there can be an extortion if the person allegedly being extorted doesn't know about it? The Zelensky conversation took place July 25th but the Ukraine government found out about the delay in mitary aid on August 29th! So at the time of the Zelensky conversation the request by Trump to investigate Biden was received and acted upon by a willing individual not one who was knowingly pressured or threatened economically!
Congress knows about the above chronology. I thought facts mattered in any prosecution, let alone impeachment.
2
Taylor's testimony corroborates Trump's own admission as seen in the transcript he released, and in Rudy's and Mick's statements. All this testimony just supports what the administration has already made public!
How many more smoking guns are there?
Because now everything done in secret by this Administration must be investigated, exposed and dealt with. It cannot be buried. We must face it all.
So Lindsay Graham won’t be “disturbed” unless there’s evidence of Trump’s quid pro quo “outside the phone call.” Isn’t that a bit like refusing to be disturbed unless there was evidence of Nixon’s coverup “outside the tapes”?
Trump’s life in 3 lies: No collusion! No quid pro quo! The check is in the mail...
The President of the United States has full authority on matters of foreign policy. All presidents before him had. The Deep state seems keen to steal the power of the POTUS.
1
@European in NY: "Full authority" to use tax-payer dollars to find dirt on a political opponent?
1
the question must be asked very soon. who's more dangerous? trump or pence?
pence wants to take us all back to the 50s with his religion and nonsense. trump is a liar scoundrel who is running the country like the mob
We can thank the Republicans for this:
Bush was so bad that we elected our first black president.
Trump IS so bad, in fact, so much worse, that we will elect our first female president.
I just read the 15-page statement made by Ambassador Taylor. What it details very clearly is a criminal conspiracy personally directed by Trump. He should not be allowed to spend even one more day in our (the people's) Oval Office. He should be impeached, convicted, and removed TODAY.
"No quid pro quo" is the new "no collusion" and "lynching" is the new "witch hunt."
What will it take for the GOP to come to its senses and withdrew support for a corrupt, incompetent, uninformed bully whose primary "talents" are playing the victim and winning the news cycle?
The modestly termed "impeachment inquiry" has morphed into an effort to list impeachable offenses in a manageable order. Shall we list them according to seriousness, in chronological order, in alphabetical order, or in a random array that would mimic the various denials and rationalizations coming from the White House and its reliable Republican factotums?
Frankly, the comparison of a constitutional process with the horrific murder of 4,000 men, women and children by racist mobs is an indication of being unfit for office and should earn a spot on the list of offenses.
With a look back to William Safire, when our President says "no quid pro quo" he is grammatically correct. If he got the "dirt" on the Bidens as he hoped, and then released the multimillion dollar aid package, then its quid pro quo. However, Congress got in the way with their push to release the funds. So, we should really say "intent for quid pro quo."
Getting the feeling that Trump and family are thinking about gassing up the jet for a long, long extended stay in Russia. I'm sure Vlad will be a great host to his unbelievably helpful operative.
This is another honorable, long serving public figure with impeccable credentials. Not that many still with this administration.One hopes that he will not be the subject of the crude rankings of potus.
Trump said he was going to clean out the swamp. It might not happen the way he expected. I wonder how many swamp creatures he will take down with him, both inside the administration and out, by the time he goes down?
Shocking as it may be to many, Mr. Taylor's account of how the president, for his own benefit, casually played with thousands of lives, not to mention the survival of a nation, should surprise no one at this point. The man's whole history shows no regard for the well-being of others, whether it's summarily fired associates, stiffed contractors, women regarded as prey, Republican competitors in the 2016 primaries, immigrant families, and anyone who goes to work for him at the White House. Anyone who gets in the way of what his instant gratification and lust for power demand will be thrown under the bus. And he will never change because he can't change. Wake up, Republicans!
Trump also overrode Congressional appropriation of money for the Ukraine.
President Pelosi, perfectly poetic.
Any reasonable person had to have known, as I did, that 45 would be a clear and present danger to both the country and the planet if by some "Twilight Zone" nightmare he became president. And it didn't take long (1-20-17 at 1201 p. m.) for the 65 million or more of us to realize that the nightmare had become reality.
Now we are on the cusp of removing an incompetent and disgraceful excuse of a human being, an individual with no heart and no soul. His reign as King brought down by a few pieces 200+ year-old of parchment and a resilient rule of law of which he knew nothing and cared nothing. Good riddance!
Sadly the Ambassador can apparently offer NO proof of his claims. And because of the way the Democrats are running their kangeroo court the Ambassador seems immune to skeptical questioning.
For example, is the Ambassador calling the Ukraine President a liar? After all the Ukraine President says there was no pressure, no Quid Pro Quo. And we can all read the call transcript for ouselves.
Who knows better, the Ambassador or the Ukraine President? Our own lying eyes or the Ambassador?
And I'd ask the Ambassador if he thought that Hunter Biden's Ukrainian deal was "problematic" and worthy of investigtion?
And what about VP Biden threatening to withhold military aid if that Ukrainian prosecutor wasn't fired? Was that a Quid Pro Quo?
Is any of that problematic to the Ambassador?
Curious minds want to know.
Trump: Get me some frozen water.
Aide: You want some ice?
Trump: No, I didn't say anything about ice. Now get me that frozen water.
In just a few days we have learned that Trump is using his office as a means to advance his own personal interests-he wants the G7 at his Doral resort and he wants the Ukraine to produce dirt on Biden which he can use in his campaign-it is all about Donald Trump and his welfare-not an interest in our nation.The American taxpayer would fund his resort and did fund the Ukrainian shakedown by having their money impounded by Trump until he got his dirt.No wonder Trump wants to be re-elected-for him the presidency is more lucrative than real estate.Trump went bankrupt in business and stiffed a lot of investors.Trump is bankrupting our country both morally and financially.Impeachment cannot come soon enough!
