The impeachment is working out so well. Maybe it will continue until the election making Donald Trump's victory a true landslide. Even my friends, professors at Cal, admit polls are wildly skewed to favor impeachment, but that's not the truth. The truth is no one cares about impeaching anybody and most think it's a gigantic waste of time.
4
@JW Ah yes "My professor friends at CAL" Professors at what one would have to ask? I want Trump impeached, as do most of the people that I know who are not Republicans.
I find it so sad that you support a man who is not only personally immoral and a crook but who has repeatedly attacked US servicemen and women who don't worship him. Ands who has purposely put out services men and women in peril just to boost his standing with undemocratic dictators.
16
In the last week, Trump has uncharacteristically appeared outside his safety zone of rallies full of his supporters (5th game of the World Series and a UFC wrestling match at Madison Square Garden). In both cases, he was booed. Today, Don Jr. appeared on The View (ostensively to promote his new book). The women of The View ate him up, most interestingly Megan McCain who pointedly ask Junior if he and his family enjoyed bashing her father.
I think you’ll see more of these types of reactions —pushback— as this impeachment process unfolds. People outside his base are so fed up with the Trumps’ behavior, there will be a visceral reaction every time they appear outside these cloistered rallies. And, they will have to appear once the election campaigning begins in earnest.
6
We at the State University of New York at Binghamton are proud to claim Col. Vindman as an alumnus.
10
In a Democracy, revealing the evil that is trying to undermine it is not whistle blowing; it is acting with love and courage for the Common Good and the General Welfare. It is making the ugly beautiful.
17
People who join the armed forces and people who get elected to federal offices all take oaths, basically all the same: defend and protect the Constitution and the country. As we know, we have had traitors in the ranks of both military and elected officialdom. Those people were acting actively to damage our country and our way of life. Col. Vindman does not fit that profile. It is not treasonous to speak out when one sees or hears of acts that run contrary to their oaths and responsibilities. Just the opposite. Col. Vindman was speaking out to object such actions in accordance with the oath he took in joining the armed forces, and probably to become a citizen of the U.S. If there be treason it's coming from the White House and the party embracing it.
25
The more I hear about Trump and his "war machines" the more amazed I am that they are all trying to create an alternate reality where they are the masters and gurus. Had they not all banded together any one of them would have been laughed out of town, but now they back each other up. And all of this alternate reality has spread to people who are find it easier and easier to believe because so many others have backed up their stories.
I certainly hope Lt. Alexander Vindman does not suffer too much damage to himself and his family for just testifying to what he saw under oath.
I am appalled by what I am watching every day.
It's like McCarthy but with a lot more people backing up the alternate reality.
19
This swiftboating of Vindman is reprehensible. I am sure Vindman was chosen as liaison with the Russians because he spoke Russian.
The idea that he was speaking Russian and then bellowing out his love of globalism and Obama in English for anyone within earshot is ludicrous beyond belief.
Believing some QAnon afficianado over Vindman demonstrates complete partisan hackery.
29
To mess around with an old aphorism.
"If religion is the opiate of the masses, then social media is the pure heroin of alt right Trumpanistas."
25
"overheard Colonel Vindman — a major at the time who was chatting with Russian soldiers during a military exercise — laugh 'about Americans not being educated or worldly' and talking up 'Obama & globalism'"
Let's say this is all true.
What is wrong with LTC Vindman stating these opinions?
This does not imply disloyalty to the United States or our military. The only thing it implies is lack of fealty to the Trump-Bannon conspiracy-laden world view (an alternative perspective which is also protected by the First Amendment).
LTC Vindman pledged loyalty to the Constitution, not to one man, Mr. Trump.
13
Funny cause it’s kinda true.
He Loves the troops, except the ones who speak the truth.
In a Vietnam war protest I had angry people yell at us that we didn't love our country, we only loved ourselves, that we were spoiled, cowardly draft dodgers. That description certainly fits Trump.
25
The big question goes Mr Hickman speak Russia?
If not he is just lying like out President does every wake moment.
13
Can anyone explain to me why the number one, loudmouthed “Never-Hillary-er” in chief thinks that designating someone a “Never Trumper”—whether it’s true or not—is such a repugnant thing? Trump, and everyone who voted for him and continues to support him, are all virulent Anti-Hillary to the core. Is that okay, while being against this President is somehow a terrible thing? 2020 can’t get here fast enough...
16
How any patriotic American can support a lying, dishonorable, wimp like Trump is beyond me. The guy lied and defrauded his way away from service 4x, has never contributed a penny to the military and disparages the most honorable men our country has produced. He is a disgrace to America and to the ideals that so many have died to protect. He is the epitome of a charlatan and a fraud. But what is frightening is how many so-called patriots stand behind him. What is wrong with these people? How can any vet or enlisted person support this chicken?
28
Cadet Bone-Spurs and his draft-dodging cronies, as well has his shameless defenders in Congress are traitors to the people of the United States, having aided and abetted an adversary at the expense of honorable people. They should be expunged.
11
Sure be nice if Twitter enforced its Terms of Use and shut Mr. Trump down for egregious violations. The House should call those at Twitter responsible for enforcement to explain their lack in this case, and then Mr. Trump's key platform would be gone, and the rest of us would hear less of his idiocy.
10
Any article that has the words "Flordia man" can't be taken seriously.
6
Twitter allowing President Trump to spread his hate and conspiracy theories is killing America.
9
The Trumps & their supporters are all cowards who have never & will never risk or sacrifice anything for America. Their attacks on Colonel Vindman are the height of cynicism & duplicity.
8
If this is the best they have, then we can all rest easy. This will all be over before you know it.
5
Dems should be on a campaign to call attention to extent to which Trump & Co. have disparaged distinguished military leaders. Can you imagine Obama getting away with the remarks Trump has made about Mattis?
13
After three years of Trump and his corrupt conservative/Republican enablers and supporters.
The "Con of Conservative/Republican Ideologies" has been exposed for the country and whole world to see.
If you don't like the direction the country is going, you know what you need to do next November.
7
Hickman follows Q'anon. Who posted Q' s first tweets? I can't help but believe Steve Bannon was involved somehow in the creation of the Q persona.
7
The Administration and its sycophants will stop at nothing, absolutely nothing, to blame, lie, smear, give “alternative facts”, whatever it takes to discredit even the most credible. The unqualifying supporters of this regime of unaccountability know how this administration is, but will play it off as Trump shaking up the establishment with his unprecedented methods and style of leadership, claiming this is what was needed in Washington. I guess to “drain the swamp” one first must “dig up dirt”, both literally and figuratively.
The President may not realize or even care that he may be one tweet away from inflaming Senator McConnell with some outrageous accusation, characterization or lie and then he will lose the only lynchpin that protects this presidency from an impeachment conviction.
This stuff is just wicked. Everyday I think to myself I can’t believe how unstable the country has become.
5
I bet it made President Pathological's hair facsimile stand on end when he watched decorated Lt. Col. Vindman testify in military uniform -- with decorations. And there's more to come.
11
Wait-- did I get this story right? Supposedly a US Army officer who spoke fluent Russian, and who wanted to say disparaging things about America to Russian troops, SWITCHED OVER TO ENGLISH so another American soldier, Mr. Hickman, could eavesdrop and catch him at it? Why would he do that?
And why didn't Hickman report it at the time? If the current news is accurate, the Republicans must have a cure for Alzheimer's-- because there seems to be an awful lot of, "Oh, I forgot. NOW I remember...." going on.
12
I think the fact Vindman and Ciamerelli worked together and both have the same DC Law firm where the principle attorney called for a Coup against Trump the day of the inauguration is ample evidence Schiff needs to pack up his team and move on down the road.
This only gets worse for Democrats.
America is a patient country willing to hear fact based evidence, but even this is going beyond reason.
End it now. Put a bow on it and toss it in the bonfire.
@Erica Smythe
The only coup going on now is the one currently being perpetrated by Don the Con against our democracy, our free and fair election process, and our Constitution
Trump is compromised.
Trump is a threat to our national security.
12
@Erica Smythe
Where do you get your news?
Do you actually read the news stories that you are commenting on?
We're nowhere near wrapping this up. But you can actually read the transcripts for yourself -- and soon, watch as people testify.
Pull up a chair and pass the popcorn.
5
I'm sickened at the vile and egregious behavior of Trump and Republicans continues, unabated. Smearing Lt. Col. Vindman, a veteran and patriot, is grotesque even for these power-mad sociopaths.
Lt. Col. Vindman: thank you for your service and your testimony. Sane, rational adults greatly appreciate your efforts.
8
A US LTC military attaché bantering with Russians in Russian about how provincial Americans are sounds pretty worldly and sophisticated to me.
When all is said and done with this Trump clown show, it is people like Lt Col Vindman who will be remembered as the real American heroes.
8
Republicans now sneer at war heroes as often as trump tells them to; so odious! Then they sneer that Dems 'hate the military'. And all at the personal whims of a spoiled rich elite NYC boy who avoided service thru his daddy's dirty money. As my husband and my brother lay dying in war, for his freedoms, trump was joking about STDs being just like combat. I have no respect for trump supporters now. They should run from such a creep, but the cling to his ratty, greasy coattails. Ugh.
11
Throughout all of this everyone must imagine the image of Roy Cohn seated off to the side. Donald's long gone mentor still advising, "Attack, attack, attack!" No conscience, no remorse, no gratitude, no generosity, pure selfishness.
Remember that and you'll know where this is headed.
6
Memo to US Army: Promote Vindman.
12
Why are you propagating this obvious, full-of-holes, right-wing smear? Again, I should say - a few months ago it was slanderous allegations of corruption aimed at Joe Biden, probably the straightest shooter in politics.
Time to stop, Times.
4
@WS Better to bring it to light, than let it fester and propagate in the shadows.
4
Just a minor issue but the Times uses two grammatical constructs to describe the Purple Heart. One is "earned" and the other is "received." I suggest that "received" is appropriate. Nobody tries to "earn" a Purple Heart.
4
Vindman's critics alleges he seem to have divided loyalties. In his prepared statement, “I realized that if Ukraine pursued an investigation into the Bidens and Burisma it would likely be interpreted as a partisan play which would undoubtedly result in Ukraine losing the bipartisan support it has thus far maintained.” He is concerned that Ukraine might lose partisan support.
3
Trump supporters are in some fashion going through the early stages of grief and loss. Some deny the facts. Others display anger and attack the truth-tellers. It is unlikely that they will any time soon reach the final stage of grief: acceptance.
15
@Jay Masters
Excellent observation. It is a slow reckoning that they have been had.
6
Trump and his right-wing propaganda machine's baseless attacks on Vindman remind me of the GOP's "swiftboating" of John Kerry, Max Cleland, and even John McCain. At the same time, we're witnessing new extremes in an orchestrated right-wing campaign of intimidation and harassment of anyone who commits the "crime" of disloyalty to Trump. For example, Alex Jones is using his show to investigate potential jurors for the Roger Stone trial. The efforts to expose the Whistleblower have no practical purpose other than identifying a target for mob persecution and likely violence. Republicans can't pass actual legislation mandating absolute obedience to Trump, but his subservient cult will enforce this unspoken rule by any means necessary.
12
If Colonel Vindman has broke our statutory laws or is derelict in his duty under military guidelines, then by all means lets confront him with his negligence and set-up a official review.
Otherwise it is unworthy of our democracy and it's elected leaders for anyone associated with our Federal government to think that our Best and Brightest deserve to be smeared by a coordinated dirty tricks campaign, simply in a last ditch effort to cover-up the corruption of a failing regime.
So yes, it's time to show us the crime, or apologize to Colonel Vindman and the rest of our brave military officer corp, who he represents.
8
I'll bet Junior is looking forward to those tax returns being revealed. We'll see how he tweets against dodgy Russian loans.
9
How many more times can Trump lie before America says enough? How much more of Trump’s corruption, criminality and obstruction will it take before America holds him accountable? How much of America’s safety, democracy and soul need to be sacrificed?
12
I agree with the emerging suggestion, that the phrase 'quid pro quo' be dropped; in favor of 'bribery and coercion'. The latter are not only common English, but they convey a clear sense of criminality, guilt, and betrayal.
14
@Tara
Bribery and extortion works, too.
9
@ShowMe Yes. I think that's what I meant to say.
6
The Trump War room is really another piece of the war on reality. There is no exonerating evidence of Trump, Pence, Pompeo, Rudy, his two Ukrainian buddies, Barr, the chief-of-staff, the people that the real transcript on a safe server, and no telling who else. If there were, we would have heard it by now.
But for all those Republicans avoiding the issue of saving American democracy, undocumented immigrants have volunteered for military service and have out themselves in harms way for this country.
Just can't make a case for Republican leadership in America.
8
As far as military service goes, all indications are that Trump is a malingerer. Who, and especially veterans, would put any faith in the opinions of such a person regarding the honorable, decorated military service of another? If Vindman's character & ability to serve faithfully (the Constitution, not the illegitimate POTUS) was in doubt, why wasn't it raised before now?
8
despite all this, republicans continue to support this monstrous, prevaricating president. Trump is what he is, and i suspect he can't really help himself. But what sickness afflicts the republican rank and file?
15
One thing: power. Power brings them wealth in addition to their egotistical need to be “in charge.”
6
@unmesh
Trump's toxic mix of racism, greed and jingoism makes for a powerful drug.
7
This is really too absurd. Why aren't trump and his propaganda spewing son moving on to convince his supporters that it's okay to endanger national security and Ukrainian lives for political and personal purposes? (I think Ukraine is an ally, although our "patriotic" president favors Putin and the Russians.) Is it their game plan to tear down each and every person who has told basically the same "quid pro quo" story? I know we are living in a post truth society, but seriously you have to suspend an awful lot of logic to buy this line of attack.
8
In 2013, there was no such thing as a Never Trumper and partisan politics was nothing like what we have now. Their recollections don’t even make sense in a 2013 context. These guys are just fantasizing.
6
The Trump family is without honor. Smear the messenger is all they have.
14
....”about Americans not being educated or worldly”. I’m an American. I find this statement true. It’s astonishing how little most Americans know of the world at large. It may be perceived as an insulting comment, but the truth can be ugly.
12
Col. Vindman is an American hero and these twitter warriors have betrayed us. They violate every American ideal. Shame on them. They will live in infamy.
12
This will be trumps Waterloo.
6
Unsubstantiated infromation has been used by some in the media to delve deeply into every l possible crime that could have been committed... Steele dossier, Carter Page, Papadopoulos.. so long ago these unsubstantiated stories headlined the news. After 3 yrs of dozens more investigations,.all forgotten. Now its Ukraine.
For a news organization to be so wrong so long and then criticize other news sources about unsubstantiated information lacks credibility.
@Lane The article was not an opinion piece, it was a news piece. It does not contain criticism.
Now if the assertions as presented in the article are not factual, that's one thing. But if they are true, then any accusations we (readers) may draw regarding those mentioned in the article are well-based.
Secondly, not all of the investigations you refer to are "forgotten". Some were in fact well-substantiated, as Paul Manafort and Michael Flynn can now attest.
4
@BigTom
Indeed, BigTom.
Here's a helpful progress report. CNN interactive summary with names, counts, etc.
https://www.cnn.com/interactive/2017/politics/russia-investigations/#/charges
Trump will be, kicking off the 100th Annual New York City Veteran’s Day Parade,” acccordind to another article in today’s NYT.
He has recently abandoned allies on the battlefield, attacked Gold Star parents who suggested he read the constitution during his campaign and now attacks a decorated soldier willing to come forward to speak the truth.
Is this the Commander in Chief that members of the Military want to choose how they will defend our country s d what battles they will need to fight? His past actions demonstrate he will easily abandon his troops to advance his personal agenda.
I am a Services Connected Disabled Veteran and I feel the only kicking off on Veteran’s Day Trump deserves is to be kicked off his leadership position.
Following Trump into battle is suicide. Allowing him to take personal credit for anything on Veteran’s Day is an insult to all who are or who have served.
9
The vile attacks on a decorated veteran illustrate that there is no bottom to the depths that Trump and his minions will sink.
4
I find it hilarious that the Trumpists are denigrating the courageous Lt. Col. Vindman as a spy for Russia who thinks "Americans are not educated or worldly." This is a fundamental description of the President's best friend forever, Vladamir Putin!
2
“You’ll be seeing very soon what comes out,” Mr. Trump said on Saturday...
No surprise. This is a ham-handed setup for a move from the Putin play-book. Denigrate your opposition with the dirtiest tricks you can conjure.
If there is any element of this crisis that might give us hope, it is that trump, his minions and his spawn are clearly in panic mode and behaving like cornered weasels. They are so obviously guilty of all they are accused of and crimes we don't even know about yet that they are resorting to idiotic diversions to subvert the process. I do not believe it is too much to predict that this frantic chicanery will lead to one big terrible and possibly fatal mistake.
Just a glimmer, but there it is.
1
Do not cross Trump because he and his toadies are quite willing to lie about you and demean you. My hope is that our next election will be based on integrity and Trump is sure to lose.
The result of Trump's decision to get out of Syria and the manner of it's implementation resulted in the murder of our allies, destabilization of the area and a loss of US stature, while providing great benefit to ISIS, Russia and Turkey. Undaunted by the catastrophe Trump created in Syria he has the audacity to now personally attack Lt. Colonel Vindman with unsupported dastardly lies - Trump is a disgrace
2
It used to be that if you didn't like the message you had to "kill" the messenger. But now President Trump is teaching us that if you didn't like the message you need to kill all the messengers top (Attorney General, FBI Director, Secretary of State, US Ambassador, Decorated military officer...) down (the whistle blower). The end result is inescapable Trump government for the service of Trump only. May God save the America!
2
Poor ole' DJT. He's fool enough to believe what he reads on QAnon. That alone disqualifies him from office. I can't understand why more military men have not broken with him. He's been disgraceful in near every encounter with those who sacrifice for the good of this country
52
Does Trump think he is on a season of Survivor, where anything goes? Trump is supremely unfit for office. I hope sanity and the rule of law prevail, and that the GOP sycophants will finally abandon the cowardly, paranoid, egotistical liar in the WH.
18
This is so disgusting the President and his wayward son would personally attack Col Vindman in such a callous cowardly manner. Neither of them have served and this illustrates their contempt for the military and Trump wants to attend the Veterans Day parade? He;s not qualified to attend and I hope they all boo him.
28
@Scrumper
As I always do, I will attend the Veterans Day Parade in NYC. I assure you I will be booing and hopefully others will do the same.
4
This is gooey degeneration of political right.
Getting more and more disgusting.
16
I'm a 20 year retired veteran and for a draft dodging CINC and his cronies to attack an active duty Colonel, awarded with medals no less is just pathetic. This is leadership at its worse and does nothing to build camaraderie . Trump should resign for sheer incompetence.
31
How many ways can we spell "Swiftboat"? It is either that brand of attack, or blatant antisemitism, because Lt. Col. Vindman's family background is Jewish, and it is possible or likely that their escape from Ukraine was because of this as well.
11
@Jonathan Biatch
Yeah, that anti-Semite Trump with his Jewish daughter and Jewish grandkids...
@EGD
Trump will use anti-Semitism whenever it benefits him, whether or not he has Jewish relatives. Remember that this excuse for a father called Ivanka a "piece of ass" during a Howard Stern show. He knows no boundaries because he is unscrupulous. The man is disgusting.
3
"Twitter War Room" for jabs against your own citizens, servicemen, and journalists is probably what you could name the eventual book about this failure of an administration.
14
Just sickening. Hickman admits to his Traumatic Brain Injury—what’s the other veterans’ excuses?
But they support a man who denigrates Gold Star families without qualms.
17
The account of the so called witness regarding LTC Vindman's conversation with Russian officers is so weak it is laughable. No doubt they were talking in Russian. Not English. And this guy claims to know Russian? I think not. Terrible and shameful what the fake president and his ilk are doing to try to defame a military professional like LTC Vindman.
15
Hey Donny... you can shut all of your critics right up if you just release the full recording of that perfect phone call. Is there a reason you haven’t done that yet? Hmmm?
15
Hey Donny... you can shut all of your critics right up if you just release the full recording of that perfect phone call. Is there a reason you haven’t done that yet? Hmmm?
2
How obvious that Hickman is a lying sycophant to Trump. Love the part about Vindman supposedly talking to Russians in English, when he would naturally be speaking in Russian, about American unworldliness—and in front of fellow Americans.
Hickman should put more thought into his lies before trotting them out. What a fool!
