Now, I finally understand what the background radiation noise is. DC politicians do you hear me. You are making yourselves irrelevant by all of this back and forth and finger pointing. Putin, Xi, Kim, Rouhani and the rest of KAOS (Get Smart 60s tv show reference) are surely licking their chops as they witness before them chaos and fracturing slowly take over these barely United States of America. Can’t we ALL grow up? Please.
4
@Andrew In those countries, Mueller would have already been put to death as would half the reporters and the election would be suspended indefinitely. Growing up means you take responsibility for your government like those who are testifying to Trump's crimes.
4
At what cost?
In 1994, after the military backed massacre of the Branch Davidian Christians in Waco Texas, near George Bush's ranch, then House Speaker Newt Gingrich declared the "Republican Revolution". The military has prepared since during the years scooping up adherents in traps and appointed Trump through control of the Television industry that "Devoted" a Billion Dollars worth of free airtime to mold public opinion. In all modern revolutions, the media is the first to go and the Television industry was secured early on and they have in turn secured the minds of all. The F.B.I. H.R.T. or "Hostage Rescue Team" at Waco did anything but. Former F.B.I. Director Comey did affect voter opinion just three days before election day of Hillary Clinton's emails. Now the federal C.A.T.s. or, the "Cyber Assault Team" should be viewed as suspects in voter manipulation as well.
I don't like guns, wars, revolutions, or slavery. Prepare to make new peaceful lives elsewhere in the new future peaceful world. You cannot win.
1
Now you know why Trump is feverishly rushing the construction of the border wall.
I'm a Christian. The federal government has been peering into and corrupting my soul since I called them for help in 1983. Then came 1984.
It’s easy to create a convincing sounding narrative when the other side isn’t allowed to do or say anything. Trump’s attorneys are not allowed to attend much less question any witness. For that matter, no GOP is allowed to compel a witness by subpoena. This sounds more like a banana republic than the USA. This tells me 2 things. First, Schiff doesn’t have the goods, which shouldn’t come as a surprise. I’ve never see a guy who promises more and delivers less. Second, because of their visceral hate for Trump the Times and its readers are perfectly happy with a process that is less fair than the way we treat enemy combatants at Gitmo.
@John You really are confused John. Sad that you do not understand that there will very shortly be a chance for the Republicans to lie some more. It is coming very shortly. SInce Trump was elected they have set out to fool Americans, and sadly those who seem to be the most gullible are people such as yourself, who live in the South. Georgia being one of those places. What is it that is different there that leads to the bending of truth so willingly, like the gerrymandering or the revocation of election rights unfairly or the slavery that America suffered from.
10
A process complaint that completely ignores all the substance. You are correct that we have only heard one side of the story. But you can still evaluate and consider it knowing that the other side will get their turn later - either in the senate or in revised house proceedings. So far all I have seen are ad hominem attacks and complaints about “fairness”, which is not much of an actual defense.
9
What you don’t understand, is that this is due process, this is not a courtroom. The outcome of these preliminary investigations are to decide if the house will move with impeachment hearings. These hearing a will establish whether there is enough to move forward with a resolution to impeach. Republicans on Schiff’s committee are part of all those preliminary hearings and they get to question the witnesses. This is not the time for cross examination, that takes place in the trial conducted in the Senate.
The Republican cries of undue process are as disingenuous as their defense of the indefensible. They prey on the uneducation of the public and fan the misrepresentation of the process.
16
In my legal interpretation, this "witness" is invoking Article III and would have been wise to not accept Schiff's personal maneuvering. He is obviously not well advised in law.
Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman, did the right thing in voicing his concerns.
That is his function.
But just because he has "concerns" doesn't mean there is any "quid pro quo" or that there is a crime being committed by the President.
However professional or experienced Vindman is, he is stating his "opinion", which of course, automatically becomes gospel for the Dems.
As a citizen of the US, I have grave concerns about the validity of this "impeachment inquiry"...which, overall, means..zip. Much like Vindman's "concerns"
1
@DB Laying out a factual account of what happened isn’t an “opinion,” an opinion would be what he thought about our President being a two bit crook....
14
@Handy Johnson
The "factual account" you refer to was laid out by the phone transcript.
That is fact.
His concerns, are 'opinion".
But like I said - the Dems want to make his Vindman's concerns into gospel truth because it helps their impeachment rhetoric.
@DB doesn't understand the difference between fact and opinion. Here in Ohio, this matter is covered in the fifth grade learning standard "SL.5.4 Report on a topic or text or present an opinion, sequencing ideas logically and using appropriate facts".
As a citizen of the US, I have grave concerns about DB thinking at the fourth grade level.
4
I guess this is how it's going to be in American politics from now on. When the Dems come to power they will receive the same treatment and so on and so forth. What is the purpose of democracy if you can't honor the majority, or the elected. GOP did not respect or work with Obama and now the Dems won't respect or work with Trump. Not much point in having a president any longer. Maybe it's time to change our form of government?
13
@joe Actually, no. Our form of government is fine, it's the con in the White House that has to be changed.
45
15 years before there was a president there was the Congress. We have our Republican system of democracy thanks to the Congress.
13
@joe
There's a big difference between Obama and Trump.
Obama didn't lie constantly. He didn't extort foreign leaders to investigate his opponents. He didn't try to enrich himself from his office.
81
What would John McCain be saying right now?
6
Trump is thrashing about, caught mistaking the United States’ foreign policy for just another sleazy Trump deal:
“Was he on the same call that I was? Can’t be possible! Please ask him to read the Transcript of the call. Witch Hunt!”
Of course the Lt. Col. was; most people wouldn’t attempt to lie about something so easily verified. I suppose he’s just talking to the part of his base that prefers his alternative facts to investigation and real ones.
What an embarrassment of a President, smearing, manipulating, and then abandoning anyone he can to save himself.
6
The whole basis of the Trump’s behavior is that he put himself at the very center of the issue. It was about his legitimacy. It was about getting a potential election adversary. It is about smearing this officer for his personal defense. It was about his ego. How can you doubt this.
Anyone who has listened to Trump for any time at all can see the pattern. It’s in all his speeches. Every press conference. And it is especially virulent in his Nuremberg rallies. Why would this call be any different?
5
For God's sake, Trump and Giuliani both confessed publicly! There is nothing about Lt. Col Vindman's record to suggest he's anything but a patriotic American. Trump, his family, the GOP and Fox News are disgusting. So are the people that support them and believe their lies.
16
Col. Vindman has demonstrated duty, honor, country and the courage to stand up for those principals. He’s fully aware of the political hacks comments and we are aware that these hacks have no idea of what tut is to be in service of our country. Sir, as a retired Army officer and. Terran of Vietnam and Desert Storm, I salute your courage.
5
Col Vindman stated that the transcript left out Zelensky saying the word Burma as well as Trump saying there were recordings of Bide.
However, using voice recognition software, Vindman's suggestion to correct the transcript was rejected. I guess the Col made a mistake.
From what I read, Republicans cannot ask questions OR Schiff tells the witness not to answer questions. That to me is not any different than blocking or interfering with testimony or witness tampering. But then the way this inquiry is being conducted, maybe it is permitted. But it sure is strange.
In any event, the COL says some changes to the transcript were made (we don't know because those changes are not reported here) but those that could convict Trump of 'something are reported but but rejected. Damage done: Vindman says Trump said this and people will accept it even though there is no proof. Mission accomplished and Republicans still cannot ask questions. How fair and in accordance with our US Constitution is that?
@old sarge
Uh, no—please reread the latest update. This is not what happened.
7
As if our response might actually change your mind? It seems clear whose side you’re on.
4
@old sarge Any proof Biden did anything wrong? Or Hilary? Or Obama? And Republicans can ask questions.
1
True patriots who have risked their lives are being disparaged in order to keep the deeply insecure and narcissistic Trump happy. What has happened to integrity, truth, and dignity?
10
The knee jerk response of the Trump administration is to shoot messengers who deliver messages they don’t like. Of course, attempting to discredit witnesses is and always has been key to their MO. How long can this strategy stand scrutiny?
8
When one of the commenters below said, "we have the transcript, Vindman's testimony about the call adds nothing", I gently reminded him that we do not have a transcript, only a summary prepared by the White House, and that Vindman's contemporaneous account may contradict the White House summary.
And nobody is surprised that the investigation uncovered that today. Vindman asked for the summary to be amended to reflect the conversation that took place. He was refused. The omissions were specific to Trump's requests for a quid pro quo.
The White House should release the full, word by word transcript today, with any audio recordings. The people deserve to know just how much lying is taking place to cover up Trump's crimes.
11
@Yeah
There isn’t supposed to be an audio recording (though I wouldn’t be surprised if Putin has one), but there is a transcript created by voice recognition software—which sounds pretty darn close to a recording! That’s why people like Vindman listen in, so they can correct the mistakes made by the voice recognition software (if you’ve ever used anything like that, you know how that goes)—but of course, not all corrections were made and it was whisked off to that NICE secure server—because somebody saw this whole thing coming and said OMG, what a mess. About the time John Bolton said, I’m outta here—this is too crazy even for me. Why do they protect this guy? We will all be so much better off without him.
5
Instead of a Patriot as President, we have a 3rd rate NY RE developer and a celebrity game show host. Worse than that, we have a man with no respect for veteran government, military and diplomatic professionals that know so much more than he does. Even worse he publicly denigrates them. This is abhorrent. He's been caught violating campaign finance violations, the emoluments clause and now trying to influence the upcoming election. Time for Impeachment, before it gets any worse. I am not even addressing here his crimes against humanity and the environment.
16
I get the sense that we have entered a new period of time because the NYT now has a dedicated space called the Trump Impeachment Inquiry.
And may I ask ... what took us so long, folks?
4
"NeverTrumper" is uttered to be an insult. But true patriotic Americans are faithful to their oath and duty to support and defend the constitution.
Trump took that oath too. Just mouthed the words. He violates that oath whenever he insults anyone who isn't blindly loyal to him over the constitution.
The day that he has to eat those words, that doomsday, can't come too soon.
9
This whole inquiry stinks. I am not opposed to impeaching Trump but let's do the same as was done during investigations and inquiries regarding Nixon and Clinton. Both sides need to have access and be allowed to ask questions. Right now, Schiff's iron fist has blocked/forbidden any questions from Republicans.
I read the COL's statement last night. He said the call bothered him Fair enough. He centered on Trump and Biden. He said nothing about Ukraine's reported involvement in 2016 to discredit Trump. That to me is interesting; interesting that maybe he is a Democrat in addition to being a decorated hero. And thus, partisan. Had he addressed the 2016 election interference as well as Biden, then my opinion of the man would be that he is being fair. AND he talked about National Security. Was not Biden, as VP engaging in quid pro quo as regarding his sons work with Burma and that company being investigated? Did Biden not brag about withholding money unless the prosecutor was fired? How can the Democrats allow a man to run for President who has engaged in such activity?
Be honest! That is bothersome and Trump called it out while the press and the media and the Democratic Party kept silent.
It Trump is guilty of serious high crimes, fire him. Show the people the hard evidence. Let both sides argue it out. But as it stands now, I have to say someone or a bunch of someones in/are in league with the devil.
2
@old sarge
Wow Sarge. It’s all right there in plain sight. The real stink is that you can’t see it.
10
@old sarge Sarge, we don't investigate conspiracy theories and hold them up as truth. We base truth on facts and testimony which the Republicans on the committee have access too and which you don't need. Trump's redacted words are a crime. Period.
4
It's become an honor to be vilified by congressional Republicans. Unreal.
15
If I know the Donald, it won't be long before he becomes a government witness, testifying (with immunity) against Perry, Pence, Giuliani, Mulvaney, Mnuchin. It's the rats way out, and he'll jump on it in an instant.
12
Extremely concerned to just hear Schiff say Trump is behind eliminating whistleblower. Trump needs to be taken out of office. Simply, he is not good for our country. Too bad, a large percentage of citizens and government officials don’t see it or don’t care because they feel they are benefiting from Trump one way or another. Note to Dems: Trump may try to take us all down with him, or those of us against him. Please make every effort to not let it get to that point. We’re talking playing advanced chess as well as Spock has on Star Trek. Godspeed to all of us.
11
@Andrew
I stopped believing anything and everything coming from Schiff when he failed to produce the hard evidence of Russian collusion he claimed to have for over two years. Actually, right now, I think he is just trying to save face and the one sided inquiry is proof. It is Schiff's way or no way.
only a handful of corrupt billionaires materially benefit from Trump. The rest of his faithful get vicarious thrills from his war on immigrants, democrats, Democracy, anyone who does not show fealty to the King.
Lock Him Up in Gitmo.
6
@old sarge But you still believe Obama was born in Kenya. Mueller's report is riddled with collusion just as Schiff said. By all means have all the president's men openly testify and share his taxes though.
4
soon the call to arms of the 2nd amendment followers will be made by trump.
then the world will see what 40 years of republican disinformation has wrought.
11
@me
I'm so afraid you are correct. And I have been for several months.
5
Something has changed in the Republican party. Not long ago, veteran status and military values were essential to its candidates (even if all were not veterans). Today few Something has changed in the Republican party – for the worse. Not long ago, veteran status and military values were essential to its candidates (even if all were not veterans). Today few Republican federal officeholders are veterans and their supportive pundits are very quick to accuse serving military and military veterans of being unpatriotic. So many of these officeholders are a weak spined lot, begging for a pat on the head from the Donald.
It's also very rich to see John Yoo's comments. He's contributed nothing to our national defense. Same for Duffy, Kilmead, and Ingram.
10
As a non-American who has a tremendous amount of respect for what the US stood for, it is sickening to watch the everyday new lows that the American Republican politicians are breaking.... casting aspersions on their own military officers to defend their chance of reelection.
11
@anonymous Imagine what it's like to be an American. The shame, the horror, the constant danger of war.
@Dave
And just imagine what it's like to be someone who has lived and worked in the US for decades as a legal resident, then finally decided to take that last step and make it official. Yep, I became a US citizen less than 3 years ago - how's that for perfect timing, huh?
Luckily, my original citizenship is still valid and old passport up to date - just in case.
I keep thinking that this man (Trump) has sunk as low as is possible, and then he outdoes himself, again. When I read Colonel Valdman's story I had tears in my eyes; this is the embodiment of the "American Dream." I guess it's obvious that Trump is mentally deranged but now the question is how low will his fellow enablers sunk to join him down there in the mud?! There must be an end to this!
13
The Senators should take note, Trump will keep this up and then some if you let him get re-elected. Ugly, nasty and completely unacceptable.
8
Prof. Yoo's comment about Lt. Col. Vindman engaging in espionage is completely reprehensible. This soldier was in the White House doing his duty. Yoo should be ashamed for even having made that comment. Really, that's unbelievable, and I am sure Yoo knows it. But then, he has made a career out of preposterous statements. I am sure Yoo has tenure at Berkeley, so he can't be dumped for making unprofessional and just plain stupid comments, but for the life of me I have no idea why anyone would take a course from him. And to think he is also the Director of the California Constitution Center... amazing...
And to take Yoo's comment one step further, I suppose he, Yoo, looks out for Korea more than he does for the U.S. After all, he was born in South Korea, he speaks Korean, and is the Director of the Korea Law Center... maybe espionage is in his modus operandi and just let it slip.... hmmmm....
22
@L South? Maybe. Some would say, in the terms used by Yoo and Trump, it sounds more in a northerly direction.
2
Republicans challenge the loyalty and credibility of a wounded and decorated (and well educated) war veteran to defend a lying philandering draft dodger. Despicable.
26
For once I agree with Trump: Mr. Vindman should sue for defamation.
8
As the Military Television industry deploys the false loyalties countermeasures to confuse everyone, the fact remains that Colonel Vindman is Military and that is where his loyalty lies. It is a big red flag, not he. General Haig is still, and has been, in control.
If it’s true that Col Vindman twice expressed his concerns to his superiors and nothing came of that, I guess we’re only left to assume that they are all in cahoots with Trump. Perhaps there are two deep states? Perhaps Col Vindman’s sure to be released tell all book can explore that more in depth.
6
Republicans would have us believe that every witness is fake instead of the correct narrative that Trump is guilty. The same story is corroborated by all the witnesses, including ones that work in the White House. The ones loyal to Trump are doing everything not to testify. So, what does your senses tell you about the TRUTH?
27
Since Trump completely lacks honor and patriotism he can only assume that those driven by it are snakes in the grass like himself.
15
I have heard several times today that the career public servants who have come forward to testify are doing so at the risk of losing their careers. They have all sworn an oath to defend the constitution and are putting the welfare of their country above their professional and financial well being. When will the republicans in congress wake up and do their duty as public servants?
38
If Trump and his co-conspirators are so sure of their righteousness and innocence, where are their witnesses? Why don't they just send out the parade of WH advisors who will tell Congress Trump's "truth" and vindicate him? If he's really innocent, they could clear all of this up easily, right? While they're at it, they could win the tariff war with one hand tied behind their backs - easy!
26
My father was an immigrant from Sweden who arrived on our shores when he was 9 or 10 in 1933. He grew up in Milwaukee, graduated from high school and was attending Marquette when WWII started. His entire engineering class enlisted and my Dad became a combat engineer. His war ended at the Battle of the Bulge on New Years Eve 1944 where he was severely wounded. He was a patriot who proudly served just as Lt. Col. Vindman did. When Mr. Trump and his worshipers at Fox and others demean Col. Vindman, they slander Col. Vindman and the millions like him and my Dad. I’m a lifelong Republican but this ongoing attack of veterans and heroes like Col. Vindman, Senator McCain and veterans like my Dad is sickening and indefensible. I hope that veterans and others like me finally feel the same way and say that enough is enough.
34
I’m not a Republican, and I am deeply moved by the service and sacrifice that all of our vets (my father uncles, cousins and nephews) have made for all of us. I am equally appalled at how our current government has treated our vets and our troops through their recent actions. I don’t know who I’ll vote for in one year, it will most definitely not be for the incumbent (assuming generously that he’s still in office...), I urge to do the same, do not re-elect this train wreck of a human being!
11
If an organization doesn’t already exist to oppose this administration’s consistent, shameful messaging about those who have and continue to give their lives in the service of the safety of our country please spearhead one. We need to hear
LOUDLY from all vets and their families.
3
After so-called president drumpf's many put-downs of service members (and even of gold-star parents), if a single member of the US military votes for drumpf in 2020, I'll...well, I don't know what I'll do--give up on the notion forever that humans are an intelligent species, I suppose.
34
Reading the companion piece to this on right-wing news, two things happened. First, I got sick reading about the baseless ad hominem attacks against this man and his record. Second, I felt better about the aggressive approach of the House despite GOP complaints. Even if those complaints had merit, which they largely don't, they are just a desperate partisan smokescreen coming from a party that would rip up the Constitution and say Lincoln was a sham if it helped them win an election. They have no bottom.
28
It’s good that all this fact based info is coming out now. This will give Americans a clear eyed choice come November. Either vote for the Democrat or vote for totalitarianism.
Unfortunately, he won’t be removed because the INNER PARTY members in the Senate won’t allow it.
11
I too have my theories. Trump's wife and mother and father-in-law are immigrants who became citizen via the fast process not the usual process. Special favors it's called. Melanie's entrance into the United States is a little hazy. Her father was a known member of the communist party in Slovakia. In view of the attitude towards an American citizen who serves this country honorably compared to the father-in-law speculation could be circuited around that he's a Putin source in this country of the worse kind being his daughter is the president of the United States. It's hard to believe he hasn't been assessed of certain going on's and that he may have relayed top secret info. It's possible like all other assumptions. And don't forget Nunes father who has a member of a communist group in Portugal.
Maybe a NYT investigative journalist might explore this.
16
The GOP and Trump have hired hit men to take out the whistleblower as soon as they get identification. Trump will prove that he can murder anyone while he's in office. The GOP will prove they are totally corrupt and are willing accomplices in murder by a sitting president. There is serious effort to "remove" the whistleblowers.
6
This is an absolute outrage! Character assasinating Lt. Col. Vindman, who has served the country as a highly decorated member of the US military, awarded the Purple Heart for valor while fighting in Iraq and sits on the US Security Council ...and Fox News journalists accuse him of espionage? Fox News better have definitive proof of such an outlandish and brazen accusation or not only are they - as a news organization - guilty of deliberately broadcasting unsubstantiated misinformation but will be sued for all they are worth - the corporation as well as the journalists involved in this appalling smear campaign. There are libel and defamation laws to protect our democracy from such saber rattling. Fox News will be disbanded and shut down if there is no evidence to prove their espionage allegations. Prove your espionage accusations, Fox Fake News or suffer the consequences!