1
Taylor's testimony is stunning. Read it. I'm physically stunned. Upon reflection, there's something that stands out to me. According to Taylor, Trump repeatedly ordered no "quid pro quo" while demanding exactly that from Ukraine. The countermanding orders are so quintessentially Trump, you can't doubt their origin or validity. Trump ordered a quid pro quo while saying he wasn't ordering one. That's Trump alright. Thanks to Bruni for pointing it out. Intentionally or not, he even snuck-in a "Princess Bride" reference."
"You keep using that word, I do not think it means what you think it means."
"There are two stories to tell about Ukraine, Mr. Taylor said.... The other is a positive one — about “a young nation, struggling to break free of its past” and eager to “enjoy a more secure and prosperous life.”
They may want to secure prosperity, but breaking away from their past is not possible. Ukraine, like every other nation, comes with a lot of baggage, and a lot of that baggage is negative. Break away? Can one break away from DNA?
1
Congressional Republicans, both in the House and the Senate, will now be every bit as much on trial as will Trump, as they will have to vote, in full view, for or against impeachment.
2
13,000 and 1-2 a week don't add up. The war would have to have been going on for about 150 years at least.
1
"The nation has known the basic outlines of this story for weeks, . . ."
No, *half* the nation has known the basic outlines. In so many contexts now, we really need to stop referring to "the American people" and "the voters" and "the nation" etc. being aware of anything in the news, or not standing for some behavior out of the Trump White House, or holding to certain values.
That's over now. The truck driver who lived across the street from me in a small town outside of Lansing, Michigan is not reading the New York Times or the Washington Post, or Slate et al online. He is not watching MSNBC or CNN, and he is not listening to public radio.
You know what he does watch, and what he does listen to, and no, he does not have the basic outlines.
10
@Jack Klompus
This is at the heart of the problem: we Americans who still read and try to think critically about what we read have to listen to our friends and relatives who support Trump based strictly upon what Fox News, Limbaugh and all those sources tell them what they're supposed to think about anything which is what they want to believe anyway. Trump knows this and probably why he will get re-elected.
1
The big story here is not getting dirt on Biden although this effort is corrupt and illegal. The big story is trying to shift the blame of the 2016 election interference from Russia to Ukraine. Tangential to this bigger crime is the delay of needed arms help to Ukraine. In both of these instances the beneficiary is Putin and Russia. Democrats would like to make impeachment about the Biden sabotage because it is easily understandable. I think they do the nation a disservice to not pursue the Russian influence on Trump. It will be harder for Republicans to defend as just politics. They will have to defend treason.
9
When Trump says "no quid pro quo" what he actually means is that he didn't explicitly say that the investigations and the aid were linked. He seems to believe that as long as he didn't say it in those exact words it can be divorced from all context and he can't be held accountable for it, regardless of what implied threat he might have been making.
It's kind of the same way he believes that not finding evidence of collusion means "no collusion."
11
What will the Republicans do? It's an incredibly important question for them. This ship is going down and if they cling too tightly to it many will go down with it. Obviously, others fear the wrath of the rough seas of Trump supporters.
It's a crisis point, so they have to make a decision. Here are some ideas for making a bad situation somewhat bearable for these bewildered pols.
For those Senators from strongly red states, they don't need to speak up. Voting for conviction is what matters the most. Do the right thing when the time comes.
For those from more light red or purple states, all it takes is a comment along the lines of "this is a very serious matter". That will be a cue for others that this crisis is the penultimate one. Vote for conviction when the time comes.
For those few from blue states, time to publicly jump ship. State that if these offenses are true, the President should be removed from office, then remove him from office.
Hey, there's life after Trump. Better start to prepare for it.
7
It’s all noise that takes the steals the news cycle from the Democratic candidates. The election is already decided and it will be Trump.
1
Nope! He will either resign or be removed!
What a disgusting example of a president for our kids to learn about.
17
I'm thankful for public servants like Mr. Taylor. One of the key reasons, as a conservative Republican, that I didn't vote for Trump is his odd (non-Reaganlike) embrace of Putin and his campaign team's views on Ukraine. Trump's team watered down the GOP platform regarding Ukraine. His now jailed campaign chair was on the wrong side of the Orange Revolution, in the pay of Russian stooge and deposed Ukrainian leader Viktor Yanukovych. Carter Page and Michael Flynn too were pro-Russian in many ways. And on every turn Trump has sided with Putin over our democratic allies in Ukraine (not to mention his recent pro-Russian weak retreat in Syria.) With that background, it's no surprise at all that Trump would readily threaten Ukrainian security to advance his own political interests.
12
@Wesley, thank you for your comment it gives me hope for our country.
Senators, who do you stand with? Erdogan, Kim, Orban, MbS, and Putin. Or Taylor?
22
The issue is not quid pro quo, but an illegal demand for something additional for a performance already due.
Quid pro quo is short hand for the contract law concept of consideration. Consideration involves mutual promises. X makes a promise to Y in return for Y making a promise to X.
Sometimes the law does not recognize mutual promises.
Suppose Y is a public official required by statute to perform some duty for X. Y threatens not to perform unless X provides something additional for Y's benefit. The danger of a threat to withhold performance affects the public. The promise to perform the duty required by statute is therefore not recognized as consideration. There is no quid pro quo.
This demand is common in less developed countries. For example, a commercial vehicle comes to a traffic intersection with a barricade manned by a policeman. The policeman demands a small sum to pass. This is a cost of doing business and supplements the policeman's meager pay.
In the United States, the illegal demand for a gratuity reeks of corruption.
10
Brilliant! Thank you. As usual , Trump is half right. There was no quid pro quo. What he did was solicit a bribe.
The military aid was not his to withhold. He had a duty to deliver it. What he did instead was solicit a bribe. It would have been no different if, instead of demanding an investigation, he’d demanded $100.
