Breaking into a SCIF (Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility) is a serious matter; certainly it's a security violation, if not a crime. SCI Tickets (clearance) is a Special Access Program (SAP) that requires a special and detailed investigation. The person must already have a Top Secret or Q access clearance and usually must undergo a polygraph test.
I held a Q Clearance for many years; thss is another SAP, but I didn't have an SCI clearance. Had I broken into the SCIF at Los Alamos or DOE, I would certainly have lost my clearance and my job; I might very well have been arrested and charged with a serious crime.
Doug
14
Does this not qualify as seditious behavior and conspiracy?
6
The display put on by some of the Republican Members of Congress yesterday was puerile, more reminiscent of Junior Highschool children kept in after school than of supposedly mature representatives of the People. Let us hope that they get a severe talking to from Mrs. Nancy Pelosi when next the house is in formal session. I hope she uses such words as naughty, childish, spoiled and silly!
7
Republicans have been serving ground Democrats for years. Democrats are so inept their only cry is "Me next!" Five hours to clear the room is a joke.
3
How do you spell stupidity 'personalized'? Matt Gaetz of course, a shrewd big-mouth work in oblivion. Creeping loyalty to a demanding narcissist that is convinced is above the law, immune to justice and lacking even an ounce of decency.
5
Congrats GOP Senators. You are emulating your boss, as a party of Thugs who also claim to be above the law. You have lost all sense of law abiding sensible intelligent caretakers of our Constitution.
You remind us of the corrupt ignorant fool sitting in the
Oval office.
9
@SMB
They certainly should be barred for life from any government positions.
They should be charged for their crimes that undermine the rule of law.
6
Those Republicans involved were simply following the "fuhrer's wish" to disrupt and to corrode our constitutional checks and balances on a lawless demagogue.
8
Pathetic! The republicans can't stand the heat, and they want to take over the kitchen.
4
"House Republicans, led by Representative Matt Gaetz of Florida, marched into the bowels of the Capitol"
How apt is this peristaltic analogy!
3
They can try but they won't succeed. Trump is a criminal who is going to be impeached in the House. The Senate, who are mostly a bunch of racist criminals themselves, will not remove him from office. We'll leave that to the voters in 2020.
The Republicans' little stunt yesterday did nothing to make them appear as if they were indeed up to the standards of our Constitution. They should all face punishment for such a stupid stunt.
8
"If the facts are against you, argue the law. If the law is against you argue the facts. If the law and the facts are against you, pound the table and yell like hell." Carl Sandburg.
10
"If the facts are against you, argue the law. If the law is against you, argue the facts. If the law and the facts are against you, pound the table and yell like hell."
2
A bunch of idiots. We already have a Ted Cruz. We don’t need more.
4
Disciplinary actions against all of the republicans that violated house security rules should be initiated immediately. This sort of conduct is intolerable. However, I am mystified that security guards and the Sergeant at Arms did nothing to stop the incursion. Do secure House committee meetings need armed guards? What are these lunatics doing to our government?
4
WOW! What does the world think of our leadership activities? These particular Representatives acted out a childish temper tantrum in front of our country and the world. The United States abandoned the Kurds. The President abrogated many of our treaties. He calls a multitude of the leaders of our allies with scurrilous names. He glorifies the leaders of our enemies with praise, respect, and admiration. I have learned to look at the actions of our leaders and not their words. So now we have the Republican leaders and representatives of the House barging into the SCIF without the proper permissions and credentials using cell phones which are absolutely not permitted in this secure facility. Are they not in violation of our National Security Laws? Should those participants who are members of one of these committees lose their access? If they truly wanted answers, in another forum, they could yell for the release of pertinent documents, cooperation by the Attorney General, and timely delivery of requested records and granting permissions by the Department of State and Defense, and the White House to appear before these committees. What is our status in the world today? Who stands with us today? When will this administration learn to conduct the business of our government and not the business of Trump?
7
A most outrageous height of hypocrisy (blatant lying) comes from so-called Press-Sec Stephanie Grisham, who's yet to hold a press conference since being appointed months ago.
All she does is release one-liners like this:
"Stephanie Grisham, dismissed it (the impeachment inquiry) as part of “a coordinated smear campaign from far-left lawmakers and radical unelected bureaucrats waging war on the Constitution."
Who is the "radical" bureaucrat Grisham refers to in her lying press announcement?
It is . . . : career American diplomat William B. Taylor, who was appointed by Republican Mike Pompeo, and who has worked for Republican president Bush.
Taylor is the rare Republican who still maintains some dignity and honor, and who , yesterday, released his 15 page document which details con-man Trump tying military aid to his own personal attempt to stay in power while the oval office is further corrupted.
No more needs to be said. Taylor, age 72, is clearly not "far-left." He is an honest Republican like Robert Meuller, James Comey and thousands of other honest Republicans, now behind closed doors.
They all talk with other other honest Republicans, and will be coming out soon, one by one, bit by bit, tick by tock, one bloody drop by drop.
Trump knows this. It's cornering him. So, prepare for rough going. Trump invites many of his right-wing supporters to get violent. That's why he openly sought the vote of White Supremacists -- and jokes about killing journalists. No Joke.
9
Why weren't they arrested by the Capitol Police? Anyone else would have been arrested.
7
Does this mean any and all US citizens are entitled to crash a closed committee hearing, only white, male, elected-Republican citizens?
6
House Republicans “stormed” the Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility in violation of House rules as to who gets to attend hearings, particularly those being conducted in a secure facility.
Apparently, they did so after being egged on by Trump, who challenged Congressional Republicans to "get tougher."
The political stunt - and make no mistake it was a political stunt - accomplished little, other than to cause the day’s testimony to run a few hours late.
But it didn't prevent America's top diplomat in the Ukraine, William Taylor, from testifying. His testimony yesterday was devastating for Donald Trump.
Taylor’s testimony was a bombshell confirmation of Trump’s extortion of Ukraine—including a detailed account of the pressure Trump put on Ukraine to interfere in the American elections in exchange for military aid and a White House visit.
Congressional Republicans can engage in political stunts all they want, but that will not refute the evidence being gathered. As the members- both Democratic and Republican - of the House committees gather the information methodically, painstakingly and thoroughly, release the information to the public, and thereafter conduct public hearings, the Republicans are going to have to make a choice: defend and protect Trump or defend and protect our Constitution.
54
The House Republicans and the Senate Republicans are dead right: it is the Congress that is criminal although they pretend to be a judge and jury. The Republicans are always right, because in your heart you know they are always right. Trump is the greatest President since Lincoln. The Democrats are trying to get rid of Trump, who is the greatest man who ever lived, just like they got Lincoln
1
This quote is important and deserves focus: "The House, meanwhile, passed its third piece of legislation — the Shield Act — aimed at preventing foreign interference in American elections. But Mr. McConnell has indicated that he will not bring it up for a vote, and Mr. Trump threatened to veto it."
It's a mistake to bury this important information inside your long story about the republican revolt. Bring this information to the front pages!
It's a mistake to focus on the "republican revolt" instead of clarifying the due process. Reveal the republicans' participation in the impeachment depositions. Reveal their hypocrisy instead of portraying them as brave soldiers. They are NOT defending democracy.
20
@Pepe thank you, that is a very good point!
Come on NY TIMES- report these failures of the Senate to defend our democracy! It's a disgrace to be a Republican senator.
7
I was looking closely at the pictures of GOP congressmen who stormed the SCIF wondering if I would see some of the same faces I saw at Charlottesville. Couldn’t get a view quite close enough to tell. However, both groups did appear to be cut from the same anti-democracy cloth.
4
Reminds me of the mob action during the 2000 Florida recount. Same hardball tactics, same cynicism
3
These Republicans are committing felonies while being elected representatives.
So, are they above he law???
I’m guessing that they will face no real consequences for blatant conspiracy and lawbreaking.
This is why we are where we are at.
If they were treated as any other person and held responsible, they would probably think twice.
They feel untouchable.
4
"Representative Earl L. “Buddy” Carter of Georgia issued a dire warning: “If a government can do this to the president of the United States, they can do it to you as well. You need to be scared. You need to be very scared.”
Gosh darn it Rep. Carter, I said the exact same thing when you guys were investigating Benghazi 16 ways to Sunday, and also the Clinton impeachment when the GOP mob was out to lynch
him. You have a very guilty President to defend. I don't envy you.
9
So, yesterday I read here that there was unequivical truth to the quid pro quo based on testimony from Taylor, behind 'closed doors' but seems leaked hourly to press. Today I find out Taylor's testimony was based on 4th hand knowledge?!
NYTimes, seems that meeting you had to tell journalists away from Russian collusion and towards impeachment is working, whether it's true or not matters little? The daily assault and secrecy is turning this reader into a non-believer. What is happening to the rule of law and honest journalism?
They must have enjoyed themselves behaving like frat boys at a blowout party like in the old days.
2
Cravenly complicit!
1
These lawless lawmakers a.k.a. congressmen and congresswomen must be immediately recalled by their constituents. They have no moral rights left to make legislation for this country. I say, kick them out!
4
This is the party of law and order?
And there was no secrets kept from Republicans who were members of those committees. All these renegades had to do was ask their committee members.
If its going to be the law of the jungle instead to agreed upon rules, I highly recommend the Democrats hand out suspensions from all committees to those who knowingly and deliberately invaded a secure facility. The suspensions should last till end of this Congress.
7
You have to look at it from their point of view.
If things aren't done their way, they absolutely must kick and scream and prevent the orderly conduct of government business.
And why not? Such behavior works for their 6-year-old grandkids.
2
No, Mr. Scalise, what was happening inside the secure room, which you and your colleagues stormed, was not “a Soviet-style process.” If it were Soviet-style, all of you would have been shot dead. If it were Soviet-style, nearly a hundred Republican lawmakers wouldn't be inside, participating in the hearings.
We all can be proud that, in striking contrast to lawmakers who behave like thugs, we have bureaucrats in the country who are willing to testify against their boss. When the wrong committed by the boss is treasonous in nature, they refuse to sit idly by.
The Republicans who continue to ignore Trump’s treasonous conduct must ask themselves whether the oath they took while entering office was to protect and defend the Constitution or the person who is showing utter contempt for it. They say they resorted to the thuggish tactic to get the hearings conducted in the open. But Democrats who control the House have already assured them of that. They have also assured that complete transcripts of the private hearings now going on would be released soon. But the Republican courtiers of Trump don't want to wait until then. The reason? After William Taylor’s testimony on Tuesday, which corroborated the treasonous charge against Trump, they feared that still more damaging evidence would emerge if the hearings continued.
The political system in this country is an envy of the rest of the world. A few henchmen of the president have made a mockery of that system. Shame on them.
8
Do you know what would be "transparent"? If the White House, State Department, Department of Energy, Department of Justice, and all their denizens were to respond to ONE subpoena request.
6
The only thing missing from this absurdist theatre was that wasn't a musical. I half expected that Mark Gaetz, Steve Scalise and the 'gang of bros' to break into West Side Story's "The Jet Song". It seemed to me to be appropriate to their antics and who and what they represent.
When you’re a Jet
You’re a Jet all the way
From your first cigarette
To your last dyin’ day
When you’re a Jet
Let them do what they can
You got brothers around
You’re a family man!
2
What is it Trump has on these pitiful GOP supporters? Generations of Trumps have and continue to fraud our government circumventing everything, every angle. Now the government is his, Trumps, the king of GOP, not the USA (most likely he doesn’t know how many states exist in our union). Daddy purchased his education, he’s sneaked out of military duty, and has never served a day in government.
Trump might be a citizen of the USA (maybe) but he is in no way an American. He continues to bring shame to the USA which may never ever be trusted as a leader globally again.
Impeach him and get him out of here ASAP.
3
Can someone in News please note that of the 2 dozen Republican Reps "storming the gates," about 10 of them are already entitled to sit in the meetings, and to ask questions?
This includes some of the most prominent "protestors," BTW.
It's really absurd that this point has been completely ignored, in favor of the stunt itself.
3
"...From the small stone of one whistle blower has the crushing avalanche begun."
1
The break into the hearing room was terrible but so is the way the investigation is being conducted. We the American people need to recall all of them. Trump is a reprehensible President and Shiff, Pelosi at al are reprehensible Congress people. The media is looking for a “story” and will publish anything that is leaked even though the leaks are really PR of the leakers. Disgusting.
1
How many secret meetings did Gingrich and the republicans have before Clinton was impeached?
4
This cracks me up:
Representative Earl L. “Buddy” Carter of Georgia issued a dire warning: “If a government can do this to the president of the United States, they can do it to you as well. You need to be scared. You need to be very scared.”
Oh my God you guys we're all going to get impeached!!!! We'll all be in jail. Let me guess this its Hillary's fault somehow.
What's amazing to me is that nobody is addressing the fact both sides virtually admit his guilt. One side claims they have the right to ignore the law and block the proceedings, without even bothering to pretend he's innocent or concocting a genuine defense. And nobody asking what it is they're so scared of that might be revealed. We already know, sure, but nobody is talking about the obvious guilt of this behavior.
2
It's embarrassing and wildly disappointing that certain members of Congress have jumped on board the reality show platform Trump trots out on a daily basis. They are making such fools of themselves and PS and BTW, playing the fool at the expense of tax payers money.
I'm so sick of all this.
2
As a defense contractor guy I've had to attend many meetings over the years in SCIFs. Cell phones in a box in the hallway, door(s) locked (you know, locked; like, can't open the door?), got to get buzzed in and out to go the restroom down the hall (the bigger SCIFs have restrooms, which is good), white noise generator in the hallway (sometimes in smaller simpler scenarios, the guard just has a boom box he/she uses to make noise near the door). I literally cannot imagine what the reaction would have been if I'd declared, "OK, I'm totally taking my iPhone in today!!" Well, perhaps some idea; that's what the guard's there for...
12
Juvenile delinquents.
Put them in detention.
7
Or "You're grounded! Now go to your room!"
What shameful behavior by those party hacks yesterday. Exactly how stupid do they think people out here are ? Judging by their actions yesterday, I'd say - pretty darn stupid !
Regardless of what they believe, there are folks who WILL remember their actions. Many many many folks ...
10
Pathetic and shameful. Hopefully, this display of imbecile behavior is the last gasp.
8
Isn't this what censure is meant to address? These congressman violated the rules governing their positions. Not only does it reflect badly on the president, it cries out for punishment.
9
Ken Buck, R of Colorado was apparently one of the men involved in this. Yes, that Ken Buck - one of the Republican members of the Foreign Affairs committee and a member of the Oversight and Investigations subcommittee. It is insulting how stupid these representatives seem to think their constituents are.
13
For all those Republicans who are whining that they're being "shut out".
Do you remember when you called the Democrats "snowflakes" when the Republicans in the Senate controlled the process to appoint a Supreme Court Judge?
Well guess what; it's the Democrats in the House who now control the impeachment process!!
So stop your whining!!!
9
@Robert Arena, except that they aren't being shut out. Twelve of those Republicans who "stormed" the meeting room had permission to be there.
This is PR theater designed to influence Tяump's low-information base.
4
The great sage, Forrest Gump would say, " stupid is, stupid does".
7
Republicans are master tacticians, consciously or not. Does anyone remember similar behavior during the 2000 recount in Florida? Their objective is to make a huge fuss and create doubt in the minds of their base that the "process" is fair, and their tantrums, unfortunately, work.
Picture an unplowed, snow-covered country road winding through flat lands in Kansas. You simply can't find the center. Republicans have effectively disguised the center by pulling it to the right with their extremism, and Democrats have been played so thoroughly that "compromise" ends up being one version or another of the conservative's objectives, even as polls consistently show majorities favor more liberal proposals.
When will Democrats get tough? Will they rise to this incredible moment in history, or will I have to get off the couch and come to their rescue?
5
Somebody in the room said we have to do something! Hehe, this is what they came up with?! Lots of ingenuity went into this stunt. And they put all the brains in that room together and came up with this? Our kids go to school and fear being shot, you think this is a powerful message? You guys have it all wrong. Shame on all of you. Say goodbye to your cushy seats.
13
An angry white mob storms a briefing room to intimidate a witness just one day after the president mentions lynching.
The congruity of thought from these Republicans scares me.
13
Snowflakes
5
It is time for the American people to see what is going on in these secret meetings. It is time Schiff stops releasing juicy fake news to the liberal media. It is time for a fair impeachment process!
2
Republicans are in the room and they have counsel with the opportunity to question witnesses. This is the same procedure as for the Benghazi hearings.
2
Pay attention. Their will be public hearings; the investigation part should not be public. It is a fair process- 45 R’s are in the meetings and able to ask questions.
2
All hearings are being lawfully conducted. The GOP is adequately represented in these hearings. What a farce! The Sergeant at Arms and Capitol police should have removed these idiots immediately. If you or I had tried this protest, we would have been removed.
9
Do you know how to tell when the tide is about to turn? When 20 or so desperate, mentally challenged, Trump-controlled GOP representatives illegally disrupt a lawful impeachment hearing and go against their oath to the Constitution. Stupid is as stupid does - Forest Gump
9
What is really frightening is that if Trump calls the Constitution"phony" he certainly will call an election when he is defeated phony also. He would be a more than dangerous lame duck. It would be nice if he would lose in a landslide but he is so unstable that for the general good the quicker we see his backside the better it will be for the country.
8
The republican house members should go on strike!!!!
Lets be thankful that the Dems took over the House and are investigating Trump and his self-dealing. He has had more corrupt cabinet members forced to resign than any other president. If the House was controlled by the Repubs they would be participating in the corruption and refusing to investigate anything.
5
Does the GOP really want to start the trend of protesting again? Who always does this better?
3
This was more than a political stunt or a mere prank.
This was criminal activity on many levels.
These Republicans, just like Donald Trump think that they are above the law.
They are not.
It is absolutely essential that they face the consequences of their decision to flout the law.
9
Such juvenile antics makes me wonder who these folks are trying to convince and impress the most - Trump, the public, or themselves?
3
The Republican outburst and disruption of committee hearings (of which many Republicans are involved) into allegations of Trump's actions further confirms that Trump's -tear down the walls at any cost and trample on the workings of our democracy - agenda has been adopted by these elected officials. If Trump is not guilty then let the truth come out. The Republicans looked pathetic. They are doing the bidding of a desperate man. How shameful and utterly insane.
4
I hear, “nobody is above the law”, at least ten times a day. But, you never hear a Republican say it.
6
Dirty players protecting their dirty coach.
5
These republicans are an embarrassment to their party and our country. They should face legal consequences for their illegal actions.
6
All those white guys physically intimidating a female witness and contemporaneously violating their oaths to compromise national security. Proud?
8
@JT - John Tucker
Proud boys.
2
Republican pretzel logic at its finest.
“We want in on a secure meeting where half the committee members are from our very own party!”
But —
“Donald Trump should not release his tax returns even though it would put to rest the cloud hanging on his head that he is a Russian laundry boy!”
6
Arrest them all. Arrest them all.
5
Breaking into a SCIF (Secure/Sensitive/special Compartmented Information Facility); carrying a smartphone or other transmitting device into such, are both definite security violations, especially because the GOP representatives do not have the necessary SCI Tickets (clearance) to be there. This clearance is a Special Access program (SAP) that usually requires a special and detailed investigation, including a polygraph exam.
This reason for this is that the SCI clearance gives access to Intelligence Information. the release of which could threaten SOURCE AND METHODS. Sources are individuals, e.g. agents/spies whose identification could threaten lives.
I held a Q Access Clearance, another SAP, however, not an SCI one. I was allowed a few times into a SCIFs, but only special invitation and never shown Intelligence Information.
Had I broke into a SCIF, I'm sure I would likely have lost my clearance and job, and might have been arrested and charged.
This is a stupid action, and unbelievable to me.
Doug
113
@Dr. T. Douglas Reilly -- I wonder if the chamber in which the impeachment hearings are conducted have been swept for listening devices, planted by the zealous, pizza-eating Republican stormtroopers?
The Republicas are over-eager to prepare their fabulistic responses in advance of the impeachment hearing, damage witness reputations, threaten witnesses, and subvert the truth to protect their own personal power and Trump's.
The chamber should be swept for bugs.
9
Basically there is an unannounced struggle to
form public opinion prior to the public hearings. Since
the democrats are in the majority they can control
in part how the press covers this congressional analogue
of a grand jury, which is not so secret, by means of
the various reports or documents produced for
the secret meetings.
This leaves the trumpicans on
the committee a bit in a difficult position since they
can't rebut or question the content of what is reported other than to say something like the witness wasn't credible or
the evidence wasn't unambiguous. But that is less
eyeball grabbing than the material that forms
the basis of articles like this one or many of the others in
the MSM coverage.
As a result, the democrats are playing to the advantage
they now have to form the message for those
following events, which is not as large as the audience
for the actual public testimony, of course.
The trumpicans have few options other than to make jokes (or worse) of themselves by conducting media stunts like the one today, as well as whine how unfair it is for the democrats to use their
relative advantage to do what they're now doing, while
taking care never to mention that there are many trumpicans on the committee and each has the rights of any member
to ask questions of witnesses.
So, anyone actually following things will find "unfair"
a completely silly characterization.