21
This is just dreadful, a terrible new low; the President & Co. are vilifying an American veteran who did several tours of duty, and came home to continue his public service to his country.
He has again acted with great courage, in stark contrast I must add to those who view public office as a get rich scheme.
15
Every time I think the White House and it’s cheerleaders have hit a new low, they go lower. The attacks on Col. Vindman by Fox News commentators are beyond the pale—although I’m unsure that some of them are intelligent enough and educated enough to understand the import of what they say.
13
I am sure they ARE intelligent enough to understand what they are doing, they are just putting their personal career interest above preservation of American values and Constitution. They are modern-day Quislings.
I hope Trump, Barr, Giuliani and their ilk will end up their days in jail where they belong. Lock them up!
1
Lt. Col. Alexander S. Vindman: Thank you for stepping up for the United States of America. You, sir are a patriot and I thank you. for your service.
Any Republican who glibly flips off 'Thank you for your service, and tries to look sincere, should be called out for what they really are.
16
Old lawyers adage:
When the law is against you, pound the facts.
When the facts are against you, pound the law.
When the law and the facts are against you, ... POUND THE TABLE.
The Republicans are taking a beating on the law and on the facts.
19
Soldiers are expendable toys to this administration. That is why our troops are defending foreign oil fields and a Medal of Honor recipient is being called a spy.
Republicans are disgusting and vile bunch of bottom feeders.
24
I hope a few patriotic Republican representatives will choose country before party. A public inquiry is definitely warranted. Our national security demands it.
20
Times, you really need to keep the quote marks around "deep state." If you (and your colleagues) don't, the phrase will eventually become normalized and treated as an empirical category.
11
Batavicus:
The Deep State is our government bureaucracy. There is nothing special here except they tend to be apolitical and patriotic to the deep roots.
6
@DENOTE REDMOND Exactly. The problem is that if "deep state" becomes normalized, the apolitical civil service will become associated with sinister meaning that Bannon, Trump, & Co. have attached to "deep state.
To my mind it's just the next logical step in the GOP project to delegitimize any part of gov't that doesn't cater to its donors' interests.
4
@batavicus
I agree with you—it is what Republican strategists have done really well over the years—labeling, name-calling and word-smithing, such as turning “anti-abortion” into “pro-life,” “estate tax” into “death tax,” etc. Unfortunately, it’s effective.
When you cannot defend the behavior you attack the messengers and the process. Diversion after diversion.
14
Rep. Liz Cheney (R-Wyoming), a member of the House leadership and a frequent defender of Trump, was in the box with Trump at Game 5 of the World Series the other night, when Trump was booed by thousands of baseball fans and greeted with chants of "Lock Him Up!"
Today, Cheney excoriated Republicans who were vilifying Lt. Col. Vindman for trying to smear him. She said he's a decorated Army veteran, and she wants no part of any smear campaign, let's listen to what he has to say, etc.
Do you see any connection between what she saw at the Nats-Astros game and what she said today? It might be starting to dawn on some Republicans that going to the mattresses for Trump might not be the greatest idea in the long run.
22
MedicineNet: "Delusion: A false personal belief that is not subject to reason or contradictory evidence and is not explained by a person's usual cultural and religious concepts (so that, for example, it is not an article of faith). A delusion may be firmly maintained in the face of incontrovertible evidence that it is false." We have to accept that either the Republicans are each individually delusional, have succumbed to a mass delusion, are intellectually challenged and pathologically impressionable, or are sociopaths who recognize facts and truth but reject them. There are no other meaningful explanations.
7
The Republican Party has lost their way. How can they justify standing by a so called president who has betrayed the American People.
There is a reason that the president takes an oath of office, somebody should have explained that in plane English to 45.
4
So the President of the United States meets with Russians in The White House and reveals top secret intelligence information to them. The only way we ind out about it is by reporting by state tv in Russia. POTUS also has secret meetings and calls - for which the notes are either locked away or even destroyed - and makes national security risking decisions with Pence, Pompeo, Mulvaney and probably Russian secret service members present or listening, and Fox state media has the nerve to suggest one of this country’s real heroes is guilty of espionage? How many anti-American, venal and corrupt members of the GOP are there. One Senator mentioning it is a big deal? A big deal would be when Fox News and all their pundits were held to account for thei treachery. The harm that Laura Ingraham and Hannity, and Carlson have done to the moral and ethical backbone is irreparable. Time to start investigating exactly who the Murdoch family has allegiance to, even the ones that say they are only involved in entertainment. Yet again, all it would take is anyone watching Fox shows to stop watching, and we could save our Democracy. But Ingraham has to go.
12
Colonel understands that his first allegiance and responsibility is to the American people and not to the Presidency. Thankfully there are others who understand this as well.
9
@Rob D “...protect and defend...against all enemies foreign and domestic...”.
Obey lawful orders.
Two cornerstones in military service-one from the oath the other from the UCMJ.
Nowhere in the oath or other regulation is found allegiance to the president save for the obedience of lawful orders.
Now, perhaps my memory is fuzzy at my age, but, having repeated that oath many times in my 70 years I do not believe I am incorrect.
Army Retired. Army Civilian, Retired
6
It seems to me that Vindman’s testimony merely confirmed what was already in the transcript released by Donald Trump.
So what’s he complaining about?
8
It's time to ask the right wing media that famous line from the McCarthy hearings, "have you no shame."
I was told long ago, Fox News' FCC license is not the same as CBS, NBC, and ABC. I don't know about CNN. Supposedly, Fox didn't apply for a "news division" license, and it is operated under the entertainment division license. It was intentional, so they wouldn't be under as much FCC regulation.
5
This would explain why , when I first saw a Fox News program, coming into my US hosts' living room about halfway through, I thought it was a comedy / satire show, doing a surreal , drop kick, hyperventilating version of the news. When I asked my friends the name of the show, they said..."it's not a show, it's the news. "
Gulp. I sat in stunned silence. So, an entertainment license eh? Fact check please .
There is a reason why commissioned officers take an oath that they will support and defend the Constitution and does not mention the President. The treatment of Lt. Col. Vindman is Exhibit #1.
10
@Kay Bee Not only officers. Enlisted and DoD civilians repeat the oath.
5
@Dan, actually enlisted do take an oath to "obey the President." My son (officer) explained the difference to me about a year ago when he administered the oath to one of his enlisted men - fit's part of checks and balances: https://www.quantico.marines.mil/news/news-article-display/article/611510/the-difference-between-oath-of-office-oath-of-enlistment/
Since Fox News is the mouthpiece of this president and they are owned by an Aussie have they filed the necessary FEC documents as a Super PAC or foreign benefactor? They clearly carry one tune only & that is support for Trump. Mr. Trump is the beneficiary of free advertising, free legal counsel, and negative/false information on his 2020 opponents.
10
@ area citizen: Murdoch became a naturalized citizen in order to own media in this country; what should be done is to revoke his citizenship, send him and his vile ilk back to Australia. He is the epitome of amorality, thus, his programs reflect his soulless self. He is greed incarnate.
1
@Terrierdem
We don’t want him...he’s caused an enormous amount of problems here too!
So much for the conservative refrain that “we are only against illegal immigration”! Now a decorated war hero has his credibility challenged because he - gasp! - speaks the language of the country where he was born. And this coming from the president who can’t even speak proper English! This is a slap in the face of every legal immigrant. My family left at the same time as Alex Vidman’s. I also speak Ukrainian - and three other languages besides. So am I under suspicion of “spying” too? Good job, Republicans; alienate as many educated immigrants as you possibly can.
11
Exactly! Are they politically suicidal? Their stupidity is breathtaking.
The Republicans questioning US Colonel Alexander S. Vindman's patriotism should remember Trump's family history. His grandfather (Frederick) was born in Bavaria. He first came to America built a “hotel” near the White Pass to take advantage of the Klondike gold rush. He evidently made a lot of money and then returned to Germany but was quickly deported for not registering for the compulsory draft. He returned to New York and it is not clear whether he became a US citizen. So Republicans should be mindful of this when some question Vindman’s heritage and loyalty. Trump has ghosts in his closet himself.
4
Now let's see, LTC Vindman heard, not overheard, the president pressuring Ukrainian President Zelensky to investigate the Bidens, a transcript of the phone call ordered to be released by President Trump describing this conversation and confirming the pressure and suggested quit-pro-quo attempts. After failing to get traction from his superior to address this abuse of presidential powers, Colonel Vindman informs Congress of his concerns. Perhaps Trump's delusional supporters at Fox News believe the US Congress to be the enemy- which is also Trumps opinion to at least half of Congress. Fox's attempted description of Vindman's testimony being espionage is a bizarre, devious and defamatory conclusion only Fox viewers would believe. But worse than that, the viewers buy this as being covert in spite of the fact that the facts for the allegations had already been released by the White House weeks ago. For Trump and his supporters the best defense is slandering the messenger and fill the airways with lies and conspiracy theories.
7
A message to John Yoo: No its not called ' espionage' when national security US military expert reports Trump committing a crime to WHITE HOUSE lawyers, but it is espionage when Trump reports to Putin/Russia and gets their approval for withdrawing our military from Kurd controlled Syria.
10
President Trump has initiated and suborned outrageous attacks on the character of Lt. Col. Alexander S. Vindman, and questioned his loyalty to the United States of America
This alone is grounds for impeachment.
8
I've never listened to fox propaganda and never will. their commentators sound detached from reality. almost the entire Republican party sounds detached fron reality these days. they used to be the party of law and order and responsibility. they have become the party of paranoia and conspiracy theory, big deficits and corruption. and fox supports it all with fantasy.
4
It's becoming clear to me now that Trump and his Republican supporters are speaking in their public comments only to those people who they hope are listening only to them and conservative news outlets like Fox. The stuff they're putting out as a defense of Trump is so obviously ludicrous that there can be no other explanation as to why they even bother.
5
Every single member of congress attempting to stall, block or otherwise NOT following the rules of our constitution must be permanently removed from office! No exceptions! They are accessories!
2
It’s interesting to me that Tantrum Trump and his enablers always cry that the Democrats are trying to undue an election, engage in a coup. Based on his histrionics you’d think Trump won the popular vote by a YUGE margin. He didn’t. He lost the popular vote. He only occupies the office because he outperformed in a few key districts that delivered him an Electoral College victory.
I accept that he “won” in 2016, but why all the GOP outrage that Democrats are giving him a hard time? Did they object to McConnell’s gleeful claim that his singular goal was to make Obama a 1-term President? Washington is a nasty place and politics is a nasty business. Toughen up.
Finally, the impeachment inquiry is not run of the mill obstruction (which I abhor full stop). It is a legitimate examination of facts suggesting that Trump engaged in high crimes and misdemeanors. Disparaging decorated veterans and career bureaucrats each of whom has more dignity in a single fingernail than Donald has in his entire body is despicable.
8
Everyone lies except "the donald". Makes you wonder. At some point, the accusations will stick to the teflon president.
4
I’m from Brooklyn and I hear you loud and clear.
1
It's because there is no bottom to this swamp that it's imperative that our system be allowed to access the check our founders provided.
To not impeach is to endorse a man who bullies, rages, insults, and demeans citizens and allies he was elected to work for and with. He THREATENS national security. How much plainer can this be made? There is NO upside to allowing a man who threatened to "nuke anyone I feel like" to continue to have the power to do just that.
He blasts past every new low --well...if he threatens allies, we'll know it's time (done it) well...if he makes money off the office (done it) well...if his people ignore subpoenas (done it) well...if there's evidence of a quid pro quo (yup) well, if he threatens the press (this week's dictum to gov. workers to not read the WP & NYT) well...if he acts crazy enough (from the moment he took office) well...well...well.
We've fallen down the depravity well. The person winning this game of brinkmanship is DJT. His entire life is an ode to getting away with it all. He keeps abusing us because we have caved in at every opportunity to stop him. The fate of the nation now rides on impeachment.
If we don't remove DJT from office, every despicable thing he has done becomes the new norm. Lying, cheating, stealing, threatening, brokering deals with foreigners to undermine our democratic elections, breaking the EC...it's all good.
If we don't impeach, we become him; we are his values. Are we? It's time to prove we're not.
6
He's a patriot, plain and simple. He is cracking open a ring of criminal traitors who put their own financial and personal gain above the good of the country time and again. Their juvenile name calling will not dissuade good people from doing the right thing. It might not even dissuade people like Sondland from telling the truth when they see the tide has turned. He's scurried back to correct the record on never being informed of the quid pro quo.
3
Trump's Tweet:
"Supposedly, according to the Corrupt Media, the Ukraine call 'concerned' today’s Never Trumper witness. Was he on the same call that I was? Can’t be possible! Please ask him to read the Transcript of the call. Witch Hunt!
The Transcript of the call (Trump's words):
"the United States has been very very good to Ukraine. I wouldn’t say that it’s reciprocal necessarily because things are happening that are not good but the United States has been very very good to Ukraine."
"I would like you to do us a favor though because our country has been through a lot..."
"The other thing, There’s a lot of talk about Biden’s son, that Biden stopped the prosecution and a lot of people want to find out about that so whatever you can do with the Attorney General would be great. Biden went around bragging that he stopped the prosecution so if you can look into it... It sounds horrible to me"
3
UC Berkeley Law School professor John Yoo was born in South Korea : he should be ashamed of himself for questioning the loyalty to the US of naturalized citizens
8
Ask him about his record on water boarding... Shameless
1
Purple Heart v Bone Spurs
Bumper Sticker for 2020
The Republicans have become shameless... I’m ashamed for them.
9
Those of us who remember the impeachment of Richard Nixon thought then that the Republicans took their sweet time to recognize Nixon's malfeasance. But their dawdling was based more on what they perceived as Nixon's gravitas as a statesman. That's not an issue now, with a President whose distorted reality, nay, stupidity, is on display with every tweet. Their defense playbook, casting doubt on the veracity of those far more patriotic than they, may be beginning to crack. Though the diehards in Congress and the base, with Fox and Facebook to support them, are just getting crazier.
3
May Fox "News", Giuliani, Trump, Kushner, and RWR pundits burn. May history at least reveal them for what they are. If anyone is a traitor it is them. Shame on so many in congress and the senate for going along with their plot.
1
Signs of “the twilight of the late great empire
2
The fact that Vindman reported his concerns twice to NSC lead attorney John Eisenberg and Eisenberg is also the one who reportedly hid the Ukraine transcript in the coded server AND he is also is a previous law partner with Barr at Kirkland & Ellis. Shouldn’t he be subpoenaed?
8
@Bob
Subpoenaed and fired.
What vile, slimy people.
The minute Trump's misdeeds are exposed, they question someone's patriotism and motives. Trump and his sycophants have no shame... But we should not be surprised by their disgusting vitriol.
I pray that brave and honest people continue to speak out and choose to be on the right side of history, even if it means being on the wrong side of Trump, where it is getting mighty crowded.
I hope those speaking out know that some Americans hold them in high esteem and thank them for their courage.
Are the sycophant minions at Faux News afraid of losing their timeslot and job? They just spew more lies about the lies already told.
Colonel Vindman is courageous for speaking truth to power.. We need more men and women like him.. America and the world is watching and waiting.
5
“Here we have a U.S. national security official who is advising Ukraine while working inside the White House, apparently against the president’s interest,” Ms. (Laura) Ingraham said. “Isn’t that kind of an interesting angle on this story?”
Her guest, John Yoo, a former top lawyer in the George W. Bush administration, agreed. “I find that astounding,” Mr. Yoo said. “Some people might call that espionage.”
How soon will it be before Fox News informs the American people
that foreign-born U.S. military officers who are Jewish and are representing this country abroad can't be trusted, or did they just do this?
6
How dare they suggest that Vindman has loyalties other than the US based solely on the fact that he is an immigrant---one who arrived in the US as a small child, mind you, and who was wounded while serving in the army. How dare they suspect him of disloyalty based on the fact that he is multilingual, rather than seeing this as a great asset and their own monolingualism as shamefully ignorant. How dare they.
These people are really scraping the bottom of their empty souls to come up with this one. They have no shame and I'm willing to bet most of them, like Commander in Chief Bone Spurs, have never done anything remotely close to putting their life on the line for the country they claim to love. Only Liz Cheney, with whom I imagine I disagree about just about everything, has the guts to tell it like it is.
I now understand the definition of the word despicable.
5
It's incredulous to watch US struggle so hard so long to get rid of Trump. Republicans have fallen in the hands of Putin, who can't stop laughing at our expense. Republican senators, shame on you. You all should pay for this at the next election.
7
I wonder if any Trump opponents, hardcore Democrats like myself, sympathize (at least a bit) with the Trump camp on this. This seems like such a slam-dunk in the other direction, siding with immigrant-patriot-decorated-veteran Colonel Vindman, that this would seem impossible. Yet, my instinct tells me not to jump on the too-inviting bandwagon. That said, I still hope Trump is impeached & removed from office.
Do I doubt Col. Vindman's patriotism? No? Good intentions? No. Sincerity? No. But despite all this, skeptics have at least a toe, maybe a whole leg, to stand on.
Like everybody else, I get seemingly random, or quasi random videos fed to me on Youtube. Today, a video featured Wehrmacht footage of its Russia invasion. It seemed to make no sense: the "defeated" villagers were saluting & giving flowers to the invaders! Then I concluded: These "Russians" were probably Ukrainians.
My point is not to peg Ukrainians as nazi-sympathetic, but to say the culture & heritage there are far from uncomplicated, & this history plays into the present. Even Ukrainian "democratic" impulses, like those in the Middle East, often carry tinges of ethnic animus, submerged or overt, as BDS's tent, though J-Street may support it, welcomes antisemitism like Roger Waters'.
Col. Vindman's seeming moral clarity & straightforward patriotism don't preclude him being excessively or uncritically sympathetic/supportive toward Ukraine. His loyalty indeed could be divided, even w/out knowing it himself.
1
@Andrew
No, no one who wants to see Trump gone is sympathizing with their camp on this. You are way over-thinking this.
How much I ask, can we tolerate of this obscene administration and the disgusting behavior of the supporters in congress, leaving out the base that can cheer any and every ignorant comment he makes.
There is no bottom to the level they willingly go to attack anyone that voices the truth to this traitorous, corrupt president and those who support. Recall the campaign when trump ridiculed the parents of the Muslim soldier who lost his life in the middle east battle. Again as is his cowardly wont, to attack Lt. Col. Vindman who possess a sterling resume as a professional soldier and now we know of his courageous personal character.
Recognition should go to Congresswoman Liz Cheney, who knows first hand what patriotic courage means, for her condemnation of her fellow congressmen who personally attacked the officer.
2
I am wondering what kind of military service or civil service Trump’s family and allies have given to support American troops, American values abroad, as has Alexander
Vindman?? He is clearly superior to them in thought word and deed!!
It feels like our country has become corrupt. News is entertainment, not journalism. I have stopped watching CNN, MSNBC, and Fox. I deleted my Twitter account because the Tweet have become negative and depressing. My only sources of news now are written, not spoken. It is a result of the MAGA culture, Trump, and the need for “news” organizations to create “shareholder value.”
1
maybe it is time for all us military active or retired to turn off Fox. When they attack our brothers they become our enemy.
6
Dan, please do turn off Fox. When Fox News first came on the scene 20 years ago, I applauded that development because I felt the mainstream media at the time suffered from liberal bias and an alternative voice was needed. Nowadays, however, Fox devolved into a Soviet-style lying propaganda machine.
Please turn it off forever as I did.
Those medals on Vindman say it all. He is a patriot to this country.
1
He was a spy for the Ukraine?
I guess it’s freedom of speech or whatever you want to say. But this comment is so insulting. I guess you can say you want to sue someone for deformation. And I guess it is expensive for attorneys.
I wonder if those comments should be printed. Or if he can sue for defamation. I think there has to be a stop to this absurdity of ridiculing a person for his comments. If he is a spy, then he should be taken to court for legal action.
But to print this and have it a go around the world is really defacing him! And somehow we need to stop this and justified defamation.
President Trump as initiated and suborned outrageous attacks on the character and patriotism of Lt. Col. Alexander S. Vindman.