6
I concur! With Taylor's testimony, Trump can no longer credibly maintain that he was merely seeking to spur the Ukrainian government to investigate wrongdoing and not trying to smear his campaign opponent by enlisting a foreign government to meddle in our election. As per Taylor, Trump didn't merely want Zelensky to investigate the Bidens, he wanted Zelensky to get on a "public box" and announce he was doing so, even though there is no evidence that Hunter Binder was engaged in wrongdoing. So Trump's intent is made devastatingly apparent--he didn't really care about an investigation and there was no public-interest component involved in his quid pro quo demand to Ukraine. What he wanted was to have his opponent smeared and he wanted it done publicly so he could reap an immediate reward. Analogous circumstances won Trump the last election: the mere announcement from a public box by James Comey that he was, again, conducting an investigation into Clinton's emails was enough to have her drop ten points in the polls even though there was no real evidence that she had done anything wrong. Trump knew exactly what he was doing.
16
Taken together with the weird Syrian Fiasco, Trump must be impeached for being Putin's Poodle.
Is that a high crime or a misdemeanor?
13
when does all this become the T word- Treason!
10
Trump's criminal bribes ought not to have any room in the White House. Time for justice to bring out the cuffs...before he cuffs the rest of us into allegiance.
4
Stepping back from the details a moment, perhaps the significant lesson is that once people are enabled to come forward, they do. The Republic must rely upon good men and women who respect and defend the rule of law. Trump has silenced them in part by firing the good and installing the bad, Barr in particular. Congress has at last provided a means for patriots to speak.
Should the forum not be enlarged now to illuminate other aspects of the President’s conduct? Let the other committees perform their duty too.
8
Gotcha!
2
Trump has been known to complain "Where's my Roy Cohn?"
Sorry, I can't help you with that.
But, here's your John Dean.
11
Impeach. Remove.
7
The last I heard was that Sen, Lindsey Graham, when confronted with the quid pro quo, claimed it wasn't serious enough to impeach. Of course, it's Graham who isn't serious about defending the Constitution instead of defending Trump. And this points to the the very serious problem Democrats will have in convincing 20 Republican senators that there is any crime--even "bribery" mentioned as a "high crime" demanding removal from office--that would convince them to convict Trump. One has to assume that Nancy Pelosi is quite aware of the situation and will deal with it when articles of impeachment are ready. Hopefully, as the evidence mounts and the public becomes even more convinced that Trump must be removed, Republicans will realize that a "hypocrisy defense" may save Trump until November 2020, but will definitely insure their defeat.
10
I want to know why Taylor is coming forward only now, under subpoena? If he knew about all of this all this time should he not have spoken out immediately. He does not work for Trump. He works for us, we the people.
Or is he merely part of what in an anonymous op ed piece disingenously assures us, a member of a rogue group of people who think themselves "the adults in the room"?
These so called "adults" feel endorsed to push policy that is allowing industry to foul the environment, giving huge giveaways to the wealthy who need it least and beefing up a military while also claiming to be removing the US from wars.
What the testimony says to me is we have two channels of government, each as dangerous as the other and no one who is conducting the business of the country and Taylor has participated in it.
As far as I'm concerned, that Taylor allowed this to go on with the knowledge he has had all this time completely tarnishes his sterling reputation. It is cause to remove not just him but huge swaths of gop officials elected or not from office.
They have shown how far they are willing to go to support an agenda so destructive to so many Americans even if they were ignorant or stupid enough to support them in the election booth.
1
@no one He detailed his concerns months ago in a memo to Pompeo, who is his boss. Pompeo didn’t answer Taylor’s communications.
23
William Taylor noted in his opening statement that many Ukranians would die without American aid Trump was blocking. Taylor thought withholding the aid was a betrayal of our ally.
We saw this past week Trump withdraw our soldiers from Syria, leaving our Kurdish allies to flee & possibly to be killed. The Kurds pelted U.S. armored vehicles w potatoes as the Americans drove away - saying they felt 'betrayed' by the U.S.
See a pattern?
Whether about greed, stupidity or benefitting Vladimir Putin, Trump has twice this year capriciously used the Presidency to betray an ally. First in Europe, then the Middle East.
For reasons that don't make sense, the Republicans were up in arms about Trump's betrayal of the Kurds, but not Trump's betrayal of the struggling, endangered Ukranian government.
Do the Republicans believe it's OK for Trump, acting as the U.S., to betray one ally to whom we've given our word of honor - but not the other?
What's the difference? We shouldn't have a president who's playing with, insulting & betraying our allies.
Without alliances in this world, we are sunk. All countries without allies are endangered.
Trump may have convinced himself Putin will support him but we watched yesterday as Putin & Assad greedily carved up Syria for themselves like a cake.
Most Americans understand Putin does not have U.S. interests at heart. So for President Trump to betray our real allies - people who shed their blood for us - for Putin's pleasure is insane.
13
@fast/furious no doubt erdogen called in trump's loans so trump capitulated.
I never protested or even wrote that I felt George Bush should be impeached, even as I felt that the invasion of Iraq was illegal; and felt his administration was responsible for wrecking the global economy.
He followed the law, sought international and Congressional approval; he made very poor choices.
I am not calling for Trump's impeachment because he is putatively a Republican (although that is really debatable) but because he flouts the rule of law. He doesn't respect it, or institutions meant to protect us all, and if he did he would nto care. Trump is all about Trump, and his incredible inept and corrupt Administration is all about improving their own portfolios.
And even that corruption, I'd argue, could be resoled at the ballot box.
BUT.... when his foreign policy is turned into self-promoting, ill-considered campaign strategy, both illegal and a pathway to improving Russia's place in the world at the cost of US safety and security, that is the time to impeach.
He broke laws. He made is and the world less safe. He put his own personal needs above the needs of the nation. He lied, covered up, and continues to lie repeatedly.
Jettison him, Senators.
12
Pretty funny that Trump chooses to hang his hat on quid pro quo when he and his cronies are aware that he was trying to force Ukraine to announce investigations in exchange for their foreign aid. It wasn’t a offer, it was extortion.
It does seem to me that it is a lot to ask for the country to accept Pelosi as a interim president. There ought to be some way to let Pence take over.
1
@B.Ro. In a temporary capacity, Pelosi would be just fine. I'm not ready for a full theocracy.
"to investigate former Vice President Joe Biden, a front-runner for the Democratic presidential nomination, and his son over supposed corruption."