But what else can they do given their state of relative disadvantage?
5
The greatest concern is that the voters who support these members of Congress neither know nor care about rules of process, procedure, and decorum. In fact, they view these things as frivolous 'tactics' dreamed up by Democrats.
At the end of the day, it is the average voter's contempt for civility, the rule of law, and carefully considered action which empowers the kind of stunts we see here.
6
If this story and the particular Repubs doesn't show cult-like unquestioning (brainwashed) 'loyalty' above all reason, I don't know what does.
3
This is very anti-American behavior.
During the George W. Bush Presidency they would ask you why you hated America if you weren’t in favor of the Iraq war.
Republicans live in a parallel world where up is down, black is white, good is bad, pollution is good, and right is wrong - and they try to convince you that your world is fantasy.
And they push relentlessly to alter reality - inventing alternative facts. That’s why science has to be “fake news” I suppose.
This recent attack on the inquiry is another example of how lack of accountability for lawless behavior is undermining the country, and may lead to its demise.
America cannot exist without the rule of law, and Republicans know this.
That is why they continually break laws and rules, and why they push to end regulations.
They dare anyone to hold them accountable.
But that is exactly why they must be held accountable.
6
One TV Channel called this "An Invasion"; I call it "A Political Grandstand"
5
Adam Schiff told us for years that the evidence in the Mueller Report was damning and irrefutable. Then, we saw the report. Adam Schiff was lying. Period.
Now, Adam Schiff is telling us the testimony of the witnesses is damning and irrefutable. When we finally - IF we finally - get to see the "evidence," will it turn out he's lying again?
We may never know. Is that transparency? Is it even a legitimate process?
This whole thing stinks to high heaven. The Democrats have been screaming for Trump's impeachment since election day. How can we trust a process run by them?
4
@Elfego el Gato how can you trust this president.
1
When the facts, the law, the Constitution, logic, and the good of the country are all against you......pound on the table, scream and holler, and attempt the most transparent of publicity stunts!
It's impossible to believe that anyone would fall for such obvious and desperate propaganda, but then again there was that time an unqualified carnival barker became President of the United States.
4
Storming the hearing room!! My God, have we descended to the level of politics of a Banana Republic? Very very scary!!
5
So...the Republicans are asking for the "fake news" to be allowed inside the secure room of the House Intelligence Committee where the interviews are being held...Hmmm....I smell the aroma of hypocrisy, don't you?
3
Middle-aged white men throwing their toys out of the pram.
5
The Republicans storming the impeachment inquiry look like they are auditioning for a remake of the Belushi classic, "Animal House." The big difference is that "Animal House" was hilariously funny. This Congressional scene is not funny nor is it particularly intimidating. The participants all looked like very naughty kindergartners.
4
@Mary you might be generous with kindergarten.. I’m thinking the toddler room at daycare!
2
Staged a protest? More like had a hissy fit. While I’m baffled by their childishness, I’m floored by their inability to think like a human being with capabilities of assessment, morality and acknowledgment of their obligation to country. You’d think they were at a frat party.
3
video of this was truly scary and very like the deliberate chaos in 2000 at the florida ballot recount.
3
If they wanted to be on the committee so badly, maybe they should’ve tried harder in the midterms. I’d also like to add that republicans held closed-door meetings pertaining to Benghazi and the Clinton impeachment. They are rather quick to forget.
4
"Republicans Grind Impeachment Inquiry to Halt as Evidence Mounts Against Trump"
Evidence? What evidence?
The only "evidence" anyone in the public has seen or heard is what the Democrats conducting this star chamber have allowed to leak to the anti-Trump press.
Is it any wonder people distrust the Democrats, the press, and this ridiculous, unfair process?
The Republicans didn't act in secret when they investigated Bill Clinton. Which leaves only one question on the table...
What are the Democrats trying to hide?
If there was truly justice in this world, the GOP, after the 2020 election, would find its ranked thinned to the point that they could caucus in a broom closet.
5
Not much of a secure room if any non committee members can disobey the law, act belligerently spew fake statements, put the security of the US at stake and illegally tape proceedings.
How could a police officer with a gun just let them traipse in there.?! Isn’t anyone following the law. Let them stand in the hall and throw tantrums like babies but keep them out from the business of government. These Republicans are an embarrassment to the Constitution, rule if law and the security of our country.
LOCK THEM UP
6
From sympathizers to co-conspirators... here's hoping they can be included in the charges. There are too darn many Republicans in office today.
3
There was an episode on WestWing when the president walked up to the hill to talk with republicans. By the time they decided to welcome him in he had left. Bad move. Seems history repeats itself. Much bravado, no brains. They are acting like Trump - let them. We can sit back and watch them disintegrate. I would love to have been in room after this stunt. “ ok who was the idiot who came up with that fiasco? They made us look like jerks!” Sit back and like Trump it only gets more embarrassing. That’s what happens when you lose all ethics, morals, brains.
1
This childish stunt has a more insidious purpose - a call to arms and further lawlessness by Trump's infamous base. There is no legal right for them to be in the room and they know it. A lie upon the public meant to incite violence down the road. What a frightening disgrace.
4
Observers knew something was amiss when they found an empty clown car, encased in MAGA stickers, parked out front.
8
Do as I say... Put the shoe on the other foot... All lessons still to be learned and reckoned with by Republican politicians and their supporters. When will it end?
Same procedure that Newt used in the Clinton impeachment. Started off with a closed door inquiry. Karma.
6
Look. This isn't rocket science. These ardent Trumpite legislators have hooked their wagon to Trump's star. If he goes down, many of them will too.
Pirates know that if the Captain is captured, they'all all be hanged. So, they're now doing all they can to make sure the Captain isn't captured.
3
What sanctions are appropriate for the illegal actions of the House Republicans who entered the SCIF with electronic recording devices? Will the Speaker uphold the rules of the House that apply to confidential areas? Will the Sargent-at-Arms take appropriate actions to sanction these House members who perpetrated these violations?
As a person with a history of handling sensitive material, there exists no exception to the law that allow violations regarding such a security breach. Security rules apply to everyone or no one. Security rules protect everyone, that is why they must be obeyed by all.
If legislators who make laws, do not follow the rule of law, why should any citizen believe that the law applies to them.
5
Yep - and they brought a podium and the press corps with them to the break in. Coincidence? Nah - it's grandstanding.
Question everything.
2
Is it possible to get a list of who exactly participated in this act of obstruction. I don't want these jokers representing California and would like to start recall proceedings against them.
2
It is difficult to witness the anarchy created by the GOP who are supposed to be representing the American people. Who would ever have thought that this great country could be so easily destroyed.
2
A friend of mine from another country thought, from watching the video, that this was a bunch of Trump thugs attempting to intimidate and block the lawful process of government.
How can I explain to her that it's actually...well, what?
2
No need to explain; I think your friend’s got it.
3
Commentators seem upset that Republicans compromised the security of the secret inquiry...a secret inquiry run by Democrats that have daily leaks of selected information dribbling out seems to be no concern? Leaks on this scale indicate this 'inquiry' is a farce.
Seems like witness intimidation.
5
This gaggle of Republicans -
were they arrested ?
seems to me they should of been arrested ?
"Some of the invading members brought along their cellphones, though they are prohibited inside the secure room."-
seems to me they should of been arrested on multiple charges ?
So the circus continues
All at tax payers expense -
And Individual One continues in his criminal ways -
so sad...
3
The mostly junior Republican representatives who cooked up this specious stunt and participated are scared witless that Trump may be found guilty and the coattails they are riding will no longer exist.
Low information voters may not get it, but anyone who is actually paying attention sees right through mindless ploy.
8
I am astounded by the very idea that apparently only 1/3 of the U.S. adult population knows there are THREE SEPARATE branches of our government. This leads not only, at the least, to misunderstanding what is going on here, but at the worst, allowing what is going on with this executive regime to continue to its most crooked end. Facebook and other social media could do a real service if they were to post civics lessons as a part of their media. Here is one (of MANY) articles about the dearth of civics knowledge in the U.S. https://www.goacta.org/news/decline-of-civics-education-means-students-less-prepared-to-become-informed-citizens
3
When this is all over, Republicans will make DC look like mad men and women have flown over the city on fire breathing dragons. They prefer wreckage to the rule of law.
1
Republicans will surely love transparency when they have to make a public vote on impeachment.
2
What a circus from the Clown Caucus of the Republican party! Must have been an embarrassment for the Republican members of the committees in the room.
But didn't Republicans limit attendance at hearings into the 2012 attack on the United States Embassy in Benghazi, Libya? How many Benghazi hearings were there?
By all means, let's follow the GOP playbook.
I trust the GOP Clown Caucus is already preparing to "sandpaper" Trump? As I recall, that's what lawyers call it when they prepare a witness to be deposed --or give testimony. Clinton testified for 11 hours. I look forward to seeing Trump try to best her record.
2
Just because you right a lot of words doesn't mean that there is a there there. What evidence? You haven't seen any. Have you read the transcripts in full. Have you considered the Ukraine presidents exoneration of Trump. And you of all people who proudly published the Pentagon papers aren't trying to get your hands on the transcripts. Or pushing for transparency. How low you have fallen.
There was something missing from that video of Republicans descending the stairs to disrupt the depositions to be taken yesterday.
What was it?
It just didn't look right.
I've got it!
Tiki torches!
Someone dropped the ball.
The Republicans forgot their tiki torches.
I'm sure they'll remember next time.
3
This was an appalling display of the mob in action; that the President egged them on, and Republican committee members took part or at least did not protest or dissuade them (including Vice President Pence's brother Rep Greg Pence) is testament to the GOP's casual disregard for our laws and Constitution.
Everyone on the bipartisan committees has access to the testimony given, they may not however copy documents to disseminate to outside interests.
To attempt to disrupt our lawful process by turning it into a spectacle in the 'court of public opinion' was our Founding Fathers' greatest fear, they called it mob rule.
That is why these tactics by any group or party have always been condemned.
We fashioned our government around a separation of powers that has failed, has now become ripe for the usurping of our systems by those who hold no respect for their oath of office.
America is on the cusp of usurping the greatest impetus for liberty and democracy, read how the greatest civilizations ended and condemn any attempt to turn us into a footnote of caution.
86
@Rosiepi Well said! Fully agree!
6
Fantastic photo Erin Schaff!
It truly is Pulitzer worthy.
3
I am old enough to remember Watergate. Once the committees get past the facts-gathering stage, there will be public hearings. I anticipate these will be broadcast, at least on C-Span. In the meantime, I would appreciate less bloviating and fewer sophomoric stunts.
2
Most of the Republicans that rushed the SCIF were the usual suspects, Matt Gaetz, Jim Jordan, Steven King (Iowa’s Steven King), Louis Gohmert, and other flat-earthers. I was somewhat surprised to see Steve Scalise help lead the charge comparing the legitimate procedures as Soviet-like. But when I learned these guys met with Trump the night before to coordinate the next day’s mob scene, I am not surprised of the Russian oriented language. In reality, this was a relatively small portion of the Republican members. One unnamed member when asked why he did not participate in the demonstration, he replied “I follow the rules.”.
5
All the Republicans that participated in this juvenile stunt should be censored and fined for the cost of re-sweeping a classified SCIF. Their home constituents should be reviewing other candidates for 2020 that are honorable and will abide by the law and Congressional process. Let's leave juvenile behavior in high school.
3
@Rebecca Once again.... did you mean "censured"?
2
Presumably the Sergeant at arms takes orders from the Speaker of the House (or chairman of the committee in
session behind those doors)...if so, I can see how this might have been a prearranged tactic on Pelosi's (or Schiff's) part to make the trumpicans' ploy look as desperately pathetic and silly as it actually was.
In other words, let the country witness the nature and quality of the support for trump among his congressional enablers, and use their over the top feigned outrage (good for f-x viewers of course) against them by letting them act out in public their
staged tantrum. This did not really contribute much to
anything, and probably was processed very negatively
by the independent voters who saw any of the media staged
"sitdown". So it did them more harm than good.
I assume she had this in mind when she (or Schiff) did not
instruct a clearing of the room etc when the action commenced.
1
@bl huh? The minute you start with "presumably" you have me wondering how fact-based your comment is going to be.
Now, having read the comment, I'm still wondering. I think I may agree with your pov, but I'm still wondeering about the "other words."
674 days from the time Mueller was asked to investigate Russian interference till the day the report was delivered. The investigation turned up nothing it was a waste of time and money. This is just another diversion for the Democrats to draw attention away from the Republicans and shine the light on them as the beacons of justice.In fact the opposite is true.
1
Why is this not obstruction? Trump clearly incited this obstruction maneuver the night before. It is on tape.
2
It is totally unclear to me why the sergeant at arms did not remove these people. It was clearly a stunt, as many of them were entitled to be in the hearing but choose this method instead of actually participating. Furthermore, far from totally secret "Democratic" hearings, these depositions are more like a grand jury proceeding and Republican House leadership has access to the transcripts. They can't debunk the facts, so they choose to make up issues that don't exist about the form of the proceedings. Shame on Republicans for this behavior that only stalls the proceedings.
92
@Barbara
One news comment suggested the Dems didn't want to add to the political theater by having the Sargeant at Arms arrest the agitators; can you imagine...locked arms, civil disobedience...cries of injustice intermixed with howls of hypocrisy; however, I will be very disappointed if the Sargent at Arms doesn't issue citations for violating security rules, at least...and hopefully the full House will vote to censure each one of the unruly House members.
13
So, there are two type of people in Congress: the type that goes to Washington to represent the people, and the type that is there mainly to support President Trump and curry his favor. The second type, and the President, have found a champion in AG Barr because they would all be much happier and more secure being vassals of the king. Suzerainty by Putin is a small price to pay for recreating a safe and simple daddy situation, where everyone knows who’s boss and how to play the game.
20
I do take exception to anyone calling this a Brooks Brothers protest! Since Steve King of Iowa was part of this mob, I guarantee you that at least ONE member was wearing a J. C. Penny polyester combination suit with 2 pairs of pants and a reversible vest.
26
@elysianhome PennEy
Anger, rage can make us desparate. Disparate people often make desparate actions, and just as often not in their best self interest. So these House Republicans barged into the SCIF with their cell phones to memorialize their supposed feat. This adolescent act compromised our national security. Remember how the world was shocked and angry when it came out that President Obama's NSA had recordings of cell phone conversations of the President of Brazil and the Chancellor of Germany. China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran now have a pathway to listen into or about the Congressional meetings in the SCIF. This folly, like the cowardly thoughtless withdrawal from Syria cedes power to our adversaries. We cannot help but wonder where their allegiances are. "It is not good to have zeal without knowledge, nor to be in too great a hurry and so miss the way." (Proverbs 19.2)
6
A childish spectacle for the president of spectacles. I’m hopeful that republicans will loose all seats in government and these antics will be written in history as the last of the childish politicians.
15
The blatant disregard for established security protocols says it all about the Republicans.
Politicians are putting on a dangerous show without a basic understanding of security. For example, if the President ever thought to invite a Russian ambassador into the Oval Office. Ohh, that’s where the stupid idea came from!
If the US doesn’t wise up, we’re going to have BIG PROBLEMS OF OUR OWN MAKING. Hubris has gone off the charts.
4
Welcome to a third world country where the "legislators" act like
street mobs. They claim things are being hidden when all the info from these closed beginning inquiries (per regular practice in our
government) is eventually provided publicly.
This is mob action provoked by our current President's very words.
I thought there were laws against this behavior. I guess not, or else the laws no longer apply when coups are instigated by the persons elected to "run the country". (In this case to run it right into the ground.)
8
@Janet Thomas
Plus there are republicans in attendance now during the hearings so known of what they are complaining about makes any sense. This is all just a show to get our attention off the actual facts.
@Janet Thomas it's a game. . anything to produce a media event w/o a rational (legal) and utterly intended to try to mess things up.
One thing is certain here and that is the Republicans can no longer maintain their posturing about respect for Congress and due process. They are acting like unruly teenagers with no respect for law and order - the pretense is over we now see them as they truly are. Partisan Vandals who put party over country!!
12
@Emanuele Corso: WOrse they are acting like the fascists they are becoming.
1
Personally I would feel much better about this if the effort was conducted out in the open. Sad to say that hiding their efforts in doing something this severe from view of this American has done more to make me resentful and suspicious of the Democratic (no pun intended) machinations then anything else I can think of. I do believe that bad things will happen in the dark. Very poor display of the sitting majority in the house.
6
@Mike
Why were there no complaints when the same, exact process was conducted during the Clinton and Nixon investigations? Trump now has everyone questioning our democratic process. The reason these hearings are held in private is because they don't want witnesses knowing what other witnesses said during their testimonies so they can collaborate their stories. Why is it always okay when the republicans do something and not okay when the democrats do the same exact thing?
74
Initially, I thought so, too, then did some research on the process and discovered that, whether or not it’s the way I’d prefer things be done, it’s standard procedure and appropriate.
40
@Mike - There are different phases, and each phase has standard procedures. Despite the republican talking points, this is standard procedure. There are three committees holding hearings, and each committee has both democrats and republicans who can all attend the hearings and ask questions. Each party also is allowed counsel. The republicans are just as represented and active as the democrats. The hearings are closed to the public because they involve witnesses and testimony that has the potential of being either highly sensitive to national security or straight-up confidential. None of this is "happening in the dark."
The next phase will be open to the public. And, if impeached by the House, the Senate will hold the open, public trial. That's where full due process and trial procedures are afforded.
Just as Mitch said, "our strategy is attacking the procedure." And, that's the only option the repubs have right now because they sure can't attack the damaging substance.
37
At least legislators under North Korea's Kim have an excuse for obeying and complying with their leader's depraved whims - they could lose their life by summary execution or starve to death on a brutal labor camp.
What's the Republican's excuse for kowtowing to trump and his depraved anti-Constitutional whims - a mere Tweet? Republicans - America's profile in courage under the trump.
The Dems should change the lock on the SCIF door and lock it during sessions. Late comers? Too bad.
4
When the law is on your side argue the law. When the facts are on your side argue the facts. When neither are on your side, bang the table. The Republicans are banging the table.
16
@Denis
Cool comment. And so spot on.
Shameful display of theater.
This will push me to make a contribution to whomever is running against Matt Gaetz, the ring leader of this band of twits.
8
Cowards afraid of the truth, because it’ll take away their place at the trough.
7
"Secure room"? Not so much.
3
You can tell when he is lying because he opens his mouth used to be a joke, but it is simply a fact with Republicans.
They lie. That is all they do.
9
I have always thought that Republicans were revolting. . . Today confirmed that.
9
There is only one reason there is an inquiry. He lives in the White House. It takes no courage to go out and protest the people trying to get the car out of the ditch. How dumb have we become?
4
I found the Republican move very weak.
2
Why were these Republicans not arrested by Sergent at Arm's? Oh that's right, disgusting repubs were HOPING to be dragged out in cuffs so they could play victim on TV clips.
The entire GOP should be ashamed. If I were Republican today I would not dare admit it.
7
Get the headline right NYT. House republicans broke the law. They went into a closed hearing (where other republicans were present). They went into a secure area with their cell phones which is also illegal. They didn’t just ‘crash’ a hearing they broke the law.
7
A "Soviet-style process"?
Well, I suppose the Republicans would know.
4
When the facts are against you, argue the law. When the law is against you, argue the facts. When both the law and facts are against you, pound the table and yell at the top of your lungs.
4
Birds of feather despair together!
It behooves the NYT to make it very clear in the bylines that this was not Republicans storming a Democrats-only inquiry but, instead, Republicans interrupting a bipartisan inquiry.
If I were not an avid reader of the articles or knew little about the details of the impeachment proceedings, I would have interpreted your bylines as the former.
Editors, please be aware of what you emphasize. Not everyone reading the bylines read further.
10
“Because nothing says ‘completely innocent’ like storming the room of someone about to testify.” — JIMMY FALLON
14
I think we’ve seen this partisan staged protest of careful procedures before - when Republicans showed up in Broward County Florida in November 2000 to shout down the counting of ballots in the Presidential election that George W Bush won by 500 votes in Florida.
5
SL
North Carolina
Have anyone said what is obvious--that the republicans intended to intimidate the witness?
7
These guys made a clear case for closed hearings. If they are going to go so far as to try and intimidate the investigators imagine the witness intimidation if the hearings were open.
5
At least the Republicans' Brooks Brothers' Riot in Miami-Dade demanding that votes not be counted in the election of 2000 used right-wing staffers from the Heritage Foundation, etc. Now Trump and his billionaire class force actual Republican Congressmen themselves to riot to stop evidence of treason from being presented.
Mann and Ornstein warned that the lunatic right was "even worse than it looks" but all it got them was a virtual ban in the corporate media.
3
Presumably Matt Gaetz will eventually assert "We may not win the election. Lets stop the voting process - its a sham."
3
After a while, it looked like one of those third world or Eastern European government bodies running around. Soon I thought they would be throwing punches. This is what Donald J Trump has brought to our 240 year old democracy.