This alone is grounds for impeachment.
1
Where are we?
I don’t see how this man’s testimony can be refuted. He was on the call... thought it was illegal... reported it... multiple times... knowing he would be killing a lifetime career...
What is his motivation other than his love for God and country? His Purple Heart is his proof.
Trumps spurs are a joke.
I remember when Republicans cared for this kind of thing and defended it to the end.
Where are the Republicans’ spurs?
1
Vindma's courageous patriotism in telling the truth about Trumo's ignominy is being shot down by Fox Noise? How shameful. This, just because he speaks Ukrainian, something we ought to call an asset? Is it perhaps envy by the Trumpians who know no other language than the Native one? This is called "shoot the messenger", suggesting that Trump is freaking out, afraid 'like a dog' for the firecrackers!
1
Trump is cornered in an oval office.
1
The decorated war Veteran is criticized on Twitter of all places... by a President who evaded the draft and criticized a former POW ? The members of the GOP and Citizens of Fox Nation who endorse and support the Worst President in American History who never served in the Military have got a lot of nerve !!! Now remember we are talking about a President.. again who evaded the draft and never served... who suddenly pulled our troops from Syria and left our Allies the Kurds to be slaughtered ! Yet in spite of that they were instrumental in the latest ISIS Mission? A President who was photographed laughing in the White House with the Russians..bragging about how he had just fired Comey !! The same President whose former attorney described as a Con and a Liar and Cheat! The GOP and Fox Nation should be ashamed at having endorsed and supported a President with the most chaotic and dysfunctional administration in American History !! Criticizing a former POW and Decorated War Veterans is plainly UNAMERICAN....as was the endorsement and election of a Presidential candidate endorsed and aided by Russia! In 2019 ...the GOP and Fox Nation ave done nothing to make sure our Democracy stays intact !! They should be ashamed! Trump support is both UNAMERICAN and UNPATRIOTIC! MAGA?? What a MESS!!! Who Voted for this catastrophe of a President??
1
where in the public domain s the transcript of the call between Trump & Volodymyr Zelenskyy?
1
Priceless: "The Fox News anchor Laura Ingraham said during her broadcast on Monday night that Colonel Vindman was working inside the White House, “apparently against the president’s interest,” noting that he spoke Ukrainian. John Yoo, who worked in the White House Counsel’s Office under George W. Bush, agreed with Ms. Ingraham that the situation was “astounding,” adding, “some people might call that espionage.”"
NEWS FLASH: A Ukranian-born person speaks Ukranian. Does this count as news in the right wing blog-sphere?
2
Between the Vindman summary above, and the new article about the hysterical reactions on Fox, they are a perfect example of why I have stated for years that Television will blow up the world.
Colonel Vindman is military. He has exemplary credentials. You younger people losing control of yourselves should know that Vindman is Jewish, and back when he left the Soviet Union in 1980, many Jews were leaving because of repression so it was entirely understandable that his father wanted to leave and brought him here.
So if you lynch mob lunatics insist on having your pound of meat to satisfy your barking, consider the fact that he appears to be part of the military presence in the White House keeping Trump under control. That is my concern, not his pedigree or history.
Umm...yeah. So Laura Ingraham said last night that Colonel Vindman was working “apparently against the president’s interest” (because he spoke Ukrainian?!?).
Just a sliiiight correction Laura (as I know you are a stickler for accuracy): The Colonel was working in the interest of the American people and the Constitution which is his only sworn mandate: NOT the Presidents interest. Donald Trump however was working in his own interest and in direct violation of the constitution.
Colonel Vindman in fact also swore as part of his oath to our country, to report behavior that violates the constitution. He PERSONALLY witnessed this behavior and his personal honor kicked in as well as his oath.
I guess when Donald Trump swore his oath he had his fingers crossed?? (Waiting to hear more from you on this point as soon as you can fit it in)
Sorry Laura. I just knew you wouldn’t want this egregious error to go uncorrected.
4
Aye, me bucko, THERE BE TRAITORS HERE!
They are wearing red MAGA hats and obstructing lustily with every lies they troll and every American hero they demean.
Donald Bone Spurs can only wish that he had an ounce of legitimacy like our HEROES who have done their duty to their nation and not been co-opted by a rogue, illegitimate, crooked, traitorous WH occupant.
Trump’s Impeachment is not a sham, as he purports. The very idea that Trump could be President is a sham and an insult to ALL Americans, even the Republican misfits.
4
@RealTRUTH
Aye, me bucko, me agrees with ya!
1
Colonel Vindman: Disregard the lunatic remarks by president bone-spur and the talking heads on fox news. When they can't face the truth, or in danger of being revealed, their MO is to spin it, to discombobulate everyone. Like flicking on the light of truth and seeing the cockroaches run for cover.... any cover. There's no hiding the truth or facts for that matter. You and your testimony shall prevail. Thank you, sir, for your service to your country, in the past, present, and future.
4
@LA Chloe
I’m sure he already knows even better than we do. He had to listen to his phone calls!
By now we know Trump's problems but more sinister is the fear of losing a primary that drives congressional Republicans to say things they know are not true. They are being told what to do like children with grumpy parents and yet it seems to be their preferred choice. They had a chance to be leaders, instead are foot soldiers of shame. Will they ever have a reckoning in their soul or are they too far gone to notice?
92
@Kathy At the climax of the Wizard of Oz, the guards and monkeys hail Dorothy for killing the witch--their life of misery is over. When will the Republicans realize that they could be rid of the Terror with a single vote. The ruby slippers guys!
4
@Agent Orange becuase impeachment is a political process, it will only happen if it is politically viable for at least some of them to do it. Then maybe a few more will follow.
This is truly a sad state of affairs.
Smearing a decorated veteran who has given his life to serving the country. I'm not American, I'm Australian but one thing the rest of the world knows is that America (seemingly) respects their service men and women and puts them up them on a pedestal.
If Trump and his 'base' go after this man for doing the right thing then the curtain will have truly been pulled back to show what an ugly hypocritical Country the USA can be.
Sad, indeed.
146
@Daniel There is no limit to the extremes of these people who cannot hear the truth because it does not agree with the ideas they support. Again with reference to the film The Manchurian Candidate, the ends of one family to get what they want. This is the Trump family supported by similar thinking people in the Republican Party. It is an interesting time when Liz Cheney has to speak out against them.
15
Neither our elected leaders, media, nor other public forums have demonstrated an ability to speak civilly to people with whom they disagree, much less large numbers of people with whom they might disagree.
It is on us...individuals. Please, don't avoid the issues anymore. Speak with people with whom you disagree. Find a way to be civil and walk away with some agreement, even if it is agreement to disagree...civilly.
We should support Alex Vindman as much as we possibly can. He puts his life, career, family well-being on the line to stand up for the truth. To sabotage a decorated vet is nothing but evil. I take care of vets and they sacrifice their lives so that we can have ours.
49
@Jake Most or all of those disparaging this decorated colonel have never served in the military. He is a leader with honor, they are not.
2
“Here we have a U.S. national security official who is advising Ukraine while working inside the White House, apparently against the president’s interest,” Ms. Ingraham said. “Isn’t that kind of an interesting angle on this story?”
Her guest, John Yoo, a former top lawyer in the George W. Bush administration, agreed. “I find that astounding,” Mr. Yoo said. “Some people might call that espionage."
Mr. Vidman is, in fact, serving his country simply by exposing corruption, and is not serving his own interests like our Republican president and his supporters. Shame on all those who twist the facts. The facts can't be denied so they defame the sources of the facts.
How have Trump's actions in the bribery quid pro quo with Ukraine served American interests? They haven't, and that is why removal from office is required.
Impeachment is not reversing an election. Impeachment restores responsible governance. A censure would serve no purpose since Trump is a recalcitrant leader who takes guidance, advice, and correction from no one. He has served Russian interests more than American. Trump seems to have put Russia first--MRGA. How can we stand idly by?
A weaker Ukraine, hostage to Trump's twisted, conspiratorial mind and actions, is not in America's interest. We need Ukraine as a counterweight to Russian hegemony.
I have no problem with another Republican taking the reins of government as long as he or she truly puts America first, and as something more than an empty slogan.
26
Just sorry Trump will not be impeached for his meddling and his intimidation implied in the case of accused war-criminal Navy Seal Edward Gallagher. The Navy has greatly diminished it's original plans for demoting Gallagher because of feared intervention by Trump, who communicated directly with Gallagher. Trump demanded the military prosecutors in the case be stripped of commendations.
A stew of bad faith behavior by Trump in a case involving war crimes that included Gallagher taking photographs of himself mugging with the corpse of an enemy soldier. This case had nothing to do with Donald Trump. It was not appropriate for him to get involved, much less attempt to intimidate the prosecutors.
14
Listen up, my brothers and sisters in the military - this is merely one of the despicable actions of your illegitimate Commander in Chief.
YOUR oath is to your country, OUR country - not Donald “Bone Spurs” Trump. Consider that seriously when the millions of you vote. He will just get more dangerous and insane.
1
@fast/furious
A story that, unfortunately flew under the radar and is further evidence of Trump's far-reaching, malevolent, corrupt, and intimidating influence on our government institutions- thanks for the reminder.
2
What exactly does "conservative" mean these days, as in "conservative commentators who have publicly questioned [Col. Vindman's] patriotism?" It would seem to be putting much too respectable a label on people whose behavior is far more sinister.
20
Where is the outrage from Republicans and right-wing conservatives over Trump and his band of wheeler-dealers’ quid pro quo shenanigans? The gumption to go after a decorated soldier and patriot and attempt to discredit him is unconscionable, but then again, for years they have shown that they have no conscience.
23
If Trump is innocent, as he proclaims, why won’t he permit any witnesses to appear and present testimony proving he is innocent? Could it be that no such witnesses could “prove” Trump innocent because Trump is, in fact and deed, guilty?
21
These folks are more patriotic and brave than Trump, Pence, Barr, Pompeo and all the Republicans in Congress will ever, ever, ever be.
They will never convince anyone other than their blind supporters that they have America's best interests in mind.
That ship has sailed for an entire generation of Republicans.
20
At this point, the rest of the world have to ask: Do you even have two parties, or any democracy at all?
Vote, people, vote.
If the good people of the US can't do it, sure we will find a way, but goodbye to you for some time then.
12
If this testimony does not impeach Trump then I fear our democracy is in trouble. It also proves that Trump has managed to normalize corruption, disregard for law and order, anti-American activities and disregard for our political civility. Due to Trump lots of American associate Republicans with corruption.
9
It is 2019 not 1919 and to this Canadian it is impossible to dismiss Woodrow Wilson's Creel Committee which inspired Josef Goebbels, to be the same Committee that inspired today's GOP to argue process rather than facts.
It is the facts that disqualify Volodymyr Zelensky from being labelled anti American. It is the facts of many years that prevent all of the witnesses of Trump's misdeeds from being labelled political operatives.
For Canadians who have the time to look a little deeper into the administrations of Reagan and Trump books like Canada's Minister of Foreign Affairs' Sale of the Century tell the story of oligarchy plutocracy and crony capitalism now roiling the world.
While the right wing media and its sponsors in Russia, Saudi Arabia, Israel, Hungary, Poland, the USA and Britain seek to regain the power they had when men like Hearst and Lord Beaverbrook had in the early 20th century the fuse ignited by American Democracy continues to burn around the globe.
These are interesting times and it is not yet obvious whether the forces of darkness or light will emerge victorious but the world knows who and what Trump, Putin and their minions represent. What remains is discovering whether the USA will again serve its people or the forces of greed , control, and corruption. I am reminded of the Biblical story of Korach and his sons and even as I do not see any historical truth in the Bible I pray that maybe allegorical truth will make America great and a light to the world.
8
By the way, yell and confuse as mich as you like, Trumpists.
The grownups aren’t forgetting that the point is, why yes, of course there was a auid pro quo, and of course it was wrong.
9
trump and his rabid followers are soon coming to their Joe McCarthy moment, when they start accusing everyone of "being a commie".
The House has more witnesses lined up, and they are going to be attacked also.
One would hope that Mattis, etc. would have had enough and start to testify.
trump's attacks will continue on Romney and Collins and Murkowski, the only people with any decency and morals and patriotism. Notice, two are women.
I can tell you now, being from a military family, trump's attacks on the military are NOT sitting well in my family. Now with this new attack on an Iraq veteran officer...
19
Every patriot who has been tarred by trump should wear the label "Never Trumper" as a badge of honor for demonstrating courage in the face of a corruption.
7
I can't believe members of the GOP would attack a decorated veteran. Fox News and the Republican establishment are despicable. To think that a bunch of chickenhawks, draft dodgers and individuals WHO DID NOT HAVE THE WILL, ABILITY OR GUTS TO SERVE our country in uniform would attack another who did, who is STANDING BY HIS OATH TO HIS COUNTRY.
As an Army Vet, I am proud that an Army officer is willing to stand up and tell the truth despite the potential for retribution from GOP politicians and their minions.
As an American Citizen, I am confused/flabergasted and disappointed at what the GOP and Trump have done to the fabric of our society and the damage to our institutions.
34
Because most of them never served their country. There was no profit serving our country. Immigrants have served our country from our civil war until today
1
The GOP and Faux News have lost their minds in the depth of their cult of personality. They are delusional. To somehow think this decorated military veteran is a spy because of his Ukrainian heritage? Expected, but even for them.... he is a decorated war hero. Their bling allegiance and willingness to disparage the United States, the Constitution, and anyone who disagrees with them knows no bounds. The GOP ARE the immediate domestic threat to our Constitution and our Country, and even if you don’t agree with the Democrats on every other even most policy points, it is time to vote for the Democrats and only the Democrats to save the country. We can clean up the mess with hopefully a more rational reconstituted Conservative party down the road. For now, the threat to the very fabric of our nation must be stopped.
10
Lt. Col. Vindman alerted lead counsel of NSC -- twice!
I do not believe Ukraine would have initiated an investigation anyway since there was the potential of the public knowing at some point.
Simply put, they had a lot more to lose than gain (i.e. USG funding support) and that was the unification of all Russian- and Ukranian-speaking states. Why Zelenskyy won the election. The population approved him.
5
It is sickening to observe the excuse-makers for Trump, including some commentators at Fox News attempt to trash the reputations of credentialed witnesses who are solid citizens with sterling reputations. The facts are not on the side of propagandists such as Laura Ingraham of Fox, so they resort to innuendo and fabrication. These blowhards have questioned the allegiance and patriotism of a decorated Army combat veteran, Colonel Vindman, merely because he was born in another country. By that logic, I would be justified in questioning the founder of Fox News, an immigrant who was born in Australia. The damage that his network is doing to democratic principles and foundations of the U.S., including the support of Trump's policies that benefit Russia, make it look as if Rupert Murdoch's patriotism lies elsewhere.
10
When a political party has Laura Ingraham and torture fan Yoo who gave "legal opinions" supporting torture to his President then we see just how far the Republicans have sunk to even new depths.
10
My blood pressure rises when I read Republicans disparaging someone who has actually been heroic (in more ways than one) in service to his country — while continuing to exalt a craven liar.
16
Why. These people never served our country. When you have a Bone Spur Command in Chief, how can you expect more?
1
Fox News opinion talking head Laura Ingraham has called this Purple Heart decorated, life-long American soldier a spy for American ally Ukraine. Has Laura Ingraham served in our armed forces? Has she taken enemy fire for our country? How dare this television personality accuse someone, with no evidence, of something so terrible. If I were this decorated American hero I’d sue Laura Ingraham and Fox News.
22
The criminality & cover-up around Ukraine is far greater than the Watergate criminality & cover-up.
From what we are learning from the leaks, John Eisenberg, Deputy Assistant to the President & National Security Council Advisor, received 2 separate complaints from Col. Vindman about direct knowledge of misconduct by the president & people around him in an attempt to force the Ukraine president to investigate the Bidens for U.S. military aid.
Eisenberg - or his staff - buried Vindman's complaints in that 'special server' inappropriately used as a hiding place for documents believed damaging to Donald Trump.
The crime - bad as it is - is using the Office of the President to extort a foreign ally, exposing Ukrainians to death.
The cover-up is possibly worse: growing evidence of a large criminal conspiracy involving the National Security Council, its legal advisor, White House staff, & President Trump & his closest advisors attempting to hide this behavior.
Witnesses who've testified have been subjected to intimidation & character assassination. On Laura Ingraham's FOX show, Col. Vindman was accused of "espionage." G.O.P. Congressmen & President Trump have intimidated witnesses.
Obstruction of justice!
This scandal is a weird conflagration of Watergate, the Joseph McCarthy hearings & an assault on the rule of law & national security.
Richard Nixon: "the people want to know whether their president is a crook."
Evidence President Trump is a crook is mounting.
9
note - don't play poker (or chess) against NP. she didn't become soth-lord by accident
3
What has happened to the GOP I used to vote solidly for in the past starting with R. Reagan? They've turned into a bunch of sniveling cowards who are afraid to face the truth about Trump. He's the worst thing that's happened to the country and to the GOP ever. Its time for him to go.
7
Seems as though most Republicans are lining up behind Trump in catering to his shrinking base. They're acting like a herd of frightened cattle running as fast as they can toward the proverbial cliff.
10
Can't rebuke the message so the only option is to go after the messenger. The attacks are so old fashioned as to be laughable and pathetic. Foreigners are suspect, especially if they speak a foreign language! Must be a spy. Even the resident Ukraine expert Rudy got into the act.
At least Liz Chaney has enough sense to stand up talk back the nonsense so she and a few others have some integrity left.
5
Does Trump understand that men such as Vindman, the best our military has to offer, are those that will come fo him and his cabal when they are convicted of so many high crimes?
Republicans, if they are as stupid as they appear, will push this debacle way too far. Trump will "declare" that no one can remove him from office. that the 2020 election, where he will be defeated, is "illegal" and refuse to vacate the White House. OUR Courts will give orders to the contrary, but The Dotard will not leave, any more than Saddam or Noriega did.
OUR military (and I emphasize OUR because they will not be responsive to Trump - they are much more patriotic than that) will then summarily remove him in shackles along with his family and cabinet, fumigate the White House, find Steven Miller hiding in a garbage can somewhere, and welcome our next REAL President.
This may not be as farcical as it seems. In Trumpworld, he is "king". NOT in OUR world.
6
The extreme talk attacking the character of witnesses and the process sure sounds like Steve Bannon (and maybe Roger Stone).
2
If only instant karma would come and get the ignominious band of liars, slanderers, apologists, and destroyers of democracy and deliver to them the fate they deserve.
3
Even if the colonel were a "Never Trumper" why would that be a deficit? He was also a "never draft dodger". Trump is a "never Purple Heart-er". The USA is not North Korea. Its is a democracy. You don't have to kow- tow to the dear leader.
6
Ingraham, Gaetz, Graham, etc. are beyond disgraceful. I hope they pay a heavy price. Giuliani is just a clown. His reputation is already flushed away.
8
Pretty certain this country is headed for a splitting up. A Civil War without the guns. A no fault divorce. At the end of the day, Connecticut has extremely little in common with Alabama. California with Kansas. New York with Iowa.
Red states are mostly "taker" states...they get more from the federal government than they give. They're mostly pretty far down the scale on attainment metrics such as health, education, and the environment as well.
There's a lot facing us in the 21st century and we need sensible, progressive ideas to solve the problems. Red states are a counterweight to this effort.
I wonder if given the opportunity they would go? I hope so!
31
@History Guy
Perhaps reflect on how Abraham Lincoln would view this mess.
1
@History Guy
Actually a good idea. Won't find much support nationally.
Vast differences in this country that can't be solved by waiting for attitudes to change.
1
The irony is the red states need the taxes (paid to and not allocated back) of the blue states to stay afloat.
Where do we find the real coup?
With Trump’s refusal to honor congressional subpoenas, Barr’s refusal to obey court orders to provide transcripts, McConnell’s refusal to consider any legislation that Trump may not sign, with Trump’s respect for dictators, disparagement of NATO, withholding military aid for a desperate nation to compel false accusations against Biden, betraying our Kurdish allies, spending funds allocated for other purposes, with nearly all Republican politicians who pretend to see no wrong in any of Trump’s actions, and with Trump’s telling his followers to believe Trump and not lying journalists?
Or with patriots, despite serious consequences, who see wrong and report it?
