The quibbling over the "quid pro quo" seems rather silly.
A President has the right, power, and authority to demand, cajole, coerce, jawbone, manipulate, intimidate, berate, or threaten et cetera in the realm of diplomacy as he sees fit of his diplomacy or that of his diplomats.
So even though it appears Trump was diplomatically calling for, requesting, or encouraging that a foreign nation pursue the investigation of a crime such which is not a criminal act especially in the context of diplomacy. His actions are both consistent with past practices in diplomacy and long established precedent.
It is quite common for Presidents to reduce, hold-back, delay, withhold, withdraw or end foreign aid, foreign assistance, military assistance to foreign nations if those nations or their leaders fail to undertake some action. There is numerous precedent instances and it is a common practice in the world of diplomacy of this and other nations.
Public monies may be used as a tool of diplomacy by a President within his conduct of diplomacy at his discretion and determination in his role as Chief Diplomat and as is common in the past, present, and future practice of diplomacy by nation states. He can cut off or slowdown foreign aid any time he wants, as long as it's public monies.
If Trump had offered a foreign leader payment of private monies out of his private family fortune then that's another matter.
24
@Max The US used to cajole other countries for the good of the US, not for political needs of a con man. That's the distinction you seem to miss.
369
@Max
This is a strange and tortured argument. President can do what he wants “with public monies”. Withhold it in order to extort for personal gain? The dark ramifications of such a position, contrived to shield this incompetent and corrupt buffoon, are obvious to anyone who is not a Russian troll or a republican congressman.
307
@Max
How convenient that you omit the crucial aspect of this behavior of Trump that his other apologists do.
That is, he asked a foreign power, Ukraine, to investigate an American who happens to be running for the same office he now has; behavior that runs afoul of the law.
And all of your cloaking that behind what are past appropriate practices of other Presidents doesn't obscure that.
247
When Jordan is finished with his 5 minute diatribe one can only hope Taylor will ask him to repeat the question...
3
"Need to Bring Back the Death Penalty" This expression used by Trump in a full-page ad to target the Central Park 5 should now be the new mantra of the Democrats (everyone really) and directed to the treasonous GOP enablers as well as to Trump and Co. This is an outrage!
1
This strategy is how episodes of The Apprentice were written.
Defend illogical behavior with what looks like a well thought out strategy. He has shown us what he is. Believe it America
1
These same Republicans and Fox News would have crucified Obama for 1/100th of what we know Trump has done in regards to Ukraine.
I can’t wait for the death of the GOP so it can be replaced by a true Conservative party.
1
Call me suspicious and peddling in conspiracy theories but I believe all roads lead to the "new" Rome. And that is Moscow. And I am afraid it's 5 lanes toward our democracies considering the news and the observable sweeping changes to our societies and havoc they are creating. And we have probably only a cycle lane towards Moscow. Except of course if you are willing to further their agenda, you'll get the first class red carpet rolled out. Jokingly I really don't know: Maybe communism wasn't that bad after all, because they sure got rid of the hammer and sickle depicting who they purported to stand for (proletariat and kolchoz) in exchange of the double-headed eagle that was abolished in 1917 which I think really is truer to what is coming our way. Good thing they didn't start legitimizing themselves as descendants of such and such going back to Jesus or whoever they choose to get their carte blanche for their dealings. Just look to the dictators like Saddam Hussein in Iraq or El-Baghdadi of ISIS and so many others thru the centuries who claimed they were affiliated with a substantial historical figure. It was Russian Money that started to come in to Europe that caused an unbelievable rise in housing costs all over Europe. Walk through previously "old money" neighborhoods in European cities and what has become of these areas today and you'll get the idea. I am afraid it has to get worse before it is going to get any better.
A common argument against impeachment is that it “reversed an election of a duly elected president in 2016.” If this is true, then there was an election in 2018 and the majority of the country duly elected representatives to fulfill their Constitutional duty to act as a co-equal branches of our representative republic. In those roles, we authorized them to allocate our tax dollars to the priorities of our government including aiding our allies, as well as act as checks and balances. So, by using our tax dollars as a bribe for dispersement of that aid to Ukraine, Trump extorted a favor for his personal, political gain, by withholding it until the Ukrainien president investigated Trump’s rival. Trump just reached into your pocket for your tax dollars for his 2020 political campaign to maintain power and promote his “brand,” not US interests. By doing so, he reversed the 2018 election of duly elected representatives and voided your 2018 votes. Trump’s track record shows his use others’ money to advance himself. Be forewarned: Trump’s next bankruptcy will be you, the US taxpayer.
2
The Republican party are so afraid that they can't seem to realise that through the impeachment hearings they could be offered a way out of having to deal with such an incompetent president on a daily basis.
I doubt it has exactly been a picnic having to work with President Trump. A President Pence, or pretty much other Republican alternative, would be so much easier to deal with - less scandal; less drama, no more having to defend the indefensible. But Republicans are so worried that they will lose their voting base if Trump goes. But let's face it, many of Trump's so-called base would just be happy to vote for ANY republican, just as long as they are not a Democrat (my conservative uncle and the many evangelists out there are good examples). Republicans could take the opportunity to escape having Trump as a leader by joining with Democrats and voting to impeach.
But that would also mean swallowing their pride and joining with Democrats - that, for Republicans, might be the hardest part to do.
Call this what it is - extortion! Abuse of power! ‘Quid Pro Quo’ ‘This for that’ doesn’t resonate.
Rebroadcast on Prime Time.
Idi Amin of Uganda wrote Nixon a ‘get well’ letter, wishing him a successful recovery from his bout of ‘Watergate’. Many Americans aren’t that far from the knowledge gap that led to this comical letter.
5
My suggestion to the House republicans is to claim that Trump's mind works the same as one with a hoarder's disorder. It's been found that the brain has problems with decision making and this really fits Trump to a tee. The republicans should present that ailment to the Impeachment committee and get a stay in the proceedings until Trump can undergo treatment. In his case this could take some time and there may be not cure for Trump because I suspect it's inane and he's had too much time to accumulate so much trash in his brain that he might be immune to treatment. If that fails then relieve him of the office and admit him to a VA hospital. One where his promise of solving the Va Hospital problems haven't been addressed. I guess you could put a lot of locations in a hat and draw one at random.
3
So the Republican defense is made of hucksters Jim Jordan & Devin Nunes;Jim Jordan should be indicted for ignoring the sexual abuse of his athletes when he was a coach at Ohio State;the athletes told him but Jimbo did nothing; Devin Nunes, famous for the scribble scrabble of a memo on the Republican "health' care was evidence that Nunes never read the health plan or if he did,he couldn't comprehend it;these two were not chosen for their sense of reason of legal acumen;they were GOP selected to be GOP front men to create a hullabaloo of false outrage over what they claim is nothing wrong;in plain English,the president held up Congressionally approved military aid for Ukraine to help them fend off Russia's aggression on trying to retake Ukraine,like they did Crimea;trump was helping his BFF putin keep up his aggression against Ukraine;then trump got wind of a conspiracy book that claimed Ukraine had Hillary's server;only an insane person would buy this crackpot idea & trump did;if Ukraine has the server,then he could again help Putin claiming Russia didn't interfere but Ukraine did,only Ukraine didn't & had no reason to,but don bought it & asked for dirt on Bidens & Hillary,cause he still is obsessed with her;he lied when he claimed his July call was to congratulate Zelensky on his election which was in April & trump called him then;the July call was specifically to say,you'll get your Javelins, but first I need a favor;the ASK is QUID PRO QUO is EXTORTION is IMPEACHABLE.
4
If Republicans think the way to keep a dictator from destroying them is to appease and defend him, they should read any biography of Hitler, Stalin or Mao to disabuse themselves. All you do by defending his right to gin up charges against a rival is to encourage him to do it more often and more blatantly. One thing he's good at is smelling weakness. If they save him from removal and help him get re-elected, he'll be coming for them too.
4
As I read the comments which appear to be coming in from the right, I am surprised by their generally confident tone.
My undergraduate training in behavioral psychology, my observations and plain common sense strongly indicate that the president is rattled, at times completely unnerved. His demeanor is that of a man closing in on a full-blown nervous collapse.
Yet his vocal loyal followers are smug.
Trump believes he has a lock on the Republicans in the house and the senate. Yet if a single Republican congressman or woman, or one Rep. senator utters an independent thought, the president is seriously rattled and lashes out.
The president thinks he’s stacked the deck in the Supreme Court, but still he is worried.
Why???
The president is a life-long swindling con man. A pathological liar. A thief. (Stealing from a charity fund!)
He lives in fear that all sorts of secrets might be discovered. Income tax returns. Corrupt/illegal business dealings, domestic and international.
He’s even made sure his academic records and standardized test scores are buried.
So many shameful, threatening secrets for nervous King Donald to keep, to worry about.
Donald Trump is vulnerable. VULNERABLE. And all the spineless sycophants and corrupt political allies cannot calm him. He’s frightened.
The Democratic investigators need to discover a few more of Donald’s Desperate Secrets. If they do, the Trump administration will collapse like the house of cards it truly is.
Trump is really scared. WHY???
13
@Tom W
Trump is really scared. WHY???
Putin has something on Trump. I don't know what it is and hope it comes to light in the hearings. Putin did say he hopes that none of the transcripts of his conversations with DJT are made public.
1
I have read just a few of these postings ..and as expected there are only two or three divergent views.
One wants to take us on a history lesson in civics, where our government and our leaders have had lasting influence on all of us and created the circumstance wherein we find ourselves as well as our nation..today, there are twists and spins in these narratives some are..good..some not.
Others full of condemnation for opposing views their voices shrill..you can imagine blood vessels distended aggressive posturing..angst, doubt and real anger in every phrase.
While still others seem to refuse to admit the direness that confronts ..yes, confronts most of us at the start of everyday and like all want to believe let it be known their view is that America can survive these seeming assaults.
Tomorrow we will see the opening salvo in the Democrats attempt to unseat the President of the United States..and I didn't read a single post/comment that spoke to just how truly serious, no matter the outcome , again how serious this is going to be.
2
We all know this is serious and a sad situation for our country. What is even more sad is people voted for this man who is completely unfit to serve as President and now that he’s committed crimes, the GOP is defending him because they are choosing party and their own re-election over country. We need to thin about saving our Democracy and upholding the rule of law now.