11
Yet another example of increasingly manipulative and non-fact based headlines by the NY Times -- as though there is some EXPLANATORY connection between the Republican protest and the fact that evidence against Trump is mounting. Both claims are true, but there is no reason to believe (and the article doesn't even address the claim) that this mounting evidence is WHY Republicans protested. I hate Trump as much as anyone, but let's let the facts speak for themselves, NY Times: don't become the National Enquirer.
2
I would love to see a list of the names of the senators who just rapted this proceeding and also the States they represent.
2
I have a question to all those constitutional pundits. Can Mr. Chairman honorary Adam Schiff ask Capitol Police to arrest them? If not, Can majority of House of Rep start impeaching them out of congress?? Your answers appreciated.
More evidence of this being a callow publicity stunt by a bunch of lumpen frat boys while Ms. Pelosi was away at her brother's funeral:
They've all got their cellphones out. Not the norm, last time I looked at pictures of honorable protesters in Hong Kong and the Women's March.
3
I wonder what Trump will tweet about the transcripts of the testimony when they are made public.
What best describes Wednesday's Republican act of desperation?
A. Witness Intimidation
B. Witness Tampering
C. Obstruction of Justice
D. Abandonment of Sworn Duty
E. ALL OF THE ABOVE
9
I continue to wonder why so many republicans support Russia.
It really does not make sense.
4
“'This is a Soviet-style process,' declared Representative Steve Scalise, the No. 2 House Republican. 'It should not be allowed in the United States of America.'"
They have an absolute gift for this stuff, don't they? You have to love the indignation. "How COULD they?? Why, as a patriot and lover of the constitution and all our hallowed institutions, I'm appalled."
1
They are now the common enemy.
1
Matt Gaetz is undeserving of being a Congressman. All of the partakers in this act should be penalized.
2
It is now apparent that Trump and the Republicans seek to disrupt the impeachment inquiry about Trump and his minions' illegal conduct by physically disrupting it and implicitly exhorting people to violence. This is repugnant. Whatever happened to holding up the Constitution?
4
Had you or I stormed our way into that room, we'd have been arrested--or shot. The fact that these GOP goons got away with such brazen trespass, all a big publicity stunt to delay and disrupt the Constitutionally sanctioned process of holding this administration accountable, convinces me we need nothing short of a revolution. The GOP is out of control. It is itself a clear and present danger to our democracy.
6
Flipping the House Nov 2018: elections have consequences....
6
Shame on all of the Republicans taking part in this! Like middle school children protesting too much homework and not enough recess. What have we become?
4
Two words:
Term Limits
3
If the ‘smoking gun’ is already there from previous testimony, why delay any longer? The Speaker should call a vote and begin the formal hearing. It seems that this is getting slow walked to gauge rising public sentiment for an impeachment hearing. By many accounts, we are already there.
1
I'm confused. If a same sized gang of citizens forced their way into a secure area and refused to leave for 5-hours, they would be arrested and perp-walked out the front entrance. Why are congressmen treated differently? Are they above the law too?
5
The republican House members, under their leader, Steve Scalise violated national security rules when they breached the Capital Police security entrance to the SCIF where secure meetings were being held.
They most likely overwhelmed the sole police guard to enter the secure area. C-Span covered the incident with their Committee Stakeout TV camera. It shows the capital police responded by sending at least a dozen officers into the area to move the unautherized republicans out of the SCIF.
These republicans were not “read on” to be present at the classified meetings led by the three committee chairs and therefore not permitted under the rules of the House to enter.
They committed a federal agency security violation, which they should have understood, under the rules of the House.
They should each be examined by the appropriate authorities to determine if their security clearances should be revoked.
184
@Ed C Man
Any one of us who tried what these republicans did would, at best, be in jail.
13
@Ed C Man Absolutely! and who knows who was accessing those the phones that several brought with them to this unconscionable act!
12
The optics: a bunch of frat boys passing a prank. How could they have thought this would look good.
4
"For now, however, the inquiry has unfolded entirely behind closed doors, as has been the case in the preliminary stages of past congressional investigations conducted by members of both parties, including the one Republicans opened during the Obama administration into the attack on American diplomatic facilities in Benghazi, Libya, in 2012."
Good luck, Mr. Gowdy, in educating your client-to-be on the process you used to set up a years-long prosecution of Mrs. Clinton that proved to be nothing because, in that case, evidence gathered in the investigation failed to support the charges, your argument, or your conclusion. That abuse of this system gave you a politically useful outcome. Hopefully, this proper use of it to defend Constitutional government will give us justice.
9
“We came, we saw, he died”. That is all we need to know about Hillary’s participation in the Obama administration NATO-sponsored regime change operation in Libya, which, if you have noticed, hasn’t turned out so well for Libyans.
How do over two dozen Republican Congressmen get to barge into a closed committee session and disrupt the proceedings without being arrested straight away? How is it they were able to do that for five (5) hours? Congress is not above the law.
18
These hearings are closed to protect national security and intelligence gathering. These committees have special rules regarding the use of cell phones (they are not permitted) in order to prevent release of information either intentionally or through hacking. These Republican members were jeopardizing national security as well as protocol.
14
Does anyone think it’s weird that in that huge Capital building, they have press conferences in a stairwell and not in some press conference room? That’s the thing that keeps me up.
3
The attitude is impeach Trump, we'll find evidence later. For more than two years we have been told that there is solid evidence that Trump colluded with the Russians which was cause for impeachment. After Mueller's report - nothing. Clinton's impeachment was bipartisan, this is not. Open the current hearings, sunshine is the best disinfectant.
1
If he finds out who is testifying Donald Trump will use his hidden powers to change everything for the safety of our country the beginning process must remain this way.
4
Mueller’s report was not “nothing.” He found plenty of evidence of cooperation between the Trump campaign and the Russians. He did not find indictable evidence of a crime, conspiracy, because the administration refused to produce documents and witnesses that Mueller requested. In other words, they brazenly obstructed justice to avoid findings of conspiracy. The report did not exonerate Trump, as he insisted. It offered substantial evidence of a pattern of collusion with a foreign country to influence the 2016 election. Trump has given new life and credibility to Mueller’s findings by unabashedly continuing to follow the same game plan for 2020.
2
Does anybody still think that the Republic majority in the Senate will impeach President Trump ?
I hope every American voter makes it to the polls in 2020.
7
An incredible 42 percent of registered voters didn’t vote in the 2016 election. But Hillary Clinton partly blames Jill Stein for her loss, who she thinks is a ‘Russian asset’.
1
What is it about this guy... THIS guy... that has Republicans so fired up to defend him? Do facts no longer sway their thinking, or will they at least allow facts to come to bear down the road?
If it's his (or his voters) ire they fear more than their own conscience or oaths of office, let the voters give them their comeuppance in November. It seems the entirety of our Congress should be judged one by one against their loyalty to our Constitution.
6
Major League Baseball umpire, Rob Drake, just posted his thoughts about getting an AK-47 for the 'civil war' that will erupt if Trump is impeached. Those who voted for and support Trump (including Republican representatives in the House) do not care if he leads a months long campaign to withhold desperately needed military aid and American support from Ukraine to extort the country for help with his re-election campaign. These people believe that the threat of violence is an appropriate response to any attempt to confront Trump's lawless transgressions. Apparently he can shoot someone and not be arrested. As Deep Throat told Bob Woodward: 'You have to remember these guys are none too smart....and it all just got away from them.'
11
The desperation of Trump is evident in this criminal act. The GOP is following the Trump "thuggery" play book, i.e., Giuliani and his two pals. I will take the words of Former Ambassador William Taylor, a West Point Grad, Vietnam Vet and "tenured" foreign service officer over Scalise any day! There are Republicans in these hearings and the transcripts will be made public. Regardless of this "radical right" stunt to change the narrative, the rule of law will prevail.
10
Trump is a symptom of the Republican Party - a Party that has a long history of ramping up fears and anxieties in order to get people to vote against their own best interest. It's very Machiavellian.
Mary Gordon has said the following:
“Empathy is the ability to understand how another person feels and to be able to feel with them. I look at empathy as having a cognitive component which is perspective taking, but also an affective component, which is emotion. So, the two together, are required in my definition of empathy.... The absence of empathy underscores violence and cruelty of all kinds."
Meanwhile, Daniel Goleman has said the following with regard to people who have just the cognitive component of empathy, which he refers to as cognitive empathy:
It is "simply knowing how the other person feels and what they might be thinking. Sometimes called perspective-taking, this kind of empathy can help in, say, a negotiation or in motivating people.... But there can be a dark side to this sort of empathy – in fact, those who fall within the “Dark Triad” – narcissists, Machiavellians, and sociopaths – can be talented in this regard, while having no sympathy whatever for their victims. Paul Ekman, a world expert on emotions and our ability to read and respond to them in others, told me, a torturer needs this ability, if only to better calibrate his cruelty – and talented political operatives no doubt have this ability in abundance.
1
At least they didn't have any Pier 1 tiki torches . . .
5
You have to feel a little for Pier 1...they just wanted you to have a fun pool party.
1
Here is the dilemma America is in today.
"Only 39 percent of adults can name all three branches of government (a jump from 32 percent last year) and 25 percent can name only one branch, according to a recent survey by the Annenberg Public Policy Center at the University of Pennsylvania." This is from another NY Times article, "‘Centrism Is Canceled’: High Schoolers Debate the Impeachment Inquiry", published yesterday.
So, how the heck can we expect Americans to arrive at an informed, substantive understanding about all the checks and balances issues at the core of everything happening now, and make sensible decisions therefrom? If they barely know those most basic elements of American democracy, how can they be expected to get the nuances?
Trump, and Republicans in general, bank on that ignorance to prosper. Sad, but true. They vilify the educated as "elites" and glorify remaining barely educated, because the barely educated are easier to control. Yet it's the 1%, who really control this country while the rest of us are distracted by ginned up conflicts, that are the real elite. Of which Trump is one, if we believe his assertions about his wealth.
This storming of the House secure rooms is just more distraction. Thugs, thieves, and other assorted criminals thrive on chaos and confusion. And con artists thrive on ignorance. America, don't fall for the ol' okey-doke. There is no excuse for not knowing how our government is supposed to work, not with the Internet available.
7
Let them, at the least, be brought to the well, and stripped of seniority at the least.
Every day there are closed-committee-members-only hearings, attended by members from both parties any unaffiliated members.
And testimony that will be used as evidence must be repeated in public before any and all interested members and members of the public watching/listening to C-SPAN on cable TV or any device capable of reading this message- if the Times doesn’t run the live feed itself.
3
Trump sicced the so-called freedom caucus on the closed hearing and it responded lawlessly as ordered.
6
I want to see the list of Republicans by name and district that did this. And then I want Nancy Pelosi to censure them by whatever means is appropriate. This is an insult to the intelligence of all Americans, and an affront to the rule of law.
11
So the Republicans in Congress don’t trust the members of their own party already participating as committee members in the investigation to adequately represent their interests?
Or those participating members can’t respect the process when they feel things aren’t going their way?
Or Republicans neglected to recall that all testimonies will be fully reviewed with opportunities for additional questions and testimony during an open hearing before the full House?
What a tawdry, showboating charade.
8
@Fred
It’s that the Republicans cannot bring in any witnesses they would like to interview. Only the Democrats get this privilege. Seems very un-American to me.
The House Republicans pulling this stunt just look like incompetent thugs. They have a problem, which is that anyone who can read, and isn't brain dead, can see that Trump has already admitted to illegally asking for help from Ukraine in the 2020 election.
Worse, he asked them to manufacture evidence against Hunter Biden, since Trump was unhappy that the previous investigation, already complete, found nothing wrong.
And Zelenskyy clearly understood that the request was *not* simply for an investigation, but for a specific outcome from that investigation, when he promised Trump that the new prosecutor was going to be "100% my man" and would do as he was told.
2
Good picture. Republicans going around in circles and downhill. Just like Trump.
6
Ralph Norman (SC-5) was one of the demonstrators in this ridiculous publicity stunt. He is already allowed in the impeachment inquiry, knew full well that this was a bogus protest, and knew that house rules were already being followed.
Anyone who has watched public hearings should be embarrassed by the questions Jim Jordan asks. He mostly just uses his time to give his own opinion, then tags on a senseless, unimportant question.
Nunes? Who listens to him after his midnight run? He works for the WH, not congress.
Yet all three have access to these hearings. I’d be interested to know how often they actually show up!
6
FLASHBACK!
I'm old enough to remember the thundering herd of Republicans racing down the hall toward the locked room where the Florida votes were being *officially and legally*recounted in Gore v. Bush. (who can ever forget a hanging chad after you've seen one?)
Once they arrived - broadcast live, cameras following them every tyrant's step of the way - they banged on the doors and windows screaming: Stop The Count! Stop The Count!
Apparently nothing has changed in 20 years. Republicans would trample their own mothers underfoot to retain power, their love of which is clearly more important to them than their love of country.
Thus went Rome.
Vote Blue - NO MATTER WHO
The SENATE Too!
10
Just the sort of behaviour expected from the banana republic that we've become.
3
That's why Congress can't have nice things.
2
The Secure Compartmentalized Information Facility where the intelligence panel meets is secure for a reason - it allows the panel to learn highly classified material. The secrecy is needed for another reason: since the Justice Dept. has said it will take no part in investigating these matters and is not cooperating with the impeachment inquiry, the panel must do its work confidentially so that evidence of criminal wrongdoing can be sent to grand juries, whose work and evidence is always confidential. The fact that Republican Senators who ought to know this nevertheless decided to invade the room demonstrates their irresponsibility and possible involvement in the matters under investigation.
160
So you expect criminal charges to be filed against the President from a secret grand jury?
Do you really believe this has nothing to do with politics? You literally would have had to flown to Earth yesterday to think this process is not tainted by partisan politics and objectives, especially considering who leading it in the House.
3
@J House Please read carefully how the House conducts its investigations. This is NOT a "grand jury" hearing, as you state above. "Closed door" hearings are part of the process and, for example, were used by Republicans in their Benghazi investigation in 2012. As Rep. Trey Gowdy stated at that time in the House committee's final report, such closed hearings are essential to the safe conduct of business in a preliminary hearing before Congress.
11
@kr Schiff announced at the beginning of each inquiry that there is nothing that is classified. Ergo, there should be a FULL release of testimony, not selected versions leaked to the press. Very politically based.
1
It is bi-partisan political theatre until public hearings are held. The American public has not heard any direct testimony or cross examination of any witness so far and presumably, nothing said so far is classified. The President has already released the transcript of the call. All we have is ‘prepared statements’ and leaks to compatriot media on both sides of the aisle. They need to get on with it, have a vote, and follow the rules. Until then, it is Kabuki theatre.
2
Since you haven't heard the testimony you have no way of knowing if it is classified or not. All grand jury hearings are held in private. Once they draw up articles of impeachment it moves to the Senate for a public trial. This is how it works. Trump's and your ignorance does not change the process. The grandstanding of rule breaking Republicans doesn't change it either.
7
Thanks. Now I am informed that the Constitution says articles of impeachment are to be drawn up in secret by the Congress, before a Senate trial is held. I can’t seem to find that in my copy, or in my copy of the Federalist Papers.
If this had been a group of Democratic lawmakers staging a protest in a similar matter, the mainstream press would have treated them as heroes speaking truth to power, etc. This article illustrates well how differently political disruption gets treated in the media depending on the perspective of the disrupter, including, in this article, obediently taking up the talking points of the Democrats for the reasons of the protest. Political theater is exaggerated for effect, something the press should recognize regardless of which side of the aisle it comes from.
3
@David, please wake up and realize that this was a desperate act by people afraid of losing their hold on power. They know the president lies and punishes for his benefit, but the party crashers want to keep it that way.
5
@David Godinez You do have some point in perspectives, although many Trump voters and even some Republican representatives are changing theirs. We’re even seeing some pushback on Fox News, an outlet you may prefer to the NYT.
On your final note, I do not vote for my representatives to play “theater.”
4
@David Godinez Republicans throwing fits to defend a criminal. Vote Republican for 5 more years of this.
4
The republican hearing-crashers looked like silly little boys whose beer pong had run out.
Given that a number of them are attorneys, their licenses should be revoked for trying to tamper with a witness.
50
Forget witness tampering- Congress disciplines its own with penalties up to removal from office- proper for the ringleader.
While I tend to vote for those far more progressive than the handful of children - I fear a one-party system as much as I fear Trump, who sees that as a good goal.
A proper candidate for office FIRST must accept the fact that a challenger is not an “enemy” but an opponent.
And younger members should review the lesson of Watergate - voters for the next two Congressional elections “machine gun voted” a straight Democratic Party line.
Nancy Pelosi held her people on line until the president “impeached himself”, driving career diplomats and national security officers to file formal complaints saying “we take a lot, but not a president who extorts other nations onto creating phony “investigations” of potential enemies from the other party before they get the aid they need to remain independent.
And then, after trying to extort the President of Ukraine, to try to blame the proven Russian computer burglaries and attempts to disrupt our elections and pin them on an ally in need of help fighting Putin...
And call the section of the Constitution- an original section in place since 1789 “phony” ...
And to claim a president is so far above the law he cannot be indicted for committing murder in broad daylight...
This man must be removed.
5
All that was needed were the tiki torches. I'm sure that they are very fine politicians.
6
Psychologists need to explain - why do some people demonstrate total loyalty to their tribe - in this case a political party - and none whatsoever to their country.
The hypocrisy and cynicism are staggering.
Does one laugh at the folks; feel sorry for them; or despise them?
33
@Robbiesimon
All of the above, plus the glow of schadenfreude that they just blew their future security clearances.
2
All of the above.
1
The guards at that facility need to be retrained or fired. NOBODY should have been able to enter that facility like that. If anyone got past the guards, it literally should have been over their dead bodies. They are authorized to use lethal force and should have protected the facility.
POTUS Trump knowing about this in advance and not sending reinforcements to the facility with zip ties to arrest this unruly and unlawful mob is dereliction of duty and another reason why he should be impeached.
28
True enough; but now, why haven't there been arrests?
3
Is this not an attempt to obstruct justice? The practice is becoming normal in the far right party.
27
Those who get their news solely from Fox can only conclude: secret meetings, Republicans not allowed, completely illegitimate. They will never even hear the numerous often-repeated clear explanations about how the meetings are conducted, who is present, what the intent is, where it all fits into a clearly-defined process, and what the next steps will be.
21
Well now that we all know, according to donnies lawyer that HE CAN shoot someone on Fifth Avenue and not be stopped or prosecuted, who knows what the next republican stunt might be to try and stop the impeachment investigation process?
It might go something like this...
donnie walks into the secure house intelligence committee chamber on Capital Hill as witnesses are testifying in his impeachment inquiry and opens fire on all and whom ever he chooses.
It would make for great “TV” ratings after all.
Just as long as the NYTimes headline doesn't say, “president defends himself as he publicly opens fire on political threat.”
Leave that to fox and friends.
11
Why are Democrats hiding their proceedings from the eyes and ears of the American public? Why are Democrats manipulating news by leaking their version of testimony?
Democrats, do your deeds in public. For good or ill, let the truth be seen and heard.
2
@GWB - Did you read that this process was used at the Benghazi hearings??
16
@GWB
If you think there will not be a public hearing of all of this you are sorely mistaken. The proceedings are closed due to that being standard procedure. Do not think for a second that the Democrats will pass on an opportunity to show how corrupt and totally crooked our president is, you are once again mistaken. Should there be an attempt to keep everything under wraps, it will be from the Republicans (yes, there are Republicans involved in these hearings) that will not want this information available to the voting public. From the little I’ve seen this will be napalm for this horrible presidency. You can bet your last dollar that it won’t be the Democrats trying to keep this secret.
30
@GWB
Why don’t you understand the rules and laws of the process?
Why are you so obsessed WITH the process?
These are inquires, and to protect the integrity of the witness and their testimonies it is held in a secure chamber. Only republicans and democrats who are on those specific inquiry committees are allowed to sit in during this part of the process.
This is exactly how the Benghazi inquiry was held behind closed doors, by the republicans before it was held in an open hearing.
Did you think the republicans who were holding those inquiries were “hiding something” from the public too?
20
The second I heard about this incident, I knew Matt Gaenz was involved. His non-stop need to be seen as relevant is really embarrassing - even if he isn’t personally capable of shame. He’s like a little kid jumping up and down screaming, “LOOK AT ME!” every time there is a camera nearby.
28
@Linda M.
And the obnoxious frat-boy grin.
1
Each and everyone of these Republican congressmen should officially censure by the House. They have cheapened and coarsened our democracy and have violated the constitution.
27
@Richard "be censured" ?
Isn't it interesting that some of the gate crashers actually were legally entitled to be in the hearing, but chose to act like they had to break in? GOP=Sad.
34
Nancy Pelosi can, and probably should, just say, “Republicans can stop pretending this is a ‘secret’ proceeding — there are, after all, Republicans on the committees. And yes, the hearings will be public — the public will get to hear what our investigators have found, with Republicans able to ask those witnesses their questions. These current closed interviews are like depositions lawyers conduct prior to trials: it’s to see whether the witness does indeed have any relevant information. And you know what? They do!”
30
Republicans put the process in place for closed door depositions of witnesses under the Obama administration, saying it was the right and proper way to gain critical information.