12
Colonel Vindman has more integrity in his little finger than the entire trump WH. Conducting an attack on twitter is like a sixth grader. I wish that the trump WH would stop embarrassing us before the world.
11
@Steve
Too late!
1
Trump's motives are always uncomplicated and shallow. Now we know who has the most damning evidence and is the most credible witness -- Col. Vindman.
7
When I was in boot camp in the Navy in 1963, at one of our initial meetings, we were introduced to our company commander. We were told that his authority came directly from the commander in chief, the president of the United States. I was impressed.
I wouldn't be today.
20
It is also time to simplify the term"quid pro Quo", let's just call it what it is, Trump trying to "shake down" a foreign leader for money. He honed his legal methods back in his New York real estate days, using lawyers on retainer to cheat working people out of the few bucks that made working for his organization. His "shake down" method back than was to declare bankruptcy and leave his investors stuck with the losses.
9
@Truth2013
Shaking down a foreign politician for money?
Positively Clintonian.
Surprised a Democrat objects.
I hear by publicly accuse Hickman ,Lasch, and Hegseth of lying. I’d add Trump jr to the list,but that would be redundant. It is obvious that whether law enforcement, military or even any citizen,if you buck the cult of Trump, you will be vilified, justly or not.
3
Witness intimidation is a federal crime.
It doesn't matter if it's the president* who is doing it.
This is just one more addition to the list of impeachable crimes, under the column 'obstruction of justice'.
What's sadder though is how the party of Lincoln seems to have misplaced its commitment to the rule of law.
10
This is the GOP of Richard Nixon and Roger Ailes, but now they are allied with Vladimir Putin as well. Their permanent and ongoing strategy is to bury democracy, morality and human decency under a deluge of false propaganda, character assassination and slander.
3
Just another disgusting tactic from the GOP playbook. They pulled the same thing on John Kerry, calling into question his medal and service on a swift boat in Vietnam. Unlike Trump, Kerry, although he came from a wealthy family, served his country. The kind of attacks the GOP brought against Kerry, and now Vindman, can be used to slander any of our soldiers, no matter how bravely and honorably they served. The GOP simply has no decency.
10
When we think he can't sink any lower, he does. The breadth and depth of the Administration's moral and ethical depravity is limitless. That's quite a distinction, isn't it.
12
Aren't witness tampering and witness intimidation illegal?
6
I see good news in this. Trump will start losing the military vote.
7
All this, too, is reprehensible - and impeachable behavior.
3
When will Twitter stand up for this country and ban this rampantly abused avenue for slander and defamation? I hope a talented lawyer takes on Colonel Vindman's defamation case and asks that part of the remedy be that Trump and his family be deprived of their use of the Twitter platform. We will all be better off.
5
Why would Lt. Co. Vindman care what Trump says about him? I certainly don't. One is a career military officer who most people hadn't heard of before this week. The other is a serial liar with suspected physiological disorders. It's like asking who would I trust more: The fireman or the half-naked homeless guy playing with matches? I've never met either one before but the answer is fairly self-evident.
7
And something that hadn't occurred to me (Trump's recent Tweet pointed this out), that the GOP can include the Biden's in their witness list, thereby allowing attack dogs like Jim Jordan to shamelessly cast uncorroborated charges, getting them on Fox "news", and damaging Biden for the Winter and Spring primaries. Clever.
Maybe Trump is playing three dimensional chess.
1
@JFR
Three dimensional chess?
You do know that our incredibly stable genius of a president paid his, then, personal attorney, Michael Cohen, to visit all of the educational institution’s he’d attended, don’t you? Cohen testified under oath that his mission was to do whatever was necessary to insure that none of Trump’s academic records or STANDARDIZED TEST SCORES could ever be made public.
I wonder why he did that?
The man’s an egomaniac. If he had gotten an impressive score on the SAT, say 1380 (I.Q of 138), how many times do you think he’d have waved the proof of this in front of television cameras?
But instead of bragging about his scores, he paid to have them buried.
JFR, I’m a retired high school math teacher. If you like to start a pool, put me down for Trump’s SAT = 880. My best guess is that Don’s I.Q. is 88.
Among professional language pathologists there is general agreement that Donald Trump has the verbal abilities of the average 5th grader, of a ten-year-old child!
There’s a blue heeler sleeping at my feet. His name’s Arty. If Arty had thumbs I’ll bet he could beat Don at two-dimensional chess. And even if he lost, Arty is courageous and loyal. Concepts of which the president has no knowledge.
Three dimensional chess?!?
Wow!
2
A little background on Jack Posobiec:
In May 2017, Posobiec hired neo-Nazi brothers Jeffrey and Edward Clark to help create a documentary about the murder of Seth Rich for The Rebel, a far-right Canada-based website. Jeffrey Clark was arrested by the FBI on gun charges after saying that the Jewish victims of the October 2018 Pittsburgh synagogue shooting "deserved exactly what happened to them and so much worse". Posobiec later said that he had never heard of Jeffrey Clark and had never made a documentary about Seth Rich, even though HuffPost published photographs of Posobiec and the Clarks working together.
He has repeatedly published posts containing the white supremacist code "1488", or the Fourteen Words, and is a supporter of the slogan.
It shouldn't be a surprise to anyone he's a Trump supporter.
9
Sometimes, the commoners, that is, people like me, have the right "common sense." That said: how is it possible that Trump is not out of office just for his unbelievable coarse, self-defeating and anti-American tweets? How is it possible that we let a fanatic Gorsuch at the SC; how do we let a Kavanaugh deciding also fundamental cases at the SC when he was furious and totally partisan to be part of the highest Court in the US? How? And, I am no "specialist" in any matter, just, I am a commoner, applying common sense in a world which seems to have lost it.
3
Junior Trump is cut from the same bolt of cloth as his father. No Trump has ever served in the military. Grandpa was kicked out of Germany for avoiding military service . Senior Trump stayed out of WW2 and made millions on US gov't contracts.Trumps brothers and uncle all avoided military service. Giuliani got out of the draft. Mark Levin, another faux tough guy. The whole lot of them couldn't make a patch on the uniform of ColVindeman.
7
So, another deceptive headline, yes?
Where is this 'war room'. What's in there? Who's in there?
How did they get there? Are they paid? How? By whom?
What were they doing before this?
Do they have their own bathroom, or do they have to share?
If we hang around the White House at dusk, can we watch them through the window?
Please...report more.
How much direction do they get from the White House?
What does Trump do to help out?
And other stuff.
@oogada From the article:
"Twitter has become the Trump war room. The president and his supporters, including his family, have used Twitter to frame his defense, torch his Democratic inquisitors and try to undermine public officials, like Colonel Vindman, who have testified against him."
If you had been reading closely, or had the comprehension ability to digest what you had read, or in fact read past the headline, you would have realized that the phrase "war room' was being used metaphorically.
2
Do not dwell overmuch on this awful crisis, on these incompetent lying scoundrels granted power by our fearful propagandized countrymen.
Instead remember the greatness our country has known — Washington, Madison, Lincoln, Roosevelt, Eisenhower. American voters have elected great leaders, and we will again.
The lies and the madness of Trump and his minions will be washed away. American democracy WILL be restored. Partisan hatred will fade. Our people will be reunited.
These are dark days. But the power our collective belief in the dream of our Founding Fathers will overwhelm the corruption of Trump. We need only to believe and to work together as brothers and sisters in this fight. We shall not lose.
2
Can we please petition Twitter corporation to ban Trump?
Others who do not follow their rules have been banned, so why give this man special treatment?
3
It is something to be expected from a disturbed child, a bully, a draft evader, to attack anyone who is better than they. However, we do not a president of the USA to fit into that group.
3
The NY Times writes today the following without qualifications:
"Mr. Trump made his own witness request Thursday morning, declaring in a tweet that both former Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr. and his son Hunter Biden 'must testify.' "
Too dry by a country mile, folks. Those witnesses are not pertinent. That request is based on a baseless lie.
2
Trump is a draft dodger, a tax evader, and now a traitor.
His son is a wastrel. Did Jr serve in Iraq or Afghanistan?
It is atrocious that this pair would impugn the character and patriotism of a decorated serving officer.
I hope NY puts both in prison in 2021 for crimes committed in 2016 and earlier.
7
Please stand firm, Lt. Col., you will be on higher ground when all is said and done.
2
It seems that there is no low that the cowardly criminals will stoop to in order to defend another coward.
No ethics, no honesty seen in this administration.
3
I appreciate all the comments in support of Colonel Vindman, especially from the military community. Has anyone else noticed that it is no coincidence that Colonel Vindman is Jewish and the Trumpian charges remind on of the "dual loyalty" and treason charges against Dreyfus?
Also, what would it take to just get rid of Twitter? Do we really need this? Seems like we were perfectly OK before Twitter. That would take away Trump's mouthpiece and magaphone.
4
The reality is that immigrant families are typically far more patriotic simply because they CHOSE to come here and were spared from the toils and tribulations of their original homes. He arrived as a three year old. My father, a first generation American, gave me a deep sense of love and appreciation for the majesty of the US, in particular it's freedom. I assume Vindman had the same experience, and is likely much more a patriot, meaning seeing our country as a burning light for freedom. It is ironic that those who want to extinguish that light, meaning Trump and his minions, attack him for events that never happened.
123
@Joe Solo I have served with plenty of immigrants who joined to get their citizenship or to gain financial stability. When faced with hostility against their native nation, they express conflicting loyalties. The vast majorities of veterans and military strongly support Trump for what he has done to strengthen veterans benefits and the military. We appreciate that he is bucking the State Department and DC in general.
@Qcell My mother's family came here because Jews in Poland were murdered because they were Jewish. She was ten. No allegiance to a country that wanted them dead. Colonel Zindman, was three when his family fled oppresion. Ukraine did not exist; his family fled Russia because they also were Jewish.
My mother was the most patriotic person I've ever met. Thanksgiving was her Christmas. Every Thanksgiving she'd say a special thank you prayer.
10
@Qcell
I hope you're mistaken about the "vast majorities". What, exactly, has Trump done for veterans and the military? I'd like to see some details. Thanks.
5
The words attributed to Col. Vindman by Hickman (look down on uneducated Americans, talking up Obama and globalism) are such obvious current Trumpist tropes (not even used in 2013) that their falsity is obvious. I understand that the press has to verify things, but such statements really don't deserve to be dignified as worthy of serious investigation.
126
@NYer Precisely. The phrases used are too pat, and too closely echo some of Trump's and his sycophants' talking points, as you state.
11
It's more clear than ever that loyalty to President Trump supersedes loyalty to country. I never thought I'd live to see this, something I'd associated with dictators.
46
These tactics are so transparent. Attack the witness. Smear their character. Complain about the process or the investigators. All this while he already openly admitted to crimes against our country's interest. Just read the transcript. Even though it was locked up and modified to sound better, it is still a crime. His obstruction of a legitimate investigation is also a crime. As were his payoffs to silence women. How much does the GOP need? Haven't we heard enough? Lets rid ourselves of this cancer and move on.
31
This is more confirmation of what I think most people have suspected about conservatives and Trump leaning folks. They never actually cared about America, the Troops, or the ideals that the country stands for. As soon as it’s convenient, they immediately give up all moral and “common-sense” positions that they loudly held before. Let’s turn up to vote this time around and reverse this trend, eh?
24
I now consider Trump supporters to be among the most unpatriotic, anti-American groups that exists. They are part of a cult of personality, rather than people who believe in and support the US Constitution, its checks and balances, co-equal branches and explicitly stated rights.
They want some kind of imperial/papal presidency that has nothing to do with the documents on which our laws are based, and willingly support a man who betrays our allies and follows the orders of foreign leaders.
37
Despicable and desperate tactic. These attacks are beneath the dignity of the presidency. Hopefully witnesses will be fortified in their resolve to provide testimony. If the impeachment is dismissed in the Senate, the inquiry will serve an important purpose: voters will have a more complete understanding of their candidates.
14
Just saw the headline and don't have time right now to read the story (but I will). I just wanted to ask why the Times and every other news outlet continues to use what sounds like playground bully language. I realize that trump does this all the time and it's the only way he seems to know how to interact with people, but must the news media also breathlessly use descriptions of physical violence when describing juvenile verbal behavior?
2
@Diane Trump allies are using internet punches; blows to truth; justice and fair play
4
You don't have time to read the story, but you have time to write a comment about the headline? And what precisely are you objecting to? The word "punch"? Oh, horrors!
1
Trump and his Republican enablers are the antithesis of what the framers intended for leaders of the democracy that the crafters so carefully and cleverly crafted.
8
Poor guy gave his blood for a country that doesn’t even exist anymore.
14
How swift is Hickman's boat?
6
How much more disgraceful behavior is required for the other 40 % to recognize this charlatan for what he is. He is deceitful. He is ignorant. He is unskilled and he is ruining our democratic republic by moving more and more toward authoritarian dictatorship. The time to change is NOW.
I am a 75 year old retired white Vietnam Vet who just does not understand rewarding idiocy. Please, my fellow Americans....WAKE UP!
17
So they’re swift-boating Col Vindman? The lack of bona fides among his attackers is evident.
16
Trumps use of language has the same affect of the classic mafia wannabe character assassin: take other guy down, end of story.
4
Ok, a few things. First, even if something disparaging about the Country was said, when did this become a damning thing? The US stands for freedom of speech. Are we not entitled to express negative views about it, without fear of our reputation being tarnished? Why should negativity about the US, about which much that is negative can definitely be said, impugn our credibility?
Then, if he were an operative for Ukraine, as Giuliani implies, he would be on the US Administration’s side, wouldn’t he? The President of Ukraine is all for saying there was no quid pro quo. He is defending the account of the current Man in office (whose name must be written never). Ukraine wants to have amiable relations with the US Administration , insofar at least as the Administration is not explicitly in support of a complete takeover of Ukraine by Russia, which may actually be the case.
But at least officially, we support an independent Ukraine, and its President is taking our President’s side, therefore if the witness were a double agent, he would, too, right? This seems to suggest his allegiance is with the US, not Ukraine.
6
For a group (Trump and his Administration) that talks transparence are anything but.
If Trump wasn't a coward and as innocent as he believes he should not care who testifies.
His goal seems to simply to wear down the American people, the people he has sworn to serve, with lies an innuendo.
The rest of us should not let him or his cronies get a way with it. Trump is a disgrace to the US and democracy in general.
9
lying. spreading false information maliciously. dividing the country with dog-whistle diplomacy. undermining the service of people who risk their lives for the nation. the nation he is sworn to protect and defend. oh and of course reminding everyone of how smart he is, how much people like him, what a good businessman he is!---why is this pathetic fool permitted to even have a twitter account?-this nonsense must never be repeated-we must remove this stain as soon as possible
10
If this is as good as it gets for the Trump side of the equation it is obvious that his ship is sinking and the rats will soon start jumping overboard. Is this what will now come be known as the QAnon defense? Preposterous! More than preposterous. It seems that Trump has trained millions not in the art of the deal but the art of the lie or that good deals require even better lies. Since Vindman has a Jewish background (haven't the Jews from the Ukraine suffered enough?) this stinks of vicious anti-Semitism. That's my counter-conspiracy take on things.
8
I'm a 20 year retired veteran and for a draft dodging CINC and his cronies to attack an active duty Colonel, awarded with medals no less is just pathetic. This is leadership at its worse and does nothing to build camaraderie . Trump should resign for sheer incompetence.
21
The people who would do this sort of character assassination are the lowest of the low. Men and women without honor. Probably Russian trolls.
This will not play well in the Upper Midwest where there are a large number of Republicans from the former Eastern Block, especially the Ukraine.
5
So, he was heard to "laugh 'about Americans not being educated or worldly.'" OMG, could he have been channeling DT supporters as early as 2013? Maybe he was talking about the average Russian and that just got lost in translation.
3
This is the state of the country now. A clueless, narcissistic charlatan who is fighting with people who respectfully served our country and bravely spoke out when they saw something was wrong - our "President" is a CRIMINAL. The world sees this. Trump got caught. This time it's not so easy to make it all go away. GET HIM OUT!!
14
First, Thank you Col. Vindman for your amazing and heroic service to our country!
America is behind you all the way and will thoroughly support you through this new battle for the soul of our nation!
Shame on low life, Donald Trump, for his repugnant and disgraceful attacks on you, a highly revered decorated military hero.
It's obvious Trump is brain damaged from his "personal Viet Nam" which he describes as "dodging STD's" during his "dating" days while you, Colonel, at the same time were on the real battlefield frontlines risking your life for our nation.
Donald Trump doesn't deserve to even be mentioned in the same sentence as you, Col. Vindman.
So now America is to believe this predator and world renown serial liar, Donald Trump, whose daddy bought him fake bone spurs medical deferments because Donny was too cowardly to serve.
Col. Alexander S. Vndman should sue Trump for defamation of character.
13
Nothing against the article, but he's a Lieutenant Colonel. I know we call them colonels all the time, but when writing their name, Lt. Col. should really be in front of his name. Not Colonel.
6
@Nicholas
Agree.
Trump is not man enough to take things when he’s been accused for things he’s definitely done. That’s him as a person. An ugly person who attacks and insults because he hasn’t the guts to take it. That’s all he has... His childish bully ways to handle things... It’s not even sad... it’s ridiculous...
9
Is there a way to utilize some sort of 'gag order'?
2
@Ann Heymann
Gave me a belly-laugh.
Thx
1
@Ann Heymann: It's called the next Presidential Election.
1
Why does Twitter continue to provide trump a platform to spread misinformation, disparage minorities and women, and generally manipulate public opinion to achieve his personal gains while holding public office? Freedom of speech must always be analyzed in the context of the responsibility for such speech!
4
I am an immigrant, a Naturalized American who came here as a kid just like Lt. Col. Vindman. I know what it is to love this country and still be relegated to second-class status and to have my allegiance questioned. To do this to a decorated active duty soldier who has served his country honorably is a disgrace, but also representative of Trump's xenophobic, anti-immigrant heart.
14
Just so it's clear - our President is attacking our security and diplomatic professionals, the people who help our country carry out policy and look out for United States' interests abroad.
These attacks are to protect a man who held back funding approved by Congress, to help an ally deal with rebellion backed by Russia.
And also, what else happens? Well, Mike Pompeo, in another Times article, tries to pretend that Iran's recent actions aren't based on the fact that there was a large international effort to rein in Iran's nuclear program, there was an agreement Iran was complying with, until Pompeo's boss unilaterally left the international agreement - which had been working.
"Iran is moving toward being able to develop a nuclear weapon in a short time frame, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Thursday, calling Tehran’s actions to expand its nuclear program “extortion” that should inspire “all nations” to increase pressure."
We had pressure until Trump spitefully destroyed another accomplishment of a former President and the US diplomatic and intelligence groups Trump hates so much.
8
Together all of the various Tweets and other reactions by the president and his minions about the impeachment inquiry seem as though we are all being forced to watch a deranged soap opera that plays all day long, over and over, on a screen that we can't turn off.
Additionally, the people whose depositions have been given so far, including Lt. Col. Vindman, have the respected credentials, demonstrated dedication to service to their country and apparent legitimate claims to knowledge about the president's Ukraine dealings.
Placing these facts alongside Mr. Trump's penchant for distortion of facts and outright lies, his complete lack of professional background, credentials, or overall respectable job performance--ultimately, which take on the Ukraine dealings (not just the July 25th phone call) do you end up believing in this inquiry?
Overall, there isn't much at stake here except the ability for a formal impeachment of the president of the United States granted by the U.S. Constitution, and the immediate and future tenor of our political foundations.
2
Trump about John McCain:
“He’s not a war hero,” said Trump. “He was a war hero because he was captured. I like people who weren’t captured.”
The moment he said that, we all knew that trump is a little little man that knows nothing about duty and honour.
Lt Col Vindman, probably loves and respects the US more than people that were born in the US. It's frequently the case that emigrants are more grateful and appreciative of their country than any others. As for 'dual loyalties' - he arrived her at the age of 3.
Shame on those that would disparage a good man, for the sake of a bad one.
8
It's ironic that Mr. Trump, whose catalogue of self-disqualifying statements is enormous, uses a vaporous allegation of a single utterance by someone else as a weapon to protect his position. It's also sinister: See how the question, "DID Colonel Vindman say that?" becomes the inescapable focus - particularly as people add wind to the balloon with statements like, "Guys I’ve served with — and trust with my life — served with LTC Vindman and saw the same thing” - yet all the while the room is fully wallpapered with Mr. Trump's documented statements bashing every institution and ideal imaginable. He seems to know a thing or two about the techniques of hypnotism.