6
It seems to me that if representatives were telling the truth about the hearing, there would be no need for a sheet of talking points.
8
I like the adjective used for the phrase "simple defense" in the title. It could mean "basic," or "obvious," or "easy," but I think it really is "desperate."
6
What is Representative Jim Jordan's rationale for not reporting his boss at Ohio State for sexual misconduct and harassment? I guess not much has changed since then as he covers up for his Republican party boss (trump).
9
What a colossal waste of time and energy. The Democrats have already convicted the president and the Republicans have already exonerated him. The House will impeach him and the Senate will find him innocent. Is there anyone on the planet that thinks otherwise? Why not just have the impeachment vote and the trial vote now and get on with the people's business? Congress is at an utter standstill waiting for this charade to end. The members of Congress don't care, they're only interested in furthering their political careers. Meanwhile, nothing is getting done to help the people of this country. What a sham and what a shame.
1
It’s not a waste of time to educate the American public on what happened so they can decide for themselves if Trump should remain in office. If people contact their representatives and public opinion shifts, that could impact what the Senate does. If not, people can vote accordingly in 2020. This is not a waste of time and what a Democratic process looks like.
10
@Bmnewt I'm glad you capitalized "Democratic" which refers to the party and not the process. It is the Democratic Party's process, whereby Republicans can subpoena witnesses but the Democrats can refuse to issue the subpoena. This is anything but a "democratic process". This is about the Democrats wanting Trump out of office at any cost. And cost them it will, dearly, at the next general election.
1
@Jake S.
There may be a lot of Republican Senators out of a job if they don't do the right thing.
1
It's the same memo Jimmy Jordan got when he was defending the wrestling teams doctor.. at least we know he hasn't got a conscience left to grapple with..
5
Ridiculous... this argument holds no water.
If Trump is so co concerned about corruption and aid to countries with corruption then why did he only hold up aid to Ukraine? Why did he single our a Burisma?
The USA provides aid packages to a number of countries, some with corruption issues far deeper than Ukraine’s. Did Trump hold up aid to those countries as well? Did he personally ask for investigations into very specific people or companies in those countries?
Nope!
If he was so genuinely, and with such a selfless big heart, concerned about corruption in general, he sure DOESN’T have a record to prove it!
7
To say that the Ukrainian President felt no pressure during the phone call from President Trump is to ignore the adage, “ When you dance with an elephant, you don’t lead”.
4
Trump blackmails the Ukraine to get dirt on Joe Biden for his own election purpose. He threatens to withhold defense funds approved by Congress if they don't do what he says.
The Republican Party leadership: Using the power of the Presidency for personal election reasons and putting an ally in difficult straits as a result ? What's the problem?
The traitorous Republicans have made it clear: They reject the Constitution and the rule of law to protect Trump. They are destroying our nation. Vote them all out!!
6
The Republican-Right-Wing-Network believes that there are only two kinds of people in the world - Loyal Republicans - and enemies.
Since the days of Nixon, the Republican Party's Policy has been, that all enemies must be destroyed.
Nothing that they say or do, will be a surprise.
1
. . . the taste of American voters.
Exhibit A: Richard Nixon was re-elected after being caught red-handed in the Watergate scandal.
Anyone who supports freedom and justice needs to keep this in mind as Election Day nears.
somewhere these dudes forgot that the were elected to the United States Congress and not the GOP Congress and took an oath to uohold the US Constitution and not the GOP...
6
There is no defense of Trump. No excuse for him. He is a living danger and poison to the country. You don't defend a pestilence.
8
The GOP has ceased to exist as a credible political party. It has morphed into a criminal enterprise, hanging onto power through extortion and gross corruption, all to further an agenda that favors a small minority of the public at the expense of the vast majority. Exploiting ignorance through constant misinformation is their trade craft. They need Trump because he is the biggest liar of them all, and when his bubble bursts they have nothing else to cling to. This is an existential moment for the GOP. All rules of morality and law are off the table. They are fighting for their lives. Just look at the desperation in the face of Jim Jordan.
8
I'm sure the republicans would fell the same way if Hillary or President Obama had made that phone call. Yeah right.
9
I never want to hear again that the Republican Party stands for taking personal responsibility.
6
So. A knee-jerk reaction before the testimony? Remember these are the sameness people who wouldn't even give Garland a hearing.
Their defense? Same as a grade schooler. Deny and attack the accusers. Well, considering the average American maturity, it will play well.
1
Let’s be clear. The GOP are poised to topple our democracy and anoint Trump “King of America.”
If the Senate does not find him guilty of extortion, obstruction and abuse of power, Trump will believe himself to be fully exonerated and above the law and the Constitution. AG Barr will continue to help Trump hunt down and punish his perceived enemies.
The next election won’t be able to take care of it… He could just “indefinitely postpone” the 2020 elections in the name of some fake “national emergency.” Or, one or more foreign countries could “adjust” the election results so he wins no matter how we try to vote. Who could/would constrain him?
Goodbye democracy, and/or welcome to Civil War 2.0, courtesy of the GOP.
Members of the GOP, even if you prefer a king (Republican of course) to a democracy, do you really want THIS corrupt, unstable, dangerous guy to be it for as long as he chooses to be there?
I hope the major papers will publish the name of every Representative and Senator in Congress who vote against impeachment -- for posterity, and while we still can-- because it’s only a matter of time before independent newspapers would cease to exist when our democracy, our Constitutional rights, and the rule of law are gone.
Think. About. It.
2
CNN has the document to read, who has it download and read, please? Thanks.
Republicans have selected a wrestling coach, alleged to have failed to defend his athletes against a predator, to obstruct defense of America's constitution against another predator.
11
It appears the GOP Senate has already decided how they will vote before they see or hear any of the evidence or listen to those who will be testifying. Is this how the system is supposed to work?
What does it say about the GOP when it is obvious to us all how they plan on voting once these impeachment articles get to the house. The GOP does not care one iota about us Americans. They do not care that the majority of us want to see Trump be held responsible for his corruption. It is all about maintaining the power. The power to appoint more conservative judges, the power to give the wealthiest Americans another tax break. It is about keeping the NRA on their side so they can be given millions of dollars to help with their re-elections.
We all know this impeachment will not go anywhere once it reaches the Senate. It is so important that we all get out and cast an informed vote in 2020. Please, everyone, watch what you can of these hearings to get the truth. You won’t hear it on FOX.
16
I laughed out loud when I read this. They settled on using the only strategy they know how to use. How clever!
6
Meanwhile, if there were term limits for legislators, you wouldn't have any of this. Lawmakers would be more apt to speak their minds and vote according to their beliefs as American citizens, and less as a result of trying to appease voters for their respective reelection campaigns.
14
Use the same tactics as the Nazis and the Tea Party. Wonder why the country is divided?
8
“The president works for the American people. And President Trump is doing what Americans elected him to do.”
The Electoral College elected donald the majority of American people did not vote for donald.
17
Trump did not uphold his oath of office. What he did was certainly not allowed. Their tactic is one of deliberate deception.
This is another ploy that white is black, up is down, and forward is backwards. However, if they say it enough, and FOX says it enough, it will stick, sadly. The Republicans know very well what Trump wanted and what he was doing and they know it's not allowed. It is astounding that they think allowing this disreputable man to do as he pleases is good. They have sold their souls to the company store.
So revolting to see this.
16
A simple defense to bogus charges makes sense to me. Read Victor Davis Hanson today on the illegitimacy of the entire impeachment.
1
And then read Max Boot's response in today's Washington Post. Boot easily takes apart each of Hanson's shoddy reasons. https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2019/11/12/republicans-have-no-convincing-argument-against-impeachment/
3
@Cynthia Starks
Today’s Washington Post
“Republicans have no convincing argument against impeachment” by Max Boot.
Mr. Boot takes Vincent Davis Hanson’s ten-point essay apart, in order. Wham.
Trump deserves to be impeached for a least a dozen different reasons.
Ralph Waldo Emerson, the finest essayist our country has yet produced, couldn’t compose a believable treatise in support of Donald Trump. No one can. Trump is a corrupt menace to American democracy.
3
Jim Jordan knows a thing to two about clever moves to hide a scandal. He's proven adept at ignoring evil right under his nose. Or odd noises hidden by the tinkling of a shower. But the entire truth will come out, even if it takes years.
12
Virtues like honor, decency, and rational decision making can be tough work, sometimes requiring personal risk and sacrifice. So, almost definition, these virtues are beyond the current crop of Republican legislators, who wrap themselves in a flag they now betray and a faith observed in the breach.
One has to hand it to them, however. Their tactic to resist impeachment process is a defense in depth, starting with various lines starting with "He didn't do it." to "He did it but so what?", occasional sallies from the ranks to make ad hominem attacks, and deception operations accompanied by the bawling obfuscation and half-truths peddled by certain cable news pundits between the adult diaper ads.
I do not find it possible to believe that any of these people love this country, though they certainly do love their perks and proximity to power.
11
It is unsurprising that the corrupt see “nothing wrong with” corruption.
11
If these hearings are like any we've seen recently republican house members won't even pose rational questions to witnesses. They'll simply use their time to yell about what a sham the entire process is. Always with the yelling.
9
If House Republicans succeed, it'll be champagne and cocktails in the Kremlin. Heck, they're probably popping corks as we read this. Trump is already paying off. Bigly.
11
I tend to agree with those who think that unless something more comes out of impeachment then he will not be removed from office because the Base of the gop (and this all gop senators who refuse to vote the truth) doesn’t care that he’s a crook and the absolute worst president in history. That’s why I think they ought to bring the muller report into the impeachment phase so at least we can show the independents and confused Democrats (yes there are some) and Centrist republicans just how many crooked things Trumps done in hopes it will change their minds to vote Democrat in 2020 no matter whom we nominate. At least get what we can from it with there being 90% chance the senate votes strictly on party lines as they say they’re going to. Unless House Dems have got a huge ace in the hole that will convince even the Senate republicans to vote to remove him then no doubt that’s what should be done. I hope they are at least considering this... it’s very very important they do this imho.
Good luck with impeachment Dems. Go for the jugular. It’s the only wAy. Proof just isn’t enough for his base who refuses to see reality and how much harm he’s causing to our great country.