They continued doing so throughout the Obama years on many cases of critical importance, including investigations 2-8 of the events in Benghazi, Libya.
They didn't use the process much when they had control during the first two years of Trump's tenure despite multitudinous impeachable offenses.
Now that Democrats are in charge of the House and are using the same system set up by the Republicans nearly a decade ago, suddenly the method they used for years is a horrible miscarriage of justice?
They got the tools they wished for at the time and didn't bother to think about the consequences of those tools. Can somebody please explain to me how that is conservative in any way?
15
If you or I tried to enter that facility, our faces would be on the floor in an instant with a boot on our backs. Even if we were wearing a suit.
19
Kudos to photog Erin Schaff, whose shot of the Republican protest is magnificent and framed with visual humor. I saw it and instantly thought, hive mind!
Great work, Erin!
7
Will any of them be censured or otherwise sanctioned for bringing their cellphones into a secure room where they are forbidden. How about those who actually Tweeted from that room? I am outraged by the actions of this group.
17
I smell desperation.
18
@CW I smell worse. That may account for the desperation.
The authors write, "[o]n Tuesday, Senator Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, the majority leader, denied that he had told Mr. Trump that a telephone call the president had with President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine was 'perfect' and innocent.' The call is a crucial focus of the inquiry, and Mr. Trump had said that Mr. McConnell had told him he approved of it. Mr. McConnell said he could recall no such conversation."
In my experience as a prosecutor and federal litigator, this is the death knoll for Trump. When the accused's strongest allies--and especially someone with McConnell's nearly unparalleled power--call him a liar, and where the lie bears directly on the central facts of the case, jurors become much less susceptible to the victimization card. Really, this is the key downside to playing that card, as Trump chose to do early in his presidency.
His best move now is to resign and thereby salvage his ability to play the martyr to his base. If he forces a trial, his own tactics in office will be his downfall.
23
The Republican leadership decides which Republicans will be on the committees. So why dld the Republican leadership keep Scalise and Brooks out of the meetings? Do they have reservations about their competence?
And why did Gohmert, Lesko, Biggs, and Meadows lie about being barred from the meetings? They are on the committees involved. They were not kept out.
19
@ Biji Basi
Because liars gotta lie.
This is Jim Jordan and Mark Meadows, and other soulless Republicans, trying to create a circus of a constitutionally conducted hearing about threats to our national security.
A pox on their house.
4
OK. Circus stunt is over. The clowns can return to their seats. Time to get back to the Impeachment Inquiry and report on it and not the diversions, and obfuscation that Trump and his followers are using to try and distract everyone from the real issue of bribing and blackmailing foreign officials to help Trump get re-elected. I hope this will be off the front page of the NY Times by tomorrow. Let's keep our eye on the ball.
15
Yes, same goes for Trumps “lynching” comment. Race baiting diversion succeeded in getting our attention for a day. What’s next? More Stormy Daniels? Anything to keep us from solving real problems, it seems.
1
Adam, you have been great. Trump is guilty. Please step on the accelerator, recall the attention span of the press and American public. As to the Republicans and the deplorables, let them eat pizza.
14
Does trump even know what quid pro quo means? In any context? Let alone legal and political? Does anyone who’s been flinging that phrase around with abandon? Which takes us back to collusion. Not a legal term as in you can’t indict people for it. His whole legal team seems to think so.
3
After watching Matt Gaetz's performance, the with glee, "We're gonna go and see if we can get inside" I wasn't sure if I was watching a reality television show or a group of rowdy frat boys, eating their Domino's pizza.
24
The American taxpayers should be outraged! After all, THEY were the ones that paid for those pizzas.
21
A herd of Nervous Nellies, if I ever saw one.
15
2016 election: marred by foreign interference controversy, even unto the Presidency.
2018: "they" tried it again.
2019: primary article of impeachment will probably be directly related to election interference involving foreign governments.
And Moscow Mitch keeps mothballing bipartisan House bills aimed at protecting the USA from foreign interference in our elections?
Let me look up the justifications and procedures for removal of a US Senator from office. Donald Trump probably doesn't know any better when he does his democracy-destructive thing. Though I don't really believe that, he's ignorant enough for it to be plausible. What's McConnell's excuse?
12
@Barry Williams
2020: At least we get a second chance.
We should be honest in our description of this event. A disorderly authoritarian mob disrupted a meeting of a committee of the House of Representatives to prevent it from fulfilling its constitutionally authorized duties.
32
I first heard these words in the movie "A Few Good Men," words from the John Donne sermon: "For whom the bells tolls, It tolls for thee." Every republican 45 enabler will be caught in the process of justice once the evidence is allowed to reveal the truth. Let me be clear, I don't like impeachment of a president but if one breaks the law then justice must prevail. No amount of witness tampering, which is what the republicans stunt is, or conspiracy theories will prevent the truth from being revealed.
As a voter, my justice will come at the ballot box but 2020 is still too far away. Every republican participants must and will be held accountable. The American republic is better than what's being shown. Let the bells of justice ring loud for the world to hear. The inquiry must continue unimpeded.
348
@GB, The ballot box is controlled by the DNC/RNC, in other words, the Oligarchy we are trying to defeat. Do you really believe the reporting of the vote will be honest, much less the selection of the candidates, even?
1
@Ken Sayers Do you have evidence of corruption in the tallying of votes for other elections? Please do present it, along with other evidence for your conspiracy theory.
7
@Chikki, surely you jest. Just google it. Or, you could just open your eyes.
Unless of course, you voted for Hillary last time, in which case I really do not have the time or inclination to bring you up to speed.
It is even sadder that the Republicans that were in the room didn't condemn the actions of their colleagues. As I watch the inquiry go on, I'm reminded on my American History when members of Congress went after each other in the early part of our history.
14
@Chuckw Yes, I thought the same. What did the GOP members on the Committee think? Was this acceptable to them?
@Chuckw Early part? Ask your dad about the later part of American History, featuring villains like Joe McCarthy....not all that long ago.
I suggest that the reporters be more careful with their language. Democrats were not meeting in secret. A bipartisan house committee was taking depositions in a secure setting in order to protect witnesses, that is, they were doing business in accordance with House rules. The story quickly became about allegations of secret meetings, which is what the Republicans wanted the story to be.
37
I wish to know the names of the members of participated in the demonstration beyond Steve Scalise, Jim Jordan ( who left the meeting speak to the press) and Matt Gaetz. If my Congressman, Joe Wilson, was part of that cabal, I'd like a few words with him.
26
@Anita Nelam It was reported that Jim Hagedorn of Minnesota was one of the members.
@Anita Nelam THE Joe Wilson? The one who always has to apologize for the dumb remarks he made the day before?
There's one Republican I wish were still around to witness this fiasco by the Senate Republicans: John McCain. Though I never agreed with much of what he supported, the man's integrity was beyond reproach. I'm certain he would have changed the conversation, and laid the blame where it belongs: on Donald J. Trump.
21
@Jim In Tucson unfortunately John McCain took Lindsey Graham’s soul with him.
1
I would like a list of the names of each and every person who illegally barged into that secure area and I would want charges filed against each one.
If a bunch of Democrats had done this, you KNOW charges would have been filed.
35
The Republicans are in desperation mode now. One could only surmise that they fear what will come from these investigations that they too have been guilty of crimes similar to what the Trump administration has. What did they do internationally to dig dirt on opponents? How much money did they have funneled through an organization from Russia? Only guilty people act like this.
12
Lindsey Graham should remember the short story "The Devil and Daniel Webster" because he, much like the main character, Jabez Stone, has sold his soul to the devil in order to garner some kind of favors for the present time. He will have to pay for these favors down the road, and we have to wonder what his defense will be. I've never been a fan of Graham, but at least, in the past, he appeared to have at least some sense of morality. He has nothing left.
19
I used to be a Republican - a thought that makes me shudder now. Actually, everything about the party makes me shudder now. What a bunch of buffoons - who are going to take down a democracy. At least they ordered pizza!
16
Donald Trump lives in a bubble, and has surrounded himself with others content to be in the bubble with him. As the bubble shrinks, and as his distorted sense of reality is challenged by facts, he lashes out at the messengers delivering these facts. Hearing his attempts to demean and discredit these messengers by name calling is pathetic. Let this nightmare end!
15
Astonishing. An absolute, shocking disgrace by Republican congressman. Just when I thought Republicans had hit bottom, here we are.
25
@styleman
The Republicans are displaying a major talent digging below what most others consider rock bottom their justifying of their actions are comparable to comic books.
8
What I want to know is how can these two-dozen House Republicans barge into one of the most secure areas in the Capitol past the police guards without being stopped? If civilians tried such a thing they’d be shot, or at least arrested. God forbid one person at a Trump rally makes a comment he doesn’t like and they are tossed to the wind!
The danger to our security by this escapade is obvious; the protesting Republicans were filming everything with their phones, an area where technology is never allowed to safeguard the actual physical area, the participants and testimonies from invading outside technologies. Now you can be sure that while these ‘frat house’ style shenanigans inclusive of ordering pizza and leaving a mess of pizza boxes and paper refuse behind in an attempt to show their disrespect, also included their phones opening the eyes of invading technologies and allowing outsiders a peep at the building, the people involved, etc … It’s a disgrace. I think the guards should be reprimanded. They did not secure the building from this very dangerous and childish prank on the part of the Republican Party. There were ample Republican representatives at the inquiry, which was one of the complaints, so there was no real protest there. To add to this very dangerous event, Trump’s tweet “Where’s the Whistleblower?”.
24
Next time the republicans do that, lock them in and throw away the key.
17
Has the chamber in which the impeachment hearings are conducted been swept for listening devices, planted by the zealous, pizza-eating Republican stormtroopers?
The Republican Trumpists are over-eager to prepare their fabulistic responses in advance of the impeachment hearing, damage witness reputations, threaten witnesses, and subvert the truth to protect their own personal power and Trump's.
The chamber should be swept for bugs.
20
Those 7 Republican Senators who pronounced this week that they will refuse to consider the evidence in Trump's impeachment trial should not be allowed to vote on the verdict.
28
How can the "moral majority" continue to protect and defend someone who has continually proven he is completely bereft of any ethical standards or basic respect and understanding of the constitution and rule of law? Does the GOP, the self proclaimed defenders of America have any shame that they back someone who is selling us out to foreign powers at every opportunity?
9
Republicans complaining the process is unfair?!? I would laugh if it were not so tragic. No, their process was unfair. Nunes secretly meeting with Trump, Barr and the NDI suppressing the ICIG report, Trump refusing Congressional subpoenas and intimidating witnesses with threats of treason, and so on. My god, Republicans, show some dignity.
31
"A soviet-style process"? That's just what Trump admires. He'd love to set up a soviet-style government. So why are Republicans upset? Because Democrats did it first?
5
I wonder if Republican members actually understand security and know the protocols of their own chamber and committees? Or like a bunch of yahoos in a bar it's all reality TV garbage with this president and his administration. No matter how they cut it, spin it, suppress it, or lie it, most Americans don't want a criminal president or administration. Trump will be--rightly--impeached.
9
Those Republicans were acting out like six-year-olds. If they had been just regular citizens protesting a Republican hearing, they would have been arrested. At best, they would have been sen to their rooms. It was a disgusting display of partisan craziness,
13
Pandering for their base. They all need to jailed for their stunt.
17
This clown troop of Republicans trying to disrupt a closed-door hearing in which members of their own party are present and participating shows how desperate Trump and his Trumpians are as the evidence mounts.
Time for real Republicans to show some courage, something that is long overdue.
15
I truly fear for this country for it seems Trump, McConnell, Graham and these House Republicans, who stormed the door of the secure room at the Capitol, he have truly lost their way. They flaunt the laws and think that they are above the law. I feel like I live in a Banana Republic where a dictator and his ilk rule and ordinary citizen, reporters and the media or anybody who speaks the truth about the wrongs that are committed by this administration are threatened if they voice their concerns about the leadership in Washington. Where is the justice in all of this?
It also seems many justices are clearly not apolitical, just look at AG Barr who acts as Trump's personal lawyer. Although, I do recognize that the the American Bar association and some of their members have spoken out and warned the public about the kind of threat this administration is to our justice system it seems this threat deserves more media attention.
10
Disrupt the government, lie, disparage anyone who disagrees with them, flaunt the law, break the rules: today's Republican party.
14
How much more will these House republicans do to impede legal orderly proceedings in a misbegotten effort to abet stable genius? For this outrageous, potentially dangerous stunt, they should all serve time in jail, and get stripped of every civic post they obviously don't deserve and have betrayed. Who elected these clowns? I want the names of every one of these representatives. I want them to get some serious time in remedial civics and history class, preferably from the confines of a jail, which is where they all belong.
8
My three year old behaves better.
12
Imagine if they had stormed the White House and demanded the release of all the documents pertaining to the case! Wouldn’t that have gotten them more transparency?
14
Given that Republicans are fully participating in the impeachment inquiry, yesterday’s demonstration was specious and diversionary.
I am disgusted that Members of Congress could behave so poorly.
478
@ANetliner This reminds me of what happened during the recount of the 2000 election. There were staged protests and "barging in" of Republican under studies in Florida to through doubt upon the recount results if it didn't go in the party's favor. Efforts were made to stop an otherwise legal process. Disgusting and shameful. Same playbook, 20 years later. I find this level of political theatre abhorrent and share in your disgust. This isn't a game, this our democracy and as a public servant, all Republican law makers should treat this with the level of solemnness that this process deserves, regardless of which party is in question. This isn't football, there are no teams--this is our country.
53
We are beginning see cornered rats baring its fangs.
The more the rats protest that the head rat is innocent, the investigation is a witch hunt, blah, blah, blah the more the rats reinforce the guilt of Trump.
Lastly, the GOP and many on this forum decry the format of the hearings as differing from past investigations.
Well, those two past presidents in recent history, Nixon and Clinton, did not practice witness intimidation as Trump has attempted either through his actions or through inciting his rabid base.
8
I am appalled by the childish behavior of elected officials. This breach demonstrates something beyond “he’s our man” political hijinks. These members forget their responsibilities and would gut the constitutional obligations they have taken an oath to fulfill. Good governance and policy has been forgotten and politics reigns. How absolutely disgusting and disheartening!
9
Why weren’t they jailed for breaking the law?
16
Don't the Republican politicians who blindly support Emperor Trump realize that history will not be kind to them? This desperate attempt of "Don't look behind the curtain, nothing to see here folks" is embarrassing and frankly, disgusting. Abuse of power and corruption should never be part of the "new normal" for this or any administration. Trump has stayed Trump and that has been the problem - his business career is filled with deceit, cheating, back stabbing and throwing people under the bus - but it's one thing when he's doing it to Atlantic City handyman back in the 1980's as opposed to American allies who gave their lives fighting ISIS. He has done great damage to America's reputation and our National Security and whether he is impeached or not, for the sake of this country and all who truly cherish the Constitution and actually know what's in it - Trump must be out by 2020 (at least).
7
How do we know the evidence is damming? We only have Adam Schiff's word for it and we know how credible he is. How about a little sunshine in this process!!
By the way, please explain to me why such a quid pro quo, if it existed, would constitute an impeachable offense?
2
Because it’s illegal. He was literally demanding a bribe. In the form of the Ukrainian president and/or government publicity damaging one of Trump’s American political rivals. Which also violates campaign contribution laws. Lots of illegality here.
9
Abuse of power.
9
@Tiburon110 it’s an impeachable offense because a sitting president cannot use the power of his office to strong arm a foreign government into aiding his re-election. The Quid pro quo is a red herring put out by his defenders but tangential to the impeachable offense.
13
These corrupt democrats don’t seem to understand how much America feels about secret closed door hearings. Many Americans, who don’t support Trump, are appalled by the secrecy of conducting an investigation against the President of United States using taxpayer dollars.
This is the type of event we would expect to read about in a third world country. The actions by the Congressmen who shut out of the meeting seems appropriate, because the truth needs to be exposed at any cost. Hiding behind closed doors is not appropriate.
America seems close to a civil war, but if that would happen, it would be a short one.
4
@Samara. Why didn’t this bother you when Republicans used exactly the same process?
20
@Samara As it’s been explained many, many times, there’s nothing inappropriate or corrupt about holding closed door hearings at this phase of the process—it’s akin to a grand jury, which is also closed. I’m pretty sure you weren’t calling the Republicans corrupt when they held closed-door sessions this exact same way during the Benghazi hearings.
14
@ Samara The House of Representatives is doing it's job according to the Constitution. This is an investigation similar to a grand jury which Republicans are a part of. Republicans and Democrats are interviewing witnesses and when they finish with their investigation, they will decide whether to bring impeachment charges against the president. If they charge the president, the House will vote and if that vote passes it will go on to the Senate for a trial. And we will go from there.
There is no secretive process here.
12
Republicans can't win fairly on the facts so they're becoming as lawless as Trump. It won't help because public opinion is turning against them.
9
This is not new. Look at how Republicans used the right-wiing biased Supreme Court to override the will of the people in a political contest more than once.
Their actions tell us a lot. They know he is guilty.
13
Every one of them should be heavily fined!
8
My big concern is uncleared personnel barging into a SCIF with cell phones. I worked with the Marines for 37 years and that would have been grounds for immediate discharge.
22
There is no depth of depravity to which these Republicans will not stoop. I hope Democrats have the wit to remember this vile behavior when they regain power. There have to be consequences.
5
very weak move...i predict this game will be 'mated' in two more moves!
5
Thank goodness for the integrity of the process!
If Republicans still held both Houses of Congress, this impeachment investigation would never have been authorized.
Mike Pompeo's State Department and William Barr's Department of Justice and would have continued to promote and obscure the true agenda of Donald Trump.
And America would descend farther into darkness.
8
Imagine if the President behaved this way.
2
The Republicans have one thing going for them: Fox News!
They are acting as if Republicans are shut out of the room. They are also on the three committees holding the depositions. But their base who listen mostly to Fox will never learn this fact.
During the impeachment hearings for Bill Clinton there was a special prosecutor who delivered his findings to congress. Similar to Richard Nixon. This is not the case here. The committees meet behind closed doors to sift through the evidence to see if there are impeachable offenses. It's similar to a grand jury that meets in secret. No one that I know has the right to storm into a grand jury and demand to be part of the hearings. Or claim that what is happening is undemocratic. But the Republicans and their pundits like Hannity, Ingraham, Jeannine Piro, Limbaugh, et al will convince those who solely rely on opinion makers instead of news that they have been shut out of the process.
If articles of impeachment are drawn up then the Republicans and Trump and all his supporters will be able to partake and have their say. And if it makes it to a trial in the senate Trump will be able to bring in his lawyers to defend him and any witnesses he has.
"Rep. Trey Gowdy, chairman of the House Select Committee on Benghazi, personally saw Issa to the door, saying he was not authorized to be there." Both Gowdy and Issa are Republicans. But Issa was not authorized to be in that room so Gowdy kicked him out. Source: Newsmax.com.
7
Republicans succeeded with their deflection campaign during the 2000 election when they yelled about dishonoring the soldiers' votes to deflect from the recount. They have continued to deflect, often with success. It's about time the public has become aware of their "acting ability' and asked them to follow the Constitution and procedure, and to start working for the American people rather than themselves. Republican deflection schemes,
are a disgrace to this country.
3
Nancy Pelosi's best move: Have a public hearing -- of law enforcement officials -- to point out that Grand Jury investigations, which are the equivalent of impeachment hearings, are always non-public events. (I intend to also write my congressman to ask him to take the suggestion to her).
3
A US lawmaker is telling me I should be afraid of the government because there are consequences if I break laws? Trump world is a different legal universe.
Representative Earl L. “Buddy” Carter of Georgia issued a dire warning: “If a government can do this to the president of the United States, they can do it to you as well. You need to be scared. You need to be very scared.”
4
Desperation by republicans and shame on Republicans not on those committees. Breaking House rules, breaching national security protocol and behaving like 12 year olds. Their actions are similar to the president.
8
All this noise about a secret trial process .... So if the FBI, or any law enforcement agency , was investigating Me, I could expect daily updates from them ? Or would it be more rational for them to conduct a legal investigation, and turn over their findings to the correct agency ...DA's office , AG's office ..or in this case ... the Senate ? If the republicans acted more rationally ....well.... there isnt any real option. Go nuts, I guess .
3
"...most of the Republicans who rushed the secure rooms on Wednesday morning are not committee members." You mean some of those who broke into the SCIF are committee members? Why didn't they simply attend their committee meetings instead of skipping them to "break into" the proceedings?
8
This is the equivalent of a grand jury; a district attorney presenting the case. There are no defense entities permitted.
These guys know that. They get the opportunity of voice and vote when the impeachment resolution is debated, they know that too.
They also know ... That when they pull a stunt like this the media will pump it out over and over on their behalf. For Free.
What I don't know is ... Why you guys are helping them by getting their "message" to Trump's base. Those voters should know better, but sadly they do not and that is exactly what these representatives are counting on. False outrage aided by legitimate news operations.
4
This whole thing should be public and transparent, not behind doors and leaked to left wing press. The whistle blower (a democrat) should be testifying publicly. There cannot be a vote without transparency let alone a conviction. This is a sham designed to discredit and derail.