While not excusing Trump's behavior, there is little doubt in my mind that the word "supposed" does not belong here. Trump made a huge political mistake and he will have to take whatever comes as a result. But the corruption in Hunter Biden's position in Ukraine is something which only the blind will deny.
The idea that Ukraine is crucial to America's security interests is poppycock. And the idea that America's security interests extend to Russia's borders is extremely dangerous. Would we tolerate it if Russia decided that what happens in Mexico is relevant to THEIR security interests?
Perhaps Trump will go. Probably he will go. But we do need a saner policy with Russia than the one which Mr. Obama followed and which resulted in Crimea being lost to Ukraine. We should acknowledge that OTHER countries have THEIR security interests and learn to RESPECT them. Trying to recruit Ukraine into NATO was a dangerous mistake. and it was not Mr. Trump's mistake. It was Mr. Obama's.
2
You know what? Russia could join NATO if it so chose. It chooses instead to act in opposition. That’s it’s folly, not ours.
Adding Ukraine to NATO is one way to protect it — and its peaceful democracy — from Russian authoritarianism.
As for Hunter Biden: yes and no. There’s nothing to investigate. What he did was legal. But, like Jared and Ivanka, he traded on his family name. It’s unclear to me how to control that kind of nepotism except to make clear such attempts at influence will not succeed and are therefore a waste of money.
3
How much do you think Ivanka’s trademarks from China are worth? Should she be investigated? How many other children do you think live off of parent’s connections? Hunter Biden May have made bad decisions but no investigation has been able to find any corruption in his father.
1
@Ludwig Why don't you tell us what the corruption in Hunter Biden's position was; the Ukraine government cleared him of any wrongdoing. You have other information? Please share it. I'd also like you to outline how Obama's policy on Russia was responsible for the invasion and annexation of Crimea. It's news to me. Such bold statements, without any corroborating facts.
1
Donald Trump seems to be utterly incapable of exhibiting any positive human trait. He is a raging id undeserving of credence. He is incapable of admitting error, throwing tantrums, hurling insults and leveling accusations at those who even hint at some blemish in his self-ordained magnificence. Caught committing a crime he plays the victim, devoid of shame, and smears the bearers of unpleasant truths, which, with Trump, seem endless. Thank God for those brave people who have pulled back the curtain on this corrupt charlatan.
8
I am still trying to understand why exposing the corruption of the Biden clan is being seen as an attempt to manipulate the 2020 election in Trump's favor rather than as a necessary effort to prevent a corrupt politician from running for the highest office in the land. The last thing America needs is the sort of sleazy career political operator who, directly or indirectly, uses his credentials to finagle outrageous payoffs to his son with a checkered past and zero qualifications other than his last name.
4
@JJ Gross See, here's how it's supposed to work. We don't accuse someone of murder, then go searching for a victim. We don't accuse someone of theft, and then search for stolen goods. We don't accuse someone of corruption, and then ask others to search for evidence to prove the charge. We don't assume people are guilty of something in the absence of any evidence pointing to a crime. And let's stop with the phony outrage over people using their connections to land a job. It happens everywhere, from small town mayors getting their friends' kids summer jobs to senators and congress members arranging internships for the children of supporters. Would Rand Paul have risen to his position if his dad wasn't Ron Paul? Would George Bush have ever been considered presidential material if his dad wasn't GB1? Would the cast of misfits in the Trump administration, almost all of whom are completely incapable of performing the jobs they have been given, be in their positions if they hadn't flattered Trump or outright paid him for the privilege? It may be completely unfair and possibly unethical, but it's not against the law unless they are violating nepotism laws. And by the way, Biden did not finagle outrageous payoffs; the company paid what it felt the position was worth. Unless of course, you have evidence that proves otherwise.
3
What you fail to understand is that Trump wasn’t intent on exposing or investigating anything. That had already been done, both here and in Ukraine. If further investigation were warranted, that’s what State and Justice and the FBI are for.
What Trump wanted was a manufactured scandals to tar his opponent with. To that end he abused his power and refused his duty to deliver the military aid congress had appropriated.
5
@JJ Gross If you are concerned about corruption and do not want compromised, unqualified, sleazy candidates running for the highest office in the land, how do you justify supporting Trump?
2
Trump withheld aid to an ally in exchange for a personal political favor. Abuse of power, plain and simple.
12
Mob bosses used to threaten store owners with destroying their shops if they didn't pay them a fee for 'protection'.
The president of the US used the very same technique on a country that needs protection from its armed to the teeth neighbour, albeit one that has his boss pulling the Don's strings.
Russia has a US asset sitting in the Oval Office.
8
Trump's biggest smoking gun is his own disgraceful, highly unprofessional behavior as President, which has done far more harm at home and abroad and to the planet than any other president I have witnessed (or read about) in my long life.
I would say there are sufficient grounds for impeachment simply based on Trump's incompetence and the highly damaging consequences of his accumulating lies, deceptions, and decisions every day that man has occupied the Oval Office, trashed the Constitution and the rule of law, and used and abused the presidential office for his monetary gain.
No corporation would put up with such incompetent, disgraceful behavior that destroys the credibility of the company and greatly increases the corporation's debt.
Why do the Republicans?
This is not a rhetorical question. The citizens of our country really need to know why the Republican Party continues to support Trump's unethical, unconstitutional, and even cruel behavior as president.
8
The Trump administration has presented us with more 'smoking guns' than MS-13.
The real question is, are there any patriots left in the Republican party? Or are they all happy to stay hidden under piles of cash and cushy benefits while our country is laid waste by the criminals, both here and abroad, they are supporting or ignoring?
Many of us are disturbed by the world's problems. Overpopulation. Pollution. Climate change. Never-ending wars. Natural disasters. Decimation of species. Some things we cannot change, but others we can. Trump is a monster we've inflicted on ourselves and have the power to correct. Lock him up.
8
Senator Graham did indeed say that if he saw a bonafide quid-pro-quo, it would be disturbing. So, naturally, when he sees one, he simply says it's not a quid-pro-quo. Clever strategy.