2
To this day, I remain astonished at the absence of outrage when President Bonespurs, on a world stage in Helsinki, did exactly what he is so quick to falsely accuse others, including LTC Vindman of doing.
5
Anyone who cares to understand this process of innuendo and rumor can experience it quite easily, in a safe experiment. Next time you are with 5 or more people, play the children's game of "telephone". Sit in a large circle. The first person whispers to a second a thought of a hundred words or so. That second person whispers to the third, and so on...until the last person is ready to whisper back to the first. Instead, that last person shares what he (or she) understands the message to be with the group. Guaranteed, the message filtered through the group will little resemble the original storyline.
My point is that one does not even have to start a false rumor. Just start a rumor. The very nature of spreading tales out of school guarantees mistruths.
The fact that a man, in this case the President, doesn't come right out and say what he thinks, in front of a microphone, but states to the peanut gallery they will soon hear the other side of the story, is a promise of lies to come. Guaranteed...especially if his rumor mill is peopled with flunkies like Giuliani, Paul Manafort, and Michael Cohen.
And...tweeting the rumor after it has already begun rolling is not communication. It is gossip.
2
The lawyer for the so-called whistle blower has now been caught tweeting way back in 2017 how he and others were setting up a "coup." This is all manufactured — just like Mueller's. And soon this house of cards is going to fall. Wait until all the reports are in from the investigation into the investigation.
2
@Len
I'm waiting.
And yes, there is a house of cards that's going to fall.
I really didn't know that the White House/president had this kind of power. It makes me physically sick to watch the misuse of america's credibility by trump as he dismantles everything good about us. The Col. who served our country in war and has a purple heart/combat infantry badge/ and airborne jump wings does not deserve this dishonor. My only hope is that in one year we will get rid of this ogre, and the replacement has both houses minus Mitch and rebuilds our trust and honor within and without. All I we can do is Resist.
4
Uniformed, decorated servicemen are not above reproach, especially if it were proven they are actively working to undermine the President’s foreign policy goals while working on the NSC staff. Lt. Col Vindman is there to advise the President, not make policy, nor carry forward the previous President’s policy...and if he doesn’t like it, he should feel good knowing there is a high chance he can be employed in the private sector.
1
Wasn't his own wife working towards less bullying online? I guess Ms. Trump knows where to start: husband, stepson and their staunchest supporters.
2
Are we surprised by this behavior? When you don't have truth or substance on your side you attack the process or those who speak out. It's the only thing Trump & Co. have.
4
My first thought when I read Mr. Hickman's account was: "does Mr. Hickman speak Russian fluently?" Because of course LTC Vindman would have been speaking Russian to Russian troops, as per his position and job description. Sure made me wonder about his account. Especially the part about how his friends reminded him of the event, because he has a TBI.
.
3
We are witnessing a rapid and historic unraveling of the fabric of our country’s institutions. In just three years, American ideals of truth, integrity and justice have been strained to the point of disintegration. What is now taking place is mindless mass hysteria in support of a truly despicable man and his enablers. Like any successful dictator, Trump will go to any length to retain control, even if it destroys the whole world. If he is re-elected, he will continue to inflict great damage on the lives of average Americans.
5
In 2016 Election, Donald Trump - a known cowardly Draft Dodger - insulted Senator John McCain, a decorated Vietnam War veteran with decades of respected Public Service, for being captured in the Vietnam War when his fighter plane was shot down. Inspite of his disgraceful public record & obnoxious conduct, 40% of American Voters chose Donald Trump
as President. The real problem for American Democracy today is not Donald Trump who will leave by 2024. The real problem is the psyche of the American people who approve & applaud Donald Trump-like thinking & behaviour & who are there to stay for all time.
4
The smearing campaign is no surprise and a well worn tactic within the Trump family.
In fact it's at the heart of the impeachment allegations, that Trump abused his high office to smear Joe Biden via a foreign government with the intent of affecting a U.S. election.
The military aid component just places an exclamation point highlighting the depths of his corruption.
6
When you can't refute the facts you smear the truth tellers. In addition, it has been Trump and his minions who have denigrated our institutions and, in particular, our intelligence services because they found Russia meddling in our last election for their fair haired boy, Trump. In fact, it was in part at Trump's urging during the campaign: "Russia if your listening...". It is clear to me who the real patriot is and it is not Trump.
7
I'm reading this excellent nonfiction book written by a psychiatrist and came across this passage: "Sociopaths are people who lack conscience and are unable to empathize with others. As a result of their deficits, their life stories are often a litany of crimes, deceptions, damaged relationships and encounters with the law. Successful sociopaths can get away with their antisocial behaviors for a long time, because they are undeterred by scruple."
Does this remind you of anyone?
6
There’s a lot of truth to the quote of the Colonel with the Russians. I don’t see how that could be considered un-American
1
How could anyone in the military, or who was once in the military, support this person who slanders our bravest, most patriotic heroes?
Our country is so very fortunate to be able to call people like Lt. Col. Vindman an American.
6
This is exactly like the service-evading George Bush having people attack his presidential opponent, a man who actually served in heavy combat in Vietnam, spreading false character assassination stories. It is long past time to stand up against these vile tactics, and to take the offensive against these perpetrators of dirty political tricks. Most importantly - deliver a stunning defeat in 2020 to the Republican party. And no mercy in victory - all supporters of Trump are guilty of the same crimes against democracy and decency, and do not deserve the dignity of any kind of political compromise (are you listening, Biden?).
3
Exactly what I thought would happen. Colonel Vindman is being discredited by Mr. Trump and his son. The colonel risked his reputation by testifying. All who dare go against the President are maligned. Terrible. I am hoping the saying "What goes around, comes around" will happen to the Trumps.
5
I guess for Trump to verbally attack Colonel Vindman’s character and motive is his version of a desperate "Hail Mary" play because nothing else is working and more and more witnesses are coming forward with the truth.
And to think my uncles, cousins, and brother fought in WWII, Korea and Nam only to have this impostor of a president disrespect and insult the integrity of a Lt. Colonel who fought and was wounded in Afghanistan.
Trump's words and actions are beyond reprehensible and horrific. They are unpatriotic and criminal.
5
As a veteran and a Gold Star dad, it astounds me when I see veterans or Gold Star families support trump despite his cowardice and insults towards veterans and Gold Star families. And of course his attacks on war heroes
How sad his supporters don't seem to care trump is a man with no honor who doesn't deserve their support
3
By publishing the innuendos, rumors and smears, you give credence to them. You make them seem like they should be given equal weight to testimony given under oath. Maybe you should re-think this.
Any Officer who, after career service, attains only the rank if Lt.Colonel was either incompetent or problematic. Face facts, shall we?
@ej cullen Hmm, yes, let's face facts, not your assumptions:
George Patton became a Lt. Colonel in 1934, age 49, 25 years after graduating from West Point.
Vindman is 44, and has been in the military for 20 years.
In addition, according to Wikipedia:
"During his Army career, Vindman earned the Ranger Tab, Combat Infantryman Badge, Expert Infantryman Badge and Parachutist Badge, as well as four Army Commendation Medals and two Defense Meritorious Service Medals.[1]"
Not including his Purple Heart.
You clearly, and probably intentionally, misused the phrase 'career service' to imply that Vindman's career had run its course, and that he has been in the military longer than he actually has.
Members of the US military should keep in mind who threw those who defeated ISIS for them at the cost of over 10,000 of their lives to our 6 were stripped of their forward defenses on Trump's orders--and then attacked and thrown from their multi-generation homes as we pulled out our air support.
Yes, our US military ran "like dogs" (as Trump would say) while pelted with rotten potatoes so Trump could present his "perfect master" Putin a nice little country as a birthday present. The Russians celebrated by occupying a US forward base abandoned so precipitously the Russians could broadcast the mess hall scene of half-eaten abandoned meals to all the world.
Dear members of the US military and other US citizens: Did this action by your president make you proud to be an American?
There is no excuse for live-streaming "Fox-spews" in every military post. (Yes, I know they had the best coverage of the first Iraq invasion over a decade ago -- but the military needs to get their facts straight.)
4
Sondland lied under oath, his "I forgot" is the oldest excuse in the book. Can we hope he is prosecuted for it?
4
It is neither president Trump’s fault nor colonel Vindman’s.
It’s Obama’s failure and his catastrophic lack of strategic thinking and leadership.
The problem should have been dealt with a decade ago in 2009.
Even a blind person should have known that we live in a century of rapid rise of China and that the entire geopolitical game should have been designed to successfully cope with the most populous country in the world.
The containment should have started right there on the west border of China with Russia.
The White House should have invited Moscow to join the NATO together with Ukraine. By doing it we would bring Russia into the western block, make them a staunch ally and secure the access to colossal reserves of whatever minerals, ores and energetic resources exist over there.
Russia’s NATO membership would have prevented Putin’s anxiety and sense of being cornered or encircled, thus creation of bad blood between Moscow and Ukraine and annexation of Crimea.
Today’s problems should have been prevented a decade ago...
Maybe I have failed to notice something criticaly important.
Why did the Obama Administration refuse to court and invite Russia to join the NATO? To make China stronger by pushing Moscow into its orbit?!
Invite Russia to join NATO to protect against Putin's aggression? Sure, that would work.
3
@Kenan Probic
Get over it.
That was then, this is now.
Lots of historical mistakes made by our country’s leaders, of both parties. But never, ever has there been a president so incompetent, so compromised, or so corrupt.
Trump is a national security threat.
1
@Kenan Porobic Your hypotheses have absolutely nothing to do with the article's content, nor the greater issue of Trump's lack of fitness for the Presidency.
1
I am remember a time - in the 1960s and 1970s - when speaking out against the Vietnam War was construed as undermining the U.S. military, and therefore a seriously un-American act. Anti-war demonstrators were reviled, beaten at rallies and demonstrations in the name of patriotism. Yet now we have a president - the commander-in-chief of our armed forces! - who enjoyed the luxury of five deferments during that time vilifying a decorated veteran,a ranking officer who was wounded while serving his country. In the words of the late Dick Gregory: "Whole world's gone crazy."
6
It should frighten every remaining Trump supporter that their "Commander-in-Chief" publicly attacks, and encourages public attacks on, Lt. Col. Vindman.
For anyone who still believes it is worth supporting Trump, ask yourself what you would do if subjected to his social media attacks. If your answer is that you cannot take him seriously, then you must admit to yourself that Trump is not fit to be president.
If you take him seriously and believe it is appropriate for a president to communicate and attack individuals as Trump does, then I recommend that you slowly and carefully read our Constitution, the Federalist papers, and take the citizenship examination we require for immigrants. (Just in case you missed basic civics in school.)
For "extra credit," take some time to read any credible history about fascism, Leninism, Stalinism, and Maoism.
If, after all that, you still believe Trump is "your man," then please accept that your liberty, freedom, and independence are at risk. Accept that the person who is supposed to serve all of us as president should have more power.
After all that, I would ask you to apologize to all the families whose kin died or were injured to help guarantee the United States.
But, if you cannot begin to understand any of this, I can only pray for you.
2
@Chris
Powerful statement Thank you.
1
"Jim Hickman, claimed he had overheard Colonel Vindman — a major at the time who was chatting with Russian soldiers during a military exercise — laugh “about Americans not being educated or worldly” "
Even if corroborated, a statement that Americans aren't educated or worldly isn't bashing, it is the truth.
7
Anyone that Trump attacks must be on the right and honorable side. I have never known a person as ghastly as Trump. Senators McCarthy was a saint compared to Trump.
5
Is it possible to block Trump's Twitter account?
This would be the most patriotic act of the last 10 years.
4
The behavior of trump and his associates are on display for all to see. Their words and misdeeds are being recorded for all to see.
Ethics 101: Witness a wrongdoing? Report it!
Common sense 101: Knowledge of the difference between right and wrong.
Being Human 101: Strive to be decent, to be a free thinker, develop mental filters, use a moral compass, act with compassion, and don’t make fun of others...especially those who have a disability. The list goes on...
All those who support trump are accomplices to his crimes.
All those who support trump are not patriots.
By virtue of supporting trump, you are a poor representative of what is good and decent about being human and undeserving to cast your ballot.
4
Time for massive, peaceful protests.
We cannot tolerate this.
4
Since Mr. Trump and his sons are whiny cowards, their strategy is no surprise.
Real leaders lead with trust and respect. They share credit for success and take responsibility for failure. Does this sound remotely like Mr. Trump. I think not. Please, Mr. Trump man-up. The quickest way to resolve this controversy is to take responsibility, apologize, and commit to cleaning up your act.
1
Thankfully because of Twitter the President has a way to bypass the fake media. Msm would never publish the truth if it in any way supported President Trump.
The left and msm would love to see the President unable to use Twitter.
I am sure conservatives would create an alternative to Twitter if that were to happen so that the truth could still get out to Americans.
What about the truth that doesn’t support Trump? There appears to be a lot of that...
3
@John Gilday Trump is not a conservative. You really should have used a more appropriate phrase, the kindest of which is probably "right-wing".
I feel so sad for America and for our Constitution. It may take 50 years or more to crawl out of this very deep hole.
5
I feel the domination of Twitter by Trump and his White House aids who wrote for him is a violation of my free speech.
Like a bellicose fog horn continuously eructing deliberate falsehoods for no other purpose than to propagandize everyone, Trump/Twitter is preventing meaningful discourse between citizens.
Trump is violating my 1st Amendment Rights.
2
There’s a pattern nobody seems to be wondering about, it seems: asking officials to make statements that benefit Trump, which he can use to his advantage, even when they’re false.
All he wants is to use them in the short term, which helps him for a longer purpose.
There seems to be a pattern, it can’t be a coincidence.
1-asking Ukraine
2-asking Burr
And possibly others have also been asked.
Which leads one to wonder whether this is what happened with Comey.
It leaves one wondering what really happened when Comey made his investigation “letter.”
I think in light of these recent revelations, one has to wonder what really happened!
The Ukraine “investigation” would presumably have been revealed just at the optimal moment, just like the Hillary Clinton “letter.”
I don’t think Comey has really been clean with his “letter.” It seems fishy when you see the pattern here!!!!!
@Freak
Good point. Coney has been awfully evasive when asked about his "letter" decision during several interviews he has given.
Two words: Swift Boating.
3
I would suggest to Trump and all his supporters to remember this quote "To announce that there must be no criticism of the president... is morally treasonable to the American public." Theodore Roosevelt
5
Let us pray that Republicans cling to the boat anchor that is Donald Trump all the way to the bottom of the historical abyss. After what they have put this nation through in two disastrous presidencies and farcial Congresses, they have no business holding ANY public office. They and their Russian mob bosses are an ongoing criminal enterprise. Rise up, true blue Americans!
1
Unlike Watergate, this one will be what did the president, vice president, secretary of state, etc. know and when did they know! - The true answer will mean that we may have our first female president who was not elected holding the seat for the first elected female president!
When you can't attack the message, you attack the messenger. Trump will be forever shamed by his actions.
1
SHAME, SHAME, SHAME on those throwing mud on the Lt. Coll. Trump's sons did not serve either in peacetime or during a war in the service of their country. It is easy to bash others and make up stories that are unsubstantiated. They should be ashamed of themselves, if they have any consciences at all.
2
reminiscent of the "Swift Boating" of Sen. Kerry. Spread made up rumors and smears and repeat them as much as possible so they become akin to fact.
1
It is eerily clear, for anyone looking at the US from the outside, how you are progressively slipping into totalitarian regime. Trump values blind loyalty over competency, that much is obvious. He clearly thinks he is above the law, above everything. He will do ANYTHING to hang onto, and increase his power and influence. Contant lying, bullying, intimidating all while being as dumb as a rock.
It is scary (and depressing) for the international community to see the US on that slippery slope, complete with King, family members amassing the power, and blind, loyal subjects willing to do anything to please their lord.
1
How I wish Trump would read the NYT comments every day. Better yet, have them read to him while he is in his jammies drinking cocoa and watching morning cartoons. Alas, he wouldn't understand the big words...
1
If the president had dual loyalties, at least we could then be sure one of them was to the United States.
If Trump admits it, and his team confirms it, and everyone on the call and involved corroborate the situation, what is the point of smearing these people? It’s one thing to argue about intent (including the “Trump’s too dumb to intend to violate the law” defense), but you cannot attack admitted facts.
What is needed in our schools is not just the teaching of facts and events, but of practical skills as well. Logic and reason and discourse and their relationship to the internet must be at the core of basic education in all US schools.
Future generations can ill-afford to fall into this trap we have set for ourselves.
7
@Susan: As a recently retired college history instructor I couldn't agree with you more about what education needs to emphasize from kindergarten through high school. The toughest problem I had to deal with in teaching students was getting critical thought to occur in their reading and writing or verbal discussions. The majority of students just wanted to copy the ideas they had been exposed to without question--many were lost about how to examine ideas and then form their own thoughts and conclusions based on those ideas. This is dangerous in a democracy.
1
@Susan Practical skills of logic, reason, discourse, and geopolitics and a keen understanding of Russian history.
2
@Cate
Sadly, there are too many teachers who are not well-versed in these subjects, either.
However, it might be useful to develop a curriculum based on rewards that bolster positive learning and build student confidence, giving them a sense of accomplishment for spotting and taking down such things as faulty reasoning and gas-lighting techniques whenever they come upon them.
1
Trump has certainly excelled at creating enemies in every branch of our government. By spreading these innuendoes about Colonel Vindman he has once-again demonstrated just how callous and feckless he is.
Lies, lies and more lies, when will the dam burst?
24
Sadly, if the dam of lies hasn’t broken yet, it’s hard to tell when - or if - it will ever break.
I've lost track of the number of times Donald Trump has bashed the US, its military and intelligence communities, its news media and its cities to Russia. Colonel Vindman's supposed example of "US bashing" has yet to be verified but our president's many examples are on the record.
30
There's a special kind of Orwellian irony when the person being accused of partisanship is being accused by hyper partisans.
20
@PK It’s not ironic at all. “1984” was written about Trump and all lying, smearing fascists throughout history.
2
If this mess is ever settled I for one think the trump's should be invited to leave the country, and leave their passports on the table, never to return. They can move to Moscow, Manila, Beijing, etc. where they might be welcome.
40
North Korea. Remember he is " in love"
2
... Almost 3 years in the presidency and I know I should get used to it, but so frightening to witness at what lengths those people are ready to go. My support to Col. Vindman.
33
Republicans defending the president rather than reality on this topic, please review the fact that you've been led to endorse conspiracy thinking over real people doing their jobs.
Who so far has verified the truth of Trump's quid-pro-quo
- his own lawyer
- his appointees - under oath
- decorated veterans now in diplomatic service
- intelligence officials
- diplomats his lawyer hounded out of their roles
- his own mouth
- members of a foreign government (an ally of the US, not Trump's ally Russia)
Yet this attempt to force the leader of an ally to publicly announce an investigation into Trump's rival, and to investigate a debunked conspiracy theory from 2016, is disputed by whackadoodle conspiracy mongers who think QAnon isn't just appealing to the tinfoil set.
GOP elected leaders - siding with fantasy land doesn't reflect well on your oath of office.
23
@b fagan
"No Latin was ever spoken in the Ukraine call. Ergo, no Quid Pro Quo! Quod Erat Demnstrandum!"
_Trump defense
2
@Big Text - true. It will be that or we'll here Lindsay Graham shouting that there was no mention of squid quota in the perfect call.
Of course the far right corners of the internet are habitats of conspiracy mongers AND foreign agents of misinformation and disinformation. All of us need to be aware all the time that comments and tweets are not in many cases what they appear to be including comments in the NYT. And one more thing: smearing his opponents is as natural as breathing for Donald Trump.
9
Another reason for impeachment. How is it in any way acceptable to have a President lead such smear campaigns?? It should be beneath the dignity of teh Oval Office. Remember when Obama was in trouble with conservatives for not being formal enough in the Oval Office? And now we have this aberration! He is the opposite of what you expect a conservative to be like. Maybe because he is not a supporter of conservative values but only Trump first values guy who has a stranglehold on the GOP, an organization that used to promote traditional conservative values. I mostly lean more liberal but I can appreciate the need for a conservative viewpoint to balance out societal progress. Trump is not that.
14
.... with limited success/results. Really, how low can they go?
6
I served in the Army and am disgusted by the questions being raised about Lt. Col. Vindman's loyalty by people who have never served in our armed forces.
Not only is it wrong, it is a foolish political strategy as it is more likely to drive away any remaining support in the military for President Trump and his administration.