1
@Hjb
The Whistleblower protection was put in place because some/many folk lost everything when reporting illegal activities of their employers and the employer took revenge. Some Whistleblower were murdered so to protect those who report illegal and irregular activities in the workplace the Whistleblower Act was made.
The Whistleblower Act itself has been abused by employees who wanted to cause problems for their employers but that back fired on them.
And what makes you think the Whistleblower is a Democrat? Because Mr Trump told you in a tweet?
Hummmm...
10
Why the secret closed-door hearings from which Republicans were purposefully excluded? Sunlight truly is the best disinfectant. If Democrats are standing on the ethical & moral high ground, why are they afraid to defend it?
2
@ Once from Rome
Putin Talking Points afain?
This process has been explained many, many times before, but Republicans keep bringing it up even though they know better.
This is an impeachment inquiry. It is not a trial. It in in the investigatory stage. Witness testimony is heard by the bipartisan intelligence committee members (repubs& dems) behind closed doors, just as it is done during a grand jury investigation. This is Standard Operating Procedure.
It is done this way so that potential witnesses don’t hear each other’s testimonies and “synch” them up. As in “Let’s get our stories straight.” It helps to encourage truthful testimony.
If this goes to an impeachment trial, everything is out in the wide open. Very public.
10
@Once From Rome-Republicans aren't excluded from the hearings. Republicans who sit on the 3 committees (Intelligence, Foreign Affairs, and Oversight) holding the hearings are all present and asking questions of those giving depositions. The lie that Republicans are excluded is just that, a lie.
9
@Once From Rome
All of the committees have Republican Members.
8
". . . the inquiry has unfolded entirely behind closed doors, as has been the case in the preliminary stages of past congressional investigations conducted by members of both parties, including the one Republicans opened during the Obama administration into the attack on American diplomatic facilities in Benghazi, Libya, in 2012."
Funny (not really) how selective memory works.
The GOP found it was acceptable in 2012 for closed door inquiries which lasted 2 years when investigating the Benghazi debacle which resulted in the deaths of 4 American citizens.
So the rhetorical question of why should this be any different continues to float out there on some double standard nebulous cloud.
6
@Marge Keller
Because Mr Trump the perpetual victim wants to make so much noise that these investigations will be discredited and forgotten. He has enlisted a large part of the Republican Party to assist him.
These investigations are to find out things that may be wrong and start correcting them.
2
What should have gone down: Schiff: Thank you all for volunteering to help with our inquiries. We are in need of a new committee to investigate a largely forgotten incident of grave importance to our great Union. Some time between August 29th and September 1st of this year, somebody altered a weather map that President Trump used to demonstrate the projected path of Hurricane Dorion. This resulted in the Leader of the Free World looking like a fool. The perpetrator or perpetrators must be found and brought to justice. A lot of people are saying that it might be the Ukrainians....
3
This newspaper should make it clear that
1)These are closed committee hearings.
2) Republicans on those committees can and do attend the hearings.
3) Democrats not on those committees are as excluded as the Republicans.
You make it sound as thought these are Democrat only hearings. Not so.
18
The fact that the Democratic House Majority is allowing this to happen speaks to how the Congressional Democrats always seem to bring a knife to the proverbial gun fight that the GOP seems to relish engaging them. Remember Merrick Garland? These stunts that the GOP pulls are always successful because the Democrats have a knack for lying down and playing dead instead of holding the GOP accountable for their dirty tricks. And I hold special contempt for the public because they are just as complicit in this abuse of power. Americans had a fit when Obama wore a beige suit but cannot conjure up outrage over blatant abuses of power on the part of the GOP.
8
If some Republicans are now the Process Police, I suggest they expand their review to the process used in deciding to abandon the Kurds, reinvigorate ISIS and "do me a favor" for Mr. Putin.
4
Never before has career diplomats needed protection from elected officials who want to prevent them from doing their job. Elected Republicans are dismantling our federal government agencies, foreign service, state department and sending our military in service as mercenaries.
Who knew the US could be so easily destroyed and that faux patriotic republicans would choose a Russia over their constituents?
6
If this had been a group of citizen protesters, they would have been restrained and possibly arrested by the sergeant-at-arms staff and Capitol Police. How is it that did not happen here? So, once again, we see elected officials believing they are above the law that they would gladly have enforced on anyone else, and we see that law selectively by those responsible for enforcing it. Long live King Trump and his nobles! Back to your place, peasants!
7
The Shield Act to prevent foreign interference in our elections? Sounds reasonable, if you're patriotic at all. McConnell won't bring it to a vote and Trump would veto it anyway. I guess the Republican Party must support foreign interference in our elections.
6
One of the Republican Congressmen in this protest described the hearings which are being conducted to the letter of the law as “Soviet style” politics!!!
No, the protest was a publicity stunt that they were unable to pull off because of the great freedom we have in this country.
We are now at a crossroad. Truth and the Constitution and the way the President of the US represents this country are more important than partisan politics and of course Trump inspired diversionary tactics to create a distraction with his own brand of misinformation.
4
How many Trumpers in the boonies know that there are Republican congressmen inside those hearings, asking questions? Very few, because Fox doesn't show or report that. It's all a "Democrat/Deep State" set-up. And the latest news is that Steve Bannon, the Dr. Frankenstein of the Trump presidency (& fake- Trump critic), is directing a propaganda center to marshal the boonies.
It's been obvious for 3 years: this is a battle for the truth and the news more than a battle for the Law. Democratic Party should create a multi-channel multi-modal news & documentation stream, one that even the boonies will notice. Dock every current Democratic candidate 10% of his/her campaign funds to pay for it. There's no point fighting for a nomination, when Donald will declare himself President-for-Life, seconded by Lindsey Graham.
5
"...two dozen Republican members of the House pushed past Capitol Police officers to enter the secure rooms of the House Intelligence Committee." Curious - do those police officers carry sidearms? It seems to me this could have turned bad very easily. It was a completely irresponsible move and should be dealt with appropriately.
4
It’s amazing how the only leaks out of the “secure rooms” is information negative to the President. These hearings are only a political ploy by the Democrats and the majority of voters recognize it as such.
2
@Rich-You're right. You would think if there was anything positive to leak about the president it would be leaked. Makes one wonder, doesn't it.
4
@Rich
Opening statements are released to the public. These are not leaks.
There are Republicans in the room behind these closed doors. They are not leaking anything because it is all bad, bad news for trump.
Trump subordinated his personal political gain for our national security.
He is compromised.
He is a threat to our national security.
He is a threat to our democracy.
8
I understand the frustration of the GOP; they lost the House in 2018 and their ability to control the committees to obfuscate the investigations of Trump, the evidence presented is increasing damaging to Trump, and they don't know how to defend his behavior without becoming the target of his ire and twitters (which they believe will doom their reelection). What I fail to understand is why are they enabling him to also destroy their, Republican, party?
288
@db These are pre-trial investigation hearings, similar to grand jury hearings. It is normal for them to be conducted in secret. If not, people called to testify could dishonestly align their statements and testimony to fit the "party line" story. This is how investigations work. It is a process. Later the trial (if there is one) will be public and, additionally, much of the information will be made public. You are buying the Republican's specious and diversionary tactics if you demand that investigations be done in public -- that's not the way investigations work.
24
@CS
It is coming out Thursday morning that Volker & Sondland may have coordinated their testimony. Much as Trump clearly attempted to, and to some extent did control testimony to Mueller's investigators.
Buckle up! Trump has only begun to distort reality. What with his desperate accomplices in Congress and Right Wing Media it is going to be ugly and challenge our senses. Plus will distort our very world forever.
29
@trader
Buckle up and batten down the hatches...!
Now that we all know, according to donnies lawyer that HE CAN shoot someone on Fifth Avenue and not be stopped or prosecuted, who knows what the next republican stunt might be to try and stop the impeachment investigation process?
It might go something like this...
donnie walks into the secure house intelligence committee chamber on Capital Hill as witnesses are testifying in his impeachment inquiry and opens fire on all and whom ever he chooses.
It would make for great “TV” ratings after all.
Just as long as the NYTimes headline doesn't say, president defends himself as he publicly opens fire on political threat.
Leave that for fox and friends.
13
How do we know that evidence against Trump is mounting? Aren't these hearings being held in secret? Is it possible that what we are hearing is selective leaking? How about complete transparency and release of the complete transcripts of what was said?
21
@J. Waddell In the theme of transparency, why doesn't Trump releases his taxes for all of us to see.
127
@J. Waddell
Don't worry, it will all become public in the Senate trial.
I understand the need for getting the various actors in this drama on the record now, without the prejudice of knowing the testimony of others.
You need look no further than our esteemed President to find a person unable to keep his story straight from one day to the next.
We do not want that.
88
@J. Waddell
The rules are there to protect those testifying and to prevent future witnesses from being influenced by prior accounts. Once complete, the committees will share with the American public.
Were you this concerned about letting the process work as it should and did during the Benghazi hearing and Clinton Impeachment?
127
It would be appropriate to have the full list of congressmen who engaged in this protest. Their names, states, and districts. For historical reference. These will be the same representatives, who will go forward with a grudge, against any proposals for legislation, for the people, presented by their opposing party. They will never be representing their constituents, or the majority of the people, but an agenda that will advance themselves within the select DC culture, or the National Republican Party. It is hard to wrap one's head around the facts that even when RNC looses elections, and voters, and power, those at the top of their pyramid, where all these representatives are trying to push up to, the amount of wealth, will give them the personal power, they so badly want. Do a detailed examination of the R-Whip. His history, his wealth, his power, and one will see the model all these men are trying to replicate. Self-service, not public service, is their belief.
6
This was an unseemly display from the Republican congressmen and was totally wrong. That being said, their frustration is understandable to an extent because these are closed door hearings, but the contents of these hearings are being leaked to the press in an effort to control the narrative. How do we know so much about these hearings if they are closed door? Anyone who criticised AG Barr when he released an opinion on the Mueller Report before the report was published - claiming that he was trying to control the narrative - should also criticise these leaks to the press. Also, this need to control the narrative is not necessary, let the mountain of evidence and testimonies speak for itself. Otherwise, there is the impression on the other side that you are trying to run something as serious as an Impeachment trial in the court of public opinion.
@ Michael
Opening statements of witnesses are released to the public.
We are not even hearing the truly damaging stuff that is being revealed behind closed doirs.
And Republicans in these hearings, behind closed doors, leak nothing because it is all had news for trump.
2
@Country Girl Thank you for your reply. So there have been no leaks to the press during these closed door hearings? All I am saying is that these leaks hurt the credibility of the Impeachment effort in the eyes of Republicans and non-partisans.
This entire process should be conducted in full view of the American people; nothing less is acceptable. To do otherwise, as is being done now, opens the door to supposition, interpretation and continued partisanship. I also don’t understand why a vote was not taken to authorize an impeachment investigation. Who is driving this effort? It’s hard to trust something if you don’t know who is behind it.
1
@ Larry
This process has been explained many, many times before, but Republicans keep bringing it up even though they know better.
This is an impeachment inquiry. It is not a trial. It in in the investigatory stage. Witness testimony is heard by the bipartisan intelligence committee members (repubs& dems) behind closed doors, just as it is done during a grand jury investigation. This is Standard Operating Procedure.
It is done this way so that potential witnesses don’t hear each other’s testimonies and “synch” them up. As in “Let’s get our stories straight.” It helps to encourage truthful testimony.
If this goes to an impeachment trial, everything is out in the wide open. Very public.
4
Two things here, from the RULES OF THE HOUSE OF
REPRESENTATIVES
ONE HUNDRED SIXTEENTH CONGRESS:
1. A Member, Delegate, Resident Commissioner, officer, or employee of the House shall behave at all times in a manner that shall reflect creditably on the House.
and
14. A Member, Delegate, or Resident Commissioner may not, with the intent to influence on the basis of partisan political affiliation ... —
(a) take or withhold, or offer or threaten to take or withhold, an official act; or
(b) influence, or offer or threaten to influence, the official act of another.
Clearly, the Representatives which participated in the disruption of the Committee hearing yesterday violated both of these rules and need to be held accountable. There are also rules and laws which deal with the sanctity of the SCIF security, and other House rules which deal with Committee operations, all of which these people have violated, and for which they also need to be held accountable.
This was not an exercise of free speech. It was an orchestrated intimidation tactic coming directly from the President, and cannot be ignored as just more of Trump's follies.
9
Excellent comment. Thank you. Looks like they should be impeached. Fined? You know how we know children must have consequences for their behavior. Consequences.
5
I am hoping this is their last desperate attempt to put on a show of solidarity with this dysfunctional and self-serving President, and not a sign of things to come.
7
Simply, and to the point... there must be consequences for this!
They have crossed the line, enough is enough!
14
When the Republicans controlled the House, they changed the rules so they could conduct the Benghazi hearings behind closed doors. Now it comes back to bite them. The Democrats should stay the course.
The Republican Senators are still holding out, but the polls are are moving in favor of impeachment. Soon, hopefully, they will start to feel they are paying a price for their acquiescence and they will have no choice but to remove the crook from office.
“President Pence”? I’m not loving the sound of it, but justice must be done.
9
13 of the 41 Republican lawmakers who stormed a closed-door hearing Wednesday to protest an alleged lack of transparency in the impeachment inquiry sit on committees with the power to question witnesses and review documents.
Poor Republicans, there is no way to defend Trump, so they are left making fools of themselves. The end is near.
10
When they hitch their ride on the Trump bus and now it is careening down the legal ravine, these Republicans lawmakers will do anything, including breaking the laws and violating sanctity of Congress and the Constitution, to stop it
7
I really do not understand the behavior of the Republican Party. They know they won't likely win the 2020 election if Donald Trump is the candidate. Why don't they just dump him instead of running in fear of him?
7
So once again, Republicas wat to break with tradition, and obstruct justice by forcing House members who are not allowed into high-level hearings, knowing that the House Committee that organizes the hearings is already composed of Republicans and Democrats alike, as stipulated by the law.
The GOP is now falsely calling respecting the US Constitution something that only happened in Soviet Russia.
WHEN will their fake news end?
What a scam.
6
Thanks, editors, for refusing to place the story in perspective by placing in the very last paragraph the not-so-inconsequential news that THIS IS THE NORM FOR PRELIMINARY INVESTIGATIONS:
"For now, however, the inquiry has unfolded entirely behind closed doors, as has been the case in the preliminary stages of past congressional investigations conducted by members of both parties, including the one Republicans opened during the Obama administration into the attack on American diplomatic facilities in Benghazi, Libya, in 2012."
3
Definition-"During meetings, the sergeant at arms keeps order. If other board members or meeting attendees are disruptive, the sergeant may warn them and, in extreme cases, eject them from the meeting."
4
Democrats do NOT want to vote on Impeachment because
a) many members do not want a public vote for fear they will lose re-election,
b) it may not pass (they are afraid a vote for an inquiry will not pass),
c) if it does pass, then the process will lose its secrecy and become transparent, and Trump will be able to cross examine witnesses.
Never before have impeachment proceedings been secret. The American Citizens deserve open proceedings instead of secrecy and leaked bias!
4
@99
A & B are false.
C is true, and it is will happen.
Democrats are just doing what the Constitution tells them they need to do.
And your last paragraph is a complete lie. Closed door hearings are Standard Operating Procedure.
It is not about Republicans and Democrats. It is about the integrity if our elections. It is about our national security.
Trump has been compromised.
3
@99
More trumpian lies. Putin talking points.
This process has been explained many, many times before, but Republicans keep bringing it up even though they know better.
This is an impeachment inquiry. It is not a trial. It in in the investigatory stage. Witness testimony is heard by the bipartisan intelligence committee members (with Repubs & Dems) behind closed doors, just as it is done during a grand jury investigation. This is Standard Operating Procedure.
It is done this way so that potential witnesses don’t hear each other’s testimonies and “synch” them up. As in “Let’s get our stories straight.” It helps to encourage truthful testimony.
And it helps prevent the circus atmosphere we all witnessed yesterday.
If this goes to an impeachment trial, everything is out in the wide open. Very public.
But you knew all of this.
Just pushing the Putin Talking Points.
3
Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) should be wearing a neck brace because of his extensive whiplash every 15 minutes.
He has completely lost his moral center.
1) He lost his fellow Vietnam Vet brother-in-arm Senator John McCain with McCain in the US Navy and Graham a JAG officer stationed in SC during the war. (Many of us lost our brothers-in-arms including my late spouse, but I had a solid progressive center.)
2) He realized that he had zero chance of winning in SC by going against Trump and his venomous base. As soon as he started backing 45, he found his approval ratings going up 30-40 points.
He is seeing the end of his career and is terrified so he has jumped on the Trump Train and is the lesser for it.
15
This is the prelude to the kind of violence we will see by Republican white-nationalist-apologists if Trump is impeached or loses the election. The SCIF Hall Putsch.
5
Yes
I think you’re right.
But we will push back much harder because if we don’t our Democracy will not survive and be permitted to continue to grow and develop. We had to fight to preserve our Union during the Civil War and along with others, the world’s freedom during WWII. If it comes to that we will do so again. We are the Home of the Free and the Brave... not the greedy, selfish and cowardly... despite the many errors of judgment and self inflicted pain that have occurred in our history as a Nation. Our Democracy is something very worthwhile to fight for... and we will continue this fight against people who embrace trump’s values and ways of being because we must, in order to preserve and protect it.
2
These Republicans gave us Donald Trump. Why would they attempt to convince us now that we should follow their advice in anything we do?
9
If the Republicans on the committee had heard anything to support the President, they would have leaked it to the press. They do not. So they resort to shennigans to deflect the attention of the press and public, like their commander in chief.
19
If you recall, this is the Florida technique. In the election of 2000, the Reps stormed Dade Country's election office and demanded the count stop -and it did! When will the Reps stop yelling and become real politicians. Or is this a real politician>
9
Thank you for this reminder - I’ve been saying the same thing! When will Democrat’s stop caving to this bullying behavior? For Republicans it’s worked before no wonder they go back to the well again and again.
2
The House leadership owes it to the American people to hold these lawbreakers to account. If there are no consequences for this outrageous behavior that may have compromised national security, then chaos will reign in Congress.
As some have pointed out, the vast majority of House Republicans chose not to participate in this reckless and irresponsible action.
13
Can't they lock the door for the next hearing? I sure hope they can because this will happen again and again
9
The little tidbit in this article about the House passing the (third attempt) Shield law-to prevent foreign interference in American elections-jumped out at me. Mitch McConnell won’t bring it to a vote and Trump threatened to veto it? Why? I don’t understand why this isn’t the headline. This seems a blatant undermining of your democratic processes and yet seems to ignite no outrage at all. How on earth does McConnell get away with moves like this? I truly don’t understand...
14
Aren’t we paying them to do work for us and not this kind of nonsense? How’s doing their jobs while they’re out grandstanding? There’s a country to run. They shouldn’t be spending all their time managing themselves.
4
Sorry, this hearing, with its current format, does not offer the transparency nor fairness deserved by the American people as other similar type hearings have in the past.
3
Transparency? Have the WH release all documents and have those that denied subpoenas give depositions under oath. There are Republicans and Democrats asking questions behind those doors.
11
@Charlie First, it's not a hearing. Those are coming later, and you will be able hear and see what transpires then.
8
This is the investigative phase of the impeachment process. Nothing unusual about it. Besides, the committees have both their Democrat and Republican members who are free to question the witnesses and are doing so. Once this part of the process has allowed witnesses to provide information and prevent them from possibly coordinating their testimonies, there will be public hearings, and the transcripts of this initial phase will be made public as well.
8
If the Republicans are not happy with a so-called "closed door" process - supposedly in the interest of transparency, why don't they call on the WH to release the documents, let officials testify - also in the interest of transparency?
23
I am listening to the leaks from the Republicans sitting on this Committee. I want to hear the elements they have cherry-picked in support of the President, to balance the ones selected by the Democrats.
Louder please.
LOUDER PLEASE, I CAN’T HEAR YOU!
6
Did Hillary ever obstruct House investigations committees?
Not once.
Why not?
Because she knew she was innocent and they wouldn't find anything, obviously.
The very fact that Trump and the GOP are obstructing justice so much, is of course because they know he's guilty and has committed numerous crimes already. There's no better way to prove this publicly than through systematic obstruction.
30
@Ana Luisa As someone who voted for Hillary and thinks Trump should be removed(in the next election), I still completely disagree with the Democratic party's actions.
1
All Republicans have is lies and indignation.
They have fooled themselves into thinking Trump supports them.
They are wrong.
Trump will throw each and every member of the GOP under the bus to save himself.
Trump's only allegiance is to Trump.
The GOP is making a mockery of the Constitution.
Any Republican who took part in this stunt, and is a lawyer, should be disbarred.
Bringing unsecured cellphones into a SCIF is a federal crime.
Charges should be brought.
Vote Democratic in 2020.
Every office, every seat.
58
Why would some eighteen or so Republican Congressional Representatives pull that sort of “Beerhall Pusch?” Why would not any other Republican Congressional Representatives stop or censure them for their grave, arguably treacherous, traitorous, act, today?
They put on a public “morality play” so all the world’s media would produce and broadcast it for them on the News, everywhere, for free.