21
Lt. Col. Vindman is an honorable man who is doing the right thing in telling the truth before Congress. Vindman has already tested his courage in the battlefield. Now it is being tested in another arena.
31
I think it is clear now that the GOP has lost ALL moral high ground when it comes to many things, but particularly patriotism. I'm sorry, but the are despicable people -- I have never felt that so strongly as now. I've always been a moderate democrat and have voted for republicans in the past, including Bush Jr the second time he ran. NEVER AGAIN. The reason we are here in the first place is due to the smear and fear campaigns they've been running: the created this beast of voters that they now fear. Not one of them could truly think that Trump is a decent human being, much less a decent American-- and that is the most disheartening part: they still cannot call it what it is. How much money IS that position worth that they would sell their American souls for this man?
24
Thank you, Nancy Pelosi, for keeping this ship prudently on course.
Fox News and Republicans can have their temper tantrums but your clarity of purpose keeps our American values intact.
21
Pelosi is giving her people what they want.
When it blows up, she should not be blamed.
This is what you want. This is what you get.
There is a very good chance the Democrats could lose the House, and no one is more aware of this than Pelosi.
1
I’m not worried. You can’t tell me the shameless behavior of trump and his apparatchiks will gain them a single vote. Some of the idiots already bought in will stand their ground, but there will be no more converts to their hopeless cause.
2
@P&L
I’m curious if we are looking at the same polls? Trump’s approval rating keeps sliding.
3
Yes, we the people want trump out. Not a coup. Just most of us Americans favor decency and honesty.
26
Why don’t you just do the honorable thing and vote him out. But no, you have to drag this country to unbelievable agony just to satisfy some uber leftists who could never win an election anyway
2
@Jerry Davenport it seems to me that the "unbelievable agony" is coming to us courtesy of the actions and words of a certain fellow who is currently occupying the White House.
1
I favor the UNITED States of America. Do I have to write it for everyone to get it?... United we stand and divided we fall. Why can’t we focus on that, and accomplish our internal issues at the same time? I handled multiple classes in high school and college. I handled multiple responsibilities on my jobs. Both, I did while running my life and then later the lives of my family. Our country is getting very close to being exclusively fixated on who’s running the show and not the people, who are the show. For those who don’t get this concept, I hope and pray our country survives what is happening. I want our show to keep going on, and keep getting better, not worse.
My wife completed her citizenship interview. Republicans should be forced to take one. The law of the land is the Constitution. Allegiance is to the Untied States of America. The oath is to the country. No where is loyalty to the President, any President, mentioned. My four years of active duty serving my country may not have been under hostile fire, but I served because of duty and obligation. When I see a career officer who did risk his life in combat besmirched by career politicians and opinion broadcasters, I am sickened.
34
I don't think Trump has actually read the transcript of the call. It's bad, clearly a violation of the FEC laws, and Impeachable even without all the additional testimony. Incredible. And I think we've found the Russian assets handling Trump with these media "personalities," since they keep undermining our National Intelligence agencies and slandering war heroes like Vidmar. It's beyond disgusting, how anti-American and hateful they are. I hope they enjoy all the money they are making off of spreading lies and propaganda on Russia's behalf.
14
So Trump questions the veracity of Vindman’s account of the call to the Ukraine? And he insists that reading the prepared “transcript” of the call would set things straight. But why won’t he produce an actual recording of the call? Why did Trump’s people give that recording a secrecy classification far above what is appropriate for the content of the call?
19
I think it appropriate to stop calling the GOP the "party of Lincoln"
It's the party of Nixon and his southern strategy
20
At this point, the only rational explanation for the GOP’s behavior is that they are auditioning for the next Cirque Du Soleil show as world’s best contortionist. Nothing else makes sense.
2
Yes, I agree that is a case of espionage. The problem is that Laura Ingraham got the perpetrator wrong.
24
"Have you no sense of decency, sir? At long last, have you left no sense of decency?"
When will this McCarthy moment occur in 2019? Each Republican smearing Lt. Col. Vindmann and defending indefensible Trump needs to answer this question.
20
The right-wing attacks on Vindman have nothing to do with his actual statements, but where he was born. It's the same kind of anti-American, essentialist thinking that was behind Trump's birther campaign against Obama. We cannot allow the GOP to redefine what an American is.
24
All this nonsense might well have been avoided had AG Barr not been brazenly providing cover for trump by deliberately shirking the responsibilities of his office. He pulled the same stunt with whistle-blower reports as he did with the Mueller report with his contrived "nothing there" charades. Now it turns out there is indeed a lot there! And AG Barr has lots to answer for including:
> why he still has not released to Congress the 'real' Mueller report (ie clean of redactions) now long overdue.
> why he's surreptitiously closing down pending court cases left by the Mueller investigation without explanation.
17
Wow.
What a surprise.
So instead of addressing actual testimony, under oath, Republicans are attacking the witness.
I guess we know how much oaths, you know like on the Bible and to God, matter to Republicans.
Have they forgotten that Trump also swore to uphold the constitution? And that they did as well?
8
@T. Rivers
They never forgot. They never intended to do so if it was politically necessary to violate the oath.
1
Let's face it. When a wild animal gets cornered it lashes out in all directions to protect itself. This is no different. Watch for even more wild lashing out soon.
7
Democracy is DEAD in the USA.
The Trump administration was subjected to a barrage of leaks from the president’s first day in office. A Senate investigation determined that during Trump’s first 126 days in office, leaks flowed at a rate of one per day. Many of the leaks contained information meant to damage or ridicule Trump or his associates. Roughly half of the leaks went to The New York Times and The Washington Post. UN-believable!
1
@GDH
Honest people don’t look bad when people leak their deeds. The Trump administration is criminal and corrupt, so killing the messenger is all they can do.
1
I doubt there is much that Liz Cheney and I would agree on but I think she is owed a round of applause for her comments regarding Lt. Col. Vindman. Where's Moscow Mitch on this issue? Hiding I assume?
11
Deep state definition by radical right wing extremists: “ they’re out to get me/us”
Deep state definition by sane people: the backbone of the US Federal Government: the cadre of civil service and military/intelligence personnel sworn to protect and defend the US Constitution ( in some cases this incl POTUS)
The first definition is the words of the cravenly desperate who cannot deny their actions , so they literally go off the deep end
4
Question for all Congressional members: is it worth saving Mr. Trump over saving our democratic republic? Your answer to this query is paramount. I await your replies.
10
Trump should open an investigation into who, with 'great and unmatched wisdom' hired this guy to work in the WH in the first place? He shouldn't have to look too far.
1
Every day that trump smears successive, dedicated career government employees is a clear example of what a horrid danger he presents to our government itself and our nation as a whole. He is a disgrace to the office he holds and is proving he should be speedily removed.
9
How can those serving in our military support the Republicans? Are soldiers really going to turn on one of their own and go along with this "never Trumper, traitor" nonsense, all of which is spewed by people who DIDN'T serve (because of phony bone spurs)?
This is a sad day for our country, and those serving in the military who would support these accusations.
12
I would hope that at this point the top military brass would step up and publically support one of their own. Sadly, they have not yet done so, to their utter disgrace.
"Later on Twitter, Mr. Duffy appeared to walk back his remarks, praising Colonel Vindman’s service.
“Lt. Col. Vindman is an American war hero,” he wrote, adding, “My point is that Mr. Vindman is an unelected advisor, he gives ADVICE. President Trump sets the policy.”
The difference is that Lt. Col. Vindman has knowledge, and experience. 45 has neither. The thought that he can set any policy is lunatic. CNN is as deranged as 45 himself.
3
The more focus on Ukraine, the more damage to Joe Biden. Who needs to coerce Ukrainians for that, when the House does it so well?
2
Spur-less chicken hawk president and GOP denigrates another military hero. How much more of this is the country going to put up with?
I say no more.
7
My crystal ball says this upstanding soldier and his twin brother will haunt the nightmares of Donald Trump for the rest of his life.
He will curse the day they were born and the country they came from. If this were a witch hunt our witch has some double trouble.
4
Lt. Col. Vindman validated the quid pro quo by Trump on July 25 that is plain from the notes of the call, and scolded Amb. Sondland for delivering the quid pro quo directly to Ukrainian officials two weeks earlier. In both cases he was so shocked at the obvious corruption that he reported it to Administration lawyers.
Left with no countervailing facts Republicans can only attempt to distract.
8
Ups! Looks like the "dead" "terrorist" (whoever he was) was not enough to distract us: another good man---a war hero and true patriot---is testifying on Capitol Hill. As the impeachment takes shape, I am starting to feel like Trump might be removed from office after all.
6
trump actually preemptively interrupted and delayed for several months essential military arms support that had been approved by Congress to Ukraine while there was actual fighting and Ukrainian fighters being killed. trump has blood on his hands and he must be brought to account for this murderous crime.
13
The false claims by Fox and some Congressional Republicans that Vindman is a spy or a traitor are beneath contempt. I'm not a lawyer. Is there a legal remedy for this? Mr. Vindmann represents America at its best. When our government is broken, we criticize it and fix it. That's called patriotism.
7
We've hit the point when Republicans are beginning to eat their own.
3
I am really tired of all of whining from the GOP and trump that the dems are only questioning "never trumpers" and he's being denied "due process", that this is all "one sided".
The committees would more than welcome every single person from the White House, State Dept, OMB and Pentagon who were/are involved in the Ukraine matter to testify under oath. They would more than welcome trump himself; heck, they'd even roll out the red carpet for him!
It comforts me that there are still patriots and people loyal to the Constitution working behind the scenes. Bravo to those appearing! Most of all, THANK YOU for your service.
4
John Yoo, the same John Yoo that write the legal brief that gave cover to Cheney Senior and GW Bush to use torture in the Iraq war. Sure, I'll take what he's selling - NOT!
8
My God, what kind of country have we become?
7
No, Laura Ingraham, Colonel Vindman is working in the White House, apparently in the country's best interests. It's something Trump really ought to try sometime, but I guess he never will.
9
The irony that our most lazy and unamerican of presidents be taken down in part by the ethics, patriotism and hard work of an immigrant who knows the difference between loyalty to the man and loyalty to the constitution.
8
An antonym to conspiracy is honesty and is the case here.
1
Ingraham is correct, Vindman is not working in the President’s best interest, but that is only because he is not lying.
7
I’ve always despised the ethos that a good employee, servant, official, etc. is one who is “loyal” to their superiors where “loyal” includes, or is code for, lying for your superiors behalf or benefit. It’s always out that, but very rarely actually addressed unless there is a grievance or criminal act which exposes it. Shameful and reprehensible, and this type of behavior needs to be eliminated and condemned by humanity.
Fox News tries to ruin Lt. Col. Vindman who was born in the former Soviet Union.
Remember, two of Trump's wives (Ivana & Melania) were born in the former Soviet Union, too.
7
@Jonathan
Trump threw his then-wife Ivana under the bus over 20 yrs ago.
2
Melania was born in the former Yugoslavia. Ivana was born in the former Czechoslovakia.
1
This is what you get in return for examplary service to our Nation. Most of it from folks who have never set foot on a battlefield! If this disgusts you, come forward and volunteer more information to the impeachment hearings
6
"John Yoo, who worked in the White House Counsel’s Office under George W. Bush, agreed with Ms. Ingraham that the situation was “astounding,” adding, “some people might call that espionage.”"
How a tenured law professor can make such an blatantly idiotic insinuation is gobsmacking.
17
@batavicus
Not only a tenured professor - the one who wrote the legal brief to give legal cover to Cheney, Rumsfeld, and GW Bush to use torture in the Iraq war! Indefensible!
2
A ‘’Never Liar’’ is the right way to be. Why do people even applaud and support this crook? Unbelievable that so many individuals listen to this Grifter. Impeach now!
3
Some Republicans sure are lacking in patriotism these days.
2
"The party told you to reject the evidence of your eyes and ears. It was their final, most essential command." — George Orwell, “1984”
8
John Yoo should be fired from his teaching job and disbarred. He’s accused a decorated member of the military of spying, based upon a madman’s tweet.
12
Trump, a five time draft dodger, attacking a patriotic US Army officer who has served in combat on behalf of our country.
Haven't we seen this before?
Trump attacks a war veteran and POW - Senator McCain
Trump attacks a gold star family (Kahn)
Trump attacks a gold star widow (Myeshia Johnson)
And Trump supporters will believe someone who never served over those that have served or families that lost loved ones in combat.
And lets not forget that not one Trump family member has ever served.
US Army Veteran
15
@mrpisces
1954 Arrmy-McCarthy hearings - a stew of false accusations, red-baiting, smears and intimidation from Senator Joe McCarthy and his counsel, future Donald Trump friend and mentor Roy Cohn.
It all seems so familiar....
1
Lt. Col Vindman. Not a smoking gun, a smoking howitzer.
His testimony is a direct hit on the criminal bunker formerly known as the Oval Office.
Impeach and Remove!
8
If there are any factual news people left at Fox News they should be cleaning out their desk and heading out the door. If there are any people there who truly understand the meaning of patriotism they should be calling out the traitors in their midst who would do great harm to their own nation with their lies all in the name of filthy lucre. Their so call big name commentators are so busy courting fools and deceiving their audience that they could not recognize a true patriot in front of their noses.
5
Laura Ingraham has learned Russian. The hypocrisy is mind boggling.
5
"Espionnage " is a French word and it takes 2 "n " s.
It is "espion " then " nage " .
What an "espion " does.
No Espio - nage .
My God, Republican apologists, have you no sense of decency?
6
Time to "lock them up."
2
We have not even heard the full testimony of Lt. Col Vindman and the coward in chief has already tweeted, coward repubs have 'questioned' his loyalty, and Fox news morons are busy inventing issues.
Trump has disrespected the diplomat and former soldier Taylor, and now Vindham. Before that Mueller. These are conservatives who have served in the military. Are Trump's 'supporters' really that loyal and/or stupid?
Impeachmnt of Trump should be merely the first step; once he is out the various fed, state, local charges will bury him. Next; Giuliani and Barr. They are almost worse because we assume they know a bit more. Prison would be appropriate.
I almost forgot; the slack jawed knuckle dragging republican lap dogs; vote them out and prosecute.
6
I'm not a "never Trump-er." I'm a "never a criminally insane idiot president-er."
10
But don’t you understand, Colonel Vindman and his brother were secretly planted in the United States at age 3. Ukrainian spies. Trained from a young age and slyly enlisted in the military. We’re injured by roadside bombs. Then brilliantly maneuvered into a White House gig.
Now well implanted they are attacking our dear leader as he struggles to save us from.......
Oh, sorry woke up from the fantasy of all time. As Roseanne Rosannadana said so succinctly. “ Never Mind?”
2
@HJR
That was Emily Litella.
(But good one!)
Over-protected, spoiled, rich brat, liar Trump needs to be DUMPED from the United States Of America's highest office. Now.
3
Such incredible stupidity.
The election is one year away, that is when the impeachment vote should be.
2
I think it’s time to stop asking or making comments about how low republicans will go.
If the day came when they were asked to lick Trump’s shoes I think only about 10 of them would refuse. And the rest would call us all unpatriotic for pointing out it’s disgusting.
53
Doubtful that is all they would readily be willing to lick.
3
WOW. Over the years, I've read and heard various spins about any given topic in the news, but when Fox News anchor Laura Ingraham stated that “Here we have a U.S. national security official who is advising Ukraine while working inside the White House, apparently against the president’s interest,” I almost spit out my coffee.
If anything, the president is working inside the White House, apparently against the country's interest.
Unbelievable how the truth can be so twisted and turned inside and out to the point where you might have started with a bowl of Cheerios and now you end up with a pot of Hungarian goulash.
47
@Marge Keller
Army-McCarthy Hearings, 1954: Hearings by the U.S.
Senate involving the Army & Senator Joe McCarthy. Chief Committee Counsel Roy Cohn and Senator McCarthy leveled smears & character assassination against numerous people in a disgraceful stew of false accusations, intimidation, revenge and red-smears.
McCarthy's Chief Counsel, Roy Cohn, was one of Donald Trump's earliest mentors. In 1973, Trump hired Cohn as his personal lawyer to represent him in a racial discrimination lawsuit by the U.S. Department of Justice. Trump lost the suit & Cohen again represented Trump in 1978 in follow up litigation. Trump became a close friend of Cohn - who taught Trump to always be on the attack & deny all accusations.
Cohn also represented Rupert Murdoch and in the 1970s introduced Rupert Murdoch to Donald Trump.
All this gives rise to deja vu.
2
@Marge Keller Unbelievable but we’ve seen it before. Can’t happen here? Is happening here. And a large proportion of the population and our elected officials are enabling it.
2
So, in the Republican playbook now, everyone lies, except Trump. Everyone is dishonorable, except Trump. No one can be trusted, except Trump. As Guliani says: the things you are seeing and hearing aren't really what's happening.
So the high point, the culmination of all Republican efforts over the years is this: there is no one you can believe except for a serial adulterer, profane, vacuous, ignoble, vindictive, ignoramus. Nice going, grand old party.
56
@ML
These words describe all of the Republicans in Congress, except for Congressman Amash who now is an Independent.
3
Republicans are scared to death. Their time is coming:Gerrymandering is being challenged everywhere, they got walloped in 2018,their legacy of judges and tax cuts are now being seen ,finally, as over reaching,they have lost the popular vote 4 out of the last 5 presidential elections,and '04 was a product of "swiftboating." Their base base is dying off. These guys are whining and crying like Bahgdadi!
23
Trump acts like a third rate tin pot dictator and he should be removed just like one.
29
@Ellen
Do you mean the way the Ceaușescu's were removed?
Trump is right to call this a witch hunt because he is a witch.
20
Republican behavior in this case is despicable. How could anyone support these people? they are trashing a hero based on the fact that he was born in Ukraine and immigrated when he was 3 years old?!!!!! How disgusting. How un-American. This is an example of these toadies placing Trump above the American people. I am beyond outraged. I don't want anything to do with these people, and I hope voters feel the same.
46
Trump is such a loser. His whining convinces people he's guilty as charged, and most likely guilty of a ton of other things as yet unannounced. He'll be doing some prison time. Pack light.
21
Their hatred and bigotry now extends beyond dark skinned migrants.
21
Which hunt.
Lying, cheating and treason.
All justify impeachment, but 'which'?
12
Trump is done.
19
I wouldn’t be so sure. His fans love him unequivocally he is their ”unimpeachable” cult leader.
And cults do not dissipate easily. The major problem is the electoral college. And unless the mid American residents in “flyover country” decide they have had enough he will indeed be reelected. As grim and pathetic as that might sound.
2
Why is it not anti Semitic when the GOP does it?
17
You know, NYT, you do not have to parrot back the mindless twaddle from Fox, Laura Ingraham, et al. Your readers might be interested in Lt. Col. Vindman’s job, or what all the medals are for. Maybe we’d like to know what else Mr. Vindman has done or who he has served in the White House. Maybe you could inform us about what he’s likely to say, why they called him to testify, or what his testimony will mean to the impeachment process. Your reporting here has almost no value, and I believe your readers expect you to rise above tabloid titillation. Please try to get a grip.
19
@Andy. This is exactly what the NYT did. Read the other articles.
1
NY Times needs to stop inserting 45’s insipid tweets into their articles. Those missives are meaningless noise that are unworthy of this paper’s attention.
21
@Andy
Another example: a photo of Trump today in NYT with a portrait of George Washington behind him.
If you don't like witch hunts stop being a witch.
7
If this was happening in another country, we would shake or heads and laugh. “Boy, what a corrupt, undemocratic place! What is wrong with those people! They have this leader who is dividing his country, lying all the time, trying to fix the coming election, using all the instruments of government for his own purposes, and threatening his own party and foreign leaders. Attacking his country’s media. Watching TV half the day and spending a third of all his time in office at his resorts. And his many supporters love all of this. Wow. I’m glad I live in America.”
776
@DO5
Sad isn't it? The country goes down and not with a bang but a whimper. Nice to see the remnants of the Confederacy being among Trump's biggest supporters.
46
@DO5
We should have a President we vote for ! A Government Of The People !
Now, if it were not for the electoral college ,......
17
@Getreal Yes, One person One vote!
5
Has the Republican Party really become this sleazy? Rather than deny the crime, they smear the witnesses.