21
If you look at our own recent history, this is exactly what trump did to Obama with the birther conspiracy theory. Once again, trump utilizes completely unfounded conspiracy theories to goad on his followers and smear those he considers opponents. This is not evidence but lies designed to tear down legitimate witnesses. This is how banana republics work, this is how fascists work. He cannot cow the media so he'll bend the rules again and use Twitter and his rallies, his platforms of choice to once again try to destroy what is the idea of America.
20
@Rebecca R: Even worse the "Birther" Issue was completely false. The US Constitution says that every person born to a US Citizen is a US Citizen at birth no matter when they were born. So even if Obama was born in Africa, he would still have been a US Citizen at birth. I believe that Republicans became the party of lies and anti-American with the Obama campaign. Nothing they have done since changed my mind on that issue.
This will look good on their resume'.
I do hope the Military and all their families remember the these increasing baseless attacks on the honor of those that serve this country when they go to the ballot box. Republicans talk a good game but when push comes to shove they care only for themselves not the greater good
14
I notice that Barr does nothing with this blatant witness tampering. He is complicit in the conspiracy perhaps?
14
The copius reports of trump's malfeasance outlined in this NYT's and other media outlets in this country and across the globe, demonstrates to me that trump sees voters as dupes and not as fellow members of a union, Republican legislators continue to enable him, has only philistine political skills, and like all despots, will implode under the weight of his incompetence. Who wants to go down with him? I don't!
8
This sort of tribalism and blind loyalty reminds me of the the Fells Acres child abuse trial, and the Salem Witch Trial mass hysteria.
We have people who did something wrong, and to cover it up they spin the actions of others into something far more horrid and false.
The end result for the accused in Salem was death. For Tookie Amirault, it was "admission" to get out of false inprisonment. What will it be Col. Vindman and others who are being "accused" by the hysterical GOP accusers?
Yes, this is a witch trial. One of actual patriots doing their duty to expose the wrongdoing of Donald Trump.
This is truly scary stuff. Genocide's and purges are made of this.
13
Why not do this to Vindman? The Swiftboating against Kerry worked ... so why not do it again to another decorated veteran?
The sleaziness of the Republicans, who love to say they support the military and veterans, yet waste no time in denigrating the same, sickens this veteran.
22
“You’ll be seeing very soon what comes out,” Mr. Trump said on Saturday,...”
Translation: “I don’t have a clue what will happen next.”
Pulling an unaddressed envelope from his suitcoat’s inner pocket, Mr. Trump begins to describe, in glowing terms, the “beautiful letter I received earlier today.”
Translation: “This is an empty envelope. Let me share with you my delusions of just how much I am loved.”
Perhaps, for the remainder of Trump’s presidency, for the benefit of the American people, a “sanity translator” might be appointed to provide rational text messages at the bottom of the TV screen during his incoherent public rants. An intelligent, well-informed individual, trained in the interpretation of the ravings of those afflicted with severe personality disorders, translating these wild lies into clear statements, could help the country see just how ill the president truly is.
“I don’t know if it’s true or not, but a lot of people tell me...”
Translation: “I’m about to invent something really nutty. Possibly hateful. Prepare for a whopper!”
16
Supposedly Bill Taylor’s testimony met with sighs and gasps in the room. Nothing worthy of either so far from the histrionic Democrats or their toadies in the media. For a second act we have Vindman parading around with all his medals overacting and overdressed for his part. Rating: no stars.
1
Before Trump became our President, could any American have predicted that someone running for office would take a completely fabricated story from the National Enguirer that claimed that Senator Ted Cruz's father was involved in the assasination of JFK. This is the paper that recycles stories that Elvis is alive, that we didn't land on the moon, that Aliens have taken over the minds of our leaders. Any who had a ounce of integrity would not allow themselves to be associating themselves to such ridiculous slander. But not our President, he actually suggested that his followers check it out, that the story was true.
Please try to remember this fact when the Trump propaganda team starts to slander Taylor and the Lt. Colonel with lies and stories from the net. They will be of the same quality as the Cruz slander. The Trump team will say anything from anywhere to attack these American heroes. They have no standards, there is no lie too fantastic for them to peddle.
9
Col. Vindman, thank you for your service. I hope you are reading all the supportive comments here. Trump’s scurrilous attacks and those of his minions only make your light shine brighter.
17
Trump is destroyer. I have known for along time that he was a megalomaniac narcissist, but I have come to the sad conclusion that he actually enjoys destroying lives ( countless people who he bankrupted through his shady deals), reputations ( no need to go any further than Obama and McCain), livelihoods (countless vendors he shafted and never paid), and nature (just look at his zeal to make our water and air dirtier). He enjoys seeing people without health insurance. He enjoys seeing people struggling to make ends meet. He enjoys insulting everyone. I could go on and on. Unless he is removed from office by whatever means are feasible he will enjoy seeing our country destroyed, economically, socially, militarily, and humanly.
To the Lindsey Graham’s and McConnell of this world, as well as to Fox News, and their cohorts on social media, I say shame for supporting and encouraging this wretched human being.
14
the attack n Colonel Vindman's character is classic trump behavior beginning with his Republican rivals during the primaries through Hillary Clinton, Democrats, the disabled to anyone who does not support him loyally. You may be on his side for decades, but one word that steps out of line can trigger an attack. That we should take any such attacks seriously is absurd as is almost anything he says as attested to by over 13,000 confirmed lies spilling out of his potty mouth.
6
A decorated colonel vs. a coward?
Well I prefer a decorated colonel with a reputation of courage and integrity showing consistently all his patriotism and sense of responsibility.
A liar, swindler coward man doesn't change his poor qualities even if at a certain point of his life gets the badge of president.
17
Why would any member of the armed forces support a draft dodger like Trump after the way he treated John McCain, Gold Star families, and now Lt. Col. Vindman?
That's what puzzles me...
11
@Matt Because Trump is white. It comes down to racists supporting a racist who happens to be on a very visible, powerful stage. They will do anything to keep him in power because he shares their hatred and ignorance.
2
Leave it to Team Trump to attack an intelligent, honorable, honest patriot because he speaks a foreign language, while at the same time Trump barely speaks 8th grade English.
12
Shameful and irresponsible behavior by trump, offspring and followers. Not surprised though. Still cannot understand why people fall for this sham artist and his reality tv presidency.
7
The 'twitter' platform is chock full of disinformation deliberately created to sow doubt, confuse, redirect and obfuscate the truth on a variety of political subjects on a daily basis. It is a technology that has devolved civil discourse and political debate. Worse, it is a refuge for lazy journalists that can sit in a cafe and write copy all day doing nothing but reading twitter rants. Please...ignore it.
2
@J House Thank Russia for that---Twitter is not to blame. It's a tool. The word "disinformation" was coined by Stalin BTW.
1
Any veteran who votes for Trump is a disgrace to his uniform.
10
Purple heart. Combat infantry badge. Paratrooper. Army Ranger. Who would question Col Vindman's loyalty to his country? Those defending a draft dodger with "bone spurs."
74
I was attending the day they taught law in school and seem to remember that witness intimidation was a crime, a serious crime. Why is this not being pursued as a crime by DOJ?
25
Hmm - Americans not being educated or worldly. Well, as an American who has lived overseas for half of his working career in Asia in Europe, I would say that statement certainly has a bit of truth in it!
13
Let’s remember that the whistleblower brought his concerns up his chain of command, which found them credible. Vindman did the same but was rebuffed - the response was to bury the transcript. There is no valid defense of Trump’s actions. That’s why he’s turning to personal smears.
14
Let's assume the alleged remarks by LTC Vindman, as quoted by Jim Hickman are factual:
“about Americans not being educated or worldly” and talking up “Obama & globalism to the point of uncomfortable.” The first part I couldn't possibly disagree with. And as to the second, the "Obama and globalism", which I assume would be a personal, but not a compromising disagreement in policy, is a political/economic opinion presently heavily endorsed by Trump and his policies. Do such statements rise to the level of questioning LTC Vindman's patriotism, integrity and trustworthiness? Of course not and it shouldn't matter, even less so because Hickman's accusation is unsupported and coming from a man whose intensions as a QAnon follower are, to say the least, questionable.
8
I wonder if the Trumps actually believe these unsubstantiated theories or if they know they’re not true but use them to their advantage anyway.
7
@YFJ You have to wonder? They will do and say anything!
5
I am never surprised when Trump says or does anything. I am not surprised at the number of uninformed people who get their information from one source only. But I am shocked at the number of people in the GOP who support and excuse the disinformation spread by Trump and his supporters. If Col. Vindman said that many Americans are uninformed and gullible, he is right. I bet that more than half of the U.S. born citizens could not pass the test that is required of immigrants to become a U.S. citizen.
Perhaps the U.S. education system is to blame.
13
Since Trump supporters have suddenly become very fond of Latin phrases, let me add one more to the mix. Ad hominem. It is a logical fallacy where an individual does not respond to the logic and facts of the argument, rather, the individual engages in a direct personal attack against the person presenting the argument. What the Trump Administration is doing is nothing less than, what is it, I know there's a word out there which explains it all, yes, now I remember, deplorable.
17
Reminds me of Swiftboating.
12
Ah, Republicans: when they're convent to use as a cudgel, it's "Support the troops!" When it's not, the troops are the "deep state."
I hope my more conservative fellow vets understand that Trump and the GOP DO NOT CARE ABOUT YOU AT ALL.
16
I suffer, because the amount of dishonesty I've witnessed from the Right is truly depressing. And there is so much wealth and power behind it.
For ,decades already I've noticed Republicans accusing Democrats of what they, themselves, the Republicans are doing. It seems to be a tactic. As soon as you do something devious, immediately accuse the opposition of it.
You can track Republican misdeeds by listening to what they accuse Democrats of doing.
14
For the good of our country, Twitter should delete the accounts of all those who engage in slander and calumny. Failing that, it would be better for all to boycott this app and find another way to communicate and express opinions. It just strikes me that Twitter is the cudgel of choice for disseminating utter lies, and for sowing discord and confusion. How much of this corrosion can our society withstand?
5
There have to be some sort of laws that Trump consistently breaks with his denigration and insults of so many.
Do slander laws cover any of this? Can anyone sue him? I wonder why no one has already.
Independent of anything Trump has done to warrant impeachment, how can everything Trump has done in the last three years be allowed in a civil society. There have to be laws that cover some of this.
Every morning, I feel as though I am beginning a new nightmare.
6
@Rich The President of the USA is protected from slander suits for things he or she says in his or her official capacity. Otherwise the opposing party would be continually filing charges against the President.
1
"....Attachés are expected to overtly collect information on what is happening in the country in which they are posted, as well as collect information from unsuspecting foreign officials through casual conversation. The allegations made by Mr. Hickman may simply describe Colonel Vindman playing his assigned role."
Given Vindman's role at the time, it makes utter sense that he would chat up the Russians and include some utterly innocuous modest critiques of the US to get a bit of the same coming from the Russians. That Hickman turns this into character asassinalion is "how-it-works" these years...
3
This country needs a dictatorship to make the big business economy hum with lower taxes and everyone in his or her place, understanding everyone’s role in the system. All we need to do is slowly erode the constitution with the leadership of one man who isn’t afraid to fire anyone who disagrees. “You’re fired!”
Or, 20 Republican senators can decide to convict Trump, get past him, and put up an old fashioned conservative like Kasich, because the Democrats are too far to the left on the economy and identity politics for most Americans in key electoral college states.
1
“Its incredible how evil the Democratic Party are.”
Perhaps more incredible is someone issuing this partisan condemnation using alleged political partisanship as the basis to question credibility. Pot, meet kettle.
2
and The New York Times is reporting on what he said, she said, he said and so on. Instead of during more investigative journalism you're following TWEETS. Thanks for the information now back to work.
4
It's Show Time, folks! And with some very unimpeachable (no pun intended) witnesses.
But first, let's address terminology: Just as the euphemistic “collusion” should not have obscured the legally more accurate conspiracy, the exotic “quid pro quo” should not replace the more familiar term extortion.
Trump conspired to commit extortion for his own political benefit. He should be impeached and removed from office.
8
Joe Mccarthy’s attacks on the Army led to his downfall. Let us pray that history repeats itself.
6
@Michael
Hail Mary pass?
None of his virulent attacks to date have moved the needle, to the contrary they have metastasized throughout the body politic infecting it to a dangerous level.
To name a few attacks:
Gold Star parents Khizr and Ghazala Khan
Gold Star wife Myeshia Johnson (even retired general John F. Kelly got into the act on that one)
John McCain
retired Adm. William McRaven
Every day now I wake up to more news of Trump and his denigration and insults of good people; his uncaring attitude about his fellow man/woman; his essential ugliness. And, I think, "He's our president!" And so many people love him.
And it is so odd. I am a 60-year-old man. Not the extreme macho type but far from weak or soft. Regular guy. I don't want to sound overly dramatic but I get depressed reading this stuff and, occasionally, I quite literally feel like shedding a tear or two. The day may come when I actually do.
I can get through this, I know. But if it continues for years to come, will my kids be able to?
8
“The allegation made by Mr. Hickman MAY simply describe Col. Vindman playing his assigned role” or it MAY be totally made up. I’m going with choice number two and furthermore the chance that junior Trump did not coordinate his tweets with his Daddy is zero. The Trump family and their enablers are simply despicable, The released phone call, Trump’s Chief of Staff, plus Trump himself have confirmed the entire sleazy business. They simple deny its impeachable. I look forward to next week’s hearings.
3
The attack on Colonel Vindman is lower than I thought the Republicans could go. Joe Biden said that after the election, the Republicans will have an epiphany. I agree with Biden, but how will this epiphany manifest itself? I thought of the flying monkeys of the Wizard of Oz. When the Wicked Witch of the West evaporated; they put down their weapons and blamed the witch for their behavior. They were simply hypnotized by her evil influence. It’s nice to be able to point to trump as an evil influence, but it is too simple. Don’t let any of these people blame trump for their behavior. After the election, hold them to account.
5
Trump’s war on truth, morality, ethics, honesty, civility, and everything decent is essentially a war on America and everything that it stands for.
Republicans have seriously been looting and betraying the country for 40 years, and are increasing their steam rolling and bullying to push back against true patriots.
This is a true test for America.
2
Well, we know Trump is untruthful through and through. That leaves Vindman standing as the paragon on virtue here. It is easy. We know of the negative (Trump). That leaves his accuser (positive).
3
Once again Trump proves there is no bottom to how low and disgusting his attacks will go.
And Trumpers prove they are fully in the grip of a cult of personality to their false idol Trump.
The names of those he has slandered in the military and who have served in addition to Lt Col. Vindman; Senator McCain, Capt. Khan and family, Gen HR McMaster, Gen Mattis, Gen Kelly, every US Intelligence agency – Civilian and Military, Countless judges, congressmen and congresswomen, and Senators, and I am quite sure I am missing many others.
With Trump it is about kneeling before him always, always about Trump and all things Trump.
3
“STOP IMPEACHMENT! STOP THIS COUP!” I wholeheartedly agree with that statement. Democrats have been desperate to remove Trump from office ever since he was elected. Come, Brennan , Clapper and Mueller failed. Schiff never provided the "evidence" he claimed for 2 years to have. The transcript of the phone call speaks for itself. The coup attempt will fail.
3
This is NOT a coup by any definition. The house is following a perfectly legal, constitutional procedure. For those of us with some critical thinking ability left it’s pretty clear that Trump commuted an impeachable offense. He did this to himself because he has no morals, no understanding of the constitution, and no end of hatred for anyone who opposes him.
3
Lt. Col. Vindman is a patriot who has served his adopted country with honor and distinction. To falsely attack him shows how low the Trumps and their supporters will go. None of the Trumps have served their country; they are amoral grifters.
1
Even after three years plus of this kind of characteristic Trump assault it is amazing how much traction is generated.
The right wing media loves it to death. Nothing better than a whacked out dark fairy tale to excite and delight the faithful.
3
It is Trump that I worry about when it comes to being chummy with the Russians, not the colonel. It is Trump that I worry about when it comes to being friendly with the Russians, not the colonel.
2
Unfortunately, this ~will~ get legs because the "I love the uneducated" rubes will eat it up.
The "if it's on the internet it must be true" set will pass this around like their houses are on fire.
4
Ad hominem attacks are a common tactic when the evidence is irrefutable and the perps have no other defense. In fact, ad hominem attacks are tantamount to a confession of guilt. If the perps had evidence they were not guilty of an offense, they would present their evidence.
Ad hominem attacks can be effective; think of the Swift Boat “veterans” attacks on John Kerry. Fortunately the Trump camp is not merely corrupt, they are comically incompetent. A thoughtful person can see right through their amateurish lies and cheesy conspiracy theories.
Case in point: Of course Lt. Col. Vindman spoke in Russian with the Russian troops. His language skills were one reason he was assigned to the task. Duh!
I speak German and French, so guess what I was tasked with.
2
You realize that your article suggests to the rest of the world that the US is run by deeply cynical and corrupt people and that this reflects badly on American society, right?
2
@Andreas The truth hurts.
1
By vilifying Vindman and keeping Trump in office, senate republicans, Pompeo and Barr are serving their constituents.
Their constituents are the 1% who fund their campaigns and expect favors in return.
Kinda like Quid Pro Quo.
Serving the nation is a distant second. Addressing Climate Change is not even third. Trump's guilt is so incredibly obvious only a fool or liar would deny it. But that's exactly what Moscow Mitch and his cohorts are doing. Denying the obvious so their patrons make $$ polluting the planet at the exact time they should be addressing Climate Change.
After the lefts many false allegations against trump it is no wonder that his supporters will dismiss anything now being true or false. It's like the little boy who cried wolf one too many times. Democrats were warned against the 2016 coup d'état. Now the chickens are coming home to roost. As soon as Trump is again cleared of all this and the dust settles there will be more moderates and/or Democrats that just stay home in 2020. Trump wins again.
3
Feel free to name a false accusation against Trump. It’s actually pretty hard to imagine what one would look like, given his mouth and his behavior.
7
Vindman is a hero. Too bad the military has also produced complicit Trump enablers like Kelly, McMaster and Mattis.
3
Have they no decency? Have they no sense of shame?
2
It is incredibly distasteful for Trump who has never served in the Military because of bone spurs, for both his sons and son in law who have no known reason to not serve except for cowardice, disparage this honorable soldier so that he, Trump can benefit from his corrupted Presidency with
the maliciousness of the republican party standing behind
this administration, and once again the failed Lindsey Graham, a Military Lawyer (Thank God he is not now practicing his craft for he has lost the credibility to protect and defend anything regarding the Constitution)claims to disregard this fine man's testimony, what else can one say when Graham says he dismisses the whole process, can you imagine the Right Honorable John McCain ever having considered this damaged person as a friend, I can't, Lt. Col Vindman is a man of honor Trump, Gaetz, Jordan (one need investigate his participation in the coverup of the Ohio State sex scandal, this man seems to use his office as a government representative as a ticket to evade investigations, after all now he is on the Intelligence team, what does a wrestling coach know about law except in his case evasion of responsibility)Meadows, Ratcliffe,these are people who have never known the word honor, the country should stand tall for Lt. Col Vindman and should weep for the sorrow and humiliation brought upon the country by this corrupt President and accomplises, Lt. Col. Vindman will be looked upon with Grace in history, Trump will be reviled.
1
For those repulsed by Trump and his supporter's defamation of honored officers who testify to his crimes, please look at who he supports, as well.
Why does Defense Secretary Mark Esper have to appeal to President Trump to allow the military justice system to proceed in high-profile discipline cases? Why are Trump's interventions causing concern among Pentagon leaders?
Who does Trump offer to pardon? Military miscreants!
Trump pardoned a former Army lieutenant serving time for killing an Iraqi prisoner in 2008. He is intervening in other cases now. https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/pentagon-leader-appeals-to-trump-to-allow-military-justice-cases-to-proceed-unfettered/2019/11/06/db20a086-00c3-11ea-9777-5cd51c6fec6f_story.html
I can only surmise that Trump likes raw power and violence.
Any other better explanations?
The man is unfit to serve as president -- and totally unfit to serve as commander-in-chief.
3
The Trumps show themselves as a bunch of losers.
Sure, Trump made a name for himself, and his family, in real estate and parlayed that success into a globally recognized brand name.
And it was no minor feat for daddy Trump to win the presidency.
But now all this ‘winning’ seems to have gone to their heads, father and sons.
All of them are acting more like thugs than the upstanding citizens they try so hard to portray.