9
It already seems clear the "phone call" wasn't the BEGINNING of this whole fiasco. In fact, it appears the phone call was just another piece of the Trump's whole conspiracy to make the President of Ukraine announce the investigation into the Bidens. This was simply Trump trying to recreate the same thing that Comey did to Clinton's campaign when mere days before the election the FBI announce they were re-investigating Clinton's emails AGAIN. They didn't come to an illegal conclusion AGAIN but the damage to Clinton sealed the deal.
7
So they would be saying in effect that I can rob a bank and if I do not manage it well and end up without money (Lindsey), no harm no foul?!
6
So, in other words, their plan is to lie. Lie loud and lie long. Tell the best lies. Until everyone succumbs to mental fatigue and it's just easier to believe the lie.
If I were the Democrats I would just harp on that in the coming election. Whatever Trump says--even if it sounds okay or even if it-gasp-sounds reasonable or even good--he and the Republicans are proven, consistent untrustworthy liars.
Also, they pulled out of the Paris Accord and Repubs were in full control of all levers of the government and did nothing for health care for all.
Done.
8
Maybe Joe Biden should ask the Turkish and Scottish governments to investigate Trump’s business dealings in their country for corruption.
6
One need not wonder that if this had been done by Mr. Obama the deep red Republicans would be baying for his blood. To them this isn't about wrong or right, it's about how to keep and expand their power in a nation that largely rejects their policies.
Like a lingering cough, the GOP just refuses to release its grip on its victim, but the antibiotics are at last starting to kick in. I have hope that the Trump era is a turning point in the health of our nation. What doesn't kill us...and all that.
10
That strategy may work with base, by you can’t fool the rest of us.
Time to start making donations to the candidates running against Mr. Trump’s enablers.
6
@JCAZ
"That strategy may work with base, by you can’t fool the rest of us."
The millions of people supporting Warren & Sanders and their math and common sense defying policies are ample proof that the rest of you can indeed be fooled.
2
Why, specifically, would such an investigation need to be announced? Wouldn't that make it easier for an alleged perpetrator to cover their tracks?
Also, if this was okay, does that mean it's okay to do it again? To do it this election cycle? Can Senators do it? What about my local councilman, is it okay to pressure him to get the County Sheriff to launch an investigation of me because I angered the councilman during a town hall?
5
Lots of Trump worshipers here today. I want to ask you all one simple question: what would you have said if had been Obama?
12
@Jesse
They are so in the tank that they refuse to even entertain the question.
Trump worshippers know what they are doing
2
The simple GOP plan for impeachment:lie,lie and lie some more!
11
Republicans supporting Trump are defending his treasonous acts against America. Putin knows the whole story.
9
"Every word is a lie, including 'and,' and 'the.'"
Jim Jordan, the former Ohio State rasslin' coach who refused to do anything about a team doctor sexually assaulting his athletes? That guy has too much experience in defending the indefensible.
11
I didn’t know prevarication was a contagious disease.
jim jordan and lindsey graham are both suffering serious cases. maybe it’s a side effect of ignorance, which is different from stupidity. Hmmmm. Maybe they all go hand-in-hand.
3
Tomorrow begins the real test of our Democracy:
Can, and will, our Constitutionally protected Press show We The People just how craven and criminally colluding that republicans are. That they have transferred the republican under investigation for his role in sex abuse of students at Ohio State University wrestling program, Jim Jordan, must not be covered up. Jordan is pitch hitting because of his abusive and violent nature, fearless mendacity, and because his charge is to clearly malign these very solemn proceedings.
It is important for the New York Times to do its' job: help inform the electorate. Tomorrow the greatest scandal in our lifetimes begins to unfold, and the colluding republicans are likely to break the law to obstruct the proceedings. Already, in these pages, we see the Russian trolls sewing the seeds of disunion and sham "arguments" that undermine our precious Democracy.
YOU must sound the alarm, and cover, rapidly, every nuance of the Impeachment Of Donny Trump.
Godspeed, New York Times.
8
I still think that the Republican's best defense is to claim Insanity!! Everyone would believe that!!
13
One of the Republicans' talking points is that the aid to Ukraine was paid "without Ukraine['s] investigating President Trump's political rivals."
Mr. Trump has claimed he was merely trying to get Ukraine to investigate corruption. This means he released the aid without any investigation into the corruption he believed existed.
Or pretended he believed existed.
4
Same strategy they've used for, let's see ... environment, education, immigration, trade, economy, healthcare, infrastructure - oh, and don't forget the inauguration crowd estimates.
6
Gosh, what a nightmare for civil servants under Trump. I think they need stress pay.
6
What the GOP really wants to sell is that Trump CAN do no wrong. They all need to be kicked to the curb in 2020.
10
Why don't Republicans plan to defend the Constitution?
16
Representative Jordan needs to be wrestled to the mat on this “nothing wrong“ business.
12
Republicans, I have a simple response to your defense of Trump: Abusing Presidential power to get yourself re-elected is wrong, unconstitutional, and un-American.
13
To those commenters bemoaning the archaic 18th century machinery of our constitution:
We need a new Constitutional Convention to update our constitution from an 18th-century document to a 21st century revision.
And it can be held in historic Philadelphia, away from the “swamp”.
3
Of course they are going to defend him! Impeaching him could lose them the White House. Moreover, the Republican big money men love the Trump tax cuts. His backers in the fossil fuel, Big Pollution industry love his rollback of environmental regulations. Evangelical christians love his assault on abortion rights and the Chamber of Commerce lovea his pro-business Supreme Court appointments. What's not to love about President Trump. And let's not forget the hate. Given Trump's support among his base, you know those he says have all the bullets and guns, what Republican would risk cries of betrayal and possible assassination?
2
@Keitr
“Impeaching him could lose them the White House.”
On the other hand, mindlessly defending Trump could lose them a lot more. A political party without ethics or credibility has just about no future. Regardless of the president’s deficiencies, an overwheming majority of American voters still highly value truth, fact, reason, justice and morality.
5
“Democrats want to impeach President Trump because unelected and anonymous bureaucrats disagreed with the president’s decisions and were discomforted by his telephone call...“The president works for the American people. And President Trump is doing what Americans elected him to do.”
Discomforted!?! Works for the American people? When? Which people? This is total distortion of the facts.
Trump's efforts were an attempt at bribery. Republicans cannot spin the facts. I am for the Constitution, not for any political party when it comes to abusing public office in such a loathsome manner. Republicans must draw the line here and now so that no future president can abuse his office in such a corrupt way. If they refuse, they are betraying their oaths of office and have lost their legitimacy.
US Constitution: Article 6, Section 3:
"The Senators and Representatives...shall be bound by Oath or Affirmation, to support this Constitution;"
This is a solemn moment. Either we are a nation of law or not. Either we defend the Constitution or it becomes a worthless parchment delegated to the refuse of history. How can we care more for the second amendment but not the underlying bedrocks of justice and accountability esconsced within the Constitution? Allowing a despot like Trump and his toy soldiers to continually trod underfoot the Constitution should be remembered as the point when the U.S. lost its once great commitment to be a nation of the people, by the people, and for the people.
10
It is getting very tiresome watch the Republicans try to normalize everything Trump does that is against our constitution and our democracy. It is not normal. This is the most corrupt Administration in my lifetime and I am a senior citizen
11
Every time I see all those white guy Republicans, I think how much better the quality of their decisions, and how much richer their happiness would be, if there were more African-Americans in the Senate, more Asian-Americans, more Moslem-Americans, more Hispanic-Americans, more women.
14
@NotKidding
I wonder how many old white guys will click “Recommended” under your comment. I’m sure at least one did.
I’ll bet more o.w.g.’s already have or will. We’re not all like Don, Mitch and Rudy.
1
In the tradition of Nazi Germany—Republicans will make the lie brazen; and then repeat it over and over, until it attains an aura of truth in the minds of some Americans. However, the U.S. political system, for all its grievous faults, has proven considerably more durable than that of the Weimar Republic. And moreover, it's my belief that most Americans already see the lie for what it is.
9
I find it a perversion of the process of justice that GOP senators are acting as advocates for the President when they should be acting as jurors. It’s not the Democrats doing the prosecution but Congress acting according to its constitutional obligations. Let all the facts emerge during the investigation and then decide whether to impeach and remove.
10
When an official in government takes their oath of office to defend the Constitution etc., is there a penalty specified in law that punishes them for breaking that oath!
Asking for clarity in a crazy time.
5
The issue isn't that he withheld aid in order to get the investigation; it's that he invited a foreign power to interfere in the USA election process. He subsequently did it again, on camera, with China. The fact that tariffs were under negotiation is minor in comparison. The financial implications in both instances were only leverage - the crime was the invitation.
If he is concerned about politicians using the influence of their office for personal / family gain, then he should request the US government to investigate Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump.
6
Is it just me, or is there something potentially unsettling over the prospect of there being an actual impeachment, only to have Roberts and the Conservative majority in both SCOTUS and the Senate letting Trump off the hook?
5
Yes, there are a lot of examples of using US support as leverage to get the recipient to do something. Common practice. Good statecraft.
Until the leverage is a clear attempt to get the potential recipient to act to damage not just a US citizen but a potential political opponent of the President.
That crosses the line.
Dems need to constantly pound on that drum.
Republicans just keep digging their hole deeper, steadily even switching from shovels to backhoes to do that.
5
What can anyone say to The Twenty (Republican senators) to them of the danger to our fragile democracy from Trump's attempting to engage foreign influence on an election?
Citing constitutional law doesn't seem to help.
3
I’ll leave this here-a tweet from Ellen Weintraub of the FEC.
“Let me make something 100% clear to the American public And anyone running for public office. It is illegal to solicit, accept or receive anything of value from a foreign national in connection with a U.S. election...Electoral intervention from foreign governments has been considered unacceptable since the beginnings of our nation. Our founding fathers sounded the alarm about ”foreign interference, intrigue and influence.”
There is more but I hope this will clear up any misunderstanding.
Trump attempted to extort dirt on a political opponent before he would release funds to Ukraine.
11
GOP, blackmail is wrong. Your ideals of late have been skewed. I'm sure you were brought up better than this.
11
Congressional Republicans' plan: feeble, cowardly surrender.