Senator Graham: "If I see the President murder someone, I'll vote to convict."
Trump pulls out a gun and shoots someone.
Senator Graham: "That looked like manslaughter to me,"
7
It is obvious that Donald Trump has not put the good of the country above his personal desires. It is equally obvious that any Republican still supporting Trump is not putting the good of the country above their personal desires. Neither Trump nor his cohorts deserve the honor of serving the country. They should all be removed from office.
5
The supposed position of Trump and his supporters -- I say "supposed" because it is too incredible for them to actually believe it -- must come down to this simple point: President Trump did not utter the words "quid pro quo" in his conversation with the Ukraine president, and neither did any of his representatives, so there was nothing wrong with what he did.
But in the real world, as the phone call alone establishes -- and others have now repeatedly confirmed -- conditioning US military aid on launching a phony investigation of the president's political opponents is the same thing, whether you use the phrase "quid pro quo" or not -- and you have to be willfully dumb not to see that the conversation as revealed by Trump himself made delivery of the "favor" of "investigating" Biden the quid pro quo for military aid. The president and his allies are simply lying.
7
Taylors testimony is deeply disturbing, and should frighten all of our legislators to their core. If not impeachment, the 25th amendment should come into play as Trump is frightfully unfit for any public office. And as far as I’m concerned he is as unfit to be a local dog catcher as he is President of the United States. Self-serving and self-dealing have no place in any elected officials work. Jeopardizing the security of the US for personal gain is treason and an highly impeachable offense.
7
The two offenses Trump committed - attempting to rig the next election by strong-arming a foreign nation and misusing Congressionally appropriated funds as the carrot - are by any measure examples of extreme abuse of power. But ask any prosecuting attorney if he/she would try a case against a defendant who would certainly be acquitted by a jury and the answer would be Why bother? That's the sad truth about the Ukraine scandal. Why impeach Trump when we already know the outcome will be acquittal in the Senate? Because by not impeaching him, it sets a precedent for future presidents who happen to enjoy a Senate majority having their backs to abuse their power on a daily basis with total impunity. Is it possible for 20 Senate Republicans to convict Trump? Perhaps, but his malfeasances in their eyes would have to be considerably graver than the Ukraine scandal. And that is appalling.
5
Mr. Taylor embodies everything that Trump is not: brave, intelligent, honest, diligent, thoughtful, disciplined, principled, loyal, selfless, lawful, and patriotic, among other qualities sorely lacking in the so-called president.
Hopefully, the Republicans will recognize the futility of supporting such a horrific administration (that aided and abetted the president’s illegal wishes) and impeach and expel the lot of them posthaste.
8
I say kudos to Ukraine's new president, who, by all accounts, is an honorable man. Doing his best to tackle his own country's corruption, he refused to be a pawn in Trump's corruption.
3
Once again, class: "All roads lead to Putin."
The point of blaming Ukraine for Russia's manipulation of the 2016 election was to get Russia off the hook, contradicting the consensus of U.S. intelligence that Russia was the guilty party.
In the process, Russia would be able and IS already interfering in the 2020 election with a goal of keeping Putin's Puppet in Power.
Putin's Puppet enabled Russian coercion of Ukraine and essentially ceded the entire Middle East, including our NATO ally Turkey to Russia.
Putin's goal was to destroy NATO. Through Trump, he has succeeded.
Putin's goal was to corner the world's oil. Through Trump, he has succeeded.
Putin's goal was to destroy the threat of democracy. Through Trump, he has succeeded.
Putin's goal was to paralyze the governments of the U.S., the U.K. and Israel while destroying their longstanding alliance. Through Trump, he has succeeded.
Through Trump, we look foolish, stupid and powerless. Putin has succeeded.
7
Trump supporters claim that POTUS was just leaning on the Ukrainians with the goal of encouraging anti-corruption efforts in that country.
However, why then did Trump and his cronies demand that the Ukrainians make a public announcement of the opening of investigations into Biden and Burisma?
The rationalizations and excuses of Trump and his cronies is bursting the seams with corrupt intent.
2
Never before in our nation’s history has a president manifest so much contempt for the rule of law he is sworn to protect and defend.. We should not be surprised. It’s how Donald Trump has always rolled.
We should, however, be outraged, including and especially the flag waving Trump supporters who have long excused his transgressions as so much piffle.
Trump’s blatantly labeling the emoluments clause of the Constitution as “fake” should set off alarm bells in all fair minded Americans, as should yesterday’s testimony by U. S. Ambassador Taylor.
This is a time for serious, sober deliberation. Americans deserve nothing less, and deserve far, far better than Donald Trump. Fairness and the Constitution demand it.
5
More than a smoking gun.
Trump's statements in the transcript are substantiated.
1
Trump yelling no collusion and no quid pro quo is the only defense left and one that GOP Senators will be repeating ad nauseum during the Senate trial. Never mind what witnesses say, they are all part of a conspiracy, just like the one Democrats and Ukranians engaged in to blame the Russians and tarnish Trump's glorious win. The Senate and the Presidency of the US has become a pathetic show of dishonesty and shamelessness. Where is the GOP Senator who will expose this hiding?
2
Trump has protested loudly "no quid pro quo, no quid pro quo." When you hit close to home with an accusation, this is how Trump responds. And now we know there was a quid pro quo. Trump lied, plain and simple.
I remember another time he protested in a similar manner - when Hillary Clinton accused him of being Putin's puppet. He responded in a similar manner: "No puppet, no puppet, no puppet." I have a feeling that was another lie. Perhaps soon we'll know for sure.
4
@RT Judging by some of the pro-Trump comments I'm seeing, their new line is that quid-pro-quos are okay and done all the time in foreign relations, completely glossing over context and particulars.
2
After this latest testimony, by someone whose personal character and service to this country are well above reproach, there is no room for doubt or "alternative facts."
If Trump is not impeached for this behavior, then the Constitution means nothing, and the United States is a failed state. If the Senate does not convict, then the GOP will be complicit in a gross betrayal of the Constitution and cover-up of it.