1
Stop calling Vindman a Russian or Ukrainian. He is a Jewish refugee from the former Soviet Union. They didn't consider him to be an ethnic Russian/Ukrainian at the time and certainly nothing has changed over the decades. My Jewish ancestors left the ghettos of Poland and not once have we ever called ourselves Polish.
3
This is the new age of McCarthyism with dolts like DonJr. and the paranoid fringe acting as surrogate attack dogs. Believe that now is the time for Democrats in Congress and decent Americans to confront these unpatriotic attempts to avoid accountability by those in power. It is clear that they will stop at nothing.
2
It's called Swift-boating after the attacks on Kerry in 2004. Perhaps many of the attacks on US Grant during the Civil War were similar... that he was a drunk, etc. At least in the Civil War we had a president who understood Grant's talents, without which perhaps the traitors might have won that war.
Republicans used to call themselves ...
the Party of Lincoln
or the Party of Opportunity
or the Party of Freedom
or the Party of Values
or the Party of Character.
Now they are ...
the Party of Lies.
1
We stand with you Col. Vindman and we are very proud of you.
Same goes for everyone coming forward in the name of truth and decency and democracy. Thank you.
Republicans with a shred of integrity & moral fortitude - where are you?
5
Great timing from Trump. Lets attack the military on Veterans Day. Shows his true support for the military. "Thanks you for your service"...NOT.
As a veteran I find his actions vile and repugnant.
4
I keep thinking I can't get more appalled.
4
Those who continue to support Trump in the face of his crimes and insults to American heroes are traitors to everything this nation has fought and died for.
8
Don jr.'s openly undermining the integrity, morality and fortitude of Lt. Col. Vindman is outrageous and disgusting. But we couldn't expect anything less from the spawn of a deliberative war coward, who evaded sacrifice through blatant graft not once but five separate times in the Vietnam war ... a draft dodger par excellence. Over 58,000 americans sacrificed their lives as he carried on his self-serving hedonistic life style immersing himself in the Manhattan party scene cynically boasting that “fighting venereal disease was his Vietnam”.
4
The Trump presidency is inherently fraudulent and dishonorable. That’s the only explanation needed for their behavior toward Vindman, an American of integrity and honor.
3
Nobody likes a snitch...go figure. Ask Linda Tripp.
Today, Schiff surreptitiously posted a transcript naming his covert impeachment collaborator. Apparently this partisan political operative has no credibility either.
Whenever you talk to people from different counties they all have the same view of Trump, that his an uncouth liar and is absolutely corrupt with no ethical standards. These people don't get the same news we get, that don't hear the same talk-radio, they are totally unbiased. The way the world is judging Donald Trump, that is how history will judge him.
2
I really wish Twitter would block his account.
5
Do you know how much has “come out” about Trump for the past 40 years?
1
Their only defense is lies.
2
Hard to believe the Republican Party is more apt to believe Donald trump junior, a man born with a gold spoon in his mouth, than a Decorated Purple Heart US military man.
3
Admittedly off this specific topic, but today's View on ABC with DJT Jr is one for the books. Suggested viewing.
But it is related in the he outed the whisteblower.
It worked against John Kerry
1
I am a retired Air Force lieutenant colonel. I served in uniform for 26 years; six of those years were in the former Strategic Air Command. It is atrociously un-American for Trum or any of his apologists to verbally attack Colonel Vindman.
594
@Alan C Gregory
My spouse also retired with the rank of LTC after 26 years; six were with SAC. He is appalled, as you are, with the attacks on LTC Vindman. Furthermore, he cannot understand any current or past military supporting trump.
84
@Alan C Gregory
Especially with something as incredibly flimsy as "a random guy from Florida claims he overheard him say something bad about America once".
38
@Alan C Gregory
It is neither president Trump’s fault nor colonel Vindman’s.
It’s Obama’s failure and his catastrophic lack of strategic thinking and leadership.
The problem should have been dealt with a decade ago in 2009.
Even a blind person should have known that we live in a century of rapid rise of China and that the entire geopolitical game should have been designed to successfully cope with the most populous country in the world.
The containment should have started right there on the west border of China with Russia.
The White House should have invited Moscow to join the NATO together with Ukraine. By doing it we would bring Russia into the western block, make them a staunch ally and secure the access to colossal reserves of whatever minerals, ores and energetic resources exist over there.
Russia’s NATO membership would have prevented Putin’s anxiety and sense of being cornered or encircled, thus creation of bad blood between Moscow and Ukraine and annexation of Crimea.
Today’s problems should have been prevented a decade ago...
Maybe I have failed to notice something criticaly important.
Why did the Obama Administration refuse to court and invite Russia to join the NATO? To make China stronger by pushing Moscow into its orbit?!
3
This argument has nothing to do with the military character of the informant. It is about his political bias and personal political views on how a president should conduct foreign policy. His integrity to denounce the method for implementing foreign relations is what impugns his testimony. He has never conducted a foreign relations meeting as a member of the diplomatic core and thus lacks the experience to judge the volition and purpose of such a meeting. Also, his testimony was never allowed to be cross examined by a member of the republican party. The testimony was guided to its conclusion by Shiff's Democratic representative. This does not allow for full disclosure and places in question the purpose of this testimony.
5
@JLC
You are 100% incorrect. The Republicans were given the exact same amount of time to examine the Lt. Colonel. The Republicans were allowed to cross examine the Lt. Colonel. You need to listen to some other news source the Fox. The fact that the Republicans didn't take advantage of their question time does not mean they were denied that right. Please step up your game.
4
@JLC Arizona; Trump broke Election Laws; taking anything from a foreigner to win election breaks laws.Using taxpayer money approved by Congress to blackmail Ukraine is highly unethical; but you just keep ignoring laws and ethics
3
Bribing a foreign government to intervene in our elections is not conducting foreign policy. And many, many, many very experienced state officials have given the exact same testimony, so complaining about Vindman’s credentials in this regard is moot.
I wish Vindman and his family strength right now as his courage and integrity will make this a difficult period for him. Trump and most his supporters are amoral and unhinged but history will vindicate him.
Trump’s only strategy at this desperate point is to assail or deflect. The emperor has so little clothing that he’s starting to claw at his own skin. It’s going to be fun watching him circle the drain.
3
Funny how this same righteous Lt. Colonel didn't have a problem with President Obama and Vice President Joe Biden engaging in a quid pro quo with the same country on the very same topic — foreign aid — when it came to getting rid of a prosecutor who was investigating a company that Joe Biden's son, Hunter, was being paid lavish sums for a no-show job.
It's pretty safe to say Lt. Colonel Alexander Vindman is himself a corrupt fraud and partisan hack. And his accusations against Trump for what was an un-executed quid pro quo (versus Biden's which was in fact executed when the prosecutor was fired) is a clinical case of projection.
6
That conspiracy theory has already been thoroughly debunked. By multiple parties. But you just keep repeating it to yourself while the rest us keep marching forward towards cleansing the WH of this threat to the Constitution.
6
Really? Got any credible and reliable sources to substantiate your claims? Otherwise, it’s pure speculation and conspiracy theories.
4
Your whataboutism carries no weight in this scenario. Even to give your concern a benefit of the doubt (of which we shouldn’t, because it is not at all tantamount) We are talking about the current sitting president, dangling US money - your money, that is - to politically benefit an upcoming election. That is a stark kind of corruption that should only happen in banana republics.
5
Shame, shame and shame on Trump and his cult followers to slander a war hero? History will judge these people as no better than traitors.
27
DT...”I love our military and our generals. We have the best. Except, well, Vindman, McCain, Mattis, gay military members, those that get captured, ones registered as a Democrat...”
27
The entire Trump tribe, never known for its military chops, have no shame. The sooner we rid ourselves of this virus the better.
19
Who needs sedition laws when you have the President engaging in witness tampering?
14
@Jeff Bowles Witness tampering? Isn’t that wha Schiffless was doing when he refused to let a witness answer questions?
@ Jackson
Not even close.
Esquire Zaid has destroyed this entire sham, thankfully, with the publication of his tweets assuring the demise of Trump immediately after his election. Time to get over it, NYT.
1
Do you mean like the frame-up of Gen Flynn by Obama's former DOJ officials?
1
Should Congress include witness tampering in its Articles of Impeachment?
9
The United War Veterans' Council has invited Donald Trump to participate in the Veterans' Day Parade in New York City this coming Monday (11 11 19). He will lay a wreath in Madison Square Park and make remarks.
https://americanmilitarynews.com/2019/11/trump-to-open-nycs-veterans-day-parade-first-president-to-ever-do-so/
There are no words....
NOT my president
8
This is right out of the Putin playbook. Trump learned from the master.
7
Lt. Col. Vindman is a true patriot and respects the constitution, the president and his son on the other hand are not. They just work on one diabolical scheme after another. They are just like Dr. Evil and Mini Me !!! And you know that junior does not do anything without the direction of his dad, as is the case with trying to out the whistleblower. The whistlebower is also a true patriot and should be lauded for what he/she did.
7
The bottomless bottom of Donald Trump has achieved its latest new low...
9
Trump and his ilk have nothing but lies. So one must expect them to lie.
10
Innuendo from the dark corners of the internet equal lies. Please, in this hour of Constitutional Crisis call them what they are. Trump will not stop lying. His children will not stop lying. His cult like followers who have access to national media will not stop lying. The Russian trolls, the Russian bots will not stop lying.
9
What else can you expect from our immoral vindictive POTUS?
6
Another groundless character-assassination like the Swift Boat Veterans for Truth’s defamation of John Kerry.
8
@Don Pirrigno - sadly, Trump and his allies have developed a cottage industry in impugning patriots like Vindman and Kerry. He trashed Khizr Khan, whose son who died in Iraq because Khan criticized him at the Democratic National Convention. John McCain, of course. Somebody should put together a rap sheet on Trump’s denunciation of people far far better than him.
1
Why is it that the NY Times feels the obligation to prove to the far right Fox News viewers that they are "fair and balanced" by blasting - over and over again - the "unsubstantiated charges" (i.e. blatant lies) against anyone who the far right Republicans want to smear?
Why is it that William Barr and company knew that if they just got Ukraine to investigate Joe Biden, the NY Times -- trying desperately to prove its' "fair and balanced" bona fides -- would be blasting "unsubstantiated charges" about Biden in headlines throughout the 2020 campaign?
When this newspaper reports on any charges against Republicans like Trump and Barr, it bends over backwards to act as if proven evidence should always be balanced by slurs invented by Republicans. But when it came to smearing Bill Clinton, this newspaper acted far differently, printing each of the smears (i.e. leaks from Ken Starr's office from Brett Kavanaugh) as if they were truthful and had myriad of evidence behind it that was completely unbiased and truthful.
This newspaper is being played by the fascist forces exactly like this newspaper did in the 1930s when it praised and normalized Hitler and dismissed any worries about him.
Shameful and those who died to protect freedom of the press are turning over in their graves at the NY Times non-stop normalization of those who purvey propaganda and hate.
4
The fact that any sitting president would aim to attack a decorated US officer is disgusting, deplorable and shows great cowardice . Let it be known to members of the military that the President of the United States is NOT your friend. Never mind what the gutless Republicans in the Senate will say, Donald Trump will betray you at the drop of a hat. This is not what you want to see from any commander-in-chief now , is it ?
8
I guess we’ll see the never-Trumper evidence right after Obama’s birth certificate is revealed as fake...
1
Never fear, Col. Vindman. We know who the liar is here. You're a hero and we thank you for coming forward with the truth. Thank you for far more than just your service.
10
If I were editor of this piece, after the reporter confirmed through multiple respectable sources that Hickman is essentially a nut job, I wouldn’t run it. Why amplify this idiocy? Because it’s circulated by right-wing conspiracists and amplified by Trump? Let them accuse you of covering up Vindman’s supposed conversation with the Russians. This is fit for the Enquirer, maybe, but not the Times.
5
How does attacking the people who have dedicated their careers to service of this country make America great? In reality—which I understand is not where Trump lives—these attacks shine a bright light on the desperation of the Trump administration which has no valid defense of Trump other than to make up conspiracies and to attack people.
7
And all of this will be forgotten... because Trump controls the media every day with his lies and vindictive nature. I've stated it many times before in these Comments... what the Democratic Party needs (actually what America needs) is a Press Secretary. Someone charismatic, smart, funny, articulate. Someone perhaps like Stacey Abrams? Every time Trump lies or says something appalling (and this will be every day), the Press Secretary will hold a press conference. If this Press Secretary is compelling, she will grab the attention of the media, and thus, the nation. She will enlighten and inform. The Democrats need to try something new. They can no longer just sit back and let Trump control the narrative.
8
A question for anyone who has the answer --- Why isn't Trump's behavior against witnesses, the whistleblower, and their attorneys considered intimidation of witnesses? If it looks like mob behavior, and it smells like mob behavior...
9
How I wish to add my voice to these comments. But there is nothing I can add. The best I can do is to forward the article and its comments to many others. Of course, my figurative hat is off to these commentators. Where would we be without them?
4
When Trump's shady dealings are exposed, his playbook is predictable:
First, strict denial and coverup lies - and attacks on the free press as "fake news".
Second, vicious character assassination of the messenger via Twitter and Fox "News" trying to deflect from the facts.
Third, shifting his story and replacing one lie with another as more details become known.
Fourth, normalizing his behavior: I could have done it, but didn't - and even if I had done it, I did nothing wrong. Or: Everybody does it...
Finally, claiming that he is above the law and cannot be prosecuted or impeached, making a mockery of the legal system.
So far this has worked well for him as he feels unconstrained by facts and is fully backed up by a corrupt Attorney General and elected Republicans who fear him more than the devil. One can only hope that the law and decency will prevail in the end.
8
Swiftboating?
3
Isn't it more than passing strange that a president's son who speaks Polish and arranges meetings with Russian lawyers in Trump tower to dig dirt on his daddy's enemies is now tweeting about someone else speaking Russian and talking to Russians when it was that person's job to do so?
Junior is a minor mob figure, not a source of news and information.
6
@ondelette
Nor credible. He is a family member.
2
"laugh “about Americans not being educated or worldly” and talking up “Obama & globalism to the point of uncomfortable.”
Interesting, assuming it is true Vindman said this, that this sort of statement is considered anti-American by the right. I guess anything that insults them personally is of course anti-American.
2
I don't have an opinion regarding Vindman actions as described in the article, but his testifying to congress is disturbing. Shouldn't he have first reported any problems with the phone call to hi immediate superiors, per military protocols? And once the White House (his Commander in Chief) gave instructions not to cooperate with this Congressional inquiry, he should have refused to tesitfy.
@John
He did report. Military personnel are told and expected not to follow illegal orders.
You can argue whether or not it is illegal for Trump to try to hide evidence by ordering people not to comply but you cannot say anyone who does has done something wrong by showing up and answering questions when Congress asks them to appear.
4
The whistle blower is deeply partisan. The blowers lawyer has come out years ago announcing a coup on Trump. That Trump will be impeached. Why should I believe anyone else? The whole Ukraine accusations started by people planning a coup.
1
Sure Jim. Wisconsin knows about coups. After a Democrat became governor, the republicans in the state house passed laws stripping the governor’s power.
Folks, I think 45 has sent his minions into the libraries to come here and infiltrate the comments, disrupt, muddy the waters, try to rattle the chains here. (Especially after that Florida Library NY Times subscription story!!)
Too many ridiculous coup claims today. If I scroll any further I’m worried I’ll see comments about Peter, Lisa, the dossier, Fusion, Deep State, all the greatest hits.
I haven’t had my morning covfefe yet.
3
@Jim
Like the republicans are doing through voter suppression and denying votes to millions? That is the real coup in this country.
Fox News talking points aren’t facts.
2
The whole Ukraine business started with a guy making a phone call.....
1
Reading about the comments Vindman allegedly made, I don't see anything wrong with them. Those comments are realistic. Americans are indeed uneducated and naive about the rest of the world. Most do not even speak another language or have a passport. They don't have the money for higher education and they can't afford to travel, either, even if they wanted to. There is nothing unpatriotic about stating the truth. Would it have been more "patriotic" if he had he lied and claimed that every American was highly educated and a global sophisticate? Hickman's whole premise is baloney.
5
I admire Vindman, but when he says "The President interfered with our Ukraine Policy,” he isn't showing a very detailed understanding of the Constitution. Lt. Colonels don't make policy. The President does.
3
@Michael Livingston’s I think the Congress had something to do with it.
2
Donny Junior would make a nice target for an enterprising defamation lawyer. It's time for our states to ensure defamation includes spreading false information via unvetted retweets.
4
Messrs. Trump are reacting as expected. They routinely attack servicemembers to distract from the fact that when their country called from Vietnam and after 9/11, they elected have their chauffeurs and thugs hide them underneath the messy ceiling at the 21 Club.
Hickman and Hegseth's accusation is baseless, and its QAnon-brewed substance of LTC Vindman being a "partisan" is telling about where their loyalties lie; it's also rich, being that the pair are genuine partisans themselves (see Hegseth's Princeton commentaries and Hickman's tweets).
3
Why does this man still have access to Twitter?
He lies constantly.
Preaches the most vile kind of hatred.
Retweets "Fake News" that is favorable to him.
Uses tweets to affect changes in the stock market, possibly to the benefit of friends and family.
So will someone please explain to me why this man can continue his infantile and vicious rants and raves? If he were a high school student, he would be charged and punished for bullying.
7
I know there is a lot of interaction between our military and the Russians but since when did we conduct joint military exercises with them? Regardless, LTC Vindman is a battle wounded patriot and those smearing him in defense of Cadet Bonespurs are beyond contempt.
3
When will the "defamation of character" lawsuits begin?
4
Trump has pretty much destroyed the good name of the Office of the President.
2
The one thing I find almost impossible to comprehend: How can any American, in good conscience, vote for and want this travesty to be in the Oval Office. The current administration has not only NOT drained the swamp, but it has added a nest of virulent vipers who try to rule America.
5
Col. Vindman has served his country honorably, and paid the price, as his Purple heart attests, and I give him the benefit of the doubt. Trump uses his office to serve himself.
5
I don't think it's working for T anymore.
It does make his base more stupidly insane, but only works to push undecideds, independents, and some small percentage of GOPers over to the Never Trump side, and further galvanizes the opposition.
Case in point;
Kentucky Gov. Race.
Trump is losing his mojo. Never mind the NYT's and other MSM apologetics for Bevins' loss. ("Well he wasn't very well liked so that's why the D won).
The fact is, in KY this was a monumental 30% flip against Trump personally.
Trump made it a referendum on himself the night before the election.
4
Does Trump ever say anything that is true?
6
Those who have nothing to hide, cooperate. Those who have something to hide, obstruct. Blame the Democrats, the witnesses, and the media all you want. But that will not change the fact Trump forcibly solicited foreign interference in our national election using his personal attorney, Guilliani, and allocated TAXPAYER MONIES, for sole purpose of HIS personal political gains! To which seriously compromises America's national security and the integrity of our election process! Patriotic American citizens, and the US Constitution are the real victims in this situation!
3
Trump's history of lying reflects unethical, immoral, and dishonest behavior. LTC Vindman's history reflects truth, honor and respectful behavior. To which one would you entrust the protection and care of your family and your country? Obvious, isn't it?
3
Colonel Vindman and Bill Taylor, a commander of the 101st Airborne in Vietnam have served this country for decades. True patriots. For anyone to question these men's commitment to the constitution and the United States should be censured and called to testify before congress with their facts. Sickening how low the trump administration and family will go to throw cover for his excellency ,mr. trump.
5
Out with Trump and his entire entourage. "Good is bad, and bad is good."
3
We cannot fathom the depths of "low". We always think we have reached the lowest point but the depth is infinite. To slander Colonel Vindman, well, he is all that Trump is not. Do you hear that Donald? Colonel Vindman is a war hero, a Purple Heart recipient, he is courageous, a word you cannot comprehend, he is honest, and it is NOT possible to tarnish his good name, no matter how hard you and your minions try. Can't wait till your out of office. That will be a day to celebrate!
1
Funny thing. LTC Vindman has served 20 years in the United States Army, including in combat. The entire Trump family, including Donald Sr., Donald Jr., Eric, Ivanka, Jared Kushner and the other spouses, and even Trump's father and various siblings, all put together can't lay claim to a single day of military service to the country. Yet, being the low-lifes they all are, they leap to Twitter to smear a patriotic soldier. Just disgusting.
7
Geez, the soldiers in the Trump war room are attacking a decorated colonel. I hope those pesky heel spurs don’t affect their combat capabilities!!