6
It is still not at all clear if Trump committed an impeachable offense. William Taylor’s testimony was ‘hearsay’ evidence as he was four people removed from the Trump-Zelensky call and alleged quid pro quo. See- Star witness Taylor told of quid pro quo from advisor, told by envoy, told by Zelensky aide (Video) The Duran Quick Take: Episode 365. by Alex Christoforou Alex Christoforou Nov 11, 2019
1
Vindman was on the call and he corroborated Taylor’s testimony. That’s good enough for me.
11
@Paul
It’s also not clear whether Trump ordered that kids be put in cages, Stormy Daniels be paid off and that our Kirdish allies be betrayed. It’s not clear whether Trump managed to tell the American people fourteen thousand lies in less than three years, repeatedly obstructed justice and robbed a charity of millions of dollars.
Who knows?
All I do know is what the party higher-ups tell us.
“The president did nothing wrong.”
That’s good enough for me!
4
Talking points courtesy Glittering Steel LLC.
This photo of Jim Jordan, and the other face of the GOP members, depicts what the party has become. I never cease to laugh out load when seeing Mr. Jordan walk around without a sport coat in an attempt to convey that he is simply too mad and action oriented to wear one, while having a look on his face of utter annoyance at the fact that he is defending a criminal from righteous Democrats who actually want our country to be successful. What a disgrace Jim Jordan and the other GOP members are.
12
This is going to be a disaster for the Dems. If I were Pelosi, I'd stop the proceedings right now. In fact, I predict that by Friday afternoon the Dems will be looking for a way out. It's already started so badly with Schiff's lying about his interaction with EC the WB. Oh well, if this is what the Dem brass wants, then let the games begin.
1
@Mark : This is not a game. The future of our country depends upon it. We are a nation of laws or we are not. Trump is not above the law.
5
@Mark
Then again, we might be about to witness the Republican party commit suicide.
5
The intent and "deep-seated, genuine and reasonable skepticism" of Trump is legally and morally irrelevant.
The question is, did the President commit a crime that is an impeachable offense as defined by the constitution?
The answer to this question, if we are to believe the WH's own call transcript and the damning multiple testimonies from within Trump's own administration corroborating the conditioning of foreign aid to the announcement of a Biden investigation, is a very likely yes on at least the two accounts of bribery and sollicitation of a foreign government to influence an election.
The President and his staff could not ignore that these are crimes, since they were investigated for these exact motives for the last two years, and, if true, the reported attempts within his staff to hide the actions of the President say as much.
And the icing on the cake: all of this would still be true even if the Bidens had committed a violation themselves, which to this day remains to be corroborated in any way.
On the other hand, the personal benefit for Trump in using his office and misappropriating public funds to pressure an investigation of a political rival is a tangible, indisputable byproduct of his and his staff's actions that no one can ignore, including his defenders who laughably paint this move as "innocent".
It's pretty darn simple in the end: whatever your intent, you don't fight corruption by practising corruption and violating your constitutional oath of office.
9
In other words they will emulate their moral leader and Lie every single day about almost everything. Democrats need to be better story tellers, control the narrative, frame this for what it is. Trump and many of his associates are compromised by Russia and are enemies of our nation as active, self admiited agents of the FSB and a clear and present danger to our nation, our allies and our Democratic republic.
The narrative must rely on the unequivocal moral fact that Satan is the list and source of all lies and Trump lives by the lie. Working with Russian mobsters like Lev, Igor and plenty of Russian and US oil Oligarchs, defending freedom, our long sacred alliances and the moral high ground is exactly opposite of what the GOP and their leader do. much less care about. They are traitors of utmost dishonor.
1
What a wonderful defense for a President.
Let’s ignore the facts and have no interest in pursuing the truth and defending the Constitution
and the oversight responsibilities of Congress.
Just cry Wolf. The Republican President is innocent because he is a Republican and so are we!
What a canard. Will the electorate accept this marketing baloney? I am afraid the answer will tell us a lot about the state of democracy in this hyper partisan Republic!
4
Let's step back a minute- if the Republicans back this strategy- then, when there is a Dem President- they will give him/her the same powers that they want Trump to have?
Is this the way we really want our government to work?
Or are they planning on having Trump as a dictator who can do whatever he wants until death? Will they be rewriting the constitution for him because it sure sounds like that's where they are headed.
4
I guess Republicans are betting on remaining in power indefinitely.
1
Let’s disabuse them of that notion with extreme prejudice in November 2020. Vote
4
The Republicans are simply enabling obstruction. There approach is simply contrarian, negating the truth, and building a wall of lies in a swirling fog of disinformation for their cult-like constituents.
2
Having now read all 18 pages of the memo, I believe when the Republicans need to bring up Nellie Ohr that they have lost the argument.
2
Let's not sugarcoat it. Forget the quid pro quo...... what Trump did is extortion with a little blackmail thrown in. Trump committed TWO crimes which most people would be prosecuted for.
3
Trump HAS NEVER used his own money for his crimes. His Charity (donors). His Casinos (banks). His 'University' (A Con). His Real Estate deals (Dad's money). His Golf Courses (Deutsche Bank - russian loans).etc, etc.
Now he's using American Taxpayer money for more crimes. This is not new but it's time the silver spoon feeds him consequences.
3
So subpoena the actual phone call recording from the double top secret server and let’s all hear what trump actually said, without any filters.
6
The press needs to start showing some genuine outrage at the Republicans. Here are some suggestions for headlines:
“Shamelessly lying Republicans again pushing debunked conspiracy theories, to distract from the indefensible.”
“Cowardly Republicans argue Party before Country, ignoring our Constitution and Founding Fathers.”
“Republicans again choose not to do their Constitutional duty, cheerleading rather than investigating.”
Democrats: “Obstruction of justice? Abuse of power? Emoluments clause? Russia puppet?” Republicans: “Yeah, but he’s Making America White Again!”
”Republicans...the party of Russia, not Reagan.”
“Republicans arguing Ramses II defeated Napoleon at the Battle of the Bulge, in desperate bid to defend Trump.”
Let’s call it what it is.
2
Random musings:
If I find out that you know that someone broke the law how is it wrong for me to encourage you to report it to law enforcement?
Take this quid pro quo thing. They both did it, Biden and Trump. The difference is that with Biden they were cool. Everything went unsaid, everyone knew what was expected of them, and they all implemented their little scheme. Sneaky.
Trump could have done the same thing. But
Trump, on the other hand is brash, uncouth, can't resist shooting off his mouth. Couldn't resist putting it to Zelensky who probably would have done what was expected of him.
And that is how we wound up where we are.
Trump's best strategy at this point might be to go, "Oops. Sorry. Didn't know we couldn't do that. It won't happen again." Immediately half the nation will forgive him.
2
@MIKEinNY - for the millionth time, Biden did NOT do anything like what Trump did. Biden (along with countless others) wanted the prosecutor fired because he WAS NOT investigating corruption. The guy was corrupt and everyone wanted him out because of it. Trump blackmailed a foreign power to investigate and dig up dirt in a political rival in order to benefit in the 2020 race. So that's inviting a foreign power to interfere in a US election and investigate a private US citizen all for Trump's personal benefit. Please stop embarrassing yourself in trying to conflate these two things.
3
@KLJ
For the millionth time plus 1, the Biden Boy does not get that Ukraine job if his daddy is not Obama's sitting vice president.
1
To paraphrase something I heard from lawyer
If you have the law on your side, argue the law
If you have the truth on your side, argue the truth
If you neither, bang the table.
The Republicans will be banging the table.
3
@Maxi
Well said, Maxi.
Nice!
You just made it into my notebook of quotations.
1
Michael Atkinson, here is an option for you: just resign. Then, do what your conscience tells you to do. With this plan, you will take charge of the situation, you will have power and freedom. Sounds wonderful doesn't it?
An astonishingly brilliant plan! Simpletons could not have thought up an equivalent response with such daring flare and tenacity.
I'm a 56-year-old middle class lady. I've never in all my life felt such visceral disdain for a group of people as I do the GOP right now. The history books will not remember them for stealing a SCOTUS and getting a second one. They will be written about in history books for turning away from our Constitution. And stealing a SCOTUS seat. I just really want to know how much money these Congress seats are worth to them. How much money do they make on the side that they would sell America out like this. Dems have to fight back and get in the mud with them or they'll scam us again and again
6
It is, truly unfortunately, getting easier and easier to believe that the Republican Senate majority is being run by a plutocracy -- or perhaps just by a demagogue and a few other oligarchs. As a confirmed fiscal moderate/social liberal, it does appear that the party is trying actively to destroy the grand experiment of democracy, imperfect thought it may be, ir order to make riches for the few and effective serfdom for the many.
2
So it seems that future presidents will be able to solicit help from foreign governments on personal problems using US money and favors as incentives. Hope Trump's hotels have long term iron-clad leases.
2
The GOP are decided on not weighing the seriousness of these allegations which are not really allegations but admissions. Their long term goals overshadow any sense of true governance or semblance of justice and protection for our institutions.
They are simply practicing a dress rehearsal for the farce that they are going to perpetuate and that is the notion that our president is acting first and foremost to uphold the constitution of the U.S. This is farcical and the GOP know it. Senators are just ramping their sharade up for when impeachment comes to congress in preparation of voting no regardless of the evidence.
1
Actually the Republicans "defense" it's even simpler than this article suggests. It is: nothing that this President does is wrong.
1
This strategy is completely incoherent.
If Trump had a "genuine and reasonable" concern about corruption in Ukraine, he would have made it public and demanded a formal shift in American policy, rather than secretly relying on Rudy the shadow diplomat. And the Ukrainians would have known not only that their aid had been held up, but also why it was being held up. And then the aid wouldn't have been released.
Instead, we're being asked to believe that withholding the aid was normal--despite everyone but the president and his pals signing off on it--and that the Ukrainians weren't bothered by the delay because they didn't even notice--except they did. And the aid was released, without conditions relating to "a genuine and reasonable" concern about corruption, but only after everyone started asking embarrassing questions about the delay.
1
I think the Democrats are missing a key distinction when they present the narrative of what happened.
The GOP will argue that Biden tried to fire a prosecutor, neglecting to state that all U.S. and European authorities also wanted him fired concluding that he was in fact NOT investigating corruption. So, despite the GOP deception, all sides agree that it matters who conducts an investigation.