This episode does not even include the open corruption, racism and support of white supremacists shown by this administration.
The chickens have come home to roost, and they are nasty, nasty birds, indeed.
3
I've read several quixotic comments, calling for Trump voters to finally do the right thing and support impeachment. The clear evidence of Trump's lawbreaking vis a vis the Ukraine is now overwhelming. Career State Department officials have testified they believed Trump appointees, because of their sheer ignorance and unfitness for office (much like Trump himself) were literally security risks. And now we have William Taylor providing direct evidence of Trump's lawbreaking.
But understand that Trump voters won't continue to support Trump in spite of his lawlessness. They will continue to support him because of it. Trump screamed to the rooftops to encourage Russians to interfere with our 2016 elections. In response, Trump voters screamed that they'd rather be Russians than Democrats. Turns out they meant it.
Now we have clear evidence with the Ukraine affair, that not only has Trump broken the law, but that he also sought to conceal his crimes. Trump voters know all of this. And recent polls of his voters show very little, if any, movement away from him.
But we cannot claim to be incredulous at their continuing adoration of this man. The fact is, Trump is the kind of "president" his voters want - a willfully ignorant, profoundly racist man who will stop at nothing to get his own way - even if that includes lawbreaking. And because of their bigotry and their willful ignorance, we are witnessing the destruction of our country in real time.
5
So here is the irony--what Trump did in Ukraine is bad--very bad--and MAY get him impeached. But what he did in Syria is much worse--horrible and under the influence of Putin, Erdogan and Orban, rather than his own national security team. Yet poor policy usually does not get you impeached. Breaking of the law, only may get you impeached. I'm still trying to figure this one out.
2
Buried under all of this is the fact that we're sending batches of $400m in aid to Ukraine. ($1.5b in the last four years)
I appreciate the reason for this appropriation, ostensibly to curb Russian aggression, but still... I wonder what else we might have used it on.
Heck, I wouldn't be surprised if Putin or Trump held stakes in the MIC entities supplying this aid, by accounts anti-tank weaponry, sniper rifles, training, etc.
If nothing else, Russian aggression in Ukraine has cost America a pretty penny.
Funny how Trump has no compunction about aid funds being delivered (especially if he can leverage them for personal gain) but is in a huge hurry to get our guys out of Syria.
The whole situation stinks to high heaven, and demonstrates exactly why so many are fed up with the world order, and the people in charge.
If the president's own recorded words to a foreign leader are not enough...heck, if the president's own admission to a quid pro quo is not enough, then I don't see how this will help the case as a "smoking gun" any more that the evidence we already have.
3
@Bret Indeed!
Yes, Trump has to go but so do his many supporters. We need to address his enablers also. These folks who keep supporting a tyrant no matter what are as guilty as is he. These folks should lose their voting privileges for at least ten years. Their treasonous, undemocratic actions need to be punished also. It is one thing to vote unaware of this man’s years of corrupt behavior but it is another to continue supporting him after his flaunting of our Constitution and laws. These folks are not unlike Trump in that they put their own interests above Country. Time to show there is a penalty to pay for treasonous behavior.
3
I never thought that I would see a day like today, where a patriotic witness lays out a tale of official betrayal by the President and his handlers in such detail that no one in the President's party can raise even a quibble, except to call it a lynching. It's now crystal clear that Rudy Giuliani and his Russian/Ukrainian gangsters were in direct contact with Trump. And still, Republicans are standing behind Trump!
I do think we've reached the point where Trump's supporters in the Senate are about to flee him. For all of our sake, I certainly hope so.
3
Many people, including one or more commenters here, believe Trump's approval rate will actually increase after "this too shall pass." Was there some powerful, steadfast base of support for Nixon after his disgraceful fall, that held strong despite time and reality? Do people think Trump is some special kind of entity, an immovable force that has turned people's souls to mush, and will wreak havoc and hegemony 'til kingdom come? Quell your terror, people. He's just a man, and a sad little one at that.
2
Republican voters keep asking “but where’s the crime?” So it’s time for Democrats to stop using terms like quid pro quo and start referring to the specific charges these actions would face if Trump were any other citizen: bribery and extortion. And while campaign finance and emoluments clause are leg 3 and 4, nobody really cares about those. I want to hear bribery and extortion echo across the airwaves as often as we hear witch hunt and fake news.
3
It is an exercise in fury, disgust and shame to read Taylor’s opening statement. This vile betrayal of an ally, of a country fighting desperately against oppressive Russia, that we must all now own up to, runs contrary to every ideal the USA has traditionally stood for. We have put our country’s reputation and future in the hands of a petty, selfish, small-minded, ignorant, self-centered buffoon who cannot be considered in his right mind. And House members like Kevin McCarthy dismiss what he learned today as inconsequential.
This is not about nullifying the 2016 election. It is not about Hillary’s emails and the Steele dossier or any other whataboutism. It is about unimaginable, inconceivable corruption on an incomprehensible scale. We are all splattered by this stain and must do all we can to wipe ourselves clean.
5
Trump is simply exercising his common criminal m.o: Threaten. Bluster. Try to extort what he wants. Use taxpayer (i.e., other people's money) money as a stick and carrot to advance his personal political interests. Lie about that. Try to cover that up. Besmirch the Constitution. Employ the office of the presidency for personal gain. Abuse public servants. Lie and make insane accusations about their motives. Oh, and don't forget to abuse the trust of our allies and partners, because if it is made clear that every interaction with the president involves a quid pro quo, then he can expect the "partners" to roll over faster next time. Because if groveling is clearly expected it's best to get it done fast and get it over with.
Trump crimes require justice. He belongs in jail, and the fact that the Republican Party won't act makes them accomplices to the crimes Trump commits. The Republicans may not be inside with Trump robbing the bank, but they're driving his getaway car. And that makes them just as guilty as him.