3
In a response below, Carl ask “what in God’s name has gone wrong with this country “
The answer, trump.
2
"In the United States, the crime of witness tampering in federal cases is defined by statute at 18 U.S.C. § 1512, which defines it as "tampering with a witness, victim, or an informant..."https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Witness_tampering.
It seems to me this is witness tampering??? Thoughts?
"Laws regarding witness tampering also apply to proceedings before the U.S. Congress, executive departments, and administrative agencies."
2
@L
Are you taking about Adam Schiff coaching the whistleblower and a handful of the most damaging anti-Trump witnesses ahead of their testimony?
Dear NYT:
The Times is ignoring the partisan context for this entire "whistleblower" episode, including the close working relationship between Vindman and the whistleblower (who remains a Ukraine aide), and the likelihood that Vindman -- despite his testimony otherwise -- not only knows the whistleblower's identity, but was the original source for the whistleblower's second-hand complaint that Trump was misusing his authority to coerce a foreign leader to "interfere" in our elections.
In fact, the Vindman testimony is likely not "corroboration" of the whistleblower's complaint, but rather a regurgitation of Vindnman's biased report.
The whistleblower himself was an Obama holdover who was placed on the NSC (as a spy) by John Brennnan, and previously with Joe Biden in Ukraine in the same period Biden was extorting Ukraine to fire the chief prosecutor, who was investigating Burisma, the corrupt natural gas company that paid his son $50,000 a month-plus to serve as a director on a board that met twice a year, over the telephone.
The "whistleblower's" attorney, who apparently drafted the complaint guided by Adam Schiff's staff, declared on Twitter that the anti-Trump"coup has started" and that "impeachment will follow ultimately."
His law firm openly recruited potential whistleblowers from the intel ranks and declared that when one resistor falls, another would take his place.
All of this partisanship should be included, not just attacks on the Trump Twittersphere.
2
@Jorge
And after all of that, Jorge, there is still this:
Trump said what he did , and he did what he said:
Shakedown
Extort
Coverup
Repeat
Trump is compromised.
Trump is a threat to the integrity of our election process.
Trump is a threat to our national security.
It has been abundantly clear that trump will defame anyone and everyone who says anything negative about him or his so-called administration. His lackeys then sally forth to amplify his denunciations. My, what a terribly nasty little boy he must have been.
3
We know that “a lie can circle the globe before the truth puts its pants on.” We are witnessing, yet again, the single most successful Trump strategy – smear your opponent with lies. Your article represents the truth slowly pulling on its pants.
This is what the 2020 campaign will look like - a torrent of lies that vilify and demonize democratic candidates. We will be trying to calmly debunk each lie while three more are being spun.
Where is our Joe McCarthy moment, where someone, finally, breaks the spell with a “have you no decency, sir?” pinprick?
3
Well, at least Trump is busy with non-meaningful garbage and staying away from his job minimizing the mess we are already in with the rest of the World. DJM
1
Well, let's think about this. "Hickman, claimed he had overheard Colonel Vindman — a major at the time who was chatting with Russian soldiers during a military exercise — laugh “about Americans not being educated or worldly”.” Hickman doesn't understand Russian and says Col. Vindman *said all of this in English to Russian soldiers*.
Now, if I were a fluent Russian speaker and wanted to badmouth my country to a Russian soldier, with my American CO standing nearby no less, how likely would I be to speak *English* to the Russian so that the American officer could understand me and the Russian most likely could not???
And we are supposed to believe this fantasy?
3
When is Trump going to finally do his job? Where is his fantastic, wonderful, affordable for all health care plan? Where is his great, incredible infrastructure plan? He claims he's putting people to work-where's his proof? Is ranting and raving about his alleged enemies all his supporters expect from him? One piece of legislation--that's all he's passed during his time in office, and that was a giant tax break for the rich. How long can he cling to his judicial appointments as a great achievement? Stop bragging about the economy that only rich people benefit from. Nobody I know has any stocks. Stop holding rallies and start working with Congress to actually do something to help Americans.
19
Maybe it’s just me, but I’ve always found that the truth is strong enough to stand on its own merits without any artificial propping up such as “aggressively push[ing] Republicans and administration officials" and the Attorney General to state “no laws were broken in Trump’s call with Ukraine’s president”
Interesting tactics Trump is using for a call his repeatedly stated was “perfect”. If his attempts at discrediting a witness are not successful, then pile on the pressure to other GOPers and the AG.
Perhaps more and more key individuals are beginning to see and believe Trump’s guilt as well as witness him becoming unglued and unhinged.
19
With Trump, the formula is quite easy: the level and tone of his attacks have a direct correlation with the honor and integrity of the target.
I'll let you do the math.
19
I hope Lt. Col. Vindeman challenges the Republicans on his credibility at the hearings. They have no credibility and he needs to challenge them on theirs. When he's sitting in his dress blues under oath he'll make a compelling witness and I hope he slaps the GOP around on live TV and shows what toadying little men they really are.
21
Nope. I hope he simply sits there, ramrod straight, and just plain tells the truth.
Let the bad guys screech and wave their arms; it’s what Jim Jordan is for. And all that Jim Jordan is for, far as I can see.
3
So it's all right for the so called Commander in Chief to yuk it up in the Oval Office with the Russian Foreign Minister and Ambassador and divulge classified information to them that imperiled the operatives of our ally, but it isn't okay for Vindman, if true, state the truth that most Americans aren't educated or worldly and express his positive opinion about the President and what he perceives as the benefits of globalism?
24
Trump has managed to take the 25th amendment remedy off the table with the VP and half his cabinet implicated - they know he'd take them down with him. I suppose we'll have to put our faith in Betsy DeVos and Mark Esperanto.
8
I know it’s been said before and by others, but Americans need to stop talking to each other through social media thought bubbles.
Some people are so far gone that there’s no talking to them. But that’s not a new phenomenon. Those people have always existed. But Americans desperately need to talk to one another.
Using social media to scream at one another where the post with the most “likes” wins is doing real tangible harm to real world interactions. Nuclear weapons are scary, but they are nothing compared to what social media has become. Facebook, Twitter and YouTube are the real modern weapons of mass destruction.
13
@Austin Ouellette
Exactly what do you suggest? Bussing people to red state America to hang out?
I get they have problems but the only ones providing plans are progressives. Republicans provide nothing but socialism for their rich donors with moderate democrats assisting them.
What exactly should we discuss? I stopped trying to talk to republicans I knew because they constantly turn it into an argument of socialism and communism. What exactly do you want? They watch Fox and act like cult members.
Many of us have tried but I’m not a psychologist. It’s like talking with drug addicts that love their drugs and claim you are the problem. No interests in their abuse. Nor is it our responsibility to fix republicans.
1
Warren Buffet should buy Twitter and suspend Trump's account for his behavior. Or better yet, shut Twitter down. And while you are at it, also shut down Facebook. Neither company has anything good to offer to the world.
17
The nerve of this so called American. How dare he support and defend the Constitution of the United States. Lt. Colonel Vindman certainly would not be so disloyal in Russia, North Korea or the other countries Trump looks up to.
8
How dispirited most members of our armed forces must be under this president. Hope he doesn't try to lead them into war...
9
@Andy
Or attack Americans he calls enemies of the state.
1
Any chance Trump gets to slip into the gutter when he attacks anyone he conceives as a threat he'll gladly do. The liar who's quoted by Trump would have us believe that when the Colonel was speaking to Russians about his country he'd be sure to speak in English. Most people wouldn't buy that, but the right wing conspirators eat it up.
6
Trump and Trump defenders have NOTHING to counter the valid accusations of impeachable acts of extortion on Trump's part, so they have now resorted to the lowest possible "defense," character assassination.
These feckless sycophants have their propaganda bullhorn with reprobate spokespeople such as Lou Dobbs, Sean Hannity, Laura Ingraham and other Fox News denizens, so the MAGA-head rubes who have their eyeballs glued to that propaganda machine will never hear any critique of this scurrilous process. But it is a stain on our democracy that we tolerate this mindless demagoguery.
The elections on Tuesday give me hope that some people, at least, are listening to these serious charges against Trump, but the Republican "red wall" is hard to penetrate.
11
Republicans: Where is your conscience? If Graham and other Senators allow this to go on, they have crossed to the dark side.
12
I wonder if Trumpists understand—and I mean plain old folks who’re gaga for Trump, not just politicians and wealthy guys and reporters—that if they get out into the public eye, and they are thought to be any less than loyal and rabid devotees, they will get exactly the same treatment from Trump and Trumpists.
Best watch the old step, kids. Thing about wannabe Mussolinis, it gets harder and harder to be nuts enough, rabid enough, lickspittle enough, as they careen down the track.
Compared to THEIR demands for Purity, what goes on around the Left is as nothing.
9
I've applied critical thinking to the Hickman account and it is nothing. It has no bearing on Lieutenant Colonel Vindman's testimony to Congress about what he heard and what he was asked to do.
6
Unsurprising from the draft dodger who belittled John McCain. However, George W. Bush deserves a shout out. His 2004 campaign sanctioned the effort that coined the term for this kind of garbage - "Swift Boating".
10
The Trump administration and his MAGA followers can't argue the facts of the case. The 14 witnesses have a consistant story that is backed by notes and they followed the rules by following the chain of command or reporting their concerns to the proper legal authorities. They also have a long history of stellar service to our country. Most were appointed to their posts by Republican pols. Vietnam vets, Purple Heart.
So what does the Trump campaign have left to argue? Smears and lies dragged out of the bowels of the internet. And the 35% of the country that Trump has a lock on will believe whatever they toss out without looking at the source of these lies and slander. They still believe in the birther story, they still believe in Pizzagate, they believe the Hannity led Seth Hill fraud, heck they probably still believe in the Ted Cruz dad murdered JFK fantasy that Trump tried to peddle. Trump has perfected the tactic of throwing out any lie they can find knowing that some of it sticks, no matter how absurd the lies are.
11
Lt. Col. Vindman can add Trump's denigrations to his long list of accomplishments.
11
This "dual loyalty" accusation smears puts _all_ naturalized citizens as suspect. If you or your loved ones are naturalized citizens, think of this before voting for Trump. _You_ and _yours_ will be viewed as less-than-loyal, merely by fact of your birth. You'll _never_ be able to prove otherwise. Trump's logic is in no way limited to this one Ukrainian immigrant. Trump is marking all immigrants, yourself included, as permanent outsiders. Do you really want that?
7
@Ilya Shlyakhter
We have been warning everyone for awhile now.
1
We are 4 days from Veterans' Day and the Republicans have chosen this time revisit the low point of the 2008 election, malign Senator John Kerry's military service on the swift boats in Viet Nam. 45 revived this practice with his disgraceful denigration of Senator John McCain's POW experience in Viet Nam. Now he wants to spread unsubstantiated stories from a web site known for fomenting hate speech to smear the character and military service of Lt. Colonel Alexander S. Vindman. Representative Lynne Cheney needs to speak up again and remind the dishonorable engaged in this deplorable diatribe of hate towards veterans is not patriotic speech.
7
What is quite revealing is that Lt. Col. Vindman knew more about right and wrong, quid pro quo, than the President. Of course, in a veritable sea of ignorant actions from the President, it remains to be seen if it was ignorance or plain corruption.
4
This is what we expect from our low life President. Its all he knows.
6
Weak and amoral men are most fearful of honorable men.
8
My thoughts? Donald Trump is not fit to be our president, period.
9
I foolishly thought the GOP would denounce Trump after his abuse of the Gold Star family - a mother and father who had lost their son, a US Army Major, to Bush's forever wars. I was a naive fool. I did not comprehend then that the GOP is nothing more than a domestic terror organization. Now we know that Trump has been in bed with our enemies, the communist Russians, since before that time. Nothing will fix the GOP except their complete annihilation at the polls. Let the South hang onto their racist gang of elected officials. This country can move ahead without them, as it has always done.
7
Smears, slandering, and engaging in disinformation campaigns against witnesses is not a defense.
This strategy only indicates that such unethical tactics are the only thing Trump and his sleazy "war room" of dirty tricksters can come up with to try to defend the indefensible actions of their lawless president.
How low can they go?
Drain the swamp, my foot!
5
Of what possible public good is served by attacking honored members of our society in order to cover your behind. It only dishonors the one attacking, and shows them for how weak they really are. Perhaps, since the White House has terminated its subscriptions to the Washington Post and the New York Times, those venerable, and thriving, institutions could stop reporting any thing coming from the White House unless it is verifiable truth. That would take the oxygen out of the presidential bubble.
2
I thank Col. Hickman for his service and feel badly for his brain injury. That is NO EXCUSE for trashing another service member for speaking truth to power. When junior officers are disparaged for patriotic acts of courage, regardless of who's in charge, they should be praised for not going along to get along. Hickman blows off from the safety of his disability but dishonors his service for speaking ill of soldiers he commanded....sounds Trumpian to me.
5
When Republicans go low, they are trying to find ways to go lower.
They want to steam roll to get their way.
Very sick.
3
Colonel: What was that?
JM/DT: (inaudible).
Colonel: Oh, yes. That’s right. I also like military service members who aren’t caught. Yes, yes. Thanks, J, D.
DT: (Muffled).
JM: You’re welcome.
Trump and his minions are poison; evil men and women knowingly trying to destroy Colonel Vindman, the Whistleblower, Adam Schiff, their Loyal Opposition, the News media and all those who stand in the way of their greed. Thanks to the Good Men and Women Risking All, revealing them for all of US to see! Thanks to those brave people seeking Justice, the Ordinary People who've devoted their lives to Service and refuse to stand by and watch while the President of the United States enriches himself, his family and his cronies at our expense. These Criminals have put our Country, the Ukraine, our Allies, the entire World even, at risk. And for what? Money and Power. There's no mystery here. It's happened time and time again throughout history. Like those who've come before, we never thought it could happen here, but Trump and his Lackeys knew what they were doing and have ripped us apart in the process with their lies and subterfuge. What will save us in the end is (like many criminals), they're Stupid, Obvious, Careless, Arrogant and (as a result) have been CAUGHT. Now, they hope that their propaganda, their lies, their threats will save them from Justice. I don't think so. The noose is tightening and they all feel it. It will get uglier, but as they squirm and squeal, we must stay strong and resolute. It's over for them and they know it.
1
I don't remember the New York Times getting upset that people were attacking the decorated military hero General Michael Flynn.
1
@Metaphor
Are you referring to the judge who sentenced him after he admitted criminal guilt? What's upsetting about that?
6
@Metaphor why would they...he went to dark side. Convicted felons with Major character flaws do not deserve celebration.
5
@Metaphor
Michael Flynn, who failed to register as a foreign agent? The one who lied and was caught? Nice try, but it's a false equivalence.
5
So should we expect to see the usual shots of the draft dodger president posing in front of cheering service members over the holidays? Maybe outside at the Saudi or Iraqi oil fields ??
4
When a 5x draft dodger goes after a combat decorated Army officer because he had the courage to speak truth to power and expose the criminal underbelly of Trump. It shows a corrupt president is about staying in power at all costs which in my opinion shows Trump is a traitor to his oath and to his office. I say this as a three combat tour vet of Iraq, who stands with Lt. Col. Vindman. This Monday 11/11/2019 lets honor our veterans and not the corrupt 5x draft dodger who attacks active duty servicemembers and veterans alike...
5
In 2013, Obama was president, so by Trump's definition of "USA=me", whatever Vindman said in 2013 he said about Obama.
1
Evangelicals are paying the devil to support trump. Where is the redemption for aiding such a foulmouthed, bad intentioned man as Trump. If they profess a love for Jesus and Christianity they cannot have it both ways. They are paying the devil continually.
3
Let us make one thing clear, trump is a lair. He always has been one he always will be one. You cannot believe anything he says. you also cannot believe most of what you hear from him or his sons tweeter feed. What you can believe are his actions. There he is destroying this country, it's institutions, betraying our allies like the curds and at every turn breaking the rule of law. Everyone who comes into his orbit leaves with less then one brought in, trump destroys them all. McGahn, Kelly, Mattis just to name a few. He should be impeached for telling about 11,000 lies to the American People.
2
Trump acted and directed his twitter attack like the Godfather held his conference with his gang in Louis Restaurant.
2
Times, I think you meant to say 'Trump's schoolyard behavior...'
Hopefully this blows back in their face. Swift-boating a good man will hopefully outrage patriotic Americans and veterans (those who aren't wing nut looney-tunes).
2
Colonel Vindman is Jewish. The “divided loyalties” argument that he’s Ukrainian is just a convenient and more acceptable version of an anti-Semitic line dating back to the pharaoh in Exodus. And spare us the “Trump loves Israel” soundbite. Trump curries favor with Evangelicals, and their “love” for Israel is because they want the Jews to live there and bring about the Second Coming. Love for American Jews with no plans to move to Israel is not in evidence
2
Rush insults Vindman, and mocks that her is a veteran and that the democrats are using him.
Rush did say: "Vindman is the only one of Schiff’s anti-Trump witnesses who was on the Zelensky phone call. Nobody else was on that call — well, of the witnesses"
Of course, now that Jennifer Williams is testifying ...
2
It is Twitter's decision to give accounts to DJT, DT Jr, and a host of other disreputable figures and spread their conspiracy theories and character assassinations. Twitter may or may not pay a price for its decisions. Twitter is not the soapbox for their character assassinations and other lies. The soapbox for their nonsense is DJT currently occupies the Oval Office. In 2020 the electorate has to vote for, and Democrats have the responsibility to nominate, candidates with an eye to remove DJT from the Oval Office and continue drumming out of office, as many of DJT Republicans as possible.
9
Tell me one patriotic thing Donald Trump, Jr. has done. Tell me one time he has risked his life for this country. It certainly wasn’t serving in the military, or being awarded a Purple Heart. He should just be quiet about our veterans.
25
When the late Richard Nixon did wrong, the GOP remain loyal. When the late Ronald Reagan did wrong, the GOP remain loyal.
When G.W Bush did wrong, the GOP planted cement and remained loyal.
Now Trump and his cabal have multiple indictments, and the GOP? They are staying the course. Loyalty to crime.
22
@Tyrone
That is the real coup they project.
Intimidating witnesses? Fantastic. It's a classic mob tactic. The Trumps only like decorated military veterans who weren't wounded and didn't receive purple heart medals.
18
"— a major at the time who was chatting with Russian soldiers during a military exercise — laugh “about Americans not being educated or worldly” Are they kidding? They think this truth makes him a traitor or an unreliable witness? I don't know what the next comment implies: "...talking up “Obama & globalism to the point of uncomfortable.” -- Are they suggesting that he was trying to influence the Russians toward our policies and it made them uncomfortable or it made his superior uncomfortable? Did he actually use the word "globalism" (which became a "bad word" for some but really isn't) or was he just perhaps talking about countries working together? I suppose to the non-thinkers and inhabitants of the dark web it sounds bad no matter what and that's all they care about. Logic and common sense is meaningless and completely beside the point.
11
Not one Trump family member in the public eye has ever served in the American armed forces but they certainly know how to denigrate those who have. Trump’s boasting about being smarter than the generals, attacking highly decorated and long serving officers like John McCain, James Mattis, John Kelly, William Taylor and now Lt. Colonel Vindman is truly beneath contempt. Trump’s political remarks during the 75th anniversary D-Day ceremonies, his disparagement of a gold star family during the 2016 election, his unseemly remarks about “Pocahontas” during an awards ceremony for the surviving Navajo Code Talkers and on and on and on. How any current member or veteran can support this shameful administration and its draft dodging president is beyond my understanding.
29
This is all they have at this point. If you say something against Trump, you must be a Democratic partisan, and so nothing you say can be believed, regardless of how much evidence supports you. Trump and his allies' ongoing attempts to discredit the first whistle blower, despite the fact that everything in the whistle blower's complaint has been corroborated, are another example of this strategy. They aren't even trying to make sense anymore. All they can do is offer fig leaf arguments to keep the cult members believing.
7
Look at the folks who Trump has castigated in order to try to elevate himself. McCain, Gold star parents, etc... Mr. Bone Spurs, concerned only about Mr. Bone Spurs, probably doesn't realize it, but he is losing more and more people, outside of his most fervent zealots.
6
A sitting president trashing a military officer?
He also trashed war hero, former POW, John McCain, who was also Senator at the time.
What do military officers who voted for Trump think of that? Will you continue to support him?
15
Mafia playbook -- go after the accusers.