And yet, in all of Giuliani's travels, I've seen no specifics about who Trump - falsely claiming an anti-corruption motive - wanted to conduct this fake investigation in the Ukraine. That's because a sham investigation was unlikely to find anything that would survive journalistic scrutiny, and a real investigation was probably not the goal.
However, what they wanted and what they paid attention to, was pressuring for a televised announcement by Zelensky about an investigation. They even prepared a script for him, and a Zelensky interview was set up with CNN before the scandal was exposed by the whistleblower.
So Democrats, please stop saying that Trump tried to get the Ukrainians to do an investigation of Biden, and more accurately say the more insidious and indefensible truth that Trump tried to get the Ukrainians to publicly announce an investigation of Biden on U.S. television, for the obvious smear.
I'm sure that Trump and his enablers in the GOP will devise some convoluted spin for that one too, but let's stop gifting them with imprecise language.
4
@DLNYC You're right. The announcement of an investigation into corruption was completely about damaging Biden by linking him with the word corruption and was all that Trump wanted. No actual investigation would be needed for the damage to be done. In fact, Trump risked looking bad calling for an investigation that would turn up nothing, so he just settled with the smear. Pure slime.
1
Simple question: is Ukraine the only country that receives US aid that has a corruption problem? If not, and I suspect it is not, then why is the president so focused on Ukraine? Why hasn’t he taken on corruption in those other countries? What is he waiting for?
4
Trump did nothing wrong according to Republicans, yet White House lawyers thought the Ukraine call so incriminating that they moved it to a top secret/code word secure repository even though it contained nothing classified. The original whistle blower complaint was then suppressed in violation of the law instead of being submitted to congress, even though the inspector general determined it to be credible, again on instruction of lawyers protecting Trump. When the complaint became known anyway, the Trump White House then declared blanket immunity to subpoenas and that the president may not be subject to investigation by congress of any kind, in clear contradiction to the constitution. Witnesses who have voluntarily appeared to testify under oath in closed sessions so far have been asked no questions by Republicans on the committee about the accuracy of their statements or Trump's conduct. But yeah, Trump has done nothing wrong.
4
The litmus test is to honestly answer, if the roles had been reversed, and a Democratic president had done what the current president is accused of, would you still feel the same way?
3
As a Norwegian citizen I am deeply worried by the current state of American politics. The divergence from the traditional bipartisan line in foreign policy is shocking. Old allies are mocked, while the president seems full of admiration for despots and tyrants. The public are feed with lies and misleading information from certain media outlets. The GOP seems to have lost it, soft norms of good governance are long gone and now also basic understanding right and wrong.
What’s seems clear to me is the weakness of a two-party system. Moderate and sensible (if they exists) politicians in the GOP are now held hostage by partisanship. In an extremely partisan climate, a multi party system gives more room for political differences and criticism to play out within alliance’s. That’s sometimes a good thing.
5
The US as currently constituted is coming to an end - sooner than many think.
1
I’m forced to conclude that small “d” democracy has become an existential threat to the Republican Party, and its line of defense requires suppressing voters, defying law and political norms, denying facts and evidence, and allowing a despotic demagogue to lead the partisan faithful around by the nose.
1
Just so I understand, is this where politics in America stands?
1. Democrats know the impeachment is well founded, and Trump is unfit for office. The majority of Americans agree with them.
2. Republicans in Congress know this is the truth, but in the name of keeping political power they will misconstrue, and try to manipulate evidence in plain sight to be false, or unimportant. The Senate will vote to keep him in office, and we have to deal with Trump’s continued abuses of power for another year. Republican Senators are unconvinced supporting Trump will lessen their chances of re-election. This includes acts of abuse of power and corruption not yet discovered, but more than likely to be revealed.
Is that it?
Maybe John Cleese is right. Trump supporters are like WWE fans who don’t admit the fight is fixed — even though the evidence is right before their eyes.
6
On the bright side, Democrats will seemingly have carte blanche to do anything in furtherance of their goals once they are in power again. No?
3
The House Democrats lack evidence of a quid pro quo from those close to the President? Let Mulvaney, Pompeo, Giuliani, Bolton, and Eisenberg testify then, if Republicans are so sure they’ll prove Trump did nothing wrong.
2
I just wonder why you keep choosing pictures with Rep. Matt Gaetz in them. He is...well the word I was going to choose probably wouldn't pass for the NY Times. But he is awful. Choose pictures without him in it!
7
I guess the party that as been wrong about everything since 1980 will try to rationalize away the crimes of this president like they did for W.
10
Whenever I first think of what country it would be that I would like my tax dollars used to fight corruption, Ukraine is always the first one that comes to mind. And Giuliani, Sondland, Manafort, Parnas and Fruman would be the “A” team I would send.
7
The underlying philosophy to GOP policy appears to be “if it’s spiteful, hurtful and mean, lets do it”.
We have never witnessed a more selfish and self serving group of politicians in this country, save those who voted for secession. This crop of Republican lawmakers have abused the public trust, worked tirelessly to pull down our government institutions, and generally ruined the idea of civic duty and civil discourse for an entire generation.
And now they are all in for a man who is demonstrably a cheater, liar, and crook.
Disgusting.
11
Am I to believe "the president had a “deep-seated, genuine and reasonable skepticism” about Ukraine"s ... corruption, prompting him to push for a foreign investigation into one of the front runners of the 2020 election ... bad, very bad, in fact, these people make me wary of all politicians ... out with the lot.
vote him out ... pence holds no higher office, unless the man can be criminally convicted ... and jailed
It will still be difficult for the GOP to explain-away the actions of unelected US reps like Giuliani, Lev Parnas and Igor Fruman.
5
Republicans,
are you trying to tell me that if Joe Biden was not running for president that Trump would have done the same thing and gone through all this trouble with the Ukrainians?
because that's what you're implying.
you're full of baloney.
13
Laws and the Constitutiopn apparently are to Trump and the Republicans like beauty -- in the eye of the beholder.......
We have sunk so low and so far in three short years - who woulda thought?.........
2
So the Republican strategy is officially gaslighting. This is pure evil, plain and simple. This nation is absolutely becoming the Soviet style dictatorship GOP'rs always fearmonger over, except they're the ones pushing us in that direction.
5
"always go for the Jugular, particularly when you're weak" -- Trump's motto.
4
One thing to keep in mind is that the Democrats did not and would not exercise political power to impeach Trump concerning the porn star payoff, his affairs, his admitted sexual assaults, emoluments violations, nor even in his concealment of his tax records.
Contrast that with Bill Clinton's impeachment for having an affair. (lied under oath) Contrast that with the never-ending investigations of both Bill and Hillary.
The Democrats drew the line at endangering of our national security. Huge difference.
12
He should be impeached if there is any doubt that he did something wrong.
2
If you can't tell right from wrong,
you shouldn't be in Congress in the first place.
4
My favorite Republican excuse is the one that says all politicians legitimately seek dirt on opponents and thus there are no high crimes and misdemeanors here. They conveniently ignore the digging will be done by foreign governments and their cooperation must be extorted.
4
Simple defense to appeal to the simple minded. Does not matter if it is right ad long ad the words are not to big and Bubba understands it.
2
“The president works for the American people. And President Trump is doing what Americans elected him to do.”
The President does indeed work for the American people but it's incomprehensible to me that anyone can take the position that Americans elected him to extort and bribe a President of another country with funding already allocated to fight back against the war Russia is waging on Ukraine. This was an illegal act. The whole scheme was strictly focused on smearing former Vice President Joe Biden with what are clearly unsubstantiated rumors promulgated by Putin and his cronies, not on corruption in general. To say so twists so many facts that reality itself becomes besmirched.
Now you'll tell me that Americans elected the Republicans in the House and Senate to do Putin's bidding. You have a point there. Republicans are doing the Russian so-called President's bidding, working with him and his ilk to undermine the 2020 election. Are those who put you Republicans in power so blind to you acting as bad as Mr. Trump, doubling down with the effort to destroy our democracy and legitimate leadership in the world to keep on believing this dribble? Evidently.
4
“The president works for the American people. And President Trump is doing what Americans elected him to do.” Yeah, right. Along with 14,000+ lies and countless admissions of illegal acts, people who call themselves Republicans have decided that this is a way to keep their jobs, even though they have sworn an oath to the Constitution. These republicans are caught up in a Trumpian psychosis and are worshipping at the alter of power and money. Working for the American people? Who's kidding who?
3
I wonder how all these self-serving duplicitous shills like Jim Jordan would feel if Obama had withheld military aid to a foreign country unless they agreed to publicly dig up dirt on Donald Trump?
"Well, that's a completely different matter!", isn't it Mr. Jordan.
3
The President with held the funds because he was truly concerned about corruption. Oh the irony of it all!!!
5
The Republicans of today have no honor and no patriotism. They've sold their souls to a corrupt, self-loving, cheat who'd sell out his country to promote himself. Republicans of old would have nothing to do with what the GOP has now become.
2
Giuliani is as "deep state" as you can get.
Running a shadow international campaign outside of the established channels for personal gain?
The very definition of treason.
I'm disgusted with the GOP.
5
Classic defence: “It was not my fault. I was only giving orders.”
1
So Trump asked Ukraine to investigate the corruption of Paul Manafort? Thought not.
He was focused on dirt on his main political opponent. Watergate all over again.
3
The voters will have their revenge on the craven complicit Republicans. Watch for a loss of 40 House seats and 8 - 10 Senate seats.....just like 1976.
1
If the Republican defense is Trump knew nothing because he knew nothing, in general that would be a good defense of Trump’s everyday life.
1
When all else fails, adopt the ad hominem strategy for your defense. If only those who support this president could think critically enough to see how badly they are being played.
4
The Democrats shouldn’t fall into the trap of limiting the impeachment hearings to Trump’s Ukraine debacle. Proving his wrong doings and the obstruction that followed will not take too long and the results of the impeachment trial are pretty much a far gone conclusion, as is the inevitability of his acquittal in the Senate . The Republicans have proven again an again that the facts in this case and the rule of law mean nothing to them.
In addition to impeaching him, the House Democrats should use the visibility of the hearing as an opportunity to portray Trump as the unqualified, dishonest, incompetent president that he is, which might help them to win the next election.
Otherwise, the impeachment hearings could end up resembling the Mueller report-
Lot’s of proof, no pudding.
3
Okay, GOP. As long as you're all right with Democrats doing the "nothing wrongs" that Trump does.