2
We must never forget that this complete and total charlatan was elected president by an electoral majority of our fellow citizens. In many ways, I blame them more than Trump. He made it clear who he was before he was elected. Trump is just doing what Trump has always done, bloviate, spin conspiracy theories, lie, cheat, feather his nest. It's a limited repertoire, but it's second nature for him by now. I hope the U.S.A. can somehow dodge the bullet he's fired at the heart of our democracy. But I don't have high hopes, since the people who elected him don't seem to have learned anything. They're still living in their Fox-induced fantasy world.
1
We, as a nation, are perfectly within our rights to condition foreign aid on good behavior from those we help. It’s no different than a parent conditioning privileges on the good behavior of their child. If Ukraine was activity involved in 2016 campaign meddling, why should any US taxpayer funds be given to them?
The never Trumpers are so blinded by their hatred that they cannot distinguish between impeachable behavior and responsible leadership. If roles were reversed here, Democrats would be all over this including with demands to withhold aid.
The disingenuous hypocrisy never ceases to amaze me.
Here's what I want to know:
Are Individual 1's most ardent fanatics truly willing to sign on the notion that it's just fine for presidents to leverage the enormous power of the U.S. government — you know, that "corrupt" and horrible institution — to serve their own political needs?
Put another way, how would this rum president's partisans feel if the same thing had been done by President Obama, or a theoretical President Hillary Clinton? If that thought enrages them, and if they believe in the God so many claim to believe in, how can they not see the problem with the Current Occupant?
And if they simply say, "I don't care. Politics is purely a team sport, a competition, whenever my side cheats, it's fine," what then?
No smoking gun. While I believe Taylor, and believe that Trump said what Sondland told Taylor Trump said, Taylor's evidence is double hearsay. The Republicans will use the hearsay rule to block Taylor's testimony at trial in the Senate.
On the other hand, if Sondland testifies again and confirms Taylor's account, then the Dems might get it all in at trial on the ground that the speaker -- Trump -- is unavailable to testify.
3
This quote says it all: "“radical unelected bureaucrat” is a curious way to describe Mr. Taylor, who currently serves as Mr. Trump’s acting envoy to Ukraine and is a retired career civil servant and Vietnam War veteran who has served under both Republican and Democratic presidents." Isn't it the words of an amoral scoundrel willing to do or say anything to preserve his miserable existence ?
1
Wow. I just read Mr. Taylor’s statement and our country is very lucky he is a patriot and a meticulous, intelligent one, too.
I have one comment on his version of what transpired: Trump told Sondland more than once that there was no quid pro quo while demanding what is, by definition, a quid pro quo. The man can’t help himself. He is a liar through and through.
Oh, a second comment: Mr. Taylor’s statement exposed Sondland as a liar, and not a very good one at that. Once again, Trump taints everything he touches.
3
I don’t think he knows what “Quid pro quo” means, we’ve seen nothing to suggest that is in his vocabulary.
It's odd that folks are saying Trump was asking folks to investigate Biden's son. When I read the transcript it sounds more like he wants folks to fabricate something to make the Bidens look bad. Why ask a corrupt government to do "investigate"? Why not ask the FBI or CIA?
China, Russia, and Ukraine create lies. You don't go to these countries for the truth. Look at the stuff Russia used to influence the last election--That's what Trump wants. He is not a man that uses the truth. The truth is like kryptonite for Trump.
1
Trump's current mantra of "no quid pro quo" sounds alarmingly similar to his former refrain of "no collusion".
1
No, it's not. It is no different than Biden's own quid pro quo, when he withheld aid demanding a firing of Ukraine's Prosecutor General. It is not only proper, but prudent to demand that receipients of US aid investigated corruption.
3
Right-wing Republican and veteran, appointed by Trump, says it was a quid pro quo.
Republicans try to smear him by saying that this veteran is a traitor and that that Trump was stupid to appoint him in the first place.
That's their entire case. That veterans are traitors and that Trump is too stupid to appoint qualified candidates.
1
For Trump everything is transactional, the life of deals. He doesn't like foreign aid. Why? He doesn't believe in giving (something for nothing).
If we give you money, food ,supplies, arms, you must give us something in return or our gift is wasted. So we have weapons and I need to eliminate Biden. A favor. That's what friends do.
Besides, I am president, so American foreign policy is about me. I get reelected, the weapons will flow. Trust me. I am a man of my words.
2
Faux news kept the Hunter Biden story alive way past it being debunked, cause it is good for ratings. Trump, in his almighty wisdom, loved the story, believed the Murdoch madness, saw how it could help him get rid of Joe Biden and used the power of the Presidency to make it stick.
Puppets on strings cannot think critically. Hence this madness.
1
If Trump's diehard supporters, who are desperately looking for a way to extricate him from the Ukraine disaster, insist on offering ridiculous defenses like "get over it" or "they're out to get him," instead of those I would go with "he's still learning the ropes - after another year in the Oval Office he'll be up to speed."
1
"I could shoot someone on 5th Avenue and not lose a single vote!"
Clearly Lindsey "See-Saw" Graham would agree with that. He, a Southern White Republican Senator from a state with a history of violent lynchings, agreed with Trump that this investigation into infinitely more dangerous actions for our nation than the one Graham led on Pres. Clinton is a "Lynching". And I'd bet my retirement Graham would SOMEHOW justify why what he did to Clinton was not.
Everything "See-Saw" said was impeachable in the late 90s now is "unimpeachable". Lying about a consensual affair was impeachable, but endangering National Security for an election advantage isn't...to "See-Saw".
Here's the REAL lynching: Thousands more Ukrainians and tens of thousands more Kurds will die DIRECTLY because of Trump's corruption, self-interest, ego, and inherent racism.
We've got the smoking gun. How many Republican Senators will be patriotic and loyal to their oath and the nation when being loyal to Trump violates both?
We are on the razor's edge.
2
It doesn't matter. The other day Lindsey Graham said could consider impeachment if he was convinced there was a quid pro quo. He has a confession. What more does he need? The republicans will never convict Trump. They are birds of a feather. They are all anti-American, corrupt, enablers of criminality. The truth is, that is also true of the about half of American who will vote for Trump. We just have to face the fact that this is a terrible country.