31
Let's contrast LTC Vindland with Guliani associate and fellow Ukraine native Lev Parvas. LTC Vindland has devoted his adult life to serving the United States as an army officer. He has demonstrated how grateful he is to be a citizen of this country. Mr. Parvas, on the other hand, has used his status as a US citizen to advance his personal fortune, apparently by shady means. So there you have it. One man is a patriot, the other is a parasite. These two men are representative of the two sides in the impeachment investigation. Which one do you look up to?
19
Re: the critics of the process and this witness.
Is there no bottom? Is there no line? Do they really believe what they are saying? Do they throw up a little in their mouths as they trash yet another outstanding American and tell themselves they are just doing it "for ratings" or to "satisfy the base"?
They all make me sick to my stomach and want to rip those little flag pins from their lapels and jam them up their noses.
15
To franklyo of Boston:
Perhaps you should wait to hear what the witness says before you give your opinion on what he says. Or somehow you already know what he will say? Investigators don’t decline to talk to witnesses because they assume they know all the facts already. They look for more facts, fill in the picture, see who conspired to conceal wrongdoing and tried to expose it for the good of the country ( which surely takes priority over what is good for Donald Trump)
2
The GOP needs to stop treating the constitution like a prop or a buzzword. This has gone beyond partisan politics and their blind devotion to party has us teetering on the brink of authoritarian rule.
11
This is what needs to be made clear: Donald Trump on asking Ukraine to formally announce investigations against Joe and Hunter Biden in exchange for releasing aid designated by Congress defied the Constitution. There is evidence and testimony to that fact. That Trump thinks that this is "perfect" shows that he doesn't understand why that law exists in the first place and that although these things may be done in "business", our government does not and cannot work that way.
And here is the problem - people may not understand why it is wrong as Donald Trump doesn't understand why it is wrong. His whole life he has been able to play the game - burning a business partner one day to find another willing to still work with him the next. His honor was meaningless because his genius is that he can lie his way to favor with some other people. So the question is do the Democrats have the ability to convey the gravity of the situation when you have many believing a more sensational "deep-state" out to destroy their man and their country? Sad that to destroy a country you destroy the foundation on which it stands meaning destroy the Constitution.
9
Let's get on with the impeachment. Let's hope that 20 Republican senators will vote to convict. Let's put Donald Trump in a special box in history that will be an object lessons for generations and generations to come. Then let's elect decent people to the presidency and never get close to anyone like Trump ever again.
11
Do you want to know if a witness is really trustworthy?
Check Trump's reaction. The more offensive he gets the more reliable and solid the witness deposition is.
24
There are text messages from key members of the FBI in which they acknowledge their political desire to target Trump. What happened to the Russian Collusion hoax? We never hear much about that propagandistic effort anymore.
Good joke, @Joshua, but anyone can tell you're just trying to change the subject.
6
@Joshua Trump got away with it.
A coup is a violent overthrow of a government. The impeachment process going on now in the House is legal and is described in the Constitution. For Trump to describe it as a “coup” is deplorable. It’s also possible he doesn’t know what it means.
29
Can Congress also investigate Fox News while they're at it?
The way Fox News and other pro-Trump outlets go out of their way to fabricate conspiracies and smear anyone that testifies to Congress is clear-cut witness intimidation. Slandering people because you don't like what they're saying is not protected speech. It's called defamation.
Fox News should be held accountable, just as Trump should be.
571
@Chad Verly RICO.
11
@Chad Verly
This is one of those "there should be a law" situations. Why, in the name of everything ethical, are Trump and his cretins allowed to openly slander and target ANYONE without severe legal repercussions?
If there IS such a law, EVERYONE affected should sue Trump and his allies; take their money, their power and whatever standing they may have with their despicable base. That might teach them. Money matters, especially when one has no morals or conscience.
34
@Chad Verly
Fox came into existence and has been regulated under the CATV laws written in the Reagan administration--first foreign corporation every to be allowed to own a U.S. media company, and now owns several in dozens of markets. The point is CATV companies have never had to live up to the broadcasting code of the networks using the airwaves. It is GOP TV.
22
John Yoo, Mr. Torture, just accused Vindman of espionage?
Yes, it can get more and more and more beyond our wildest imagination.
35
President Trump is in no trouble, so long as Republican Senators are hiding from the obvious falsehood of the Trump' Administration. Only 2020 Election is the remedy for restoring democracy in coming years.
7
Staging a coup? As usual, Trump accuses his critics of what he has done or plans to do himself. He’s so transparent...
17
Ah the deep state... Considering both Trump’s vast knowledge of US history and it’s clandestine institutions with his background of honesty and credibility, his protestations mean quite a bit.
11
If he thinks the current testimony is unfair, why not encourage everyone subpoenaed to go testify under oath? Indeed, why not offer to present witnesses of his own?
The answer, of course, is very clear. He's clearly hiding something. And Mr. Nixon--erm, I mean, Trump, most of us see right through it.
If you think the truth vindicates you, let it come out.
64
I'm in Italy right now so I'm, technically, six hours in the future and I can tell you that things do not go well for Trump today. From this vantage point I can also tell you, in "my great and unmatched wisdom", the future doesn't look bright for Laura Ingram, Brian Kilmead, John Yoo or any of the other foxes guarding Trump's hen house.
73
In Trump's world of real estate deals, anything goes. Hassle your tenants so you can convert rent controlled buildings into higher rents, cheat building contractors till they sue or settle for 50 cents on the dollar, lie to the assessor for lower taxes, inflate the value of the same building so you borrow from banks, etc., etc.
Trump's real estate world is the modern day version of the wild west. Given that life experience, it's reasonable he'd apply the same larceny to any business opportunity and that's what the presidency is to Trump. Just another deal to be "milked" for all it's worth.
Unfortunately, Trump owns the Justice Dept, the IRS is tied up in court, the senate is in his pocket, therefore, rescuing America from Trump's syndicate has failed thus far. If the 2020 election looks like a lost cause for him, he'll concoct a national emergency and suspend the election.
Never underestimate the skullduggery Trump is capable of but the gravity of this crisis goes far beyond the loss of our democracy. Every day Trump is in power is another day Climate Change gets worse. When you think about survival, our democracy is the least of your worries.
46
While we see endless barrage of absurd arguments from Trump & Co denigrating Lt Colonel Vindman and other witnesses, how come there isn't a single witness coming forward to provide testimony under oath in support of Trump’s call to Ukraine and the parallel diplomacy? If republicans and Trump clan claim innocence, there must be at least one person among WH, NSC, State Dept, Energy Dept., Senate Committees, DOD, EU & Ukraine embassies who could volunteer testimony under oath and provide a counter narrative if available. The reality is that none exists
34
The public will get to watch it all on TV soon enough. I think that it's one of the President's worst fears.
25
What’s amazing is Trump’s guilt is so deeply evident in the “transcript” of his phone call, yet in Orwellian fashion, he and Team Chump seem to think repeating there’s nothing wrong with his call will eventually make it so.
24
Ask please...does the 'transcript' match his recollection? Are there any substantive deviations? When will the House and Senate Intelligence Committees get to see all of of these sequestered exchanges?
4
@dgeorge
Probably at the impeachment hearings and most certainly at the trial.
More importantly, when will we see the actual transcript (or hear the recording!) that is locked away in the secret file?
3
It's comforting to know that there are people of conscience out there....they just don't happen to be Republican senators.
28
This has gone well beyond either the whistle blower or the actual phone call with activities associated with pressuring Ukraine occurring well before. I am dismayed but not surprised that trump would lash out and try and impugn the integrity of technocrats to save himself from his own actions.....sad.....
9
How is an investigation into possible wrong-doing by the POTUS the same as a violent overthrow of the government? Just like Trump’s lynching comment, he makes another outlandish false equivalency that highlights his weakness, low self-esteem, and consciousness of victimhood when he claims this legal process of investigating his terrible conduct as POTUS is a coup. He may not want to act presidential, but that doesn’t mean he can actions can be illegal.
9
Mr. Trump sees the world through his own mind. He sees all who do not agree with him as being part of a "deep state of conspiracy."
Carl Jung wrote: “Wherever we go, we bring our mind with us, so the world we see is subjective, our own predisposition conditions our impression of all events.” Carl Jung
Mr. Trump, I find it difficult to address him as president, is psychologically a personality consumed by a belief in a deep state of conspiracy. Therefore the real issue here reminds me of a T-shirt I saw in Chicago once, it said "The Paranoids are after me."
9
When can we start the impeachment based on the obstruction of the impeachment?
6
@Hey Now It's called obstruction of justice. We can add witness tampering
8
Trump and his cronies will do ANYTHING to avoid actually taking a good look at themselves in the mirror. Seems like the first time DT has ever been held accountable for his behavior. It must be terrifying for him— to be his age and find out he’s gone through life not actually living. He’s so insecure and terrified of appearing weak— I don’t know he’s ever stepped outside the prison of his own making, a very small, sad world indeed for him.
9
"Mr. Trump has sought to undermine the credibility of impeachment witnesses by suggesting they are part of a deep state political conspiracy staging a coup, or have a political agenda against him."
Purely ridiculous Republican rubbish.
If there was ANY merit to their claims of this so-called "deep state political conspiracy staging a coup" we would have seen the evidence by now. As a matter of fact, Fox News would be airing their evidence on the lead story on everyone of their news stories.
But nothing. Merely hollow and empty words and claims.
Pretty much sums up their entire party line and substance.
13
Wonderful work on the part of the NYT reporters, conflating the absurdist conspiracy theories of Fox's resident non-scholar Laura Ingraham and UC Boalt's John Yoo, an architect of Bush's tortured legal justification for torturing 9/11 and other assorted suspects, both of whom desperately attack the veracity and integrity of a loyal American veteran whose experience and sacrifice neither will ever be capable of comprehending or appreciating. A grand, timely and exquisitely appropriate pairing. Those two demagogues deserve equal billing.
5
Liz Cheney: the process is not broken. It is being conducted under rules that REPUBLICANS wrote, with full participation by republicans in the hearings. Just because you don’t like it doesn’t mean it’s broken. Stop with the generality potshots and make specific points to a person equipped with the knowledge to point out any errors you make. Have the courage, Liz Cheney, to face someone other than the rubberstampers on Fox who nod along to everything Trump says. Stop being a coward.
13
How dare Commander Bonespur and the sycophants around him impugn the integrity and patriotism of Lieutenant Colonel Vindman.
Let's take a quick look at his uniform. All of the fruit salad on his left chest indicates that he has been around in multiple commands. The crossed rifles means he is Infantry, also known as the tip of the spear. Infantry meets their opponent at close enough range to see the whites of their eyes. He wears a Combat Infantry Badge which means he has been close enough to battle to get shot at. He wears a Paratrooper badge. That's all volunteer and they don't give them away; they are earned. And he wears a Purple Heart which means he has shed blood for his country. In contrast, the Commander in Chief proudly wears the I Didn't Get an STD while safe at home medal.
When it comes to honor and honesty, I believe Colonel Vindman is above reproach. His opening statement makes it clear that he takes his oath to protect and defend the Constitution seriously. As a nation we have reached a very low point when Republicans and their President can attempt to smear a true patriot for doing his duty in a clear attempt to cover up the misdeeds of the President.
32
@Flash How do you know Trump didn’t get an STD while avoiding military service?
This is a blatant call for impeachment and anyone who sees it otherwise is a republican who cares more about keeping trump in the WH,is compromised themselves by Russia,only cares about $$ and cares not a wit about this country or our Democracy.There are no other reasons for this behavior and anyone compromised in this way should be punished to the full extent of the law along with traitor trump.
7
I think a particular hotelier named Sondland is going to be busted for lying to Congress. I hope there are real repercussions. I also hope he's starting to feel very uncomfortable. This is what happens when you get too big for your britches. One day you give a man you once rejected as a presidential nominee a million dollars and then further you decide to ingratiate yourself with same man by doing dirty deeds and the next your knee deep in really bad stuff. How could you possibly have seen it coming?
13
No matter how much Trump and his supporters try to distract, muzzle, lie and discredit career government people, they still can’t. Little by little we’ll see reluctant witnesses own up to the truth, specially as they see the inevitable sinking ship hitting bottom. Ambassador Taylor, by far has provided the best testimony and “proof-of-crime” to date. Let Col. Vindman’s appearance in “full uniform” - medals included- adds further credibility to Ambassador Taylor’s and the whistleblower’s charges.
Trump’s grifter son-in-law, Jared Kushner, In response to VP Biden comments that Kushner is incompetent and shouldn’t be in the WH, just said in Israel that while Mr. Biden is entitled to his opinion, HE, kushner has been cleaning up VP Biden’s messes for the last three years. Kushner is another grifter who’s been asking all along from foreign interests for “a favor, though”. Hubris and ignorance are bottomless.
7
The Grand Old Phonies are now attacking United States Army veterans and patriots like Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman.
There is no bottom to the Republican Party....they're just a giant black hole of greed, corruption and propaganda.
18
Republicans love to lash out at actual war heroes to protect draft dodgers. Where have we seen that before? Oh yes-GWBush swiftboating PF John Kerry. Kerry has the courage to actually go to viet nam, while Bush took a cushy pilot job stateside, out of range of enemy fire. So the repubs attacked Kerry, of course.
8
Remember when they attacked Senator Max Cleland, who lost three limbs in Vietnam Nam? The GOP has a long history indeed of attacking war heroes.
And when they have a real war hero like John McCain, they stand by while Trump attacks his sacrifices. There isn’t a GOP senator today who stands up to Trump’s attacks on war heroes.
6
Twitter is the the last refuge of the scoundrel.
13
Talk about irony. Maybe Trump and his stooges should question
the loyalty of Melania and first wife Ivana, both of whom are eastern European immigrants. No, I do not think that these two women are agents of their countries of birth, but obviously the pundits can’t see the stupidity of their comments questioning Lt. Cl. Vindman’ patriotism and loyalty to the United States.
Lt. Col. Vindman received a purple heart for his military service, Donald Trump received a bogus diagnosis of bone spurs to evade military service. Who is the patriot here?
It’s difficult to believe the hypocrisy of these clowns.
20
So..."Never Trumper" is supposed to be a smear?
I've half a mind to make myself a "Never Trumper" t-shirt. On the other hand, I avoid hearing his his whiny, condescending voice, or seeing his smug, self-important smirk and bloated, repulsive body in his bad suits. Only came across this idiotic tweet because I was reading about his imminent (PLEASE!!!) impeachment.
I REALLY don't want to meet anyone who supports him, so I should probably avoid wearing a t shirt that announces my opposition to literally everything he is, everything he does.
I'm really overthinking this!
Might as well go all-in and add a pic of stubby-fingers orange hands in handcuffs. Now there's a happy thought!
3
Why is it that not liking Trumpty Dumpty means you lack credibility? Nothing this guy, or any person, says should be taken as fact by itself, which is why you call multiple witnesses. But this Fox-Trump conspiracy to assassinate the messengers based on their loyalty to Trump is almost as disgusting as the actions of the delusional person at the center of this mess.
Somehow, the GOP has developed a mass amnesia concerning their oath to serve the Constitution and not the head of their party.
3
My experience has taught me that immigrant families are extremely patriotic---this is likely to be very difficult for Lt. Col. Alexander S. Vindman. I hope he is treated with respect.
3
Disgusting. Disgusting. Disgusting.
Career diplomats, military leaders, civil servants are all maligned by our President and members of Congress who give him cover.
Shameful.
18
I can only imagine what it is like to be an employee of the Federal government right now. One is either a tow-the-line political appointee... or a Never Trumper Deep State enemy? What must it feel like to work for a President who sees you as the enemy? Or scum? There isn’t a single school of leadership in which this would be considered anything other than utterly destructive.
4
The Republicans are so desperate to find any defense for Trump's indefensible malfeasance that they sound like a bunch of crazy people. The GOP pretends they have "proof" that highly decorated US Colonel Alexander S. Vindman is a spy and a traitor because, (shock), as the leading US expert on Ukraine he actually understands Ukrainian.
If that was not bad enough, Brian Kilmeade, host of Fox & Friends, said of Colonel Vindman: "We also know he was born in the Soviet Union, emigrated with his family. He tends to feel simpatico with the Ukraine." It is ridiculous. Colonel Vidman's family was persecuted in Ukraine. His family fled to the US when he only 4 years old. His entire life story proves he's "simpatico" only with America and the American Constitution.
Sean P. Duffy, a former Republican representative from Wisconsin and pro-Trump commentator, stated Colonel Vindman’s loyalties lied not with the U.S., but with Ukraine which Duffy described as Vindman's true "homeland."
It is insidious, and it is the same thing we hear from Trump and the GOP constantly in one form or another. Anyone who offers any factual information which shows that Trump has acted improperly and illegally is not really an American. According to Trump and the GOP, only Trump sycophants are actually American.
496
@Robert B Trump is doing a great super excellent job as Dictator. Destroy the free press;excite the rabble to hate anyone not like themselves.Lock kids in cages. Throw America and the World into complete chaos. Great Job; God Leader Trump
19
@Robert B Yeah, to the Foxen if you speak Russian or Ukrainian, both, ye gads! you must be a spy.
And speaking Spanish, oh, my goodness! That's even worse!
22
@Robert B
Sean P. Duffy should go back to where his ancestors came from.
Except they wouldn't take him back.
23
If ever there was a time for a coup, this would be it. But that’s not what’s happening. This is an attempt by reasonable Americans to get to the truth in spite of the obstacles constructed by those whose lust for power dwarfs any modicum of constitutional integrity they have left.
56
@JR Agreed. However, the GOP keeps acting like coup hasn't already happened. It did, and it's owned by Trump. Let him put his brassy name all over it. Him and the GOP have successfully railroaded the whole Congress, and the DOJ, State Department, etc, to do their bidding, without firing a shot.
Like always, they project their evil onto others. We need to make sure they don't get away with it.
4
I'm not sure why this article only quotes Republican Congressional leaders and Laura Ingraham without any countervailing narratives from the center and left. I'm glad that Liz Cheney recognizes the Colonel's patriotism. She isn't the only one. The vast majority of Americans feel that the impeachment inquiry is not only legitimate, but warranted, and if it's findings are accurate Donald Trump should be removed from office. It would be nice to hear from them as well.
Moreover, Ingraham is an extremist and quoting her as if she is represents a legitimate perspective on this American hero plays into her brand of propaganda.
88
@ehsandlas
It's an article about the Republican response to Lt. Col. Vindman. Laura Ingraham is a leading light of the Right. She controls the minds of the gullible 25% of the electorate who still support the President.
7
@ehsandlas The other Times articles detailing Col. Vindman's history should speak for themselves. I literally cried for joy over the brave appearance of such a patriot. "A hero will rise."
5
It is extremely sad to see the Republicans, as well as Fox News, try to destroy the people who've come forward to testify. The Republicans are so afraid of the truth that they would rather berate these hard working civil servants who, until their testimony, were considered at the top of their game. At least Liz Cheney stepped up to say something regarding Colonel Vindman. Of course, in her next breath she said that the impeachment hearing is not valid. Hopefully, the people in the middle are realizing that the truth is being spoken and that the people who've come forward are basic Americans who witnessed Trump's attempt to circumvent the Constitution. Thank you to all who've testified, America needs your honesty more than ever.
32
And the Republicans are looking forward to these hearing going public?
34
President Trump and the Republicans seem to think that the Presidency is a private office and the president's decisions are supreme.
That kind of thinking in the West most probably ended with the removal of the German Kaiser and the Hapsburg Emperor after World War I.
Since the USA has been under the same constitution since 1788 and has not lost an existential conflict, we are only now removing the remnants of that royal legacy that crept into the thinking of some.
Today the President has a specific job with specific responsibilities and legislated accountability.
We cannot go back in time.
As an American of Ukrainian origin, I remain incredulous as to the role a Ukrainian American officer is playing in this political drama. Speaking Ukrainian is inherently treasonous in Russia and now seems to be suspect in the Trump White House.
Ukrainian Americans are a small political force in the USA but may hold the margin in the 2020 elections in Illinois, Michigan, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. Calling President Zelensky Russian yesterday may yet come to haunt President Trump in 2020. Ukrainian Americans most probably supported Donald Trump in 2016.
Accountability is in the eye of the beholder.
25
How come no one went to court for a cease and desist to stop Trump from harrassing and intimidating witnesses?
What happened to all the public-good (or publicity-seeking) lawyers? Why don't they step forward?