Whoever is taking over our Country, is taking it over, right Now. This Act, today, was a Pearl Harbor-type sneak attack aimed directly on the Constitution as it was alive and breathing, and doing the work of Justice. Those eighteen or so “Patriots” (as they will long be remembered in the Republican world), attempted to, and almost succeeded in smothering the living Constitution they ALL had sworn an oath before God to “uphold and defend, against all enemies, foreign or domestic.”
This is HUGE. We are at War!
No matter what happened in the actual Committee meeting, today, that was not the News. These visuals will now constitute reality for so many. An exact transcript of the meeting will not... even though the transcript is the Truth, and what everyone SAW was literally fake news. And, now, that fake news is THE News.
We must now do the things that the World will see and believe, and accept as the Truth. To save the United States of America, voting is only the final thing to do.
We must go outside and do brave, audacious acts, so we’re also speaking in the language the World sees!
14
Lock them up for obstruction of justice.
45
Matt Gaetz, Louie Gohmert, Steve King, Jim Jordan, Mark Meadows, and 20 more Republican House Members need lobotomies, the sooner the better, for the preservation of the Union and protection of the Constitution without further delay.
23
@BobK I fear they already are.
So they conveniently forget that the Benghazi show was behind closed doors 3 years running. Every one of them should be fined for two infractions - bringing cell phones to secured areas and storming the gates of secured areas without authorization. Every one should sit and read the statements thus far and think of their allegiance to a man who attempted a coup.
49
Such childish behavior only reflects poorly on those Republican House members. Republicans are on the committee - where were they?
18
A scene very much like Chuck E. Cheese. Lots of cheap pizza, mindless games & no prizes...
21
In my only time serving as a juror, it was on a grand jury. We were all sworn to secrecy. The House is currently in a grand jury proceeding. Republicans continue to obstruct justice and should all be incarcerated along with Donald Trump.
30
Does anyone remember that we've seen this kind of Republican lawlessness before? Remember when vociferous and belligerent Republican protesters tried to gatecrash locations in Florida where the 2000 recount was ongoing? This lawlessness and brute intimidation is the last resort of those who want to rule, but have nothing of value with which to convince the majority of the electorate. We must not let them get away with it.
Do you want to know my personal concern, that I share with family, friends, associates, and anyone who will listen? My concern is that as Republicans continue to fail at convincing the voters, and then at tricking the voters, they will eventually turn to violence to stay in power.
21
How many days has it been since all of these same people voted to censure Adam Schiff for paraphrasing the president's words, saying he made "a mockery of the impeachment process, one of this chamber’s most solemn constitutional duties?"
10
It's so cute how the Republicans scramble all over one another to come running when the president whistles. It doesn't quite fit my view of Republicans as rugged, value-driven individualists. But their eagerness to please their master is touching.
24
Yeah. A bit like PC Richards.
“This is a Soviet-style process,” declared Representative Steve Scalise, the No. 2 House Republican.
If this were true Trump and his allies, with their love of everything Putin, should be very happy with the process.
17
The Capitol police should have physically removed them. The Republicans were completely out of line.
23
I read at sfgate this morning that Trump is now bragging about building a wall in Colorado. The man is OFF the wall.
11
All the Republicans have done is stymie fairness in this and the Russian investigation and with people like Barr, McConnell, Rudy Giuliani and company this has reached a fever pitch. They have been the reason this impeachment has not culminated in Trump being throw out of office. Otherwise he would not still be preaching to his friends who just allow him to literally "shoot someone on 5th Avenue" with impunity. Don't get their logic. They would be locked up for Trump's behavior, so why support him still?
5
Disgusting behaviour in what has been one of the world's leading democracies. The decline accelerated when Trump began running roughshod through the Constitution leading up to blatant misuse of power with respect to Ukraine. Republicans are traditionally the party of law and order and the strict observers of the Constitution. This mob is turning their back on due process and trying to obstruct an established lawful Committee of Congress exercising its Constitutional obligations. If this "group" of "lawmakers" really respected the law, they would be protesting at the doors of the Oval Office for the truth and ethical and legal jurisprudence by what looks like a now out of control White House.
15
I’m not voting Republican or Democrat next year. I’m voting for the CAP. Civilized Adult Party. Wonder if we’ll have fistfights on Congress soon?
But it seems a fair guess to conclude that the testimony of the preceding day was important enough to motivate these clowns to try something like this.
If the testimony of the day before was not serious, they would have continued playing video games in their offices, as usual.
9
It's so outrageous that the Republican Party is on the side of a president who is using other nations to help tear our country apart. And then the Republicans rushing in to disrupt a meeting --more of them are turning into clones of Trump every day. It's actually quite scary and I worry about the future of our country.
14
To all my former MI Buddies.
Remember that time we stormed the SCIF because we weren't happy about the processing going on inside?
The transcription shop was lagging and the Chief Warrant Officer wouldn't let the other linguists review her work? When we brought recording devices and cameras inside, rather than checking them with the MPs?
And how the Commanding General said, "Oh, that's OK, no charges for you lot - you were just exposing something that you thought was going wrong"?
No, we would have gone to jail. And the NCOs among us told to grow up and learn to lead.
9
I'm confused. Aren't there Reps and Dems in all of these "closed door" hearings?
If you're on the relevant committee you can attend and all relevant committees are populated by a balanced set of congressmen and women.
This seems wholly disingenuous on the part of the Republicans.
30
Wishful thinking. I really wonder how the Time sis going to walk it all back and self justify when this crumbles. I suppose they will just move on the next sure to remove Trump scheme like none of this never happened.
3
First the last paragraph, which most people likely don't read to, should be a key part of your story. This is NOT an unusual way to move forward and it should be a leading statement - that yes, this is a normal and lawful practice during the evidence gather phase! Second, where is a list of names - I want the names of every one of those guys. Was my representative in that group? I called his office to make sure he knew how I felt if he was. Their names should be part of the story - people should be able to call their offices and let them know. Are you protecting them?
12
I agree. The press & media must make clear to the public that the process is normal, that Republicans are in the room and are able to ask questions. Don’t lead with the stunt—-lead with the facts!
3
Trump's influence on the Republican lawmakers is growing ever more despicable and outrageous. The contempt for the investigative process in the executive branch has spread unabashedly. I'm reminded of the wall sign (Liar, liar pants on fire) Michael Cohen pointed to during his public testimony as the most childish, and unprofessional demonstration from adult lawmakers entrusted to lead and vote on important issues facing our country?
This is so sad.
19
So WaPo I reporting that 13 of the 41 republicans who stormed the hearings are part of the three committees and already allowed to attend the hearings. How infantile!
31
Please list all Republican house members that took part in this.
51
Does anyone know if Trump and his accomplices will be tried as adults?
43
@Vicki Olson Thank you Vicki, we all needed that.
3
“Elections have consequences,” is often said in defense of Trump. However, as the last paragraph of the article shows, this is the same style of proceedings as the Republicans used in their investigation of Benghazi, when they were rabidly trying to undo the elections of 2012 and 2008.
Additionally, “elections have consequences,” is exactly what is going on here. The election of 2018, which turned the control of the House over to Democrats has its consequences. One of them is a real, evidenced based look at what happened with Ukraine over the past six months.
Compare the handling of the Ukraine situation and the Benghazi situation, and you see the difference between the two parties. How much vitriol would the Republicans, and their propaganda arm, Fox News, have heaped on the Democrats if the Democrats had carried out such a sophomoric “Storming of the Investigation” during this phase of the Benghazi investigation?
This situation should show clearly which party is more interested in actually governing. Hint: It ain’t the elephant busting into the room.
22
This is also the consequence of electing someone with a known checkered background and questionable ethics to be president.
18
Stop relaying the Republican’s narrative. This is not reporting. It’s issuing a press release provided by a marketing outfit. Republicans forced their way into a secure room, and made untrue claims that grabbed headlines. You report it without featuring its illegality and total lack of accuracy. You barely mention the committee process is working as it normally does and that almost half the congresspeople on the committees are Republicans who could be there if they chose to. It should be framed as a highly alarming hijacking of a lawful process. Ridiculous.
37
When the hearings begin on live television and when witnesses are sworn under oath with the realization that they will go to jail if they lie, the allegiance to Trump will finally end. Perry, Pompeo, Pence and possibly even Guiliani will remember the ghost of Michael Cohen and will refuse to fall on their sword for Trump and roll the dice on ending up wearing prison stripes. At that point, public support for impeachment will hit 60% and the testimony and evidence will be so overwhelming that no US Senator will be able to defend Trump any longer. They will come to the realization that not voting to convict will destroy Republican chances in 2020 and will also destroy their reputation and legacy in the annuals of history. Being that they all privately loathe Trump and have had enough of his shenanigans, especially with his actions in Syria, they will vote to convict. It won't be unanimous but it will be more than the 67 vote threshold needed. In the end, their conscience and self preservation will win out.
5
@Cuddlecat: hope you are right but so far there don’t seem to be any republicans with shame or conscience. The fact that none of them are standing up for law or decency is shocking. Systems of government like yours (and mine) that are generally thought of as extremely stable are not unbreakable. In the end they depend on decency of people and respect for institutions and process. GOP has none of those characteristics.
4
So sure without firsthand knowledge that you are right. So dangerous and reckless.
1
Earl L. “Buddy” Carter of Georgia issued a dire warning: “If a government can do this to the president of the United States, they can do it to you as well. You need to be scared. You need to be very scared.”
If you break the law and subvert the constitution you SHOULDN'T be scared? Pathetic. All the "public" comments I hear from Republicans seem completely crafted for an audience of ONE--the emperor in the red tie.
27
A new low among so many lows.
21
"Pushed past Capitol Police?" Why do we HAVE 'Capitol Police' if they do do their jobs?
What an outrage.
19
>>>"“This is a Soviet-style process,” declared Representative Steve Scalise, the No. 2 House Republican. “It should not be allowed in the United States of America. Every member of Congress ought to be allowed in that room. The press ought to be allowed in that room.”<<<
The hyperbole that Republicans use, like this statement, is typically calculated to win points with the fervent hard-right base. It is certainly not founded in truth. Most Republican legislators know better and it's just a game to them, though some are simply ignorant about their duties and about the law, preferring to toss aside their proper comportment and their oath to Congress, and instead cleave to tribe, braying like donkeys.
13
They broke the law ! This was a charade. They hoped to send up the same smoke that their leader President Trump sends up when he inflames the sincere followers at his rallies.
Where there is smoke, there will be fire followed by ashes.
These men except for a couple of women have led us to a very dark place in our history.
The Emperor has no clothes. To accommodate his sickness makes the GOP invading Congresspersons party to his grave illness. ( see psychological profiles on him from reputable doctors!)
Read European history of the last century and pray!
11
Someone please post a verified list. These representatives must be held accountable for their actions. Transparency now republicans! Who did this?
19
I just wish the headline or first bullet point had mentioned that about half of the group were in fact entitled to enter the hearings, as they were members of one of the three investigating committees. Not once have I heard any reporter ask Republican house members whether they lack trust in the GOP members in the committees!!!
8
Well, on the one hand I am amused that these Republicans took a play out of the left's book to stage a sit-in in the halls of Congress.
On the other hand, I do know that they like to use police power when the left does the same thing.
Oh, how the tables are turning.
1
@Marc
I recall democratic members staging a “sit-in” in the chamber of the House a couple years ago. I don’t recall them staging a “push-in” to a SCIF, though. Rules broken in both instances, but the severity is a bit different.
2
There are Republicans sitting on the committees holding these investigations!
The impeachment inquiry process is defined by House rules. In previous investigations when Republicans controlled the House, they questioned witnessed behind closed doors. Did they somehow forget?
Gaetz, McCarthy and other House Republicans Trump encouraged to "get tough" are hypocrites trying to circumvent the Constitution and American democracy for the benefit of their Dear Leader.
Shameful.
19
The Republicans seem to be sunk deep in the Swamp--a view from a high ethical perch! Everyone is waiting for Mr Trump to clean up the swamp. As we all know, he goes out of the way to keep his campaign promises. ( Syrian withdrawal; playing minimum golf etc, etc. )
3
Members of the U. S. House of Representatives comporting themselves like five-year-olds must have little to do. The sight of these grown men clumping down the stairs like kids trying to put a fast one over on the teacher is ludicrous as well as unbefitting their office.
15
The Trump diehards have lost their equilibrium, matching the actions and rhetoric of the most vociferous anti-Trumpers. Both sides throw out accusations that are utterly without basis. It seems that 40% of the country believes that Trump is the messiah, opposed by the "deep state", and 40% of the country wanted to impeach Trump before he ever took office, and goes ballistic every time he blows his nose. Whatever happened to factual, rational thought?
2
Sitting in NZ, American politics are such an odd repugnant affair. This idea that America has the best democracy etc in the world - I can think of few other western nations where such corruption, such wilful ignorance and such moral cowardice is so nakedly on display as that shown by the governing party, and the opposition is so disjointed that they cannot effectively fight it. The lack of cohesion and purpose, the drawn out destructive process of selecting candidates to stand against the incumbent .... I would be interested to know if Americans really look at their ‘democratic’ process as compared to that of the rest of the world and - hand on heart - think it’s superior. Because the rest of the world doesn’t.
23
It is revolting to see members of Congress put their next election ahead of their ethics and dignity. The grifter will be removed one way or another and if there is any justice, your party will be thoroughly defeated in 2020.
10
If Democrats stood up for rule of law and had these thugs dragged out of the room and arrested, how would that "backfire" on the Dems? The Republican intruders never should have gotten past the armed guards. What did happen to the Sergeant at Arms? It was not covered in your article. What has actually backfired on Democrats in my eyes is weakness.What atrocious behavior will they allow next? Whenever Code Pink or other citizens yell, unfurl banners and disrupt hearings, they are promptly escorted to jail. How is the situation any different just because the disruption comes from members of Congress?Please, please, Democrats, stand up!!
17
It’s hard to see this stunt as anything other than a young child turning over the game board. The Republicans are losing and they know it.
16
"This is a Soviet-style process,” declared Representative Steve Scalise, the No. 2 House Republican. "
Surely, Trump would be pleased with this approach? Oh, it's against him though. Probably not then.
6
The Republican shutdown by force of a constitutionally-mandated congressional inquiry, even if temporary, is a literal obstruction of justice. They are obviously desperate, but will they ever be held to account for this illegal action?
5
This is so ridiculous and defies reason. Exactly how is the matter to be settled without investigation? And if the initial deposing of those with knowledge of the events was in a public forum, it would be a circus as exhibited by the GOP who used previous hearings to make spin speeches and asked questions that in a court of law would be called leading a witness, to shape an answer rather than elicit truth.
This is such an era of spin. The GOP this week have also echoed Trump’s efforts to convince is that what we have seen and heard is NOT what we have seen and heard, saying the media has attacked him unfairly while he has been doing such wonderful things.
Meanwhile, people have died while Trump has lied. And if the GOP doesn’t start putting our nation above their increasingly damaging party loyalty (better to have a loyal brotherhood) our whole Democratic structure built on honesty, process and structure will collapse.
7
Like Trump, all these Republicans need to be held accountable for jeopardizing our national security.
If this means arrest, so be it. This is not funny and this is not a game.
9
A desperate move that turned the hearings just into what they tried to avoid - a circus. The hopefully soon to be disbarred ring leader, Gaetz, showed once again why he is not fit to be a member of Congress. He and others broke House rules by having their electronic devices with them in the SCIF. That represents a national security risk. For that they should be officially reprimanded. On top of that, 13 participants were actually members of the three committees who were able to be in the room, ask questions, and participate. It also shows their total hypocrisy as this same approach has been used in early investigations getting depositions. That includes Trey Gowdy and the Benghazi hearings. I sure didn't see these type of made for a TV audience of one stunts like this. Clearly they realize there is no defense for what trump did out in the open.
7
What percent of congressional time and effort is being spent on impeachment related hearings and preparation for hearings? Is any work being done for the country?
2
‘Pragmatist in CT.'comments sarcastically and negatively about the Congressional impeachment process taking place, such comment ignoring the illegal disruption by a dozen Republicans of the Federal impeachment process. Since a president can't be tried for alleged crimes by a jury or a judge, John Adams and others founders of this country’s constitution decided that justice is served by having the House initiate a trial if a majority felt a crime had taken place and that the Senate would convene the trial and decide on guilt or acquittal. Adams also added, "We are a land of laws, not men" to underscore that no elected official is above the law. Your comment mockingly asks "Is any work being done for the country?" I'd say exceedingly important work is being done and that those dozen GOP congress-people who disrupted this process are in reality putting themselves above the law and should be charged with obstruction of justice. Trump and his political zealots are honing a pre-pardon for him more audacious than Ford’s disgraceful pardon of Nixon in 1974 which granted a full and unconditional pardon for any crimes that he might have committed against the United States as president.
5
@Pragmatist in CT
There has been work being done since the Democrats took the majority. There have been a slew of bills passed in the House, currently waiting for Senate action.
I dare say that the work currently being done by the three committees involved in the impeachment investigation IS being done for the country.
2
Just how far down this road are the Republicans willing to travel? To what extent are they prepared to do his bidding? Surely what they did today was the height of self-debasement. Where is their self-respect?
11
When the cops round up a criminal gang, they question them separately. This prevents the gang members from agreeing on a single story. When one gang member contradicts another, the cops know one or the other is probably lying. That's how the cops build their case. That's also how the case against President Nixon was built and how Kenneth Starr built his case against President Clinton: in both cases, the open trial was preceded by closed-door testimony.
The Republicans know this. Trump knows this. He's reportedly been involved with organized crime for decades. His business partner Felix Sater was a felon hooked up with the Russian mob. Trump has given multiple depositions under oath.
The farce in the SCIF wasn't just aimed at influencing public opinion. Republicans want all testimony to be public to enable Trump's partisans to concoct a single story, with each witness hearing what others testify and then adjusting their own testimony accordingly.
When senior Republican members of the House allow themselves to be led by the likes of Matt Gaetz, they've willingly forfeited any last vestige of dignity.
As for Mr. Scalise, if being shot is a proof of probity, then John Dillinger was a model citizen.
Had Mr. Scalise learned from his own wounds the pain inflicted by firearms (210 wounded daily) and been moved to advocate for gun safety, he would've displayed sound morality. Instead he stood with the NRA.
Unsurprisingly, he stood with Gaetz yesterday to violate the the law.
8
"Democrats are controlling the narrative."
The GOP is panicked and this statement is an easy sell.
The Democratic House has reached a tipping point and must to take these proceeding to the public forum.
Timing is everything.
1
While the Republicans are attempting to upend the "Chain of Custody" of the Impeachment hearings, the Democrats are holding these hearings in private in order to present uncorrupted evidence. What the Republican disrupters are attempting to do is sow doubt under the pretense that these hearings are unfair. It is quite the opposite. All the evidence presented will be made public and other hearings will be held in public. The committee is getting all the factual information without allowing any unproven conspiracy theories to sidetrack or distract the public. The Republicans need to stop gaslighting the citizens.
12
I love the smell of Republican desperation in the morning. It smells like victory.
32
And so, while we are constantly bombarded with news of the hearings and investigations, Russia is taking advantage of these distractions in Syria and elsewhere, and is trying to hijack our democracy again in 2020. Will the Republicans on Capitol Hill ever break with this monster of a president, grow a backbone and stand up for our country?
15
Didn’t Nunes actually build a physical wall to separate the Republicans from the Democrats during a Congressional hearing? He was one of the protesters yesterday.
9
As a born American I truly no longer know where to hide my face.
I’m about to travel to Europe and Africa in January and will be sure to use my perfect Spanish and pretty good French, and claim my parents homeland (as ravaged as it is: Cuba) rather than admit I inhabit and carry a passport and belong to this current global disaster.
These are no longer those romantic years of Camelot: Di Maggio, Marilyn Monroe, James Dean, and astronauts, etc. that made us the envy of the world.
We’re a laughing stock. And frankly, I’m beyond embarrassed...I’m profoundly ashamed.
19
Additionally, I have begun to be concerned about whether it is any longer prudent for Americans to travel abroad. In my many previous trips to Europe I have always felt affection because I am obviously American. Sadly, I no longer expect that reaction.
3
Wear a Canadian flag pin. It’s what I did living in Barcelona during the early days of “Shock and Awe”
3
I think many people’ hearts ache for those Americans who see what is happening and abhor it and fight against it. I think it must be terrible to be a thinking, thoughtful, upstanding and genuinely moral person having this government foisted on you. But you will prevail, because the best Americans are strong and brave and won’t turn a blind eye to corruption and venality because of apathy or greed or convenience.
5
First there was Rosa Parks refusing to give up her bus seat for white passengers, and now we have fine GOP congressmen refusing to vacate a hearing room because Trump is being revealed there to be a criminal.
Civil disobedience has come a long way.
Down.
22
I have never understood why people who fundamentally don't believe in what governments are created for, run for office, unless it is merely to destroy the institution from the inside. And from where I'm sitting, that's precisely what they are doing.
Half the rest of the world is laughing at us and the other half pities us.
I hope Steve Scalise and Jim Jordan and the rest of the hooligans are proud of their handiwork.