Pompeo's error was to introduce one honest professional into the mix of corrupt amateurs carrying out Trumps illegal and self dealing plan to trade arms for political dirt against Biden.
This is in fact, the second smoking gun. Just saying "you could do me a favor, though" and asking for dirt on Biden is in itself a felony. The quid pro quo is just icing on the cake and should lead directly to impeachment.
If the Senate refuses to convict, so be it. Let the Republican Trump protectors bring a record of their blatant immoral covering for Trump to the voters in the next election.
1
Well, half of Americans think that what’s good for Donald is good for the Country. The big question remaining is: Does Donald know what is good for Donald, or is he just a bit too taken by the Midas touch?
1
Can not help but compare Mr. William Taylor and James Comey.
A hero vs. limelight seeker.
Before Trump won, some psychologists were quietly trying to raise alarm bells about narcissism in leadership. In fact, most business leaders and politicians rate high on narcissism, but Trump takes it to extremes.
Throughout his most egregious actions, mocking a disabled reporter, separating families and locking young children in cages, sending pregnant asylum seekers back to gang-controlled Cuidad Juarez, seeking to end Obamacare without a replacement, slow-walking aid to hurricane-ravaged Puerto Rico, trying to buy Greenland, and now, ordering the rapid and uncoordinated abandonment of our key ally in a war against ISIS, there is a common thread: Trump"s complete lack of empathy. He seems utterly convinced that the only people whose interests matter are himself, dictators (with the noteworthy exception of Maduro), his base, and wealthy donors. And when you get that worldview and where everyone factors in, nothing he does will surprise you. Even if the latest outrage is withholding military aid to get dirt on the son of a political rival. But of course he would leverage aid that way. That is of the art of a Donald Trump deal.
1
We have now gone past the "Shoot someone on fifth Ave.'' moment. The body of the Republic is lying in the street hemorrhaging. We clearly see the gang faces holding the smoking guns.
What will it take for 20 republican senators to recognize their duty to remove the least fit and most corrupt man to ever occupy the oval office?
The inanities mouthed by trump, grahm, nunez, et al in defense are beneath comment, but not notice.
Remember well next November and vote every single one of them out.
1
We have not hit bottom yet folks! Unless he is removed in time, Trump's only endgame is provoking a shooting war shortly before the election to cement an electoral win in 2020.
As his criminal messing up with the Syrian Kurds shows, Trump has zero problem with sending people to their deaths.
They are not people to him, they are chips in a game.
A game in which he is, notoriously, a gullible, easily-manipulated player, a fact not lost on Putin, Erdogan, Kim, Orban, and other staunch defenders of human rights, human lives,fairness, and equality.
1
The very sad part here, the very scary part for all America is not trumps actions but the action of the GOP, of the Republican party. Trump is a crook, film flam man who will do or say anything to stay in power however the GOP is a group of people who are supposed to put the interest of America and its people first.
2
I don't think any network is going to offer Trump his next job no matter what catchy phrase he comes up with because he can't top his own "the phony emoluments clause" belch.
1
Once Trump is impeached by the House, it would only be fitting that Lindsay Graham, having thoroughly debased himself in this affair, be the one to lead the delegation of Republican Senators, as Barry Goldwater did with Nixon, tasked with telling Trump he no longer has sufficient support in the Senate for an acquittal and that he should consider falling on his proverbial sword and resigning. Oh we will get there just as soon as Republican Senators realize a ticket headed by Trump will lose so badly it will take their Senate majority with it. With a Democrat as VP, the Democrats need only a net gain of 3 seats to take back the Senate and CO, AZ, NC, and ME were in play before the whistle blew.
The American people can understand motive. It is time to connect Putin's quest for sanctions relief to his puppet.
The head US Envoy to Ukraine, Bill Taylor testified that Trump himself wanted Kyiv to investigate the completely debunked election conspiracy theory: that a Democratic National Committee server was whisked away to Ukraine to hide the fact that Ukraine interfered in the 2016 election, not Russia.
Why was this so important to Trump?
Because the sanctions on Russia and Putin’s billionaire gang members, can not be lifted until the reasons for the sanctions are denigrated.
Trump was demanding two things before he would release the $400 million in funds that Congress provided, and which are life and death to Ukraine.
The first was that Ukraine take the rap for Russia’s 2016 US election attack;
And second was that Ukraine had to put on a public show that they are investigating the Bidens.
Counter intelligence investigations of persons inside and outside of the U.S. government are going on right now. They surely include Donald Trump and his lawyer Rudy Giuliani.
And it is a safe bet that Russian sanction relief is the motive at the heart of those investigations.
In President Trump's defense, he really, really, really, really needs to win the 2020 election, in order to continue to enjoy immunity from the law and The Constitution.
Moving the Goal Posts
With all the quid-pro-quo evidence now swamping the President, many Senate Republicans are pushing to redefine how criminal behavior is unimpeachable.
Absent John McCain's moral compass, Lindsey Graham is calling the House depositions a lynching. Forsaking his oath of office, Pompeo is likewise resisting congressional oversight and calling reporter questions hypothetical. Abandoning all his legal training, Barr is waging his own war against whistle-blowers, while running his own trumped-up investigation. With impeachment fears of his own, Pence has lost all connection with reality. And Mitch allegedly called the Zelensky phone call "perfectly innocent".
It's immoral and wholly un-American.
1
Reading the pages of Ambassador Taylor’s prepared remarks, it dawns on me why Trump appointed Mulvany to the (acting) COS position, while also retaining his other role supervising the Office of Management and Budget: he could thus coordinate the extortion of cooperation from a nation’s leader via the withholding (or granting) of monetary funds (authorized by Congress).
This begs the question: in what other ways has Mulvany been the linchpin of unconstitutional, illegal money management on behalf of this administration’s high crimes and misdemeanors?
Surely other outrageous, shocking and perfidious details lie buried and must now be uncovered! Follow the money.
The degradation and evisceration within the our government - from the very top(!) - is mind-boggling and blood-curdling.