25
Have any Republicans ever explained how the impeachment process is unfair? Just the facts please. Not fear-drenched innuendo. And, of course, no such accusation is complete without their explaining why Trump and the Republicans have continually sought to stonewall witnesses, impede testimony and cover-up evidence. I have yet to see any Republicans explain why Trump is so afraid of the truth. Innocent people do not act like this. Innocent people do not demean the character of lifelong patriots. Innocent people do not tear apart longtime members of their own party when they speak for the life of this nation above their personal interests.
24
October 29, 2019
Awesome dignity for America's justice transparency and with excellent national reporting - The idea fro President DJT to argue coup on his observations of the Legislative moving the testimonies as childlike on his swallow nature of how the political justice events are validated and with those in charge their due process for judging the fairness of all testimonies and dare say without Trump doing his Khrushchev banging his shoes on the table - in rage. Say what he will but the American people know we are nation and with a stable nature to protect the system of honor to offer facts for the record and with respect to the living court that is vital to the bone for mature professional thoughtful citizenry in love of country and self values to the soul of character more the truth then known by Trump who has mind of darkness and corruption as his believe system and on that - best he resign and seek therapy of sort.
jja Manhattan, Registered Republican
6
"Even as Colonel Vindman arrived, Mr. Trump lashed out at the decorated Army combat veteran without naming him..."
The parade goes on, each witness more impeccably patriotic than the one before. There are simply too many of them, and they are all telling the same story.
Trump's strategy of discrediting his accusers can only work if the number is small and their stories vary or their vantage points are deficient. But we have now progressed overwhelmingly beyond the point of plausible doubt.
After Mueller's failure to bring him down Trump concluded that he was untouchable. He would do as he pleased and no longer much cared who witnessed it. His was the fatal flaw of hubris.
25
This is exactly how the long game strategy works: keep multitudes of people uneducated, misinformed, and prone to conspiracy theories, then tell them that their suspicions are all correct. The problem isn’t Trump - he’s but a symptom, a biproduct of an education system that fails to develop most people's critical thinking skills.
22
“My point is that Mr. Vindman is an unelected advisor, he gives ADVICE. President Trump sets the policy.”
Right. So Trump is solely responsible for ignoring the advice of Col. Vindman and others, Vindman is blameless.
10
Democrats will never meet the Republican standard for a "thoughtful, open-minded" impeachment investigation as long they're investigating Trump. Focus on what matters: Trump's impeachment-worthy actions. The public needs to hear those stated simply, loudly, and clearly until they sink in.
If they're going to talk about process, call out the fact that Republicans are ignoring legal subpoenas. Call them out publicly for the cover-up attempts.
The Republicans love to claim "if you've done nothing wrong, you have nothing to hide." What's good for the goose is good for the gander...
17
@K & S I called it -- even though the impeachment resolution addresses pretty much all the Republican complaints they're already coming up with NEW objections.
"If you can't argue with the evidence, argue with the process."
If Lt. Col. Vindman is not a "patriot" in the view of the right-wing media, then who is?
Someone who avoids the draft on account of bone spurs, avoids paying any taxes whatsoever needed to fund our national defense, destroys relationships with our allies, and praises our enemies?
Perhaps both sides are, in their own way, "patriotic" to their respective causes (just as it is in any war). The question we need to ask is: which side are you on?
18
As a public service, I think this newspaper should publish a running list of all those persons who have provided negative testimony about Trump to House impeachment investigators. or who have generally provided negative information about Trump (e.g. Robert Mueller), together with the "explanation" provided by Trump or his allies as to why such persons should not be believed, e.g. he/she is a never-Trumper, he/she has an axe to grind against Trump, he/she donated money to Democrats, he/she was appointed by a Democrat etc. This will give proper perspective when Trump and his supporters attempt to attack the credibility and motives of the next person and every person thereafter who dares tells the truth about Trump.
11
Republicans pretty much let Trump have his way denigrating the heroic service to country of John McCain. Now the world is discovering there's probably American no war hero they wouldn't abandon in rushing to the defence of their sorry excuse for a leader.
14
Trumps quoted tweet is in itself grounds for impeachment...
obstruction of justice: abusing his power as president to make a speech to the nation via twitter ( his primary method of communication to public as president) spreading libelous statements about and denigrating a witness.
11
Still laughing over Trump's Tweet. We got Crazy in the oval office and people believe we need a reason for impeachment. The facade has come off and the world is waiting for and adult response.
9
Let's have the full, unredacted transcript that Trump refers to in his tweet. Without ellipses For that matter, let's see his tax returns to find out why he continues his attempts to deflect from and protect Putin and Russia.
15
The only place I heard the term, "deep state" was from spy novels and movies, and mostly in regards to double agents. I may not have the right explanation for this term, but then I never really watched or read this kind of entertainment as I thought it commercial and probably not accurate. We now have a President who is so uninformed, that his vocabulary reflects this crass, low, absorption of a superficial world.
6
Trump has exposed the GOP to be an absolute fraud on every issue that GOP proclaimed to stand for from morality to limited government to balanced budgets to national security to constitutional values.
21
Hopefully the impeachment process with move forward in a professional, measured manner. The case could arrive in the Senate after the 2020 elections (late enough to avoid - OMG - a Pence presidency) so that Trump can both lose and be impeached. Shortly after, then, SDNY can complete the trifecta and send him away.
7
Sadly its very hard to get the toothpaste back in the tube. The right wing lunatic fringe is out in force; Laura Ingram and John Woo looking for spies in anyone who speaks out against Trump. Liz Cheney again being the voice of reason. The art of character assasination has progressed strongly with the current administration, although it was already well developed with Fox News. We are now used to Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama being reviled, but seriously Alexander Vindman. John Yoo's appointment at Berkeley needs to be rethought. His torture memos qualify for prosecution not appointment to a prestigious law school.
11
I haven't read a single opinion piece that explores the potential consequences of a successful Giuliani. With a Wiki leak and an FBI investigation --it's 2016 all over again. Trump wanted this so badly, too badly. What if that whistle blower stayed home? That's just how fragile this democracy is. Beyond frightening. We must never permit a repeat of this. People involved must be prosecuted and receive the harshest possible consequence, or we are doomed.
12
Trump and his supporters are right that some of us thought Trump should be impeached from the start. That’s because we saw him as unfit for office and most likely corrupt. This has been proven true. He is corrupt. We have plenty of evidence now. So does the fact that some of us thought Trump should never have been president make his corrupt actions as president ok in the eyes of his supporters? And yes, I guess technically we are trying to overturn the results of an election, but that’s what impeachment does by definition. The fact that Trump is calling this a “coup” proves for the millionth time that Trump has little to no familiarity with the Constitution he swore to protect and uphold. It’s time for him to go.
17
@Galfrido This doess not over turn an election. If/when trumps is convicted pence would take his place
Pence is in it up to his holier than thou eyebrows
1
Is it still possible, or advisable to share a country with fellow citizens who can sink so low as to actively support this insanity?
13
@Eric, Rwanda felt the same way too. Better keep your arms crossed.
Wait a minute.
Trump's attack on Dems, the "process," and career bureaucrats didn't work, so now it's time to go after uniformed military who took their oath to the Constitution seriously?
No low is too low for Donald Trump.
22
The Republican party will go to any depth to smear anyone speaking truth to power that's slipping away from them. There will be a reckoning day that none will will want to face. That day is coming very very soon. This is not a first time 45 swears those who served, remember the gold star families.
9
When will the head of state (I refuse to use the "P" word) stop whining, name-calling, spouting untruths, making it up as he goes along. He would prefer to be king, despot, tyrant or a combination of all three.
He believes if he takes any issue to court, tries to sue, to stop the issue, repeat, he will exhaust and wear out the participants. He tries to erode any and every fact with meaningless blather until he believes no one cares or can do it anymore.
It is treachery and poses a threat to the respect, greatness, and democracy we know and cherish, The United States of America.
Thanks to the House of Representatives who are the adults in the room, taking their responsibilities with seriousness of purpose and dignity.
Thanks also to all those who serve and have served with honor in the military, the federal government, and as professional diplomats. Thank you for all you do to try to keep the ship of state afloat and working.
6
Fox News and the rest of the right wing conspiracy-mongering commentariat engage in classic smoke and mirrors tactics by impugning Col. Vindman's motives. The one thing they haven't done is call him a liar.
Because he has spoken the truth.
I was 3 years old when Sen. Joseph McCarthy was censured by the Senate. I know now what if must have felt like to live through that era.
What is it about these people that blinds them to the damage they are doing to our country?
19
I've run out of patience with the Trump world, so I have to quote Spock from StarTrek
Those who cannot hear an angry shout may strain to hear a whisper.
Leonard Nimoy
5
Donald Trump is the ultimate naked emperor come alive. We all know he has no experience or knowledge of his job and no interest in acquiring any. Yet because he is president we accord his statements some degree of credibility despite knowing better. What astonishes next is the lengths and depths people (John Yoo, for example) will go to to try to convince others that the president’s position has merit. And they definitely know better. When will duty to country trump loyalty to Trump? You don’t have to wear a military uniform to serve your country. We are waiting on Congressional republicans to find their conscience. It’s gotta be around here somewhere.
10
"Sean P. Duffy, a former Republican representative from Wisconsin and pro-Trump commentator, also questioned Colonel Vindman’s loyalties . . ."
"Later Tuesday morning on Twitter, Mr. Duffy appeared to walk back his remarks, praising Colonel Vindman’s service."
Free speech - yes - but there should be a law. -
No walking back allowed.
7
The bald turning of efforts by tried and proven individuals with impeccable credentials and reputations by Trump and his toadies regarding the president’s breaking protocols; constitutional guidelines; and laws in pursuit of illegal activities is unconscionable.
5
I wonder if the Fox news commentators and the Trump lovers would sell out their mothers before uttering one unkind word about Trump. To see them slander a decorated war hero who was wounded in battle is unpatriotic at best, and treasonous slander at worst. I'm guessing neither they nor their children have ever served in combat. All this talk about the 'Deep State' is relevant to only one topic, the deep state of pervasive lies and cover ups that seem to be a daily pursuit in this administration.
11
The shameless GOP and its Fox News air support make desperate ad hominem attacks against Col. Vindman and others because they cannot counter what is obvious from the evidence and testimony from multiple witnesses: Trump withheld $400m of Ukraine funding approved by Congress in a misguided and unlawful attempt to make the funding conditional upon Ukraine cooperating in Trump's efforts to attack his political rival.
Like so much of what Trump and his maladministration do, it's a disgrace and he should be impeached, convicted and unceremoniously removed from office.
8
A summary, generally called transcript, of the call was released by the White House. It is also known that a "word for word" transcript exists.
My questions are:
- Why do the comities investigating the matter don't request this document, stored in the "super secret" server, as has been reported ?
and
- Is the "word for word" document be different or more complete than the released summary?
3
I'm thinking the transcript of Trump's actual words are going to be explosive. That is why they were locked up so quickly and why the White House will fight tooth and nail to keep them from the public.
3
Comments made by Trump supporters and Fox newscasters never cease to amaze me. So if a government worker hears a president make statements that are criminal or sees a president commit a crime he or she cannot make an accusation without being labeled a traitor or spy? If an ambassador learns that a president is taking a bribe, or engaging in conduct that seeks some type of personal gain for the president, he or she must remain silent because he or she owes a paramount loyalty to the president/ That logic, or absence thereof, can only be accepted by a brain infused with the Trump cool-aid. Facts do not matter. Truth does not matter. Only blind, partisan support for a dictatorial leader matters. Trump is able to lie, distort, spin and malign yet run no risk of opposition or even rational scrutiny from his followers.
11
We should fear the deep state, which is actually the one that Trump has been building since he took office,
Classic case of calling decent loyal citizens enemies as the despot builds his impervious organization, blindly and unpatriotically supported by the GOP in congress,
Trump has rapidly transformed from comedic incompetent to a clear and present, perhaps existential threat to the USA.
The laughing has stopped, The resistance to this WH should begin in earnest,
7
Noted: An important skill for diplomacy - speaking a foreign language - is evidence of espionage.
I will have to be careful to not say “Gesundheit” or pie “a la mode” anymore.
6
I wear my “Never Trump” label as a badge of honor. It shows I have morals, ethics and standards.
7
quick question, they are attacking this soldier for speaking Ukrainian, for being an immigrant, therefore he must be a double agent, well last time I heard there is someone who
is somewhat powerful in the White House, she speaks
several languages and she is an immigrant, though she came in way beyond three years of age, does this make Melania a double agent? she would know all of the details but would have spousal privilege which means no one can interrogate her to find out what Trump may have said.
7
How much we have to endure this garbage:
Supposedly, according to the Corrupt Media, the Ukraine call “concerned” today’s Never Trumper witness. Was he on the same call that I was? Can’t be possible! Please ask him to read the Transcript of the call. Witch Hunt!
This is what our supposed Commander in Chief things of a war hero, recipient of the Purple Heart, and patriot is thought of.
You know what being a "Never Trumper" is a badge of honor. Lt. Col. Alexander S. Vindman is committing an act of valor right no, by testifying in Congress fro what is right and his patriotic duty. He is one of the few people, in the Trump Administration, to put country, moral, ethics and the rule of law ahead of bowing down to Trump.
6
Trump will do anything not to be held accountable for his actions. That has been his pattern throughout his lifetime.
No one is attempting a coup, in fact just the opposite. We want the rule of law back. We do not want a president who thinks he is king, who spews lies and hateful vitriol day after day while stealing from the taxpayers to line his pockets.
Trump must go.
6
Trump is right. It's a coup to remove a corrupt unfit president by the deep state, the Constitution and all that pledge their loyalty to defend and preserve it.
4
The game is the game.
- Omar (The Wire)
"Laura Ingraham said during her broadcast on Monday night that Colonel Vindman was working inside the White House, “apparently against the president’s interest,” noting that he spoke Ukrainian. "
Yes, Laura, he was working inside the white house, thank goodness, against Trump's best self interests, praise be. Always America first. Thank you all the patriots who have stepped forward to testify in the name of the United States of America and for our democracy.
5
I did not realize GOP actually supports the idea that to be "patriotic" US citizen you have to be a "Trumper"
How low can GOP stoop now ?
I am plain sad for Lincoln's party- no one ever accused of doing this before ! ever even dared to call it unpatriotic !
I guess the stark similarities of how "petty" choices are making our country quite like the Germany in 1930s .
I just pray we never see the day of 1945 when all Germans had to pay the price !
I really do!
6
Hopefully all of this will sooner than later have the desired result and especially so Trump won’t have a platform for his annoying broken record like complaints that are making him and his sycophants look more and more foolish with each passing day.
It is hard to fathom how his enablers/henchmen keep bowing down to him knowing how this may affect their legacies after the dust settles.
3
Trump will make sure that this Army Lt Col's career will be over as will that of his twin brother. This military officer put his country over his career. Trump in his evil and revengeful personality can't understand that and never will.
4
The concrete is still wet and the GOP are moving the goalpost(s) again. They'll never run out of every facet of imagination. Never.
4
Why on earth should we believe a respected diplomat, Purple Heart non-patriot, known for his intelligence when loyalTrump supporters and patriots call him a spy. No matter how many legitimate and respected witnesses risk the attacks of Trump loyalists, they are in the same class as the 20 "lying" women seeking attention when they testify with similar stories about Trump's sexual harassment that he brags about.
Trump: Help!!! the paranoids are after me!
5
What garbage from the Fox Defend the Criminal At All Costs nut-work!
1) Vindman's opening remarks end by saying that Ukraine's security is crucial to UNITED STATES' security!
2) This has been the policy of EVERY administration since the Berlin Wall fell when Vindman was 13 year old kid.
3) EVERY President, until now, as well as the entire US military, and the entire Intelligence community has recognized this. Only Trump and his crooked cronies deny this.
4) Vindman is defending a THIRTY YEAR OLD POLICY!
Lt. Col Vindman should sue John Yoo, Laura Ingraham, and Fox for slander. Slander is publicly stating something false about someone, while KNOWING it's false, AND intending to do the target harm. This qualifies.
11
Rather than disprove the charges, Trump demonizes all critics. The accusation of deep state coup is treasonous in itself- by defiling the congressional inquiry that is their constitutional duty.
Attacking a Constitutional process and mislabeling it a 'coup' is to obstruct justice.
Crying wolf- calling this a coup to overturn the 2016 election- is a pathetic response when there are egregious facts, reliable witnesses and major violations at issue.
It is Trump's job to disprove, not besmear. Show your tax returns, explain the delay in Ukraine aid against congressional orders and why Guiliani is making oil deals and national policy with thugs !
2
Farewell and adieu to the shred of credibility that was remaining at fox cable channel. For those who are employeed there, pray you never lose your job for you will not be able to pursue your career in any other outlet.
We now have verifiable proof of that phenomena with the illustrious career of a Ms. Kelly. Who would hire her at this point?
6
The trouble with being a liar, Mr. Trump, is that eventually nobody will believe anything you say.
10
One need not look far to find the Shallow State. any MAGA rally will do.
3
The ink isn't even dry from Lt. Col. Alexander S. Vindman's testimony and already the "Trumper" is attacking and regaling in harsh, hurtful and untrue accusations against this decorated and honorable war veteran on Twitter.
What a despicable person.
11
For a guy who keeps claiming his innocence, trump and his Fox/Republican enablers sure do block and ridicule tons of testimony which should clearly establish said person’s innocence. The more they obstruct, the more convinced I am of Trump’s guilt. Trump and the entire Republican establishment seem to want to distract, deflect, and demonize, rather than get the facts out. I wonder why?!?
8
None of the people testifying so far have a single reason to tell lies. Trump on the other hand has many reasons.
All his sycophants refusing to testify are doing it for the simple reason that if they lie to cover for Trump they are committing a crime. So better to hide in the shadows.
6
Like a mad dog, Democrats have been chasing their tail since the new president was elected, now the new saga is Ukraine, before that was the Moeller investigation, then was Russia Russia, FISA warrants, Steel dossier, am already exhausted just listing the tail chasing, nothing ever came of anything.
Keep on chasing.
2
That photo of him in his military dress and his backstory – combined with his sense of alarm over the call say it all.
6
Lt. Col. Alexander S. Vindman represents everything wrong with the military, political establishment, and immigration - the most desperate and craven without morals are pushed to the top. Shameful.
Lt. Col. Vindman walks in to all this knowing that he and his family will become the target of every lie, slander, and conspiracy that tump, trump's craven enablers in congress, trump's favorite dictators, and trump's state news service can invent.
By speaking truth to power Lt. Col Vindman is performing a courageous act of patriotism for our country.
8
Trump should remember what finally brought McCarthy down.
6
Republicans who now castigate or otherwise challenge the Lieutenant Colonel's (LTC) do so at their own political risk.
It is unfortunate many of those in public office do not subsribe to the Army's honor code, as stated: "I will not lie, cheat or steal or tolerate those among us who do."
Note his awards, tabs and decorations:
Infantry officer; Ranger Tab; Airborne Qualified.
LTC, US Army (Afghan/2003-4; Iraq/2005-6
10
How long before Trump's henchmen at INS or some other government agency find some reason to question LTCOL Vindman's citizenship status?
3
Applying Occam’s Razor to the issue of whether it is Trump who is corrupt and a liar or his detractors, it is obviously much simpler to conclude that Trump is the only liar and corrupt one here rather than each of the more than a dozen (and counting) persons who have testified and reported on his impeachable offenses and other malfeasance.
3
Trump brands detractors as unpatriotic "Never Trumpers"...
Republican officials question Lt. Col. Vindman's honor...
How captivating that Trump and his fascist colleagues haven't a clue that they've got it all backwards -- that it's THEY who are unpatriotic and dishonorable.
(Of course they DO have a clue; they just keep it to themselves. Sore losers never acknowledge the just causes of their defeat.)
7
Rump feels "sympatico" with North Korea, Russia, Hungary, and Turkey. Almost everywhere there is an autocratic leader, you can be sure he will be slobbering over the man's wonderfulness and how great a friend that person is. Gross. Now he can't stand it when a man stands up for this country and the values he learned as an immigrant child.
5
Ingraham's vile slur is on par with Trump's own 2016 claim that Judge Gonzalo Curiel could not rule impartially on the case of the Trump University scam because of his Mexican ancestry.
Ironic that Liz Cheney, the daughter of another famous draft-evader, should be the one to call Ingraham out for her disrespect.
8
Months ago, it took our President a full week to say that he'd notify the FBI, if approached by a foreign government offering to provide dirt on a political foe.