17
What about the half that is terrified?
3
The intent of this circus act by Republicans was to elicit an over-reaction by Democrats. Media coverage of them being silenced and taken away by law enforcement is exactly what they were hoping for. I’m glad Schiff and company didn’t take the bait.
14
Watching a bunch of mostly middle-aged white guys (I am also a white guy just so anyone taking umbrage at this phrase has all of the facts...) in suits try to pull off a modest bit of civilly disruptive theater while chanting slogans at the top of their lungs would pretty amusing if it wasn't such a cheap and cynical political stunt. I know a lot of folks who would have been up in arms if these protesters had been a bunch of young folks with signs declaiming about the environment. (I think the usual response to the latter is something like, "Why can't they get a job?") God help us if they had tried to sing some old solidarity ditty, locked arm in arm...though their version of such would probably be "Pennies From Heaven" adjusted for inflation and COLA in DC.
But it was nice to see that these moral invertebrates can still manage the stairs.
21
This is deranged and getting more so by the second. Holding up an inquiry means nothing at all. Vetoing a bill against foreign interference in US elections, however, is in a class of its own. What, it's OK for foreign countries to meddle in US elections? Even Nixon knew when to go; does Trump?
12
Any lawyer will tell you the steps to a defense are:
1. First attack the facts.
2. If you can’t attack the facts attack the process.
3. If you can’t attack the process then attack the prosecutor.
Looks like the GOP is stuck on steps 2 and 3 which means Trump has no defense against impeachment.
Congressional Republicans who refuse to cooperate with the democratic process of government should be ashamed. They held closed door questioning of witnesses when they controlled the House last term. As Mulvaney said, "Get over it." /s
Any Republicans who willfully ignore evidence of Trump violating election law (USC 52 32101) with his extorting Ukraine's Zelensky to investigate his political rival should be voted out of office in 2020. Period.
12
Representative Earl L. “Buddy” Carter indicated that we should be scared, however, if any American born citizen can become president, and impeachment inquiries are typically initiated behind closed doors, then I’m “ok” with that. The republicans should stop backing individuals who will stop at and for nothing for their own personal gain. America’s freedom is for sale here, and the republicans are the auctioneers at the moment.
2
It always depends who is in power. I remember when the tax bill was being written up in the Senate. The Democrats were not allowed to see any of that process. Now that they have less power they can’t bear it. This theatrical display wasn’t simply some righteous Republicans wanting transparency. They want a chance to turn the process into an absurdist circus to protect their benefactor. I am in Spain and heard on the BBC that these Republicans had first met with Trump who gave their break in his blessing. This seems to fit with Trump’s tendencies. I wonder what their quid pro quo was.
10
They have some nerve violating rules. They’re feeling the pressure. They desperately want to keep the power of controlling two branches of government.
4
Meanwhile back at the ranch in the US the EPA is being gutted (already air quality is plummeting), the CFPB is being dismantled, Dodd–Frank is being compromised, the deficit is going through the roof, the wholesale sell off of huge swaths of public lands, world free trade seriously assailed and markets for farm produce gutted, the justice department is being revamped with a slew of GOP biased judicial appointees, and all while the nation’s intelligence agencies and the FBI are being disemboweled.
12
One reason for closed door hearings is to prevent government secrets from being released inadvertently. The transcripts are checked for possible releases, then made public. Testimonies will then be repeated publicly.
4
How awful to witness the USA downgrade from a civilized world power that exemplified a democratic way of governing, protecting human dignity and rights into a one-party State like the USSR was. All that in my lifetime. These are really sad days indeed. The falling of the Berlin wall should not be forgotten by the republicans and their families and children.
8
What more proof do we need that Republican Party is anti democracy ? The masks are finally falling off.
17
I especially liked the fact that they odered in pizza. Bad pizza, from Dominos.
8
I have desperately tried to be tolerant of those who voted for Trump, but alas, my compassion has evaporated. Trump and his swamp minions need to be ousted. The only hope we have of restoring our tattered democracy is to vote against every single Republican on the next general election ballot. Full stop.
23
Anarchy from within the governing chambers! Charges should be brought up against each unauthorized visitor with recording device in hand. This government once represented to the world a voice of reason and a system of government to emulate. Returning to that lofty leadership roll may not be attainable again in my grandchildren's life.
9
Since the Republican members stormed a secure location with cellphones, etc., does this mean that the secure rooms will have to be swept for bugs? Will that in turn delay the hearings?
4
PUSHING PAST THE CAPITOL POLICE.
Where I come from, pushing a police officer is an immediate arrest for assault and a night in jail. I guess the Republican’s point was proven to be true, they are above the law, but in other places, it’s a beat down, then a night in jail via the hospital - with a bill.
17
At this point, the evidence ought to be enough for a Republican to see the merits of impeachment, even while exceptional sycophants like Gaetz persist.
McConnell failing to affirm the perfection of Trump’s call with Zelensky offers a bit of evidence that some may be waiting for an opportune time to jump ship and cut loose Trump.
Whatever follows may still not be enough for most Senate Republicans to jeopardize their seats to fulfill their Constitutional oaths.
But the evidence is already clear enough to firmly place them on the wrong side of history.
7
The desparate attempt to stop todays testimony is a clear indication that the next phase of the inquiry is going to be even worse than what we have seen so far. But they cannot block the truth from coming out eventually. They will look even worse when it becomes clear what they tried to hide.
3090
@Ivan They absolutely do not care about the truth, or our Constitution, democracy and system of justice.
112
The truth will (and has) come out. But Trumpublicans in the Senate still won’t do anything about it.
71
well, it's not looking good now..
as my Grandmother would say, they have a severe case of foot-in-mouth disease along with bad bout of keep-stepping-in-it syndrome
pathetic, if it wasn't happening to us
40
Surely these GOP members are the writing on the wall- Trump will be impeached- in lieu of legitimate legal arguments they have only the process to attack: a weak and embarrassing moment to observe
3113
@Andrew - They don't care. About us, the Constitution, the rule of law, due process within Constitutional law. All they care about is their craven addiction to corrupt power.
165
@Andrew
If you have the facts on your side, pound the facts. If you have the law on your side, pound the law. If you have neither on your side, pound the table.
It seems we need to add pound the door to this saying.
123
@Andrew he will be acquitted in the Senate almost immediately following his impeachment in the House. Besides helping Trump, to end is all of this?
8
All these commentators saying the Republicans are lawless. Well what is so wrong about wanting the hearings to be open so the public has all the facts and not selected facts that are leaked to friendly media by partisan Democrats. Trump is absolutely correct to call this a lynching.
4
I want a lot of things, but I don’t illegally break into a secure facility to get them.
36
@Dave Ok if it is so secure why do we get continual leaks of cherry picked testimony.
3
This is not a trial, that comes later. Can't wait.
28
Too late. The testimony that counted, from the most impeccable of people, was the day before.
37
From my perspective as a 25-year veteran intelligence officer, this article is a perfect example of why the Republicans will win this debate and eventually, deliberately, bring an end to our Constitutional form of government.
First, the article was nothing more than a reaction to the childish antics of a few would-be autocrats. They staged this specifically to elicit a reaction from the nation's papers of record and succeeded completely.
"Roughly a quarter of House Republicans are members of the three panels conducting the inquiry, and have been allowed to participate in the private depositions and interviews from the start. But most of the Republicans who rushed the secure rooms on Wednesday morning are not committee members."
That should've been in the lead paragraph and a part of the article's title. Second, the illegality of breaking into a SCIF should've been in the top third of the article. Third, the fact that Republicans did the same thing (correctly) during the Benghazi should've been close to SCIF storming.
Instead, the article is exactly how an info ops specialist working for the Republicans would've written it. Congrats.
68
@KCF They don't seem to be winning the debate so far...
I assume you're counting on most folks not finishing the article. I think there will be enough overall interest in the impeachment that enough folks will learn enough.
Plus, what good will this do after the public part commences?
1
@Jack Toner The Republicans manage to remain in the proverbial driver's seat where they choose how and when to shape the debate. The Democrats sit around and wait to react to their antics. That's a losing strategy. These 30 Representatives notified the media of what they were going to do, so it wasn't like it was a big secret. What did the Democratic committee leadership do? Nothing....wait for them to show up and then appear flummoxed over what to do next. It's like watching the same group of schoolyard nerds get their lunch money stolen by the same bullies at every recess.
I agree that the Republicans may not be winning the debate, but the Democrats definitely aren't either.
2
wrong side of history, this group of Republicans and all who support them.
18
@John Smith
I will not be satisfied with just Trump's impeachment and removal from office. I want all the congressional Republicans who have stone walled and supported Trump to be censured and expelled. Those individuals who have actively supported Trump should be charged with criminal conspiracy.
3
Phones out filming and taking fotos at a Secured Government Site? Arrest them. If it were any other protestors they'd have cuffs on.
54
It figures that the ardent followers of the toddler-in-chief would behave like spoiled brats themselves....
24
It really is amazing. The only difference between this incident and an unlawful demonstration by thugs is that these guys wear a suit
It is no little embarrassment that Gaetz & Co is bringing upon the United States. If Gaetz is a man, he will apologize. The dignity of a country is easily lost but difficult to regain.
28
Arrest might have backfired on Democrats but a censure resolution for violating the rules of the body might still be in order.
25
This is a disturbing development. Tensions and emotions are high and we a have deep and entrenched divisions in the country. Things can go south quickly. In 1993 Russia had its own constitutional crisis where Yeltsin held a referendum, tried to disband parliament. Parliament responded by impeaching Yeltsin, appointing the vice president acting president. The "resistance" leaders ended up occupying the Supreme Soviet building where the Yeltsin backed military shelled it for days. It lasted just under 2 weeks but 437 people were killed. Congress must during these times play it as cool and ose to the book as possible. PR stunts like this are risky and unnecessary.
14
The whole Trump administration is risky and unnecessary, like Billionaires.
24
Charge them all with obstruction of Justice. Like, yesterday.
29
So it's that, "make America great again"?
22
I hope there were consequences for these Republican ruffians storming a secure area and possibly threatening national security. They acted like thugs and punks, very much like their mentor in the oval office. Weren't there any arrests? Charges filed? Fines? This isn't governing, it's mob rule, and of course the most belligerant Repubs lead the charge - Jordan, Gaetz and similar schoolyard bullies with bad attitudes. All they were missing was brown shirts.
Fact: these hearings are being conducted in the same manner as the boondoggle against "Hillary's e-mails"; Golly, Repubs liked the on-the-record but closed-door format then, so why not now? Gratuitous rowdyism isn't going to resolve anything. Yes, we know that Trump may think he can steamroll anything he wants or revise any facts to fit his own demented narrative; do these excuses for representatives of the people "enjoy" the same disconnect from the rule of law? I doubt it. I'm disgusted. I'm ashamed at these wiseguys in suits. I'm very sad for America.
39
When people in the USA see pictures of elected officials in other countries trading blows while actively in session, there can be a sense os superiority that a mature legislature would not allow members to act as juvenile bullies.
Once more Republican bullies have turned into a mob as they did when they demanded entrance to vote counting in Florida in 2000 as part of an election where the winner was decided by the Supreme Court and the brother of the successful candidate. Republicans have no hesitations about using force and using nepotism to influence the outcome of an election.
The behaviour today by senior leaders of House Republicans was ----like Kavanaugh's tearful, angry testimony---a complete sham. Republican members of the committees involved have been present for the testimony of witnesses during the entire inquiry. Republican lawyers may have forgotten the rules since few of them practice law, but the House Democrats are following an inquiry procedure which was set out in committees. That the lawyers within the elected Republicans would participate in such a farce as the mob scene today indicates some censure is required.
Republican men are too emotional to be allowed to govern as the scene today shows. If they cannot control their tempers and the dignity of the House of Representatives, they should retire and allow people (including more women) who know how to behave take their places.
35
Don’t forget the Canning of a man during the years leading up to the civil war. Actual fist fights broke out between Norther and Southern Politicians.
The Justice Dept refused to call a special council to investigate
the Ukraine affair, so the Congress is doing its job. The Republicans do not have a majority in Congress so they act
like immature kindergartners who didn't get their way. Much like their President.
36
You have to wonder why some Republican congresspeople do not defend the authority of their own institution, the U.S. House of Representatives, as they are supposed to be representing us, the people, and not merely following the marching orders of the executive branch. You would think they would have some interest in protecting the authority of Congress in the face of a defiant executive branch. How else do we preserve the balance of power?
19
It worked for the 2000 election recount in Florida... why not try it?
14
On the bright side, I’m looking forward to the SNL reenactment of this protest. (But seriously, this is insane.)
26
Oh, NOW trump wants openness and transparency!!
30
Hypocritical isn’t it. The Republicans that pulled this stunt are only delaying the inevitable. Their party may suffer for generations for enabling the 45th President Of The United States of America.
Did I miss it? What was Ms. Cooper's testimony?
3
Can those GOP members at least be disbarred for obstructing justice and witness intimidation?
11
And, let's be honest, arresting them or any "retaliation by Dems" would be further distracting the public from the true rot that needs to be handled.
2
These congressional lawbreakers need to be voted out of office in mass. Who the heck do they think they are? If they thought a stunt like that would gain them votes, they have rocks where their brains belong.
10
NYT - please publish a list of these lawless Republicans who stormed the room. Please do not let them remain anonymous.
36
Someone should tell Joe Biden that this is not an aberrarion, this is actually the state of Republican party today.
9
This latest display is a continuation of the utter disregard for propriety and bombastic behavior shown by Trump and his cohorts. Sad to say, the Republican brand will have a long way to come back from its fall from grace.
9
Me Trump again falsely assails the House committee for supposed lack of transparency. If he is so in favor of transparency, let him release his tax filings.
24
Noam Chomsky asks of the GOP. 'Has there ever been an organization in human history that is dedicated, with such commitment, to the destruction of organized human life on Earth?'
25
This action is very similar to the attempt to storm the location for evaluating chads in the Florida election by "citizens", who were later identified as Republican officials or operatives. This was some time ago, and was somewhat effective. This effort is high school desperation and will not work. More distraction without adding any useful information. The people who texted from the secure room should be censured. Thanks.
11
Two dozen TRUMP goons, paid by us as elected representatives, physically force themselves into a high security briefing room where Republicans and Democrats in joint committees are conducted the impeachment enquiry and stay for five hours stopping the proceedings. These thugs acting with explicit encouragement by Trump unwittingly (I hope) embarrass and demean our Constitutional processes to the continuing delight of Putin. This may seem trivial when considering Trump’s acts concerning Ukraine and Syria but these are elected members of Congress who are saying to the world that disrupted force has to be employed in this our failed democracy.
14
As for the list of GOP members, I want the ones that DO have Committee's attendance access. Why are we not hearing anything from them?
11
@SteveH
Not hearing anything from the Republicans on the committee because the testimony is nothing but bad news for trump. The Republicans can only whine about the process, which is being conducted by the book, in a very solemn and serious way, unlike the circus the Republicans conductef today.
2
@SteveH Oh they're much too honorable to leak. Or, there's nothing helpful for Trump in the depositions. Gee, which is it?
1
If the GOP wanted to convey their contempt for the Constitution they have succeeded.
It’s not like there isn’t precedent for how impeachment proceedings are being handled. Nixon’s impeachment started with private information gathering, followed by public hearings over the information gathered.
Thugs in suits are still thugs.
Maybe they are concerned over losing their Scammander In Chief.
19
The way this is going now, even if Trump survives the impeachment and somehow manages to win re-election, it will be a Phyrric victory at best.
He has already lost the trust of more than half the country and taught an entire generation of young Americans to despise the Republican Party more than any foreign adversary.
The Democrats certainly won't forgive or forget these betrayals. I certainly won't vote for any R ever again. They are nothing but a pack of hypocritical liars and cheats.
25
We want thier names ! They should be publicly denounced so that it doesnt stay an internal affair
24
It is blatantly obvious that the Constitution never anticipated someone like Trump and the complicit GOP.
If he declares martial law, declares himself god and president for life, there is nothing that can stop him. And he has the support of 40% of the population, and they are all armed.
19
Republicans are emboldened by the fact that they never have to face any consequences for their unlawful behavior.
They count in the assumption that no one will do anything about the outrageous things that they do.
16
They can do this because most of their supporters are ignorant & have no idea how congressional investigations are run...or anything about the constitution!
17
Call it what it is: sycophants with low IQ’s behaving like rotten three-year-olds.
Do the majority of Republican senators and Trump supporters yearn for their children to do poorly in school, bully others, break the law while claiming victim, and be perpetually unpleasant?
Carry-on, Republicans.
Carry-on, lemmings.
Your antics, such as today, may combine with your leader’s atrocious behavior, abandonment of allies and bribery, to take you and your leader over the metaphoric cliff.
And then...
Nancy Pelosi leads. Democrats rise further.
20
"Who let the dogs out?"
Trump did.
13
Trump is using Twitter to encourage disruption of legal process and to incite violence. Twitter is long past enforcing its Terms of Use; House Democrats should focus on that company and shut the child dictators mouthpiece off.
25
We thought it was just the head of the fish that was rotten. Surprised? Oh no. Not this greedy GOP. These guys are as clueless as they who believe in Trump. And to think they were given influential seats and were meant to protect us, this country from exactly what they are taking part in. What shameful people. Do we think they are doing the jobs they were paid for or what they got dirty money to look the other way for. We all know the answer to that. Shameful group. Do any of them wonder what kind of lives their children will have in the future. The mess they are making for them to clean up. What legends. I can imagine their family members not acknowledging their fathers, mothers, who were part of this corrupt group. No pride there.
20
Pardon me, but didn't these Republicans totally break the law by storming into the secure committee chambers and disrupting the Constitutional process? In full view of the entire nation?
Please explain to me why everyone who did this is not in jail this evening. And while you are at it, please explain why everyone ignoring a Congressional subpoena is not in jail right now.
Because someone decided it was not politically expedient to enforce the law at this time? Who, exactly, is making that decision? I, and many others, need to know.
Journalists, I'm looking at you. Laws are being broken right in front of you; people are mystified about why they are not being enforced, and why you seem to be holding no one accountable about it.
28
@K.C. It's Speaker Pelosi's call. I see no reason to question her judgement.
You want to make the call? Run for Congress and if you get in, run for Speaker.
Good luck!
Clearly the SCIF should have a deadbolt, and it should be used. Also, there should be more law enforcement securing the area. These thugs must not be allowed to intimidate witnesses, create a distraction or otherwise disrupt this lawful and urgent investigation.
17
I was think more a moat.
With alligators.
i hear they’re all the rage.
12
obviously the House needs to build a wall to keep people out of meetings and hearings who are not permitted in said meetings according the House Rules. the wall needs to be a great wall with steel points on top that would injure persons trying to climb over the wall. alligators and snakes would be a good addition also if the House votes for same and exempts the builders of the great wall from any criminal prosecution. the GOP will pay for it. otherwise, Mexico will pay for same.
15
It looked a lot like the Charlottesville march to me sans tiki torches.
30
They are afraid and trying to intimidate the committee conducting the closed door inquiry. They should have been arrested. If the republicans were in charge and Democrats behaved like thugs and disrupted their inquiry, they would have been arrested.
18
Huh, where are the people who say “the law is the law” whenever there is an article on migrants or refugees? Are House rules to be ignored when inconvenient for Republicans? I guess it only makes sense Trump supporters never cared about rules or laws except when convenient to them.
17
To the Republican law breakers: Please know that in most of the civilized world the majority of us behave civilly and we work in places where we uphold laws, policies, codes of behavior and ethics.Your kind of behavior wouldn't find a place there. Moreover, you'd have trouble getting hired in the first place. Just sayin'
12
To what level has Donald Trump brought down the Republican Party; to that of a mob of angry, bullying, delinquent children. Shame! Shame! Democrats, as was envisioned by the Founders, please continue forward undeterred by this impudent rabble with your impeachment process. All of America and the whole world is watching!
15
This stunt by #GOP_Thugs will backfire.
16
Scalise is now on record stating that the press should be allowed into the House SCIF. Really? REALLY??
16
Why is it that when the GOP sees the lawful process works against them, they stage a riot? This reminds me of the Brooks Brothers Riot in Florida on 22 Nov 2000 when the GOP staffers invaded and rioted the facilities where the votes in the Bush vs Gore election were being recounted manually. They brought that recount to a halt. I guess they believe they can intimidate any lawful process just like POTUS 45.
15
No, there is a process in our judicial system called discovery and that process does not allow one side to hide the facts until they go to trial. Why should Democrats be granted any special privileges? They remind me of spoiled children who want their way regardless of what anybody else wants. I believe the appropriate terminology is “railroading.”
2
There are Republicans on the committees conducting these investigations. The Republicans o these committees get full chance to question witnesses. So what are you crying about !
11
@Confused, you sound confused. This is how all previous impeachments were done. The hearing comes after the investigation. This Congress was not granted a special counselor because the AG is corrupt and in on the coverup.
16
An utterly despicable and completely egregious stunt. These congressmen should be charged with trespassing and with disorderly conduct and prosecuted to the full extent of the law.