We have a criminal gang that has taken over the US government. They do not respect the rule of law, are criminally dishonest, and their only goal is self-enrichment. Any "dummy" who is a patriot, is willing to give for their country, and loves their country, is disrespected, dishonored and "outed".
Don't try to speak the truth unless you are prepared to be intimidated, and threatened by the gang. Thanks go out to all the patriots who put country first and are willing to testify as to these crimes.
We need to work to get a functioning government back. This gang -- the Don's family -- is in it for the money, only, and certainly has no understanding of or respect for the rule of law.
14
It is the very character of the 'devil', to destroy others in order for him to survive...so plainly exhibited in Trump. When you lose an argument, employ ad-hominem attacks, and try to destroy the character of the one opposing you...again, this type of approach is in the very blood of Trump...
Will any of the democratic candidates for 2020 be able to last under such bashing?
5
Why aren't the top Army brass stepping up to defend one of their own?
6
To say Americans are not educated or worldly is not a denigration, it’s the truth.
7
Trump will do anything to insure that the impeachment inquiry fails and to be re-elected. Anything.
The Democrats must be ready for anything he or his allies will do to toss a grenade in this constitutional proceeding.
He will stop at nothing. Please, process this America.
3
I will try to quote what I saw someone write in response to a NY Times article yesterday: "The arsonist, caught with a can of gasoline and matches, and holding a written statement that is pretty-much a confession of the crimes, tries to discredit the person who pulled the fire alarm."
The Trump admin is truly despicable and could care less about what is actually good for our country. It is all about the man at the center of it all, the insecure, dishonest, aggressive, mean-spirited, race-baiting, corrupt, and truly empty of all good human values, "president."
8
It is mind blowing to be part of a time when the leader of this country points, blame, disrespect, ridicule anyone and everyone that disagrees with him. To bully people because they do their job and that job exposes your faults or errors. And to think that well over 30% of the people in this countries agrees with him on EVERY issue and EVERY situation. What have we become? We have no common sense. What has happen with EVERYTHING can't be right and EVERYTHING can't be wrong. One person cannot ALWAYS be right and everyone else is wrong. This is not Democrats against Republicans...this is about a right against wrong period. How have we allowed this to continue?
3
When will this end? One more example of why he is not and never was fit for office of any kind as well as an another example under one of the impeachable offense headings. I would hope that a man of Col. Vindman's character and strength can withstand the mendacity. Is this also why so many in Congress are afraid -- clearly they don't have the inner reserves that one might expect or at least hope from our elected officials. P.S. -- Obviously there is no defense of any substance. He did it. It was corrupt intent (as always) impeachable and he should be convicted. Our lives have been disrupted and made miserable for three years. it is the current WH occupant, not the impeachment process doing it.
3
In the parlance of the reality shows from which he comes, let's not just vote Trump off the island, let's vote him off the continent
4
Remember Enron?
The phrase "they're on to us"
I think we are all on to the Trump criminals.
4
If you don't have any concrete evidence you make up, fabricate , dream-up wild accusations and throw it out there creating doubt & confusion..
If the target is forced to respond then your strategy is working.
Trump's supporters have "circled the wagons" and are doing what they do best, attack – attacking by tossing baloney bombs in all directions. It's not about what is right or real, it's about their smug preservation.
3
Like the boy who cried wolf we all know to ignore anything that comes out of his festering maw.
And like that boy, ONE DAY he's going to actually need to rely on truth and no one will be there to listen. He will be eaten alive by his own mendacity.
4
Without Fox News and Breitbart amplifying and legitimizing the lies and smears gurgling up from the looney right wing fringes of the web, it would be easy to discredit such disinformation. But instead this country is stuck in this vile swamp where reality doesn't matter and easily disprovable falsehoods are unquestioned by the sycophants who parrot them on a big stage. This is why more Americans don't see or care how desperate and pathetic conservatism has become in this country. It's not even about conservative values anymore. It's nothing but authoritarianism and fascism. Conservatives have become a cult, unable to question anything they are told, and all too ready to accept any behavior as long as "their side" is winning. "Patriotism," "Morality," and "Ethics" have no meaning to them anymore.
3
This is exactly the reason I cancelled my Twitter account. Facebook is next.
5
Bone spur Trump is trying to swift boat Vindman because it worked against John Kerry. What really bothered me is the suggestion that someone who came here as a three year old child equated with being a Ukrainian double agent.Is not Ukraine our ally? This is the kind of xenophobia that Trump perpetually promotes. Fox News should board up its doors since they are the Pravda of the Republican Party.It really is abominable that Trump continually praises our military until someone opposes him. It is clear to me by attacking a gold star family and an American hero like John McCain Trump’s words of praise for the military are hollow.
4
When this horrific chapter in our history is finally closed, and trump and the liars who lie for him are silenced, will we be determined enough not to let this failed experiment repeat itself?
3
There was no outrage at the treatment of General Flynn. By all accounts his case was entrapment and should be exonerated.
3
@MiguelM - Flynn pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI. Judge Sullivan told Flynn, “Arguably, you sold your country out.” This is not remotely the case with Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman. Vindman is risking a great deal (beside he already risked life and limb on the battlefield) for his country. There is no comparison here to fabricate.
17
Nope, that is not true of retired General Flynn who did plead guilty.
14
@MiguelM Please lay out the details of exactly how, where, and when Flynn was the victim of entrapment?
16
Letting the other side chose the battlefield is a key element in war. This battle is now being fought on twitter .
The other side needs to figure out a way to fight battles elsewhere!
3
@PJM While the extreme tribalists are waging their meaningless war on twitter, the House of Representatives are forging ahead relentlessly with finding facts and building an unassailable case for impeachment in accordance with the Constitution.
3
We must support getting rid of Trump through all lawful means, a.s.a.p. The man thrives on notoriety and hearsay, not having anything to support whatever he does because he does hideous things. Please, before he can do any further damage to our country--not to mention patriotic Americans--out with him and, through the ballot box, his Republican ilk.
20
Trump is great at slandering Americans who don't show allegiance to him.
It is apparent why the GOP is terrified of him. They have hitched their wagons to this corrupt, lying and cheating man.
Now the Republicans are stuck with him because they are scared of him.
Trump will denigrate and trample anyone who isn't loyal to him even lieutenant colonel Vindman.
I truly believe he would denigrate his own mother for his own self interest.
25
Trump is an embarrassment to the Presidency and our nation as he continues to show a lack of decency and fair play. The fact that his 'base' approves is a dark stain on our nation as well.
20
Trump jr. is completely laughable to cite Ltc. Vindman complaining to the Russians. Russians, and bad ones at that, were his traitorous father’s very first guests in the Oval Office.
Vindman is a genuine American hero. The trump crime family is a genuine American disgrace.
For the trump crime family all roads lead to Putin.
26
The trump *administration is like a broken down old rusty car limping down the shoulder of the road on two flat tires.
5
In the 20500 zipcode Amazon has noticed a spike in book deliveries.The Titles.
1. Russian for Dummies
2. Expat Hints for Russia.
3. Avoiding extradition to the U.S. Nations particularly unfriendly to the USA.
1
Yeah well Trump opponents didn't have a problem attacking decorated military men supporters of Trump, right?
(Flynn among others)
You can't have it both ways.
It really does not help NYTimes to show so much bias.
Be objective. It'l be alright.
Flynn is a convicted felon. Safe to say anyone could “criticize” him for his actions. And Obama actually tried to do Trump a favor by warning Trump not to hire Flynn. That Trump went ahead with his hiring tells you everything you need to know about Trump’s M.O., surrounding himself with compromised actors as a way of insulating himself from his corrupt and/or criminal behavior.
13
I do not think anyone of prominence slandered or committed liable against the general that plead guilty to crimes.
4
@Michael Nicula, you're right, you can't have it both ways. Blasey-Ford's questioning is what you people think proper for someone coming forward after many years. Put Vickman and his swiftboating friends in the kleig lights on Capitol Hill and trash his supposed memories the way you did to her. Then tell us about having it both ways.
2
Plainly and simply, Trump is a disgusting human being. As a nation, we MUST decide if this is tolerable and if we want to submit ourselves to four more years of this.
12
Lt. Col. Vindman, this American is with you 100%.
21
"In more than 55 tweets over 47 days, The New York Times found, Mr. Trump claimed falsely that elements of the original whistle-blower’s account had fallen apart or proven incorrect." "On Wednesday morning, Donald Trump Jr. tweeted out an article purporting to name the whistle-blower. He later denied coordinating with the White House."
There's the impeccable credentials and integrity of the NTY AND Lt. Col. Alexander S. Vindman . . . and then there's Trump and Trump, Jr. and their words and actions which continually attempt to discredit those coming forward to tell the truth.
It's a no brainer who to believe.
22
Disrespect and mean-spirited vindictiveness are NOT qualities you want to teach your children. They are NOT an example for your children to follow.
7
@kevinizon
But TRump’s children have learned the lessons well; sadly we see that displayed daily. November 2020 can’t arrive fast enough.
3
Trump is banking on Twitter, his minions and rallies to burn the whole impeachment process down to the ground. He will destroy everyone who dare stand up against him, and worse his party is allowing it.
Trump is the Jerry Springer of presidents and the republican
party are the goons who stand silently backstage watching it all play out until they are called out to justify the insanity.
This show needs to be cancelled at the ballot box next year.
12
So, some hard-core Trump supporter heard Vindman say things the Trump supporter found politically objectionable. That's not a dog bites man story. That's a dog scratches itself story.
What the nothingburger story needs to have an impact is,well, to be taken up in the New York Times. The Times doesn't have to promote the smear, just "put it out there." It's no longer a secret that this is one major media strategy of Trumpworld. But it seems to be news to the Times, sadly.
3
This is classic tribalism. When someone say something that is true but you don't like, then you attack that person as being from the "other" tribe. You cannot deliver evidence that what they say is false (because it is true), so instead you try to sow doubts about their testimony by claiming that this is someone from the "other" tribe lying about someone from "our" tribe. However, when someone from the "military tribe" see you attack a purple heart military hero, that may be just exactly what will make them decide that they don't belong to the GOP tribe.
559
@Ivan
But when the tribalism is from the right, the NY Times dutifully reports the false smears against anyone who offers evidence against this corrupt administration and gives those right wing lies equal weight with the truth.
But if William Barr says something, the NY Times treats it as absolute fact without any mention of those who point out the many times Barr has blatantly lied to protect Trump.
Just look at the headlines about how Barr "resisted" Trump because instead of holding a press conference, William Barr just directed his office to exonerate Trump and smear his accusers in writing. And in leaks he knew NY Times reporters would dutifully report as fact.
27
@Ivan No, they will go right on believing
6
@Ivan The Swift Boating of John Kerry was quite effective.
14
This is classic propaganda technique. Spread disinformation widely and amplify it (Twitter) and those who do not want to dig will simply believe it. I looked at Hickman's Twitter profile -- extremely right-wing and anti-Democrat. If you take such stuff seriously, you have failed to engage your cerebral cortex.
637
trump's personal physician neglected too mention that the man is lacking a cerebral cortex. Or a conscience. Or a filter.
45
@Thad Exactly. Poor "tribes"--those that were and those that hang on. I guess they invented disinformation, so it's their fault,
2
@Thad I hope the NY Times reporter can dig even deeper into the "agents" if you will that are behind this disinformation campaign.
For all of Mr. Trump's complaints about the "deep state" trying to undermine his presidency, it appears that the President is running his own deep state project to sideline the State Department professionals so he can carry out an extensive disinformation campaign to disassociate himself from the Russian electoral assist in 2016.
Is QAnon President Trump? Or, a troll out of Russia? Or, a mobster in Brighton Beach? We probably will never know, but this concerted campaign to denigrate LTC Vindman is being conducted within and without the White House, even though Don Jr. days he isn't "coordinating" with the President.
Doesn't all this online smear campaign really amount to a form of illegal campaign finance support to President Trump even though it is about attacking a witness in an impeachment inquiry?
30
Being "decorated" does not immune one from scrutiny. It obviously never works for those who dare be critical of Democrats. So stop the nonsense.
Scrutiny, groundless personal attacks & vindictive conspiracy theories are very different things. The first is to a certain extent to be expected. The latter two are about retaliation, paranoia, fear mongering, and the insulated grandiosity of those who will go to any lengths to protect their egos and what they believe to be the 'manifest destiny' that grants them power. Every despot & their minions eventually fall.
5
The nonsense is perpetrated only by Trump and his minions of the ignorati.
7
The descent of the GOP is complete, and it was a necessary step for a new age of enlightenment to begin. The Planet will heal now that fear and control of humanity has been exposed for its weakness.
6
Oh yay, the swift boat veterans for truth are back again. Hopefully some lessons have been learned about how to effectively deal with the noise from these people
11
I wonder why the Whistleblower wants remain anonymous? Honesty and integrity are never a consideration with Trump and his followers, but there is still hope so long as individuals like this Colonel demonstrate the courage and loyalty expected from a professional military officer.
5
@Pete
I think the whistle blower wants anonymity to protect his life. Trump has called out the goons. That is why there are protections to allow these people to come forward.
4
@Pete
S/he wants to remain anonymous for safety’s sake. TRUmp in the past has talked about calling out his “second amendment supporters” and he doesn’t mean to have them march in a parade to honor this person. US law protects the identity of whistle blowers so it’s especially sickening to see the President and fellow Republicans sink to another low in demanding s/he come forward.
2
When the Governor of NY said "good riddance" upon learning of Trump's moving his residency to FL, he reflected the disdain that New Yorkers felt about Trump for too many years. The great question remaining for me is how Americans could have considered him qualified to be President after also knowing of his behavior through news media and TV for almost as long. In other words, we haven't learned very much new about him. What have we learned about us?
12
I always find it interesting that the party that allegedly loves the military is quick to swift boat those who have served as soon as they say something that makes them uncomfortable.
15
Compare
"Mr. Hickman appears to have first shared his story in a private “DM room” on Twitter, where people can send direct messages to one another. He said in a tweet that he had forgotten about the encounter with Colonel Vindman, but that his Army friends “reminded me of what happened and it all came back,”
With
Ambassador Sondland's revised his testimony about there being no quid pro quo after he “refreshed [his] my recollection about conversations involving the suspension of U.S. aid.”
trumps feeble attempts at defending himself brings to mind that common hollywood scene in which the bad guy throws whatever he can find, into the path of his pursuers.
4
Ironic that Trump may be impeached for implementing policy based on conspiracy theories. No American is off limits to Trump. That should give all Americans pause. And 2020 voting guidance.
9
Describing Alexander Vindman as a “decorated lieutenant colonel” is meaningless. All soldiers are “decorated,” a term that simply means a solder has a medal or medal. Soldier get their first metal—the National Service Medal—when they finish basic training.
The term “highly decorated” is significant because it indicates a solders has been awarded medals for valor in combat. Vindman has no medals for valor. He has a Purple Heart, which is awarded to any soldier wounded or killed by the enemy. Purple Hearts are awarded for any wound that requires medical attention. They go to soldiers who have a minor scratch that can be treated with a an antiseptic swab and an adhesive patch as well as soldiers who receive traumatic injuries. Vindman was wounded by a roadside improvised explosive device that detonated when he was nearby.
He does have the Combat Infantry Badge, but that is awarded to every infantryman who engages the infantry. Most field grade officers have Ranger Tabs. It does not indicate they served are U.S. Army Rangers; it indicates they graduated from U.S. Army Ranger School.Only a tiny percent of Ranger School graduates become Rangers.
As a lieutenant colonel, Vindman has had a successful but not highly successful career.
About 70 percent of majors make lieutenant colonel while about half of lieutenant colonel make colonel. Only about one percent of colonels become general officers.
1
@William Case
And you? Did you serve? Did you get wounded? Did you commit your life in service to our country? What medals did you earn?
Parsing Vindmans's accomplishments as if it degrades his testimony is disgusting but just like a Republican.
5
@William Case Trump is highly decorated. I look forward to seeing him in his real uniform, modeled after Morgan Freeman impersonating an African dictator in the movie "Red."
3
For the record, what military decorations did Private Bone Spurs receive during his tour of duty?
4
The intensity of this smear campaign by Trump and his surrogates reflects the depth of their alarm over how much harm he is doing to their house of cards. It’ll be interesting to see where Republican defenders of Trump take this innuendo in open hearings. I anticipate that it will backfire.
8
Military and ex-military in particular must rise to defend Col. Vindman in the face of the lies and abuse that will be heaped upon him by a group of men who had neither the courage nor sense of duty to country to serve in defense of our homeland. Shame on those who instead follow the made-up Trump line of accusation.
6
In any case, what would be particularly wrong with talking about “Americans not being educated or worldly" or favoring Obama & globalism? As a loyal American, I might say the same myself.
6
Smart people know that the truly weak ones lash out and attack their opponents because it's the only thing they know.
6
Every day Trump says or does something really vile, I think that he's finally hit rock bottom of the humanity-scale; now he's getting on the minus-side of that scale. And: he's also scraping the bottom of the vocabulary barrel: I can't think of other words to describe him: a vile, narcissitic, cheap and lying scoundrel. I'd bet that all those people who are either still sticking up for him or even planning to vote for him wouldn't accept a free car from him.
3
Trump is accused, by a host of senior government officials, including LTC Vindman, of abusing his power by attempting to extort the Ukranian President: if the Ukranians announce to the world that Joe Biden and his son are being investigated for corruption in Ukraine, then the White House will release over $400m in military aid to fight the Russians. Everyone's story has lined up. In response, a Trump supporter claims that Vindman "bashed" the U.S. while speaking to a Russian counterpart. How is this even a story? The story, instead, is how Trump and his fellow-travelers obtain the grist for their rumor mill and then inject their rumors and outright lies into the body politic through a host of willing subordinates. This is clearly a pattern, and the press has yet to catch on.
6
It's pretty clear these clowns are running scared. So far they haven't refuted anything just attacked the witnesses. Good thing they don't play poker They'd be even poorer than I suspect they already are.
For the record, someone opining that Americans are, by and large, uneducated and unworldly is only speaking the truth. I don't know why that would be grounds for reprimand.
6
What is the majority of America, the majority who find this Republican trash "marketing" and Trump abhorring, doing to counter this? With their own slam dunk "marketing" campaign? I see no effective action of substance and we better see some. By effective Democratic "marketeers" not politicians. An aggressive counter to this is needed or the hateful 34% will win.
I had thought Donald Trump could not be more despicable; but in exceeding his past insults of loyal Americans, Trump has gone over the edge this time.
Mr.Trump did all he could to avoid military service for this country, but he seems to be especially gleeful when he insults military heroes and other patriotic Americans
He has used his high office as President to see how much money and financial benefit he could get for himself.
He has made clear his preference for bullies and dictators over the heads of state of our allies.
I guess there is no bottom to what Trump will do.
Terrible person.
8
I am continually impressed by the bravery of those like Vindman and Taylor speaking the truth in the face of this type of personal onslaught and degradation. This type of tactic--uncorroborated rumor, slander--puts people in true danger--of course, that is the wish of Trump and his bully boys.
6
Trump has a history of attacking a dead, decorated hero. Is it any surprise that he would attack the living?
9
Elect Dems. That is the only way to end this nonsense. The rest is a sideshow designed for clicks and ratings.
5
Must Trump’s malicious lies, incitements and bullying inspire murder before Jack Dorsey pulls the plug on Trump’s Twitter account? What will it take, Jack?
Social media titans like Dorsey and Zuckerberg and their corporations need to be prosecuted for aiding and abetting criminal conduct, including defamation, witness harassment and intimidation, and, eventually I fear, incitement to murder.
They are as willfully and knowingly culpable as the guys driving the getaway cars.
5
Point: Lt Col Vindman doesn't have to be a war hero to merit freedom from Tump slander and libel, and the right to tell the truth.
Along with other victims, He doesn't require a defense. That's one more thing that Trump's customary attacks and falsehoods do: make people waste energy on proving someone's valor - or simple decency - while he goes unscathed, other than in NYT comments.
No more.
4
Witness tampering plain and simple which is not protected speech. Our President makes Tony Soprano look like an Eagle Scout. He’s made a mockery of our democracy and if his tirades continue he will force the banning of all social media. Sad, really sad.
6
It's cowardly to avoid facing a press conference by hiding behind Twitter.
5
He claims his military knowledge is greater than all of the generals. He insulted a Gold Star family. To try and allay his insecurity, Trump relentlessly insulted the hero, McCain, even as he lay dying. He loves Putin and Kim. He disparages our military allies. He betrayed the Kurds. and helped the Russians. And, of course, his daddy paid a doctor to lie about a medical condition, so that Trump could dodge the draft. Trump has no respect for those who server our country on the armed forces.