1
So there's nothing wrong in using taxpayers' money to work a protection racket. Got it.
6
Per the article: "Republicans’ argument boils down to a simple formulation: The president did it, but he had completely innocent reasons." If Republicans are attempting to defend Trump by admitting his guilt at the outset, a "Yes" vote on impeachment is assured. Haven't they ever heard the age old adage, "Ignorance of the law is no excuse?" Or is this another example of Republicans believing the law doesn't apply to Trump?
1
So now Republicans are saying extortion and bribery along with campaign finance violations are all perfectly legal regardless of what actual laws say. This is beyond bizarre to anyone not existing solely in the right wing echo chamber.
I guess they would say it would be perfectly legal if the eventual Democrat nominee stood on a stage and said to all the world give me your dirt on a Trump and I will reward you handsomely when I win.
1
It is amazing how accurate George Orwell was in describing the changing falsehoods advanced by Big Brother, and also how docile the "proles" were in accepting them.
3
PBS recently aired a episode of their documentary series "The Dictator's Playbook". The episode I watched was a story about the rise and fall of Idi Amin, the brutal, murderous "president" (mass-killer and dictator) of Uganda from 1971 through 1979.
When I watched the episode about Idi Amin, I got the creeps. There is a disturbing parallel between Amin's personality and actions and those of our "president" Trump. Trump hasn't (up to now) committed mass murder to keep himself in power, but we haven't seen the end of him yet, have we. Trump's pathological narcissism, his constant lying, his erratic behavior, his frequent attempts to distract the public's gaze in order to focus us on something other than his crimes and despicable acts, his buffoonish image and his complete and total incompetence are traits Trump has in common with Amin. Near the end of his life, some speculated that Amin's behavior could, in part, be attributable to his rumored tertiary syphilis. Some of Trump's slurring of words, mental fog, paranoia, and inability to understand simple English sentences are perhaps more sinister signs than heretofore recognized.
3
In a related story: When asked by my teacher, I insisted that I willingly gave my lunch money to the school bully as he cornered me in the stairwell and asked if, as a favor, I could "loan" him $5. For reasons I can no longer recall, I assumed that since I really wanted all of my blood to remain inside of my body, I should strongly consider giving him the money.
Then the Republicans argued that there was clearly no quid pro quo, and that - in fact - the bully and I both said that he didn't exert any pressure. (This latter point was true. We both said that.)
Oh, and - I almost forgot this part... the bully said that the kid who witnessed the incident and told the teacher was guilty of treason and should be executed.
3
Trump doesn't read, doesn't believe much that he sees unless it's on Fox News. So how did he develop a “deep-seated, genuine and reasonable skepticism” of Ukraine. Somebody had to had planted that idea. Who in the world has the most to gain from the degradation of Ukraine?
6
The other joint republican defense is to decry “this is an election year therefore the voters should decide.” That argument is chutzpah laden - as it is Trump’s interference in the upcoming election that is the heart of the issue - so he shouldn’t be allowed to hide behind such election year sophistry. Reminds me of the joke where a kid kills his parents and then asked for mercy .... because he was (now) an orphan.
1
If I was president facing impeachment and many of my closest aids and cabinet members and even my personal lawyer all could help exonerate me through fact witness testimony, the last thing I would do is order them to refuse to comply with the investigation.
Obstruction is the last refuge of the guilty
6
"... the aid was ultimately released without Ukraine committing to the investigations that Mr. Trump wanted."
The aid was released two day before Zelensky's scheduled announcement of the investigations on CNN. So their argument is 'He tried to rob the bank and shoot the security guard, but he forgot to load the gun, so, no harm, no foul, he can go free.'
Who thinks that is justice? Who thinks that is accountability? Oh wait. This is not some average Joe - this someone at the top. This is America in 2019 - the rules that apply to us don't apply to him.
3
Impeach. Convict. Prosecute. Move on. Anything less is a mockery of our fundamental principles and our history.
3
Opening stanza / lyrics to the Republican’s swan song:
“And it's too late, baby now, it's too late
Though we really did try to make it
Somethin' inside has died, and we can't hide
And we just can't fake it, oh, no, no”
The Democrat's plan is simple, try and impeach Trump for something that Joe Biden actually did.
@P McGrath - Except, he didn't. Biden had the backing of the Administration, State Dept. and even a bipartisan Congressional Committee, not to mention the EU, IMF and several anti corruption groups within Ukraine that were being harrassed by Shokin. Biden was the mouthpiece, but the actual decision was well above his pay grade to make alone.
Everyone and their uncle wanted Shokin gone because he was corrupt, refused to investigate oligarch owned companies like Burisma and was using his office both for his own personal gain and to get revenge on anyone who opposed him.
Gee, that sounds familiar somehow....
If I had three wishes, I think at this point I'd use one to change Trump's "do us a favor, though" to "do me a favor, though".
Trump has a cutthroat defence team in the GOP that will stop at nothing to defend the president's betrayal of their own country.
3
The advance reports on Republican strategy for the impeachment hearings indicate that they will try to follow the aggressive Kavanaugh approach, in which he disgraced and disqualified himself at the confirmation hearings. President Trump modeled this yesterday, when he told reporters who approached him on the tarmac, his substitution for legitimate press conferences, that the whistle blower as well as his lawyer should be prosecuted for treason! This was a most chilling statement, as intimidating the lawyers of the political opposition is a hallmark of authoritarian, fascist dictatorships.
4
Unfortunately, as they’ve come to play the game which the 21-st century Republicans have made of our political process, their defense of President Trump need not dovetail with recent events. It’s not required to correspond with either current legal statues or long-standing political traditions. Sad to say, it need not even be cohesive or logical. That is, the argument doesn’t even need to make sense.
All that is required is continuity of presentation and repetition.
1. All say the same stuff.
2. Say it over and over again.
Nonsense. Repeated enough times. By serious men in suits and sincere ladies in dresses. On television. Becomes FACT.
Pay attention to the band leader.
“It was a perfect conversation. Perfect. No problem. A perfect telephone call. Nothing wrong it. PERFECT!!!”
The fact that the phrase “perfect telephone conversation” has no clear meaning in the English language is of no importance. Trump has no reasonable defense for what he’s done, so he just repeats the “chosen word/phrase” thousands of times.
“Witch hunt” x 2000 reps.
Even though no one is hunting for witches, this tactic of repeating nonsense works for Trump and Trump’s followers.
I look for the Congressional Republicans to ALL start bleating that same sort of nonsense in the coming days.
“Questionable, but not impeachable.”
Like it? We just might be hearing that phrase, or something like it frequently and soon.
2
GOP: an “ attempt “ at a Crime is NOT a crime. And also, a crime depends upon who does it.
Seriously.
7
What if Trump had told Ukraine that in order to get the $391 million in aid they would have to agree to give 10% of it to his re-election campaign? I don't see any difference what-so-ever. And I suppose the GOP wouldn't either. For them that would be "perfectly acceptable", wouldn't it? Of course it would.
14
Our Constitution specifically mentions "bribery" as a "high crime" meriting impeachment. President Donald J. Trump engaged in attempted "bribery" [aka a "quid pro quo"] by withholding Congressionally authorized military assistance to Ukraine unless they publicly committed to investigate his political opponent, former Vice President Joseph Biden and his son Hunter. The evidence is clearly from the transcript of the call between President Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as well as from the testimony of a number of those who listened in on the call. There is no doubt that this occurred and that it meets the Constitutional level requiring removal from office. Hopefully, the Americana public, if not Congressional Republicans, will agree and request their senators to impeach Mr. Trump. If not, Democrats may want to appeal to the voters as the ultimate jurors to cast their vote next November.
5
I’d encourage readers to ask themselves this: “What will I do today to ensure that Donald Trump does not serve another term as president?” Please don’t let many days go by without doing it. Each of us can find some concrete act, preferably taken together with our friends and neighbors, that decisively moves us one more step in that direction.
9
the abuse of power witnessed under 45 and the Senate's willingness to defend and comply is systemic of the accelerating wealth gap and economic class warfare being waged on citizens of the world. as the political spectrum continues to move towards the right one can only hope that what we are witnessing today is the worst of what's to come. somehow, I doubt that. be close to those you love and enjoy what time you have left on this earth.
7
Well said, I sense dark and bloody times ahead the way the GOP is acting
3
This is what's called without a fourth down play that will be successful so punt is the call and pray it's fumbled and recovered. Pretty much the same play Trump has lived by for just short of three years. Correction. During his entire life is more to the point. He over inflated the ball to get leverage. Hopefully the ball without Trumps knowledge is deflated and the democrats gain possession and return it all the way for the win.
3
What the House Republican memo circulated saying that the president did nothing wrong is 100% correct. Most Americans also think the same and the partisan political impeachment inquiry is much ado about nothing and a colossal waste of time when congress is failing to do the people's work.
2
These are the same people who lied this county into an extremely expensive and deadly illegal war in Iraq. So, proudly defending extortion is no stretch.
7
There's a timeline here that throws a monkey wrench into Republican claims that Trump had a legitimate concern about corruption on the Biden's part: Trump's phone call to Zalensky was placed on July, 25th, the very same day that FOX News released its first poll showing Trump trailing Biden by 10 points. If you recall, Trump had a meltdown, castigating FOX and throwing a temper tantrum on social media that would have embarrassed my five year old grandson.
The FOX poll was released at 7:40 PM, nearly 11 hours after Trump called Zalensky at 9:00 AM. But that time difference could be easily explained by Trump having been informed well in advance by one of his buddies at FOX that they were going to release the poll in the evening, giving Trump plenty of time to cook up a scheme to put pressure on Zalensky with his own call earlier in the day.
It's irresponsibly naive to think that Trump's call to Zalensky on the same day that FOX released a poll showing Biden leading Trump by 10 points is a simple coincidence, or that his attempts to equate the name, Biden, with the word, corruption, is anything other than a pure smear job against his main political rival.
Is my theory about the call airtight? No, but given what we know about Trump, it's entirely plausible and, in my mind, probable. Everyone should be skeptical about Trump's motives on anything he does, especially this slimy episode.
9
OK, I get the Republican defense: "Yes. He violated the law forbidding using Congressionally-approved taxpayer monies for his private political gain, but he had good reasons, so that means it's not a crime."
It's the Nixon Defense redux: "If the President does it. It's not illegal."