But there wouldn't be any need for him to call the FBI. Why? Because he'd be the one on the telephone soliciting help from a foreign power to dig up dirt on Biden. And to make certain that he got what he wanted, he'd do his buddy Vlad a favor by denying Ukraine the defensive weaponry it required to repel Russian aggression.
And now our President and his sycophants are attacking American heroes like Ambassador Taylor and Lt. Col. Vindman.
Their indecent ploy won't work anymore. Why? Because we're smarter than that!
Shame on
5
Suggestion: trying to keep the same story on page one for months becomes repetitive. If there's no news, cover something else.
These GOP/Fox News people are pathetic--questioning this man's integrity and love of country. They are no better than Trump telling the 4 duly elected US congressional representatives to "go back to where they came from." Racists enablers grow a backbone and think about our country for a change.
7
“It seems very clear that he is incredibly concerned about Ukrainian defense — I don’t know that he’s concerned about American policy.” - Sean P. Duffy
Could you please show us your Purple Heart, Mr. Duffy?
Wait? They didn’t give those out on “Road Rules?”
11
The attacks on Lt. Col. Alexander S. Vindman by Trump and his defenders is beyond disgusting.
Seriously, have Republicans no shame??
7
Fortunately the Trump dam has begun to leak and, hopefully, will soon crumble. If we are ever to return to any sense of being a real democracy, then this impeachment must proceed as it is doing with due diligence as well as a certain amount of speed which, apparently, is what is happening. We are fortunate that we still have real news sources such as this newspaper as opposed to Trump's FoxNews propaganda machine.
5
Calling this man’s patriotism and motives into question—as FOX news and some of the GOP have done—is despicable. It is disgraceful. It is dishonorable. It is shameful.
Look in the mirror and ask yourself who you are becoming as a slave of Trump.
11
I can’t wait for the day we never have to hear his voice again. He is torturing our souls with his bottomless pit of narcissism and ego.
6
I guess the shallow state, i.e. Trump and his followers, are pro treason.
3
Is it at all possible that there is no one in the GOP that has served, especially in the Army, do defend Colonel Vindman?
3
Laura Ingraham has no idea how stupid she would sound if she had to explain herself outside the Fox bubble. Of course it appears that Colonel Vindman was working against the President's interest, and we should be grateful for that. He didn't take an oath to protect and defend a crooked President.
12
Attempts by Trump and his propaganda arm, Fox News, to impune Lt. Col. Vindman – even suggesting that he is a traitor given his Ukrainian childhood – are damnable and un-American. The failure of Congressional Republicans to do anything to stop this absurdity means that we have only one recourse:
VOTE THEM OUT. VOTE THEM EVERY SINGLE REPUBLICAN OUT.
13
This is despicable. If any good in it, i hope it serves galvanize the military to see more personally the garbage trump and his minions spew about loyal, honorable servicemen and women.
5
At the risk of being pathetically redundant my message to Trump, as he once again attacks in predictably with demeaning and child-like taunts, is simply if you've done nothing wrong, have nothing to hide why protest so much, why subject the world to one more inane, moronic tweet? I guess this is probably a rhetorical question.
3
And what’s wrong with a coup or a witch hunt? When you have a witch, you need to hunt them down and burn them.
1
Donald Trump - the Vietnam War, draft-dodging, bone spurs coward - attempts to smear Lt. Col. Alexander S. Vindman, a highly decorated career military officer who sits on the National Security Council and is an expert on Ukraine as a "Never Trumper." Gee..who has more integrity, a respect for the rule of law and an ethical compass? Would that be Donald Trump, the draft-dodging coward who would not fight for his country - or - Lt. Col. Alexander S. Vindman, awarded the Purple Heart for Valor during the Iraq War?
6
As he and his repulsive troll-minions launch personal attacks on a decorated US war veteran, I’m reminded of the time during the 2016 election when Trump was asked a very simple and easy question: which of his two feet was so afflicted by bone spurs that he was ineligible for the draft during the Vietnam War; he couldn’t answer, instead bluffed and blustered something like “our people will have to get back to you on that.” Someone should ask him again. And again.
He’s a liar and everyone out there, even his supporters, know it. A liar and a coward. Someday they’ll all pretend they didn’t support him “that much” but had to “stop Hillary”. Liars all of them.
5
Seems don 'the john' has no respect for the Uniform, the Longue Carabene/Combat Infantrymans Badge Lt Col. Vindman earned confronting and engaging the enemy on the field of battle... Our lying, cowardly 'bone spur' im-potus has made the fatal mistake of betraying our great Nation and now he will feel the Boot of Liberty on his throat...
3
Ah I think what Fox News is searching for is a monarchy
2
Immigrants- we get the job done.
12
Democrats are not being as strategic as they need to be. Trump went from "this is hearsay!" to "who cares what first-hand listeners say, just look at the transcript." Democrats chased the narrative--looking for someone who was on the call to testify (b/c Trump complained about hearsay). Hello, people, we have the freagin' transcript! It totally implicates trump. Don't chase him, as he bobs and weave, around the pole. Don't let him define the terms of the inquiry. Stay focussed on what matters: he is by his own words guilty. Repeat 100 times. The rest will only confuse matters.
1
Donald Trump is flailing around like a fish at the end of a pole. His vitriolic statements about people who are highly respected with stellar careers and impeccable credentials testifying under oath is a futile name-calling attempt to drag people down to his level and discredit them - which is absurd - but plausible - for someone who is, himself, in a "deep state"... of denial. It will get really real...when he is impeached.
7
Donald Trump rather than whine and cry like a dog, he should testify under oath. Of course not, coward is Trump's m.o.
4
So far, the most damning evidence we know of has been provided by the President himself. He authorized the release of the call summary (not an actual transcript, btw - that's probably even worse). He publicly called on China to investigate the Bidens. He keeps publicly obstructing the investigation. He keeps publicly intimidating witnesses.
By his own logic, doesn't that make Trump the biggest anti-Trumper of them all?
4
Attention FORMER Congressman Sean Duffy: I guess Lt. Col. Alexander S. Vindman, a decorated war hero, recipient of the Purple Heart, among so many other things that reflect dedication to and love of country... well, I guess he just doesn't look enough like you and your ilk, does he? A little too Slavic, perhaps...? That must surely suggest that all of his credentials and intent must be thrown into doubt. You, sir, and your kind, Have.No.Shame.
5
To the writer of this OP Ed: and to the Commenters;
The focus should be now; is this....the Precedent which
is now being made by our Government....and in ALL phasises
of our government;
The Executive Branch: what needs to be upgraded
The Legislative Branch: what needs to be upgraded
The Judicial Brand: what needs to be upgraded.
So: any of your pundits/scholars/or just plain citizens..
I ask;
What do you think needs to be upgraded...and why.: and
what is no longer effective; and why.
New York Times; you need to move on to a Pulitzer status
and not comptete withTabloid .
It is absolutely psychotic to question the loyalty of a man who got blown up on the battlefield in a United States Army uniform.
7
One thing I hope Democrats do is explain clearly and in stark damning details why foreign interference in American elections is unconstitutional. The reason why Trump committed an impeachable act can get lost amid the fog of lying tweets, dueling pundits, and competing press accounts.
7
Russo-Republican pretzel logic at its finest:
“Trump hires only the best people!”
But —
“Lt. Col. Vindman, a presidential appointee, is a never-Trumper!”
5
Yah..."...a deep state political conspiracy..." you've got to hand it to the Trumpster...he's got an active imagination for a paranoid schizophrenic narcissist!
4
The fact that so many Republicans including the PRESIDENT are willing to besmirch a US veteran who was injured in the Iraq war is just sickening.These are the real scum, who most likely spent all the Republican wars at home raking in lobbyist dollars or talk show mega-bucks. They've made it absolutely clear they'll sell out our nation and our vets to suck up to the most venal, corrupt and ignorant president this country has ever known. They are the American Vichy, kowtowing to a thug. I give Liz Cheney props for standing up. Will any other Republican? Where are the voices of the generals whose troops fought and died under their commands?
5
Soooo, just a theoretical question Republican readers ... if EVERYONE who opposes or criticizes a president is by definition “human scum” at best and a traitor at worst - does that mean the Tea Party folk were human scum for working against the Obama administration? Was Trump traitorous when he criticized his President? Or is Trump a new kind of President in your minds - one who may not be criticized aloud or subjected to oversight or rule of law? Do you like tyranny? Just curious.
9
Remember the Emperor Commodus? That bad guy in the movie "Gladiator."
Well, Mr. Commodus really DID set up shop as a gladiator. Eventually. (Ignoring shocked protests from this or that dignified senator.)
BUT--
--his own weapons were REAL weapons. Made of iron.
AND--
--his opponents (convicted criminals) were given LEADEN weapons. Twice as heavy--not nearly as strong.
Just to be on the safe side.
Poor Mr. Trump. As things now stand, HE'S the guy with the leaden weapons.
Those guys testifying before the House of Representatives--they're the guys wielding iron.
Which is to say--
--those guys are the guys with FACTS. NAMES. DATES. Everything precise--everything shipshape. In order.
And our President? The hapless Mr. Donald J. Trump?
He's got his ever diminishing arsenal of insults. Nicknames. Opprobrious epithets. I guess "human scum"--and by the way, wow!--what a term to apply to fellow Republicans--
--but "human scum" is the latest. Let me peruse you article more carefully, New York Times--doubtless Mr. Trump has pulled out some more leaden weapons from the fast diminishing arsenal.
The weapons of impotence. He wields them with gusto--'cause they're all he's got.
As he struggles to face FACTS. NAMES. DATES.
Those guys that went up against Commodus--they had no luck.
Mr. Trump, sir?
Don't think YOU'RE gonna have much luck either.
So it goes.
Thank God.
4
I honestly don't get it.
Unless this witness can tell us anything beyond what the transcript of the telephone call itself tells us, what can he possibly be adding?
Yes, he for his own reasons may not have liked the phone call. He disagreed with the President. And?
Bringing in this witness at this stage seems a little desperate to me.
3
The transcript provided by the WH was heavily redacted.
This witness who happens to be a highly respected colonel heard the full (un redacted) conversation.
11
@frankly0 If he felt he had nothing to add, why would he show up? So he could have his reputation torn apart by hypocritical vindictive Trump loyalists? And he wasn't "brought in." He chose to testify as he felt it was his duty as a patriot to do so.
4
What makes you believe the transcript was complete or accurate? The call might have been much worse than presented by the WH. We know they are unrepentant liars. There is also a back story. That was not the only thing that happened.
6
Such ill-fated logic by the Trumpster.
If Lt. Col. Vindman is such a longtime political opponent, why then was he selected to serve as an expert on the National Security Council? How is that NOT counterituitive?
Yeah, good luck with THAT logic Mr. President.
69
Marge, you needn't call Donald Trump "Mr. President".
It's like calling Josef Mengele "Dr. Mengele".
5
@Ken
Good point. I will refrain in the future.
Thanks for keeping me in check.
4
The Lt. Colonel is putting his career on the line to give this testimony. Why would he do that if he were not telling the truth?
The same applies to all the civilian witnesses. They have no reason to lie. Trump and his minions have every reason to lie and subvert. Hence the groundless attacks on the process.
Are there any Republicans with integrity?
In either the House or the Senate?
639
@Lefthalfbach After the events of the past 3 years, I think the answers to your questions are pretty clear.
48
@Lefthalfbach Haven't you been reading the news? Clearly, this guy is a "Deep State" plant, and has been since he joined the Army in 1999, when he somehow knew that 20 years later, the GOP would install a corrupt, anti-American TV B-List celebrity as a President, who would then commit treason with a bunch of people watching.
It's the long game.
65
@Randall Vindman's parents planned out his life before leaving Ukraine. It's a similar story as that of our former POTUS whose mother knew he would one day run for office so she faked his birth certificate and gave him the all-American name of Barack Hussein Obama.
34
If only republicans were as skeptical of the patriotism and motives of the president as they are of a lifelong public servant and decorated military man.
96
@Todd: I was thinking the same thing. The radical right is willing to doubt a lieutenant colonel who was wounded in Iraq and has a Purple Heart, but not willing to doubt Donald Trump, one of the world's sneakiest liars, a six-time bankrupt, and a guy who who's even afraid to show his real skin color and hairline in public?
1
Holdover Obama era never Trumper doesn’t agree with Presidential policies.
So what?
Trump released the transcript. We have the time line. No quid pro quo. None.
So a parade of anti trump deep staters, no cross examination, trumps attorneys not there, secret testimony in basement. It’s all an anti constitutional no due process nightmare
3
@William Rodham
Yes you live in the delusional trump town of Hope where corruption is the word for the day.
2
Lt. Col. Vindman was appointed to the NSC by Trump. Whoever told you that he was an Obama holdover lied to you. You’re welcome.
7
@William Rodham I'm surprised you read the NY Times. You don't even know what you are talking about - "Holdover Obama era"???
3
I would like to know how many Republicans who CAN attend these hearings and CAN see the transcripts and documents, actually DO ATTEND these hearings.
22
@Jmaillot House committees are 57/43 Democratic/GOP. So large numbers of GOP members attend the hearings. I assume they have nothing to say because the testimony is so damning.
@Jmaillot
They aren’t making much of an effort. They know they can’t defend the President, and can’t diminish the standing of these career diplomats testifying.
2
What would be interesting (and meaningful) is if just one single Republican lawmaker or commentator could attempt to make a cogent argument in defense of Trump's actions, i.e., address the substance rather than the process.
325
@Mford - - What Trump has done works. The workers are having their best years EVER, the country is re-established in the international scene, and nobody has any doubts what Americans can do when the bureaucracy gets out of their way.
He's the best in a solid thirty years and makes his predecessor look like a corrupted bumbler... even if a really well-dressed and smooth-spoken one.
As LONG as BHO44 & Hillary weren't distributing Khadaffi's weapons to international terrorists, that is. Then, all bets are off.
2
@Mford - I think what's most telling about the Republicans is that they don't think their base can do cogent.
8
@Mford It's a good thing trumpers don't think much, else they'd be thoroughly confused by the jolting oscillations between "we did it, get over it" and "it's all lies to overthrow the president."
Paradoxically, what trumpers do understand is the Putin-esque principle that, "nothing is true and everything is possible." Their immunity to facts, truth and a moral foundation is astounding.
4
One would think that in the traditional US political landscape we would be aligned on whether the President is a clear threat to the National Security of the nation. Unfortunately not only are our politicians crooks (like they've always been), now they conspire with the enemy giving them unilateral victories left and right while the country crumbles from the inside.
If you pay any attention it is obvious that a weak United States means disarray in the global stage. This fundamentally erodes freedom around the globe which is probably one of the worst (if not the worse) outcomes for the betterment of society as we know it.
After this testimony it is obvious we are at a crossroads... we could have gone down the right path a long time ago but now we are staring our last chance to do so. On Thursday the GOP will show us a glimpse of what path we might be ultimately taking and to be honest it seems like we have a grim one ahead of us. Democracy will perseveres or it will die right then and there, one thing is for certain if we ultimately perish it would have been by our own hand.
109
Usually I love the absurdity of an ironic situation, but not when the "Deep State" conspiracy theory is, in fact, true, and purely the result of the President's desire to dig up dirt on his political allies. I refer, of course, to Rudy & Company.
61
@kaylee Another case of Trump projecting his own shortcomings onto others. Any time he starts screeching about somebody else doing something, you can be totally sure he's doing it himself.
2
Hmmm, who to believe? An army of smart, rational, widely respected, honorable, relatively dispassionate observers who have successfully served in Republican and Democratic administrations or Donald Trump?
802
@David Miller
Priceless comment and comparison.
Truly worthy of a NYT Pick!
29
@David Miller
The tooth fairy, a unicorn, and Santa Claus are more credible than Donald Trump, who can't open his mouth without lying.
30
@David Miller
Trumps supporters see the respected, honorable and relatively dispassionate observers as traitors and your question as elitist. Sad that the answer to your question is no longer obvious. A significant number of Americans putting their unquestioning faith in an intellectual and moral slob is so through the looking glass that I don't know how we pull ourselves back up from this abyss. Putin has, sadly, triumphed. Even if Trump is not re-elected, his supporters will continue (on steroids) to undermine American values and institutions for some time to come. If MAGA-land's tin-hatted patriots can viciously assail the integrity of a decorated military man with an unblemished record, they will never admit the validity of an election that Trump loses. Waiting for the anti-Semitic attacks to start.
27
Mr. Trump and his supporters clearly don't care much who they slander in the course of trying to defend the indefensible. Fox News is doing an incredible disservice to the US in their zeal to protect or enable Mr. Trump. Mr. Trump seems to think that everyone who testifies against his actions is a "Never Trumper" but clearly a number of folks who supported Trump in 2016 have turned against his policies and actions in 2019. Perhaps they were "Trumper Humpers" in 2016 and have become "Trumper Dumpers"in 2019. Regardless, we need to return to the position of dealing with facts not conjecture and slander. We also need to respect Purple Heart winners and not suggest they have foreign allegiances just because they won't support the bad policies of a runaway President.
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@GlennC Both sides are guilty of jumping to conclusions based on leaked information that has yet to be confirmed by actual testimony.
However, FOX/Ingraham took it to the next level by declaring Vindman a traitor before he had even uttered a word to Congress, leaving no doubt that FOX's (and the White House's?) primary strategy is to smear anyone who says something bad about Trump to Congress. FOX is going to have its hands full...
We’ve already forgotten Kashoggi and that hideous act was denied although it was video taped. Now U.S. bankers are holding hands again for Saudi money!
So I ask everyone: If we took no definitive action on that, why should we expect definitive action on this? It’s fun to watch all of us stomping or hands on the table like “Planet of the Apes” actors and that’s all it will be: all talk, no effective action.
27
I am more than old enough to be Lt. Col. Vindman's mother.
While not being his mother, I could not be more proud of the character and moral fabric this young man is made up of.
This country and our military are in need of the qualities Lt. Col. Vindman continues to exhibit and publicly go on record for.
You rock sir!!!!
382
@G
With all due respect, the name is Marge Keller.
And I have yet to cover the comment section with my "endless and boring" comments.
So glad you were so moved by them, you felt compelled to share your thoughts.
6
@Marge Keller , you rock, Marge!
2
@Dorothea
Thanks Dorothea.
I never understand why some people feel the need to be deliberately mean and hurtful.
I appreciate your words.
2
Every new witness' testimony further corroborates that Trump is guilty of a gross abuse of power. Trump has tried hard to block anyone from testifying, knowing that everyone with inside knowledge will further erode Trump' preposterous claim of innocence. But the wall of denial is cracking.
After hearing from Bill Taylor & Alexander Vindman, it is simply undeniable that Trump has committed offenses warranting impeachment & removal from office. This has become a test of character for the GOP. Do they continue to betray the nation by putting party ahead of country? Or do they finally show some backbone, some integrity, & some respect for the Constitution & the rule of law? History will not judge kindly those Republicans who continue to defend an indefensible President.
137
“Lt. Col. Vindman is an American war hero,” he wrote, adding, “My point is that Mr. Vindman is an unelected advisor, he gives ADVICE. President Trump sets the policy.”
And when the “policy” is the stick of withholding American foreign aid in the form of defense assistance and the carrot of a White House visit to a foreign nation to compel that nation to investigate a campaign opponent for personal gain, it is not policy. It is a “high crime and misdemeanor.” Vindman’s “advice” should have been heeded. If the defense is that criminal self-dealing and abuse of power is American policy, it is time we incarcerated those “policy” makers.
93
Hm. Something tells me that smearing war veterans as spies isn’t going to be a winning strategy. It’s not surprising that more Republicans in Congress are not speaking up. Why are they willing to go down with this ship?
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@Scott M
It worked to get him elected.
Where were you when Khizr and Ghazala Khan, parents of a slain military hero, were insulted and belittled and lied about by Trump?
7
@Scott M
It worked to get him elected.
Where were you when Khizr and Ghazala Khan, parents of a slain military hero, were insulted and belittled and lied about by Trump?
@Scott M
Well Vindman came he when he was 3, so he's in essence a "ferriner", as are all other immigrants who are just waiting for the signal to detonate their suicide vests.
2
Y'know, if you're so worried about a one-sided testimony, you should let some of YOUR guys testify! That should balance out the record, right? Only reason to withhold that sort of testimony is if even your guys aren't capable of shielding you, which obviously isn't the case.