We should indeed expect Trump, the man who thinks he's a king, the man who orders others to fail to comply with subpoenas, to smear Vindman.
25
Oh, for the love of country. The Trump family cant even pass a national security background check.
27
Who would serve a president who attacks integrity?
18
We know Donald Trump's M.O. But why others will sign on to this disgraceful endeavor begs the question; "Why"? Are they so mesmerized by the proverbial moment? Do they believe that- after Trump is gone, all will be forgotten about their hideous deeds?
Do they believe there will be "room" at the already crowded Fox Contributor-Table for them? What a pathetic pack of humanity.
14
I think Barr spoke for all Trump's crew when the AG responded to the posterity/reputation question with essentially the remark, "What will I care when I'm dead?"
2
@Candlewick The GOP is mesmerized by dirty deeds, they hate former President Jimmy Carter for living up to America's agreement/word and return the Panama Cannel. They hate former President Obama for living up to his predecessor's agreement to withdraw from Iraq. In both cases the former presidents (according to GOP thinking) were to disregard all agreements and simply bribe those nations with additional dollars.
1
People who depend on twitter for information of any kind are fools as are those who cling to Facebook comments.
Neither is a news organization -- see them for what the are -- the ugly rumor spreaders who in days of old ran around the village saying "she's/he's a witch," "they can make milk turn sour, they eat babies, etc. etc."
The conspiracy theories spread by Trump and Lindsey Graham are of the same ridiculous cloth out of which rumors were spread for centuries.
16
@Amanda Bonner
Indeed, twitter, facebook, et al are nothing other than the digital-age manifestation of the old graffiti-riddled bathroom wall of rumors.
3
I think more and more people are finally seeing through this garbage. Time will tell.
5
This is right out of the Roy Cohn playbook. Find anything that might even seem wrong or anybody with a beef and smear the opponent as much as possible. Dig up any dirt, no matter how irrelevant, regardless of the collateral damage. Use any tactic, no matter how underhanded or illegal, to gain the upper hand. This was why Cohn was feared and people settled right away. It's also why all Republicans are afraid to cross Trump. He works from the same playbook.
14
The trump family and their cabal are nothing but envious and hateful despots. Their ignorance prevents them from understanding that there are individuals who prize their duty, and are able to uphold their oath to "support and defend" this nation at their own peril. They do not need another hero to pass their Purple Heart to them for avoiding the draft. They have the honor of receiving one for their courage and love of their country.
What incredibly hateful cowards they are, there is no limit to the depths that they will sink.
11
Trump is villainy personified!
5
Republicans seem to have lost sight of the fact that everything is set history now. Everything to do with impeachment and Trump, including their individual responses, are instantly recorded history that will stand for all time. Their desperate attempts at cover up, denial and aping their president's ludicrous responses to the impeachment inquiry, no matter what happens next, will be exposed for precisely what they are: cover up, idiotic denials and blind adherence to a man who is about to be impeached by a right-minded Democrat-hating controlled House.
4
The sad thing that no one seems to think about is that Lt. Col Vindman has probably sacrificed his career as an Army officer to testify about what he knew. There are enough Trump supporters among senior Army officers to ensure that when he comes before the promotion board for Colonel he will be passed over.
As far as I'm concerned, this gives enormous power to what he says. He knows what the price for his testimony will be and has the courage to stand up for what is right. Talk about courage and strength of character!
22
@Jerry Place
Jerry.... absolutely!! How can any moderately functioning human being not get this?
2
I guess that nothing is sacred anymore, we have well and truly entered the age of destruction by allegation. What is baffling is that it only seems to work in one direction. When did we stop thinking for ourselves?
5
The right to left direction, that is.
1
Jennifer Rubin said it best - “the time has come for Republicans to choose - defend the Constitution or Trump.”
19
Imagine having a whole "war room" set up to spin lies 24/7 to tear down and slander loyal US citizens trying to defend their country, and by a so called president of the United States, who should be the ultimate defender of his particular republic, no less. When the framers of the constitution considered what was meant by treason, would they even have been able to imagine such a complete level of human moral depravity of behavior qualifying for that charge existing in a post barbaric society? George Washington certainly would not have. How many sledgehammers do we need to be hit over the head with to get the message that this man, and his profound corruption has to be removed, and be prevented from doing any future harm to society.
9
Back in '54, during the Army-McCarthy hearings, finally Joseph Nye Welch asked a question: " "At long last, have you left no sense of decency?" It put an end to McCarthyism. Decades later we have another blowhard taking shots at decent, decorated Army officers, and it is time again for someone to ask Trump if he ever had a sense of decency to start with.
J
15
Twitter needs to be regulated - it is a threat to national security.
Shutting it down, like 8chan (which simply re-appeared in another name), will do no good.
Anonymous postings need to be ended, and all users need to be identified by a credit card.
The trump group is shameless in their use of it to accelerate conspiracy theories.
Government officials should be prohibited from having sock-puppet accounts, like Mitt Romney AKA "Pierre Delecto".
There are so many things wrong, but the only place to start is to start.
4
If the conversations of Vindman and the Russian officers were held in Russian, as is most likely, did the accusers get translations? By whom? From whom?
4
Vindman was awarded the Purple Heart. With all of the insults Trump and his Twitter cult post insulting him and other veterans, I wish someone would explain why members of our military still support Donald Trump.
16
@susan
Because they're not the brightest bulbs.
1
It’s not really clear they do, frankly. I don’t think Trump is super popular in the military for obvious reasons.
4
For any member of the Trump family to criticize a member of the American Armed Forces is shameful and reprehensible.
No member of the Trump family has ever served in the armed forces of his country. Frederick Trump (Donald Trump's grandfather) fled Germany to the USA to avoid serving in the German Army. When he returned to Germany the government there didn't allow him to stay because of his cowardice. So he returned to the good old USA. Fred Trump didn't serve in WWII and made his fortune building barracks for American soldiers serving in that War. Of course we know about Donald Trump's "bone spurs" or lack there of. None of Donald Trump's children has served in the American military.
For any member of the Trump family to criticize Lt. Colonel Vindman a holder of the Combat Infantryman's Badge (CIB); Purple Heart; Airborne ( yes, he jumps out of airplanes), is disgusting and makes me wanna throw up.
Donald Trump and his offsprings that spew out hateful invectives about an American hero are cowards.
15
Further dumbing-down the Low-Information voter that is the trump base.
6
Please can we stop with, “Dark corners of the internet?” It will fail. It will be hacked. It will help a ‘glass curtain wall,’ be placed with less injuries- but every person I’ve ever met who believes in, ‘conspiracy theories,’ is stupid. Thanks Scott Weinstein- director of the student film, “Occum’s Razor.”
1
This what we can expect from Trump and his little den of cowards and draft dodgers when he loses the race for a second term. He will denigrate the electoral process and refuse to accept the result. After all, he refused to accept that he lost the popular vote in 2016. There is no limit to the depths to which he will sink to serve himself. May he be added to the dust bin of history soon.
7
It's always enlightening and horrifying to be reminded of how the modern right wing in the US will bleat like sheep about "Support the troops!"... but the nanosecond a troop goes against the established power structure, or wants health care that's not spotty, at best, they are dropped like a skillet fresh out of the oven you grabbed without a mitt.
9
Slander and witness intimidation. Barr, where are you? Oh, I forgot, you're doing the same thing with your investigation into the Russia interference in 2016. You are part of the problem, not the solution.
20
See Frank Bruni... https://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/05/opinion/trump-military-dog.html?smid=nytcore-ios-share
That’s ALL you need to know.
A blind and deaf dog would make a better president than Putin’s puppet.
12
An other attempt by Trump and his supporters to deflect from Trumps illegal attempt at extortion. Trumps White House team and his tweets keep urging us to read The Transcript. Well soon we will have an opportunity to do just that ,once that is the full transcript is retrieved from the secure box where Trumps lawyer placed it.
In terms of Lt Col Vindmans conversation with the Russians during the military exercise something about Hickman's story sounds off. Namelythat even partially the conversation would have been in English . One would question why this would be since Lt Col Vindman speaks Russian, and in his effort to do his job and obtain information from the Russian Officers it is unlikely he would do so speaking English.
If Never Trumpers is the the best that Trump can do to counter the testimony of those who are cooperating with the investigation, I feel Chairman Schiff and his Committee are on solid ground.
Furthermore I find it interesting that there was no tweets or comments from Trump this week regarding Sondlands retraction of the lies he told in his original testimony .
I guess it is hard to attack someone who a week ago they characterized as being an excellent witness who backed up their story, When he has a sudden jolt of memory , stating that after all there was a Quid Pro Quo.
11
@Britl You honestly believe we're ever going to see that full transcript?
1
Two questions.
Is this making America Great Again?
How do we know these tweets are really his own?
3
@Vanman This country was great regardless of the political divides.
Then came a carnival barker who fosters more division and hate than any president that I can remember.
I too question the author(s) of the tweets given the words and syllables.
2
@Vanman Getting rid of Donald Trump is the only thing that will make this country great again.
Of all people to question ANYONE’S patriotism, where does junior get off doing so?
What has he ever done for this country?
He was a nobody before, but now, is an expert on all things political.
18
trump must be in more trouble than we realize when all he has as a defense is slander, defamation wild right wing conspiracies.
13
@Steve -- He is. See the Wall Street Journal front page most days, consult the National Review, read Trump apologist Hugh Hewlett's opinion piece in today's Washington Post, and if you can bear it (it is unbearable sometimes), listen to callers to conservative talk radio. They are going off the rails.
@Steve Em, no offense Steve, but this is not anything other than business as usual for Trump. You just summed up his entire 2016 campaign.
1
Yes indeed - he learned well from his mentor and model, Roy Cohen: lie, attack, defame, never admit mistakes.
2
Trump said about McCain: 'I like people who weren't captured.' Trump is a crook in need of capture, and America needs to get the job done as soon a possible.
18
Anyone familiar with brain disorders like Alzheimer disease and other forms of memory dysfunction, know that a person who is so afflicted unknowingly make up stories, fill in false narratives in their memory blank-spots. If such a person is also paranoid, he or she will project their mental falsehoods and fantasies onto others, which can be dangerous.
Trump and company are using the brain addled falsehoods of a fallen soldier to denigrate the sworn testimony of Colonel Vindman. For the so called news outlet Fox to allow such yellow journalism onto its airwaves is criminal itself.
19
A total smear job by Trump enablers. We have come to expect this level of defamation from Fox News and alt-right bloggers. Only gullible people will be swayed by this nonsense. Unfortunately there are a large number of such individuals in Trump's base. Never, since McCarthy, have we had to endure this kind of low-life attacks on individuals trying to do their duty to the country and the Constitution. I would say: "shame on them" but they have no sense of shame.
11
For the past 3 years , Trump and Jr have violated twitter rules and policies time and time again, yet they are still allowed to post. Bad example twitter. Why is that? Self interest taking the place of rules and degrading our country in the process.
https://help.twitter.com/en/rules-and-policies/twitter-rules
8
It is as if a hostile country had installed a puppet President to undermine our country from within...oh wait.
14
In Trump's warped mind, he's the only authentic patriotic American. Everyone else is a spy, a member of the supposed 'Deep State,' a phony, or out to get him. This is what you get when you elect a paranoid malignant narcissist to the presidency. If we let it happen again in 2020, we deserve everything we get. Wake up, America; the guy is committed to destroying the country. Don't let him!
11
Lt. Col. Vindman demonstrated his courage and character while putting his life on the line defending our country. Could anyone doubt that someone like him would ever compromise that? What’s truly amazing and gratifying to me is that his brilliant light is reflected directly back upon his cowardly accusers... illuminating nothing more than a bunch of rats in a corner.
17
The only believable thing about the Trumps is that they are all liars - about most anything. Their family comprises the only thing they are loyal to.
12
If Vindman is a Russian agent then Donald Trump needs to explain why Vindman sat on the highest and most secure security advisory counsel and advised our President.
These facts: that Vindman was a traitor and a Russian agent (we know it's true because Donald's son told us its true!), of known to Donald Trump, should be added to his impeachment charges. Trump needs to explain this to the American public!
9
Of course Trump is going after Lt. Col. Vindman personally. That's simply how a demagogue responds to criticism: attack the messenger. A primary rule for aspiring demagogues is: 'Always play offense, never play defense.'
If Trump were to defend himself against the accusations of quid-pro-quo dealing that arise from Vindman's testimony, that would be playing defense. Instead, Trump assaults Vindman's integrity, because that's playing offense. Trump's not highly intelligent, but he knows the rules of his game.
Mussolini, Hitler, Franco, or any other demagogue from history would have done the same.
13
Welcome to another edition of “Swift Boat Veterans for.......Truth?” Using other military people to smear one of their own is about as low as you can get. Anyone who believes any of this needs to have his head examined.
6
I wouldn’t doubt that the military person making this stuff up about V is a russian agent.
1
Trump's Twitter War Room. Cookies and Cap pistols.
Kindergarten is OVER folks. The Grownups are stepping in.
4
Can you say "swift boating"? I knew you could.
5
@JimB Meanwhile in plain sight Trump believes a real Russian over American Intelligence. Hickman has said nothing about that. He should be told to go to Helsinki.
3
GOP: Stop and ask yourselves how you've gotten to this place. Trump puts medals on troops for the cameras in a photo opp and 15 minutes later attacks an American Lt. Colonel who is well known for his dedication to his job and the United States of America.
You watch Fox where they spread rumors and look for and create alt-right tropes to support their attacks on a decorated American serviceman.
What's the difference between Colonel Vindman and the heroes getting medals? Vindman just happens to know the truth about the stupid and illegal scheming of our incompetent president. And he's an American Colonel with enough respect and dignity to report what he knows is wrong.
The GOP is below disgusting.
14
More nonsense.
Pass impeachment in the House now so it can die the death it deserves in the Senate.
And all the Dems know this.
1
Time it for the election so that even if Trump wins, the Democratic Senate will impeach this dictator!
1
So do the repeated attacks on decorated war veterans by the white Russian republicans mean we can all stop with the fake gratuitous “thank you for your service” nonsense?
5
This kind of despicable conduct is just fine with the president's supporters.
1
I wonder if Trump knows that officers take an oath to the constitution, not to the chain of command or the commander in chief. Seems like every time Trump chirps about the "deep state," he's referencing individuals who adhere to rule of law.
7
The weakness of the President and his defense on full display. It is time for the republicans to understand that the Trump “train” will go nowhere anymore and that it would be very beneficial for them and their career to get off it as soon as possible. There is always a way to redemption for them in the future but there is no future for them continuing to support Mr.Trump.
4
I want to take a moment to personally thank Jack Dorsey from being brave enough to violate Twitter’s terms of service and give this man a megaphone for his dishonesty. As if the President of the United States needed a specific platform to get his message to the world, anyway.
3
He just digs the hole deeper and deeper. He is SO self-centered he doesn’t even grasp that almost every response he makes is yet more proof of obstruction.
How much longer, America?
4
The Trump "defense" strategy is quite clear, with the latest op-ed from FOX:
"Gregg Jarrett: Whistleblower not entitled to anonymity – He’s an informant acting as a Democratic operative "
Just to review the lead up to all of this, a summary of how we got here ….
"There was no quid pro quo so it's not illegal!"
"Okay maybe there was quid pro quo, I don't know, ask Rudy!"
"Even if there was quid pro quo, it's not illegal!"
"Okay there was quid pro quo and we're doing it all the time, get over it!"
"Okay there was quid pro quo and it was illegal but it's not impeachable!"
11
The fact that the top news story on the NYT is about pushback against Trump and his league of flying Twitter monkeys in their attempts to smear a lifelong public servant and decorated military veteran reveals the sad state of American politics today. Trump can't be gone soon enough.
13
@JoJo:
Although it is difficult to read, this article clearly shows the Orwellian truth-bending, lying, and intended deceptions of Trump and the tacit participation of his Republican enablers. I am grateful for the NYTimes for throwing light on this topic, and making more clear how the mechanisms of propaganda and disinformation are warping our system into something frightening.
2
Barr will be the next to be fired. Wait for it.
2
" laugh “about Americans not being educated or worldly”"
Obvious ad hominem attacks aside, you have to admit that most of American can't find Ukraine on a map, can't name a single US Supreme Court justice, and that a considerable number still think the earth is flat.
6
If this Mr. Hickman did, in fact, "reprimand" Colonel Vindman, there would be a record of it. The military doesn't do "verbal reprimands". Where's the documentation? Why didn't the Times ask that question of Vickman?
6
In his presidency, how many times he visited man and woman overseas serving and protecting United States of America? Even under most secured protection, he cannot even step on a battle field surrounded with honorable man and woman. That show his devotion to this military and his member. What puzzles me republican service man and woman still support this coward.
6
Bad enough that a cowardly draft-dodger is the Commander-in-Chief but Trump now causes us to witness his personal treason: the deliberate undermining of the Colonel. In declared wartime, it would be treason. In any case, Trump has now deliberately placed an active-duty military officer at great personal risk - a WH official at that. Joe McCarthy tactics and beyond.
Make no mistake that Trump is fomenting a civil war in this country and would declare a loss in 2020 as an illegitimate victory. He now has AG Barr compiling a false report to claim Ukraine hacked the DNC, in contravention of the entire IC community.
Trump is *exactly* whom the Founders had in mind when codifying impeachment. They understood his “brand” of tyranny and treasonous behavior all too well.
18
“You’ll be seeing very soon what comes out,”
Why does the press even report remarks like this from Trump? It’s what he always says when he is wrong and there is nothing there. He puts it off, scares, and tries to sound smart. In a few days everyone will have forgotten what he said.
Did anyone read Chicken Little? With Trump the sky is always falling.
5
May every effort to disintegrate this scapegoating be utilized. May every lie be brought to the light of day. May every decent, brave, noble public servant be continually praised by journalists ten fold.
9
Once again we can thank social media for giving vindictive manipulators a public power far beyond what they ever had before. Once upon a time, these allegations would have been relegated to a few tabloids, newspaper publishers who would have been at risk of being sued for printing false and damaging information about other human beings. Now the fabric of our society and nation is being eaten away by on-line parasites like these two Trumps and their enablers.
6
LC Vindman and his brother are smart guys. He knew this was coming and he stepped up in spite of that. A true hero.
16
The suspects are circling the wagons, but the wheels are falling off.
1
Will the Republicans ever quit their "Swift Boat" tactics? They've become a predictable one trick party!
9
The truth is that Vindman was doing his job--trying to extract intelligence from Russian officers, who no doubt were trying to do the same to him. But the truth doesn't matter. By the time the Fever Swamp and the chans and Qanon is done with him, he'll be the greatest traitor since James Wilkinson, no matter how many of his superiors support him.
These people create their own reality, and move into it. They're like hoarders, but they hoard lies.
6
The loyalties or patriotism of “decorated war heroes” shalt not be questioned!
(Unless they happen to support President Trump. Michael Flynn, etc.)
2
If the LTC did say that Americans are not educated or worldly, he told the truth, at least as concerns the Trump base, and did so rather gently given the stubbornly ignorant zombie trance they are in.
7
The dirty tricks that Republicans resort to in order to destroy anyone who dares speak truth to their lies and power grabs is beyond despicable. I well remember the campaign launched against John Kerry to devalue his Vietnam Nam service. When the facts are stacked against them and their only defense is complete character assassination, Republicans are in their element.
9
Pete Hegseth, truly a stable and reliable opinion provider. 39 years old. Three marriages. Not late fifties or sixties, but 39 and on marriage number 3!
Just the sort of cheerleader Trump attracts. His accuracy on stories is about the same as his accuracy in throwing an axe - not good, he almost killed a West Point Band member a few years ago.
Pathetic. And, if anyone is partisan, its Hegseth.
4
By using Twitter, Donald J. Trump, the duly elected President of the United States of America, is exercising his right to free speech and circumventing liberal mainstream media, the mouthpiece of the political opposition which has been determined to overthrow his presidency since he won the 2016 election. Thank you.
1
Can’t yell “fire” in a crowded movie theater when nothing is burning.
4
@Southern Boy
By pointing out the president's incessant lies, clumsy evasions, and shameful ignorance, the constitutionally-protected free press continues to remind the public just how this incompetent and corrupt man ended up the subject of impeachment, a process deriving its legal authority from the constitution and proceeding in accordance with rules created and ratified by a Republican majority.
2
It always amuses me to see southerners support a New York City con artist. Loving it.