"Perfect," as our fake President would say
10
I am the furthest from a Trump supporter. I hope I am well-informed enough to separate the bogus theories about Ukraine, Russia and election meddling from the realities of Hunter Trump's $50,000 per month directorship with a dubious Ukrainian company. But I simply cannot accept the bland assertion that there was really nothing genuine for the US government, if properly motivated, to ask the Ukraine to investigate.
Hunter was sleazy. Joe tolerated it. All the rest is just hard ball, the Republicans will say. Once you are comparing sleaze with sleaze, technical details fall away.
I cannot think of any reason why a Ukrainian energy company would pay Hunter Biden $50,000 per month, except its hope that connections with the Biden name would be worth the money. Hunter, and by extension Joe, must have been content for the Ukrainians to believe they were getting something of value when the leased the Biden name. Were they allowing the Ukrainians to fool themselves, or were the Ukrainians right?
One might argue that it is false equivalence to compare Hunter's sleaze to Trump's misappropriation of $300 million for his own political purposes. Maybe it is false equivalence. But the fact remains when the Dems have to get down into minute factual details to distinguish Trump from the Bidens, they have already lost.
Therefore, the Republican narrative will be enough to assuage the base.
1
@Peeking Through The fences
Why don't you read the testimony of the witnesses. The problem here is not whether or not the Bidens individually or in tandem did anything wrong, the problem is that the foreign aid was not provided in return for corruption investigations, it was provided to aid the Ukraine in its problems with Russia. The money was approved by Congress to aid Ukraine in their efforts to combat Russian aggression, not to help Trump get re-elected.
The Bidens have ZERO, repeat, ZERO to do with this. And, by the way, do a little reading elsewhere--it was established four years ago that Joe Biden's work regarding corruption in Ukraine was likely to hurt his son, not help him.
3
@Peeking Through The fences
One can’t just use words like “sleazy”, “dubious company” and lies like “directorship” (Hunter did not run the company, he was advisor), and conclude that there was any crime in there. How many people out there make 50K a month? Thousands? They should be all investigated because that is suspicious? This is pure conspiracy. How about GIULIANI getting 500K for the work in Ukraine? Where this money has come from? Is that normal?
This is projection, Trump people deal with this mafia-like shadowy secrecy and claim that everyone else is doing the same.
Hunter Biden likely would not get this job if his name was other than Biden. But so is Kushner, Ivanka and many other Trump associates having lucrative jobs in WH.
2
I'm tired of reading about the "reconstructed transcript." Why have the media bought into this? Why aren't we allowed to know what the actual conversation was? Why was it hidden away so quickly? Why do we accept that the transcript we're given isn't missing critically damaging language? The cynic in me suspects that it has nothing less than a true smoking gun, something that would doom all the feeble Republican arguments as well as turn the tide of public opinion. I think the Republicans ought to take this opportunity to rid themselves of Trump and bask in the glory of heroes who put Country above Party by convicting him.
4
President Zelensky said, “the United States is a much bigger partner than the European Union, and 'm very grateful to you for that because the United States is doing quite a lot for Ukraine. Much more than the European Union especially when we are talking about sanctions against the Russian Federation. I would also like to thank you for.your great support in the area of defense. We are ready to continue to cooperate for the next steps specifically we are almost. ready to buy more Javelins from the United States for defense purposes.”
President Trump immediately replied, “I would like you to do us a favor,” but if he was asking for a quid pro quo, he was asking a favor in return for past assistance, not future assistance. Zelensky mention Javelin missiles because Trump, unlike Obama, had approved arm sales to Ukraine.
The Ukrainians are adamant that they did perceive a link between Trump’s request and future aid.
2
The transcript of the call shows very clearly that Trump was pressuring Zelensky to investigate Biden and to investigate the 2016 election. It's all there in black and white.
Zelensky says, "we are almost ready to buy more Javelins..."
Trump responds, "I would like you to do us a favor though..."
So Trump is withholding the missiles from Ukraine until Zelensky does Trump a favor. Trump continues, mentioning "Crowdstrike", a server that Trump thinks Ukraine may have,Trump mentions investigating Biden, this was the favor; investigating Biden and looking into the 2016 election.
None of this has anything to do with our national security. It is actually contrary to our national security. Arming Ukraine to defend itself against Russia is very much in our national security. That's why the Pentagon went to Congress and asked for nearly 400 million dollars in military aid for Ukraine. That's why Congress appropriated the aid on a bipartisan basis.
The ambassadors and military and civil servants who have served our nation for twenty and thirty years are patriots. They have served Republican and Democratic presidents. They are speaking out because they see the actions of Trump as detrimental to our national security. If the Republicans try to disparage their reputations, shame on them. It's as if the Republicans have taken an oath to "protect and defend Donald Trump" instead of the constitution.
Please listen carefully to the testimony of these patriots.
5
So, in essence, these Republican pols can't tell right from wrong. So, do they consult a ouija board or just flip a coin? I'm assuming there is some method to their madness, recognizing that's a pretty bold assumption.
2
Wow, I don't think someone could have purposefully made a more satirical cartoon than that picture: a hunched-over troll, a doofus with a confused and clueless look on his face, and a painfully-staged suit staring cross-eyed into the middle distance at nothing. Pretty impressive
23
The GOP and Trump do care about corruption in other countries. We also provide aid to Latin American, African and Asian countries too! Never heard of Trump calling any of them and talking to them about their corruption. I guess Ukraine must be the only corrupt country in the world. I get it now.
21
Yes. And apparently “selective enforcement” used to be a thing but now it isn’t. Go America!
Dems should ask "Why didn't he engage his State department to do the investigating?" Instead he hid the players and ran a corrupt political extortion campaign. If he was truly interested in corruption why form a shadow government with non-government employees? It makes no sense if the whole thing was on level.
26
@My Country Tis of Thee Couldn't agree more. That's a question I've been asking. Why did the president get involved personally? Obviously, he was afraid that official channels would come up empty handed, so he needed to direct the narrative and action behind the scenes to ensure that the smear would happen.
2
The Republicans are beneath contempt.
24
When Judgment Day comes, there will be long line of current Republicans lined up in front of the Pearly Gates, and God will turn to them, and laughing say, “Sorry boys, you already sold your souls to the Devil.” Then he will fling them down to the orange flames below.
14
Jim Jordan should resign from office. He was an enabler and a collaborator in covering up multiple sex crimes. As a wrestling coach at Ohio State a team doctor Strauss “fondled more than 1,400 people and raped at least 47 others for decades while serving as a team doctor and working at an off-campus health clinic, requiring invasive exams for minor ailments to showering with athletes to performing sex acts, according to an Ohio State report released last month....”
More than 300 of Strauss’ victims have filed a total of 13 lawsuits against Ohio State, claiming university officials wrongly failed to stop the abuse. A new suit was filed Nov 9 2019 by a wrestling referee. The allegation, made by dozens of Strauss’ victims against Ohio State, follows a claim by ex-wrestler Mike DiSabato that Jordan knew about the doctor’s abuse of wrestlers he coached but did nothing about it. In this new lawsuit the referee claims that when he told Jim Jordan, that Strauss approached him in the shower and masturbated while staring at him. Jordan response was “Yeah, that’s Strauss,” and
the abuse and crimes against young men continued.
I’m sure when all the evidence comes out on Trumps bribery of a foreign leader Jordan
Response will be “Yeah, that’s Trump,” and the crimes will continue. Jim Jordan is not fit to serve. He is a complete disgrace. He must resign now.
36
@Sendan
Jordan is a very Trump kind of very fine people. As reported by NBC, any number of wrestlers have testified that Jordan was aware of the abuse but did nothing.
3
Can't wait for more Gym Jordan histrionics. He really throws himself into his performative outrage. Look out Lindsey Graham, your Oscar is far from assured
25
Not only that defense simple, it is also logical and true. Trump has done nothing wrong. End of story. Now start investigating the corrupt Bidens already.
4
Sigh.
I feel an obligation to at least say, however pointlessly, that assertion is not argumentation and assertions are not facts.
5
Strong argument. Really impressive.
3
@David Interesting statement.
Maybe you could explain what part of inviting (apparently multiple) foreign governments to participate in steering our presidential elections is "[doing] nothing wrong". This sounds uncomfortably close to a conspiracy to commit treason against the United States of America. Somehow, I just can't imagine George H. W. Bush phoning up Augusto Pinochet to say "I have a favor to ask. I want you to investigate my political rival ". I've been searching and searching the text of the U.S. Constitution, but I just can't find the part that says that's ok.
3
Substitute $1 million for the "dirt" on Biden as the thing of value, do you think the defenders of trump would view it differently?
3
This Republican plan is the same plan they've had for everything for decades now. i.e. They're going to lie. Constantly. And through their teeth.
18
"Si iudicatum erit meridie non lucere," wrote Cicero to a friend. Discussing the upcoming trial of another Roman who (in Cicero's opinion" was as guilty as sin. But who might get off scot-free--
--"if the verdict is: the sun doesn't shine at midday."
These Republican lawmakers--they sound like a bunch of Cicero's. Without half his learning or expertise--
--but the guy they propose to defend--
--is guilty as sin.
Sorry, you diehard Republicans--you never-say-die Trumpistas--
--but he is.
"I told them: it wouldn't be right," said Richard M. Nixon, giving an account of something he supposedly said.
What he said was actually to the effect of: "Well, that'd be a mistake."
Not the same thing.
His own staffers labored away--this during the dark days of Watergate. At the end of a long day, they'd shut up shop and head home--
--but the last one out the door would invariably turn, looking back into the now darkened room.
"But it wouldn't be right!" he would intone. To whatever tape-recorders might be chugging away somewhere.
It had become a joke. A nationwide joke.
Whatever these GOP stalwarts propose to do or say--
--I hope and pray it too--
--will become a joke. A nationwide joke.
It'll deserve no better.
Quid pro quo you said?
Quid pro snow-job I'm thinking.
Lotsa luck with that, guys.
You'll need it.
4
Personally, I find Lindsey Graham's 'they're too dumb to do anything wrong' argument more plausible than 'trump's commitment to rooting out corruption'. Trump worried about corruption, please.
16
Thank you Republicans for pushing the USA ever closer to the status of a banana republic. Good job. You guys are really awsome. MAGA!