80
“President Trump smeared him as a “Never Trumper.””
Actually I consider that a badge of honor. Why would anyone think an incompetent, serially bankrupt businessman who never showed any interest in work for the public good would make a good president? Not a single republican thought so until Trump’s racist and xenophobic rhetoric attracted support.
188
How will republicans run on supporting our troops when they did nothing to stop Trump from pulling out of Syria and they trashed a war hero by calling him a never trumper. Why would anyone risk their life for our country when our republican Leadership is willing to abandon them to preserve their power. Isn’t that the definition of a tyrant?
97
@Deirdre - The Republicans seemed okay with Trump and his remarks to the Khan family.
At the first presidential debate, the moderators should have Mr. Khan come to the microphone and ask, "Is your wife allowed to speak in public without your permission? Is she allowed to drive a car?"
6
to what extent will human behavior exhibit when trying to justify the incredulous claims made by this corrupt President as I am reading this, I am also listening to an interview on CNN between Brianne Keiler and Representative Tom Reed, the interaction on Mr. Reed's part seemed so dishonest that you need wonder what in heaven's earth is going on with the Republican Party of the US, they will never hesitate to actually defend the indefensible,again all one can think are two things since so many are attorneys were they as lax in judgment representing their clients which is why they seem not to have "scruples" when it comes to this President, do they go and review their interactions after live television to actually see and hear themselves, it's incredible that they seem amazed at how convenient it is to "fleece" the Public be it in the US or the world, and think they haven't projected the bias that they have, what is it about Power and Status that allows one to sell him/herself, to blatanly lie and say it is ok, certain things are never black and white but surely when members of congress continue the arrogance of divisiness and untruthfulness, one can only wonder is Trump worth it, where is the magnetism of this person, why is it that many people are captivated by Trump, yes he should know how and when to question corruptness, because he is corrupt, now the Biden episode yes, Hunter Biden got his power from his father, but I don't see any intellect in the Trump boys either.
11
They can't HANDLE the truth.
35
So if we all have an affinity to our homeland, why is Melania's loyalty never question? Or that of Ted Cruz? Elaine Chao? Robert Wilkie?
Oh, Oh, oh, you say because they are Republicans who support Trump? Oh, yes, I see.
These pundits and Republicans undying support of Trump is an affront to our democracy and embarrassing on a global scale.
Cheney, too, should be ashamed of herself. The process being followed is that process laid out in the constitution. Once again, it was good enough for Republicans when impeaching Clinton but now suddenly not good enough.
Republicans want their own rules when they want them.
152
@Kelly
Yes, and probably one reason Republicans want these constitutionally mandated investigations televised is so they can put on their usual grandstanding, obfuscating, time-wasting performances that can be held up on Fox News as proof of trump's innocence. Cheney deserves no credit for stating the obvious about Lt. Col. Vindman's service to his country.
Let's see what pathetic "questions" House Republicans put to witnesses when this hearing does go public.
From watching from abroad with a deep admiration for America and so concerned about its current administration, I think it's worth pausing and praising the speed and competency Nancy pelosiand Adam Schiff et all have displayed in bringing the deserved impeachment process so far even with incredible push back from state administered fox news propaganda machine and the mercurial republicans that history will not judge kindly. My hat off to them all!!
106
Reading Trump's and others attacks on Colonel Vindman, the remark "Have you no sense of decency?" from past hearings comes front and center!
78
@swilliams I am afraid we know the answer to that one.
2
@swilliams you keep wondering when that is going to happen, when and what will cause the fog to lift and for people to see the emperor has no clothes
1
@swilliams indeed. And that would be a resounding ‘no’.
1
Here is the dilemma. It's absurd to report on the ridiculous words our so-called president espouses...and absurd not to.
24
How low will Republicans go? We are now finding out and it is disgusting.
73
They’ll go lower. Conservatives and Trump supporters in particular only go in one direction.
2
There is no bottom to Trump’s vile and vengeful acrimony. He’s a bottomless pit of anger and resentment. What a sad small man he is. Bone spur and all. I feel sorry for him. Not really.
42
Would you mind giving us some context beyond “worked in Bush WH” when you cite John Woo? I see his name in your paper all of the time, and never with the indication that he is the author of the Torture Memos and other opinions featuring horrific arguments with predictable results. His “opinions” are Can’t you find someone else to quote who is not so tainted by direct involvement in — and, arguably, responsibility for — one of the darkest chapters of our history? Why does HE need to be the counterpoint voice - can’t you find someone less morally repugnant?
51
If Lt. Col. Alexander S. Vindman is such a longtime political opponent, why then was he selected to serve as an expert on the National Security Council?
Yeah, good luck with THAT spin Mr. President.
52
I was proud to serve in uniform! I find it disgusting that the Republican Party has no problem disparaging those who serve and demonstrate loyalty to the Constitution and the oath of office.
I can't understand why a self-serving President who never served any interest other than his own is now defended by sycophants. Almost all of the Congressional Republicans seem to have the demeanor of battered housewives!
As a tribute to Lindsay Graham, I would like to honor him with a new dictionary word "lindsayphant" whose meaning is "an extreme sycophant who gives up all honor and principles including turning against deceased friends."
Last thought: I am not a "never trumper." That is a stupid term. I think the more descriptive term is "never again trumper." A "never again trumper" is a person who withdraws his support after he or she has given Trump every chance to act like a United States President but no longer can support him, after Trump has betrayed his oath of office in every possible way.
71
@Thinking Well, OK but if you really voted for him, was it out of ignorance of how he has spent his life?
@Thinking It's called Stockholm Syndrome and the entire GOP is suffering a huge case of it, esp. the Senate. We're in trouble.
3
@Ann I didn't vote for him as he demonstrated a clear ignorance of the Constitution, use of foul language, racism and so on. I could have better stated my thoughts. In addition, I would like to clarify that using the term battered "housewives" was not intended to denigrate women. I was trying to word play "house of representatives" and "house" wives. Thanks for your reply.
2
The accusations against veterans by Republicans, Mr. Yoo, and Fox News are very dangerous. There is no limit to what these people will do now. If you question Trump your citizenship can be also questioned. That is the beginning of a loyalty test for all Americans. Republican Senators: where do you think you are going with this president? A totalitarian state run by enforcers who determine your patriotism. That is the process you Republican Senators are setting in motion now with your passive attitude to Mr. Trump.
62
@Jim
boycott the sponsors of those programs and send a message to them. The GOP love money and when sponsors walk their mouths will change
3
John “It’s not torture” Yoo has no standing to impugn anybody’s patriotism.
77
...staging a coup?! He really thinks he's a dictator.
43
@Diane Gross
And that dear citizen IS the problem.
1
Are there no Republicans in Congress who can be patriotic and stand up for their country over their party? Lt. Col. Alexander S. Vindman should be their model.
42
@Jefflz
No, there aren't.
5
Here Trump goes at it again: "Witch Hunt," then, "Lynching," what next? The Spanish Inquisition,? Auto da Fe?
As he calls for them, maybe someone should remind him about their endings!
17
@Gordian These terms are a bit rich for this low information President. He would not know an auto da fe if it bit him in the posterior....
2
@Gordian Tyranny...
@Gordian - I heard someone say that Trump knew about Pontius Pilate before anyone long before the Crucifixion made him famous. He tried to warn everyone but no one listened. If we had listened to his unmatched wisdom, things might have been different. So sad, so very sad.
1
Trump will say what he says - same old same old. Everyone is an idiot, deep state, never Trumper (as that should disqualify his testimony!), 3rd grader - you can go on forever with the derogatory names for those who question his authority or self-described "genius". The bottom line is the testimony has been remarkably consistent: Trump and his gang of goons tried, repeatedly, to force the Ukraine to investigate his political opponent and keep alive the existence of a non-existent server.
Is this an impeachable offense? Surely. Will the Republican Senate do their job of protecting our political process? Unfortunately that is about as laughable as Trump's daily Twitter lies.
20
How is it a smear to call someone a "never Trumper"?
17
@Kevin Banker
The term "never-trumper" is an insult; used to imply that the person to whom that moniker is applied, would do 'anything' to defeat trump.
In reality, we see trump, doing EVERYTHING to avoid the truth from coming out....including smearing a decorated American Army Veteran.
3
@Kevin Banker
It is from the Trump minions' perspective. You have to think of these people, Trump in particular, as school yard brats who think any name they call others is insulting. It might be as empty as "nyah nyah," but it has meaning to them - and them alone.
..., my goodness America; smearing your own soldiers, wounded in combat and committed to your cause.
How far have you fallen?
186
@Kristian Thyregod - The soldiers get the worst of our medical care and live on the streets. They are no longer of any value to the capitalists and get the same treatment as the Kurds.
9
@Kristian Thyregod
We have not all fallen far. Sadly, the GOP under the thumb of its nasty leader have fallen so far that they cannot find a bottom.
13
@Kristian Thyregod This is standard Trump behavior. See also Humayun Khan and John McCain
1
Do the President's allies realize how absurd they sound? I mean, sure, it's theoretically possible that every single witness is a secret lying political enemy, but at some point isn't it a heck of a lot more plausible that the President committed a crime here, and those testifying under oath are simply reporting what they saw and heard?
1405
@M.
What I find truly alarming is that Trump believes he did nothing wrong. And his minions continue to feed into that fantasy.
245
@M. His supporters are not stupid. It is just that they do not let little things like absurdity, shame, ethics, and patriotism come in the way of supporting him.
82
@M. When you hear hoofbeats, think of horses not zebras.
26
The summary points to something I’m afraid of should Trump lose the election next year — he will yell “conspiracy” and “coup,” even though the results will be legitimate. Those are incendiary words, especially among people who don’t know any better, and could lead us into dangerous, uncharted territory. He’s sowing the seeds of civil unrest: an offense against law, order, and the smooth transition of power that is constitutionally mandated.
(It’s always been interesting, too, that Trump, after all this time, still gets extremely defensive about his 2016 win, like he’s afraid he’s going to be exposed as a pretender to the office. Why is that — I ask rhetorically — if he truly won 2016 fair and square?)
353
@MDB
That's just it - there is nothing "fair and square" about Trump.
Everything he has and lost were given to him.
He has never earned anything except a reputation of being a bully and a deceitful liar.
66
@MDB
That is EXACTLY what he will do. We should plan accordingly.
37
@MDB My biggest fear is that Trump is in the process of creating an army of Timothy McVeigh wannabes who will be an extreme danger to society for years to come.
12
DJT : Showing himself to be such a desperate little man .
-The inquiry won't be " tainted " much longer.
53
For once I agree with Mr Trump.
Lt. Col. Vindman is indeed a never trumper; he is a patriot which the commander in chief and the current resident of the WH is not.
241
Republicans have absolutely no justification for their attempts to discredit the impeachment proceedings, causing them to rely on nothing but a smear campaign.
Laura Ingraham insults children who have been traumatized by mass shootings. John Yoo justifies unjust wars and smears the integrity of a man who received a Purple Heart. Kilmeade thinks all terrorists are Muslim despite the frequency of domestic terrorism in America.
These positions are ridiculous and those that hold them are bad jokes who don't have the courage, integrity, professionalism, knowledge, or personal ethic to recognize right from wrong.
276
There seems to be a majority of the country that could qualify as deep staters, in other words not supporting or loyal to Trump. Everyone who is not loyal to Trump is a traitor. Loyalty to the U.S. and the constitution does not count, it is all about Trump. Fox News should have its broadcast license revoked for spewing such nonsense suggesting a long serving decorated officer is a spy because he tells the truth and puts country first.
Kudos to Liz Cheney for realizing this at least is wrong.
Finally we have a first hand witness testifying who also left a paper trail by reporting concerns to NSC lawyers and yet again corroborates the whistle blower and the other witnesses. I hope on Thursday there are Republicans who see the light at the end of the tunnel and join with the Democrats to support the impeachment inquiry.
144
@DRTmunich From what I understand, the Fox cable channel is no longer classified as News, but as Entertainment. Ugly and hateful entertainment at that. Propaganda in the Soviet style.
8
@DRTmunich
Liz Cheney was part of the group who said if you didnt support the war per George W. you were un-American.
She is just a female Trump with all of his flaws.
@Mary
Right you are! Several years ago, they were sued, in Canada, for peddling blatant falsehoods. They argued, successfully, in court, that they were not obligated to tell the truth because they were in fact an entertainment channel, not a news channel. The judge accepted their argument.
Despite their name, Fox "News" is pure, unadulterated propaganda. They are the voice of the Republican party, much as Roger Ailes designed them to be. Their motto should be "Fact free, all the time."
3
There is no limit to the depths to which the Republicans in Congress will sink in order to cover for the criminal actions of Donald Trump. This latest attack on a military hero and patriot who has demonstrated the courage to speak truth to power is appalling. It is the Republican leadership that brought the Trump debacle down on our nation and they continue to place party over country in a display of near traitorous behavior as they vigorously defend the indefensible Donald Trump.
108
@Jeffiz
The "they" you refer to only do so because it's what their supporters want. Republican politicians are not the problem, their voters are.
@Eric There is some truth to what you say, but I think many of us still believe that it is part of public service - even as a elected official - to do what is right whether that costs votes or not.
1
Trump wants him to read the transcript of the call? Sure...provide it so we ALL can read it. And while you’re at it, how about providing your tax returns?
522
@S H
Trump DID release a reconstructed memorandum of the call (not a full transcript). It was damning. It's frightening that the man with the nuclear codes couldn't see that.
https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2019/09/25/us/politics/trump-ukraine-transcript.html
7
@S H...and empty out that box where all sorts of treasonous info is hidden.
2
@S H not the redacted version either.
1
Colonel Vindman is a public servant not a public person. He should sue the president and republicans for creating a hostile work environment and slander and lying with no support to back up their claims.
169
@Deirdre - Could he also sue FOX News for defamation of character? Donald and Melania sued a paper for printing that she was a call girl who overstayed her visa. They couldn't prove it and lost.
5
@Deirdre Soldiers do not sue their Commander in Chief, even when the Commander in Chief is Donald Trump.
The Lt. Col. is performing an act of conscience as demanded of an American patriot and professional soldier who has an obligation to his country first and foremost.
5
I don't know why Republicans would question the loyalty of Lt. Col. Vindman because he was born in Ukraine and moved here when he was 3? There are plenty of trump's people who were born in the United States and are not loyal to this country!
235
@rslay See, e.g. Melania and her parents.
47
@rslay - Melania's father was a member of the Communist Party of Slovenia. Our First Lady was raised in an atheistic country by communists. And Republicans go after "Socialists"?
17
@sonya
Don't forget Melania's husband.
8
Someone should probably remind Mr. Kilmead and Ms. Ingraham that the Ukraine, particularly in its struggles against Russia, is our ally.
And someone should remind Mr. Yoo that we all, as citizens, and particularly him as an officer of the court, have a duty to speak up when laws are being broken. That's not spying. That's patriotism.
Mr. Yoo is, frankly, an embarrassment to the legal profession (and should be an embarrassment to the Berkeley Law School).
612
@Justin And someone should remind Mr. Yoo that in addition to justifying torture, he is a South Korean immigrant. Some might call that espionage.......
60
@Justin In my experience, starting as a law professor decades ago before this man hit the headlines, my skin literally crawled in his presence.
I believe in universal salvation, but I also believe in psychopaths.
20
@Justin You are right. Furthermore, Kilmeade and Ingraham are, at best, two generations away from being immigrants themselves. Yet they question the motives of a man who served in the US military and received a Purple Heart.
12
It is humbling and heartening to see the dedicated and highly capable career public servants that are in our midst. As much, it is disgusting and disheartening to see them under attack.
112
It is obviously apparent that there no limits to how low the GOP will go to protect Trump, no matter how much evidence is piling up against him. To disparage and discredit a military hero is a new low that should embarrass even Lindsay Graham and Mitch O'Connell but we all know that doesn't even faze them. It's a sad comment on how fractured our country is now since Trump was elected with the help of the Russians.
70
@Robert
This isn't the first time Trump has disparaged a military hero - just look at how he treated John McCain.
5
Seems that Trump thinks HE is the USA and confuses service to the country with service to him. Vindman is a brave guy and will be able to handle it, but it's laughable that such an over-protected spoiled rich brat as Trump can question Vindman's integrity and loyalty to his country. Trump thinks loyalty to him is above everything.
113
If this entire scenario wasn't so dire and dangerous to the democracy of this country, the antics of the Trump White House would almost be comical.
Once again the White House directed a witness to not appear and "sought to limit the scope of his testimony".
If they had anything to back up the pack of lies they purport are being spewed by said witnesses, then why haven't they come forward and presented such documentation which, in theory, would clear the president?
Witness by witness, the testimonies given are beginning to suffocate this presidency by the weight and impact of their truth.
Leave it to the true patriots who are determined to "advance and defend our country irrespective of party or politics.”
65
When will the military in mass numbers no longer support him? It would be about time!
63
@bag piper The thing that's amazing is that Trump truly believes that if he is removed from office for cause, he will be able to issue a command.
His command will be for all of the US military, police, and of course the bikers and wanna be militiamen to take up arms and come to his defense.
The bikers and militiamen may do this and that will be unfortunate. They will be arrested and charged.
I don't believe that the military and police will follow his command.
~
3
@bag piper
I hate Trump with a passion but I never want the US military to turn on any president. That is truly what a banana republic does. The military either takes orders or quits. Anything else comes too close the coup Trump already thinks is happening.
1
@bag piper I am not sure that they do/do not. They generally stay out of things publically. They are supposed to defend the Constitution, not a despot.
2
“We’re talking about decorated veterans who’ve served this nation, who’ve put their lives on the line, and it’s shameful to question their patriotism, their love of this nation, and we shouldn’t be involved in that process,” Representative Liz Cheney of Wyoming"
Well, how about that! Nice to read that not ALL Republicans come from amoeba stock.
Thank you Ms. Cheney for drawing the line on personal attacks and for speaking up for Colonel Vindman.
And than sincere thank you to Colonel Vindman for coming forward and continuing to serve this country with dignity, honor and integrity.
So very much appreciated, now more than ever!!!
213
@Marge Keller -- another pick-worthy comment Marge.
If Liz Cheney has the guts to stand up for Lt. Col. Vindman's patriotism maybe her comments will shame more Republicans into coming forward to defend him instead of the president.
It's people like Fox News' Laura Ingraham who are incensed that Vindman's damning testimony is in the interests of the country and NOT this president.
11
@silver vibes
Thanks sv!
I am keeping my paws crossed that the guts and determination in Liz Cheney's stern and staunch statement will be fertile ground for others to wake up and realize that Lt. Col. Alexander S. Vindman is in deed the real deal and has nothing to lose in lying about what transpired on that call between Trump and Zelensky.
7
@silver vibes Exactly. Ingraham branded Vindman a traitor for not protecting the PRESIDENT'S interest. Vindman's job is to protect the NATION'S interest from both foreign and domestic threats, and he is fulfilling that responsibility brilliantly.
Too bad Liz Cheney's gut check stopped short of giving legitimacy to the impeachment inquiry, but that seems to be where Republicans are heading (that Trump did something wrong but not to the level of justifying impeachment).
6
American tax payers are footing the bill,
for Attorney General Barr to work with Rudi Giuliani,
in a "dark state" conspiracy,
to cover up the Russian Military Intelligence GRU Cyber Attack in 2016,
On the United States of America's Democracy.
Trump and his henchmen need to be held responsible for the expenses of his treasonous actions.
79
Pay absolutely zero attention to the bloated buffoon behind the Twitter curtain, or any of his bobble-head minions, for that matter. No credibility whatsoever, and they know it. Their froth and ferment expands by the hour.
62
Yes, trump...so many witch hunts...so many coups. Everyone is out to get you. Gee, I wonder if this is of your own. making?
29
That John Yoo has always been despicable since he landed in the public eye, hasn't he? How unlawyerly.
50
Donald Trump is a Russian mole in a plot to destroy the United States.
122
@wm.h.evans Putin is seeing great success with his low cost operation to destroy the United States. There is no telling what his lapdog Trump was told to do behind closed doors in Helsinki.
35
@wm.h.evans I think it is Russia's payback for us destroying the Soviet Union.
5
@Richard
Putin is laughing so hard. He's mastered Sun Zi's top rule in warfare, winning without firing a shot.
What a bunch of Quislings.
7