20
Republicans are devolving into bullies and brutes. The reason we have laws is to have liberty and justice for all. Republicans just want the whole pie for themselves, or is it that they want to sell it to Moscow ?
Eh Mitch ?
18
Well, this is not your father's GOP.
His GOP stormed polling stations trying to count hanging chads in Florida. Today's GOP storms formal government meetings.
These stormers are getting better, no?
8
Yes!!! This was the moment i knew was coming when he was elected. His followers are starting to behave like the Third Reich henchman. Disruption of closed meetings. This is the real turning point. All his agressive, racist, sexist, bullyig, lying behaviour is a way of grooming his henchman. Now it is normal for them and a small part of his voters.
Good luck USA!
26
@Lex this presidency changed this country and we will never be the same again. I hope democratic balues prevail.
6
Why is anybody surprised the Republicans disrupted today’s proceedings. They stormed the Florida vote count to steal the election from Gore. Their supporters think thuggish behavior shows strength and manliness.
12
Were the party labels reversed, not ONLY would the Democrat progressives have done this every day so far, but mobs of people would have been bussed to the GOP Congressmen's homes to disturb the peace and threaten people having nothing to do with any of it - the families of the Congressmen.
These secret KGB-style hearings are THE Democratic Party campaign for 2020, There's no reason for them to end before the political conventions next year at the earliest.
1
Yeah, like with the endless Benghazi farce, and the email server nonsense hearings that ended up no where.
25
@L osservatore
Did progressives do that earlier this year?
From The State (Columbia SC newspaper), March 4, 2019
“In closed hearings — held when questions asked by the panel deal with sensitive or classified information — members have more time to ask questions and draw out constructive answers, [Trey] Gowdy [Representative chairing the Benghazi hearings] said.”
10
@L ossevatore
You again, with the same tired trump/Putin talking points?
This process has been explained many, many times before, but Republicans keep bringing it up even though they know better.
This is an impeachment inquiry. It is not a trial. It in in the investigatory stage. Witness testimony is heard by the bipartisan intelligence committee members (repubs& dems) behind closed doors, just as it is done during a grand jury investigation. This is Standard Operating Procedure.
It is done this way so that potential witnesses don’t hear each other’s testimonies and “synch” them up. As in “Let’s get our stories straight.” It helps to encourage truthful testimony.
If this goes to an impeachment trial, everything is out in the wide open. Very public.
Stop gaslighting, man. It stinks.
3
They call themselves the Conservative party.
6
The optics could not be worse for Trump with this ill thought out ploy. He is desperate and his charade at President is coming apart at the seams. I just wonder how much longer he can last before he really should resign. He can at least hold on to the fact that he never was impeached if he pulls a Nixon and resigns before the House votes on impeachment articles.
10
@Scott Werden - - This will surprise you, but the President was not present on the Hill this morning.
There will probably NEVER be an impracement vote - it would cost your party some Congressional seats.
1
@L osservatore
There will absolutely be an impeachment vote. Nothing about the process so far is one whit different than how Republicans conducted depositions during the Clinton impeachment investigation.
17
He meant an impracement vote. Guy’s a Shakespearean scholar, I’ll have you know.
7
Republicans love imposing their rules on others, but they don't like it when those rules apply to them.
Trump loves imposing his rules on others, but he doesn't like it when those rules apply to him.
Birds of a feather....
Vote Blue, No Matter Who!! President, Senate and the House, too!!
17
Why are we getting selective leaks about the testimony. If the Democrats want keep doing this the hearings should be public it is not right to just leak tidbits out to friendly media, we should be getting the full story.
4
@dave
Republicans questioned 141 Clinton administration officials behind closed doors for 568 hours before they voted to impeach Bill Clinton. And that was after Ken Starr spent over 6 years and $70 million investigating Whitewater.
You're being fed a shiny diversion by people who fear what will happen to them if you focus on the facts of what happened. Don't fall for it.
26
@J Anders If we are getting a diversion it should no problem for the Dems to make all this public so the public can decide based on all the facts not just on selected leaks.
2
@dave,
Nothing stops the Republicans on the committee from leaking their own version of the testimony.
The fact that they don’t means that they have nothing different to say about it.
1
There are both Republicans and Democrats on the Committees that are holding these closed door hearings. They all get equal time to question witnesses. Neither Democrats nor Republicans who are not on these Committees are allowed in the room during the closed door hearings. These Republicans are making it sound like only Republicans are being barred from the hearings. This is a lie. Their behavior storming the room is disgusting. Why did the Capitol Police let them pass? Why didn't the Sargent at Arms arrest all of them? Closed door hearings are NOTHING NEW. Since the creation of Congress, closed door hearings have been practiced countless times, most recently with the Benghazi hearings, when the Republicans were in charge. The Republicans' constant chant of "This process in Un-American" is a total lie. For so many reasons, they HAVE to do this privately in the beginning, while they gather the evidence. A main, important reason is, there are so many witnesses, they don't want the witnesses to hear what the other witnesses are saying, to affect their testimony. There are BOTH Republicans and Democrats on these Committees. Republicans are NOT being left out of this process. All this stuff will be made public at some point, and the Impeachment trial is public. These hearings have to be private right now, to maintain the integrity of the testimonies. These Republicans storming the room is disturbing and unacceptable.
44
Their security clearances should all be revoked, at the very least. These are not tech wizards. There's a good chance at least one of them has had spyware planted on his or her phone and doesn't even know it. Every one of these bozos should have to turn over his or her phone to a security agency to be inspected for spyware.
How safe do we feel with Trump having the nuclear codes after this? Is there a plan in place in case he goes rogue on that too?
Republicans should never be trusted ever again with national security. They clearly do not get it. They used to, but they've lost it under Trump. And now we have this.
25
@Patricia I’ve never felt entirely safe knowing he has had access to the codes, primarily due to the fact that he acts from instinct rather than based on intelligence (both kinds, the brainy kind and the information supplying kind).
Now that he is being forced into a corner, I feel even more uneasy - this man has never fully been trapped, without a way to lie or buy his way out of the cage. How would he respond?
9
I’m pretty sure that the military knows he’s out of his gourd and would never launch a nuclear weapon if he ordered it for no valid reason. I trust them.
The republicans have actually been taken over by a pack of ideological zealots. Who the heck knows what rock they crawled out from or what has motivated them to behave in this manner but the timing was perfect. The media plays this political farce and milks it for all its works forget about things like principal and integrity, the public gorges itself on the reality spectacle, forget about facts and principals. It is truly a point in history where those principals have been cast aside and civil society is now breaking down into chaos. There is a desperate need for a force to stand up and to push back at the evil that has taken hold but the noise being generated on all sides is drowning them out.
As the world turns Trump acolytes are facing personal risks reminiscent the Nixon Era with consequence. Take Senator Graham unbridled fawning, "I love Trump even though he is stupid" is now a comedy beyond Hollywood's imagination. Graham is too small physically to go to the oval office and tell Trump 'time to ask Pence to take over and issue you a pardon'. Trump might smash his nose crosswise on his face and roll the Senator down the White House lawn. Truthfully, every GOP elected official is scared to death of Trump and do not have the gumption to inform Trump that his ship is sunk. They will leave him all alone and watch the fire spit turn a million rotations until Trump is a mere shadow of himself before he is tossed a GOP life-ring of exile back to 5th Avenue.
5
Donald Trump’s storm troopers - GOP lawmakers - disrupting hearings conducted in accordance with the powers granted Congress by the Constitution to investigate charges of high crimes and misdemeanors committed by a corrupt and treasonous president.
This is intimidation of the witness and obstruction of justice, at the desperate urging of the president, which should be made part of the articles of impeachment.
21
So, the Sargeant-at-Arms just stands to the side while the mob enters?
13
Time for arrests and imprisonments. This is completely untenable behavior.
11
Absolute power corrupts absolutely. Can’t go to rehab until you’ve hit rock bottom. Are we there yet America?
Where are the patriots? Our country is being run by the white collar mob and our elected officials are too scared to stand up and fight for what is right out of fear of their own RE-elections
Self interest
Constituents
Party
Country
Should be the reverse
5
@Ed
constituents first...
1
@Ed Our elected Democratic officials are not looking very scared right now.
Also, Trump demanded that no one testify, but folks are testifying. That's why the Republicans are so scared. Their Big Daddy no longer scares anybody but them. And since fear was a big part of his game, and a major source of power...
I wondered how he could tell folks in the private sector not to testify. Seems it was just a matter of fear. Now even folks still working for the Executive Branch are testifying. Not looking good for little Donnie.
1
@max,
Leaders should lead, not just parrot the loudest voices among the voters.
Why do I think Trump told them to do this?
10
A random act of buffoonery from a cabal of nincompoops. Sad.
18
It really galls me that the Republicans will ignore security regulations and violate a SCIF, and take in hand held recording devices (cell phones). If I had done that where I worked it would have been instant dismissal, and loss of my security clearance. In other words it would have been a serious blow to my career. And yet, no repercussions for these idiots who don't mind causing a security violation. Any and every one of them that has a security clearance should immediately lose them. National security is not a thing to be ignored for a political stunt.
23
What a bush league stunt. The repubs and trump have nothing to refute any of the testimony heard thus far, and even their own notes and transcripts validate both the whistleblower and all the other testimony. So what to do? Try to change the subject. This conservative who cares more about country than ideology is finding it very hard to see any redeeming quality in the repubs in the executive or legislative branches. Embarrassing. To them as individuals, to the party, and to the US.
11
Why are they giving license to these individuals to threaten and intimidate a lawful proceeding? Where are the court officers and why where these individuals not escorted out of the proceedings? They will howl and scream and stamp their feet, but they are in fact displaying their complicity to the corruption that has taken hold in the WH. I watched Lindsay Graham being interviewed on Axios. The questioned that should be asked of all of Trumps supporters is what have you benefited from with all the roll backs that have been done during this administration. Also what impact have the swings in the stock market have as a result of his tweets and outburts that have had a direct affect on the markets. Who has profited from this. This isn't insanity, it is a deliberate onslaught of all the institutions to tear them down and pound the news media with a barrage of constant upheaval to wear the public down. I think the time for civility on the Democrats side has expired. It's time to fight fire with fire.
13
Matt Gaetz, the Biff Tannon of our time ... make like a tree and get out of here. ; )
6
@David Stewart (polardiscoball) And take Devin Nunes with you.
2
Republicans keep pointing to the Nixon and Clinton impeachments for precedent. But both of those had special councils who handled the investigation. Those SC had grand juries, conducted in secret behind closed doors. They took depositions without TV cameras. When they were done they gave their reports to Congress and then the live hearings were begun. Schiff is simply conducting the investigation, with republicans in the room able to ask questions. There will be a public phase to this process. And Republicans will be able to make fools of themselves when they ask about servers,pizza gate, or whatever tin foil conspiracies they have invented by then. I can't wait. Winter is coming.
14
@KJ Peters
Don’t worry republicans. We democrats all have sharpies and the storm is heading your way. In the room or out of the room it doesn’t matter.
@KJ Peters Pizzagate! I'd actually forgotten about that.
It’s high time indeed to rid ourselves of this “human scum,” viz., none other than “The Don” himself and all his inner circle of GOP Grifters, Oligarchs, and Plutocrats . . . Urgent! Please! Without Further Delay! Before It’s Too Late!
12
Don’t worry, Republicans. The public hearings are coming. Just be patient.
15
Once the hearings are public, then they’ll be mad about that, too.
NYT: Please publish a list of these lawbreakers.
30
The juvenile display by that lackey group of Republican Congressmen and Women was nothing short of pathetic. There is no other word. The simple fact is that they are abetting Trump in his crimes. They are co-conspirators, short and simple. Again, pathetic.
15
@Robert Callely
No Congresswomen were involved.
At least women with an R after their names aren't hysterical.
3
Disgusting. Childish. Stupid. Irresponsible.
How much longer are we going to have to endure the Republican Party in this country?
Or - and this isn’t hyperbole - are we actually witnessing the death throes of the American experiment? The Founders predicated a working government on assumptions of maturity, an educated and engaged body politic, and a coterie of civic minded, (mostly) selfless public servants.
Those conditions don’t exist in Congress, the Senate, or the Executive. And barely in the judiciary.
10
Please publish the list of Republican reps who protested.
27
Lick spittle republicans going ballistic trying to protect the dumbest, most corrupt president our precious country has ever had - are they Russian assets?because that’s how they’re acting and we taxpayers pay their salaries and excellent benefits none of us will never have. Obviously, they have no shame, no loyalty to our constitution and they’re as dumb and corrupt as their chancellor!
12
@Sofedup I tend to think that Trump holds something of value which makes him worthy of protection by these specific representatives. Maybe it is dirt he will spill to ruin their careers or lives if they don’t act loyal. Maybe the know they need his support at a future rally at re-election time.
Or maybe they are just not smart enough to see the reality of the situation, much like the maga crowd that voted trump into office.
1
Not only did a bunch of interlopers break into a classified briefing room during testimony, they illegally carried in cellphones.
There are national security protocols against allowing anyone to introduce electronic devices into these rooms because they are regularly used for highly classified briefings. Clearly criminal behavior, verging on treasonous.
Do Republicans have no shame?
20
William Taylor's Impeachment Testimony, Is Actually ‘Fourth-Hand’ Hearsay.
Rep. Lee Zeldin, who was in the room said:
"This is Tim Morrison telling Taylor that Gordon Sondland told Morrison that the president told Sondland that the president told Zelensky that he wanted an investigation into the Bidens,” .
“Really that’s the best that the Democrats can do to try to make their quid pro quo charge?”.
1
@Steve Great. Let's have Sondland testify in public under oath. And let the WH release the documents since, of course, they have nothing to hide.
From The State (Columbia SC newspaper), March 4, 2019
“In closed hearings — held when questions asked by the panel deal with sensitive or classified information — members have more time to ask questions and draw out constructive answers, [Trey] Gowdy [Representative chairing the Benghazi hearings] said.”
Why did the House Republicans who staged the disruption of closed hearing not listen to one of their heroes?
6
Smart move by Trey to have a "timing issue " preventing him from joining the clown car until January. Should be nothing left but smoldering rubble.
4
Why is this article framed entirely from the Republican point of view, as if this fascist thuggery and breach of national security were somehow some kind of legitimate protest?
As in the election of 2000, Republicans once again resort to Fascist tactics and as usual get away with it.
Why don’t we learn till later in the article that Republicans were at the hearing, could ask questions and were following the standard operating procedure according to House rules for this kind of hearing?
Why does the Times maintain this sickening false equivalency, along with the standard whataboutism “balance” that is destroying this country and making it the captive of Republican criminality?
Democrats do nothing about this at their own peril. Republicans belong behind bars, period; they have become outright Fascists pure and simple and must be dealt with the way Fascists should be dealt with: with relentless and determined opposition, not kumbaya coddling or milquetoast wrists slaps.
11
The path for Trump is increasingly shadowed by the guillotine. How many Republicans the National Razor will trim still waits to be seen.
5
Republicans need to storm the WH and force their president to get a grip. “Human scum” this on the same day he said he would build a wall on the boarder of Colorado. A25!
8
The last recourse of the guilty is to complain about the process.
35
Only a weak majority would tolerate this. This is an obvious attempt to disrupt a lawful constitutional proceeding. If members of the public did it they would be arrested by the capitol police, cuffed and carried away. Why was that not done? Why is the public denied justice? The leaders of this illegal act should be censured and expelled from the House. If there were attorneys involved they should face disbarment hearings. Why does law and order only benefit the lawless party and cheat the public? Why do we let criminals run roughshod over our rights and the Constitutopn? What is wrong with this government and this country??
20
This disruptive, ill-advised action by a group of Republican members of Congress speaks volumes about their distorted priorities and their lack of respect for both their colleagues and the Constitution.
20
Every one of these thirty congressmen need to be targeted for defeat whenever they are up for re-election. Presenting a front just to please this schoolyard bully? Referring to them all as spineless is being way too kind.
And some are worried how this will play out for them? Yeah, good luck with that.
22
These people broke the law. It doesn't matter what party they are from. No excuse for their behavior. Many members of Congress and the White House are making us the laughing stock of the world. They look so dysfunctional, toxic, incompetent that is is embarrassing.
If there was ever a time we needed a Washington filled with honest, ethical, emotionally mature, and accountable leaders it is now.
Too many American and too many of our politicians lack insight into the fact a divided country makes us weaker, more vulnerable to our enemies, and puts us at greater risk of falling and failing.
14
That stunt will backfire. They looked like unhinged fools. They will alienate any remaining trumpists who are not completely insane.
15
No. Nothing is too dumb to charge up the Republican base.
The Democrats must charge every Republican representative who stormed the secure impeachment hearing room with contempt of congress and censure them for ethics violations. Kevin McCarthy’s miserable attempt to downplay the seriousness of the conduct of the Freedom Caucus and other GOP representatives deserves special condemnation.
All the Republican whining about a transparent impeachment process is disingenuous. The impeachment hearings in the House are investigatory. Investigations must be held behind closed doors to keep the witnesses from coordinating their testimony. Trump and his allies will have ample opportunity for defense in the Senate trial.
4
@Kurt The maga crowd probably saw this as a heroic act on the part of their representatives, and the certainly would have joined in with pitchforks in hand if only invited to.
@Kurt I don't think there are any trumpists who aren't completely insane. Now I'm not talking about McConnell. He's not a trumpist, just too cowardly to stand up to the trumpists.
The loony reps who pulled this stunt? They may be acting or they may well be insane. Trump himself appears to believe utterly lunatic theories he hears on Fox. The server is in Ukraine! We have to find it!
Republican frat boys stage "the pizza rebellion."
Who would have thought the Republicans would disrupt a congressional hearing of the opposition party by shouting that the proceeding was something that would happen in Russia?
Genius.
And now Trump labels those Republicans who oppose him as "human scum." Now he is leading with his known strength.
8
Why were these protestors’ phones given back so quickly? Clearly they pose a security risk. The phones should have been confiscated and scoured for suspicious or incriminating texts and phone calls. As befits the police state they have helped create.
15
John Adams declared, "We are a nation of laws, not men." Two dozen House Republicans insisted on different about this.
9
Intimidating!
This is very common in an authoritarian government.
13
The House Republicans' behavior -- heinous. We as citizens dedicated to the Constitution, unlike those Republicans, must fight to keep the rule of law with everything we've got. I'll surely remember this hideous behavior when I next vote.
6
These Republican congressmen should be afforded the same treatment civilian protesters have been afforded - arrest them and charge them with some crimes and misdemeanors.
13
I certainly don’t object to journalists being fed pizza, but let’s keep mind that every taxpayer in America is supporting this five-ring circus.
5
Throwing a tantrum. Wonder where they learned that trick? Grow up House republicans. You all just look silly.
10
I hope and pray that some of these House Republicans feel so strongly about Trumps secret "lynching" that they try the old tactic of self-immolation in on Capitol Hill.
I mean really gasoline and matches-I want to see their angst backed by deeds of self-sacrifice.
6
Am I the only one whose first thought was, "I've seen this movie. It's Bush v. Gore, takes place in Florida, and a lot of overfed Washington men try to protest hanging chads to stop a legitimate vote"?
16
You’re not alone. My first thought as well.
7
@Diane Martin I remember that mob bearing their teeth, looking like crazed animals after a kill. I thought how could this happen in our country - and look where we are now. It’s sickening!
4
Whoever would conquer a nation without using force, must first drive its citizens schizophrenic. Then the citizens, no longer able to think, feel, or act sanely will destroy the nation from within.
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@John Omaha - Yes Putin has done a very good job with his "asset" in Washington.
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It's basically a shouting match at this point.
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@e pluribus unum - Only by the GOP. The Dems have class and decorum and are rightfully trying to save us from the most corrupt president we've ever had to suffer through.
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“This is a Soviet-style process,” declared Representative Steve Scalise, the No. 2 House Republican. Actually, it's the very opposite. There is an investigation. Otherwise there would be arrests. But given Mr. Scalise's characterization, and Mr. Trump's affinities, isn't there a weird disconnect? What is it Mr. Scalise and his gang fighting for and against?
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It seems to me that this part of the process is like a grand jury investigation possibly leading to indictment. Only the state or the prosecutor presents evidence to a grand jury in order to get an indictment or not. The defendant does not question witnesses or present evidence to the grand jury. At least in this impeachment situation, Republicans on the committees (similar to defense attorneys in some ways) are participating. Mr. Trump is not even a defendant at this point as he has not yet been impeached/indicted. The defendant has the opportunity to question witnesses after s/he is accused in the indictment/impeachment. This whole “I don’t have due process” is ridiculous and yet another attempt to confuse people. Mr. Trump, you will get your chance to confront witnesses after you are impeached, when you have your trial in the Senate.
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You are absolutely correct.
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A word comes to mind that has been in the news this week, out of the mouth of our debased president.
These out of control Republicans, whites all, were a lynch mob - out to lynch democracy.
What next? Book burnings?
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Over the past two weeks or so its become obvious that we have a Republican Criminal Organization.
At least once a month now we will see more news from prosecutor offices in D.C. and three states; we will see investigative journalism and the House all provide more Republican Criminal Organization news.
There also could be more sentencing any day now. Stone, Flynn, etc.
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