15
@Tom
Stop it Tom:
Once again,. Banana Republic refers to a central american dictatorship whose economy depended on one cash crop: bananas, and who delegated ultimate authority to the corporation entrusted with protecting the plantations and exporting the fruit.
The US economy is way to diversified to devolve into a one cash crop economy. Despite the Woody Allen film "Bananas," Banana Republic has nothing to do with being, proverbially, bananas.
Please stop using this false and incorrect analogy.
I believe that two of the most loathsome actions of humans are, first, lying (especially when it leads to dangers to others) and, secondly, cowardice.
The Republicans have embraced and perfected both of these vices. They are the embodiment of cowardly liars.
14
A question for Republicans adopting this strategy: If President Obama had telephoned Uhuru Kenyatta, the President of Kenya, asking him to do opposition research on Romney, would you have said "Obama has done nothing wrong"? Or would you have said "This is proof that Obama was born in Kenya!"
16
@Dan Styer Dan, sorry, you have to ask? We both know the answer.
1
Republicans always look for the simplest lie.
They think people are overwhelmed by information and intricacies, and if not overwhelmed by information and intricacies, lazy, and if not lazy, and if not lazy, uncaring and if not uncaring stupid. That's the money shot right there.
10
in other words the Repubs are counting on us being stupid. they may be right?
12
Please commenters, can you guys STOP using that phrase. Even the new Republican taking points dropped it. It’s now. “It’s “showed no conditionality or evidence of pressure” They have used up “no Quid Pro Quo”! I hate that term almost as “NO COLLUSION”
Legal terms include bribery, extortion, & campaign finance abuse resulting in so far Trump paying a $2m fine.!
So can we please get off the Pseudo terms and use the LEAGAL ONES!
5
@Kelly T Shack I favor the phrase "Conspiracy to commit treason against the United States of America".
4
That’s another one that is real.!!
Sickening. Absolutely sickening. Just take the Constitution and put it through the shredder.
10
Indefensible. CREW (Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington) just released a live tracker President Trump's Unprecedented Conflicts of Interest:
https://www.citizensforethics.org/trump-conflicts-of-interest-tracking/
8
yes a simple defense for a mentally defective simpleton.
this was EXTORTION.
this was BRIBERY.
no Demo should ever utter QPQ again. we dont need to use Latin.
ITS EXTORTION!
12
Everyone in America knows Trump is a Traitor.
But to Republicans, he’s THEIR Traitor.
17
I stopped reading after Shear's subhead. ALL Democrats AND Republicans are bureaucrats!
2
I just wrote my senator and gave her hell. (Lisa Murkowski)
She's talking out of both sides of her mouth.
She raised my spirits when she issued a statement saying that you don't shake down a foreign government for personal gain.
But then this weekend I saw her criticizing the process. Piously called it 'awful.' Enraged me.
I told her she was an attorney and presumably she knows that the process is exactly as it should be.
Don't expect any miracles from Lisa Murkowski. She's the same as the rest of them.
14
@Kiska
"But then this weekend I saw her criticizing the process."
And what else, really, DID you expect from your senator? She's the West coast Susan Collins, all talk, no action.
Someone has obviously threatened her campaign with loss of financing if she doesn't get on board.
3
@Moehoward
I had hoped for more, but I guess you're right.
1
Re: "...Representative Jim Jordan of Ohio, center, and other Republicans outside of the secure room where impeachment interviews took place on Capitol Hill last month..."
Rep. Jordan reminds me of Penn State's, (incarcerated), coach...Jerry Sandusky!
Is an, ('allegedly'...L.O.L.!), 'indifferent-to-sex-crime-reports' coach, turned politician the best Trump_defender who Republicans could find?
...Really?
Will Republicans resurrect (the late) papal financier-fraudster, Roberto Calvi*, to explain Trump's tax doc's when the Supremes either pass on his tax issues OR decide Trump MUST surrender his tax doc's?
*{https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roberto_Calvi#The_Banco_Ambrosiano_scandal}
5
Charles Manson also said he did "nothing wrong."
Just sayin'.
8
If the President gets to argue that he’s doing what he was elected to do, when do we get to point out that the House is now doing what we elected it to do. And by the way, which of those elections is more recent, and therefore is a more accurate reflection of the People’s will?
21
“The president works for the American people. And President Trump is doing what Americans elected him to do.”
Yes, the POTUS is supposed to work for the American people. And no - THIS American, and a MAJORITY of Americans, did not elect Trump. He was "elected" by the Electoral College, and his election was massively helped by WikiLeaks, Julian Assange, Putin and a cadre of shady characters on his team, 34 of which (and three companies) have been criminally charged as a result of the Mueller's probe.
The Congress does NOT work for the POTUS - it is supposed to work for the people, and its members are sworn to defend the Constitution, NOT the POTUS. Why is that such a difficult concept for the GOP?
15
What else can they do? It’s been their strategy all along, and it has worked so far.
5
Defending the President by stating that "the military aid was eventually released so there was no crime" is like defending a hostage taker after they released the hostages. Just because a crime is not currently happening does not mean that a crime never happened. How many Ukrainians lost their lives waiting for the military aid? The reputation of the United States as an ally is in serious jeopardy. State department workers fully understand this, thus they willingly testify.
15
This strategy combined with the authoritarian impulses of the Supreme Court will not bring the Republican Party electoral victory in 2020...and it is unlikely our military will support an executive branch coup.
2
Simple, straight forward, easy to understand: works for me.
3
The simplest response is the BEST. "The Law says you cannot even ASK. Period."
And if they start tap dancing, just quote the law at 52 USC Section 30121(a), putting particular emphasis on (2). It says clearly there that even ASKING a foreign power for election help or campaign assistance (even opposition research, which is a "thing of value") is ILLEGAL, no quid pro quo necessary.
18
What I am getting from this is that the defense of trumps actions were due to others and he had no idea what was really going on.
Lindsay Graham went so far as to say that trump had no intent of criminal extortion because his policy on Ukraine was incoherent.
I want to see a lawyer argue this on the floor of the Senate.
9
Seems the Republicans have given up on denying there was a quid pro quo if they declare that the aid was withheld as part of an effort to investigate corruption in Ukraine. At the same time they declare that the Ukrainians didn't know about the withholding. They protest too much, methinks.
7
What the GOP actions confirm is that they are no longer a party of the rule of law, constitutional norms and democratic freedom.
The GOP and their 60 million supporters are so amped up about minorities role in society, the supremacy of Christian evangelicalism, immigration , guns and a women’s right to choose a life outside the traditional home, that they are no longer supportive of representative democracy.
Connect the dots. That memo was a stately to obfuscate the facts and misdirect the attention of the 60 million deep supporters. Add to that the voting suppression, gerrymandering, campaign finance and a slew of other actions.
They were willing to elect Roy Moore to Senate!?!
The real America is in a grave place. It may be time for adults to come together and negotiate an amicable split. I don’t think we have a unified country anymore.
12
What Trump did is explained in the Constitution as illegal. What he did is blatantly wrong. This should not be a partisan fight — it’s an American fight. They should want to protect our Democracy as much as the Democrats. I find this to be incredibly disheartening and a harbinger of the death of Democracy in our country.
15
Trump's "efforts to push a foreign leader to announce investigations into his political rivals were legitimate attempts to root out corruption."
So it's acceptable for one corrupt side to root out corruption which they perceive or claim exists.
In other words, the means justifies the end?
The irony and arrogance and their magical spin to rationalize is outlandish if not spellbinding.
I guess it goes to show that the Republicans have nothing in which to defend their guy except to state "Trump Did Nothing Wrong,"
Sure. Why not. They said Trump did nothing wrong so apparently that's it in a nutshell. Case closed.
Please. I've seen better and more convincing defense motions on "Perry Mason".
7
It’s funny because Congress appropriated the money to the Ukraine, but this defense in essence, is saying that the President was right not to follow the lawful wishes of congress. They are completely knee capping their own branch of government.
12
They are using the McConnell strategy. He stole a SCOTUS seat, refused to vote on judges during the Obama administration, and has blocked 400 House bills. Now, these guys are stonewalling the Impeachment hearings. When will we put a stop to this?
15
If he did nothing wrong, why did they try to cover it up by putting it on the secure server?
11
How is this defense any different from a bank robber telling the judge that, yes, he went into the bank with a gun, and yes, he passed a note to the teller saying that he demanded money, and yes, he stuck the gun in the teller's face, but because he dropped the gun through the grate in the bank's marble flooring below, he wasn't able to complete the robbery, and as such, no money exchanged hands, and so everyone was left the same as before the bank robber walked into the bank?
8
It is really simple and we don’t even need to use the phone call as evidence against the president. The fact is, he withheld funds voted on and approved by Congress which is a huge overstep of his office’s powers. That’s why we have distinct branches of government. He doesn’t get to play dictator when and how he chooses. Moreover, ignorance of the law is not a defense any citizen can use, and last time I checked DJT is a US citizen...
5
What saddens me most is not that the Republicans are holding their noses and being expedient but that they believe the President acted properly.
If true our problems are deeper than Mr. Trump.
7
The year is 2023. The current POTUS, a Democrat, is found to have secretly withheld Congressionally-approved funds for Israel until Israel agrees to announce a corruption investigation into her main Republican opponent for the 2024 election.
Republican members of Congress nod their heads and agree that, yes, this is totally fine and well within the President's discretionary use of executive authority. They have no problem with her doing that at all, in fact.
Right, guys??
16
Republicans used to be the party of "law and order". I used to be a swing voter. The GOP doesn't exist anymore.
13
A simple defense is the best defense and in the end, Donald J. Trump, the President of the United States of America, will prevail. Thank you.
2
So, according to the Republican's argument, going forward a future Democratic president can work around bipartisan allocation of foreign aid, use that allotment to leverage another country to drum up a flimsy investigation into a political rival? Knowing this is the exact treason the founders added articles of Impeachment top our Constitution? Apparently Matt Gaetz, Jim Jordan, Devin Nunes, and Lindsay Graham know more than out Founding Fathers.
5
This is about one country, a collection of communications between Trump and one country’s leader.
How many more countries’ leaders were pressured by Trump for political reasons?
This is a Pandora’s Box. I want to hear from other Ambassadors to other countries because I doubt this is an isolated case.
And if the GOP wants to back a crook, then they’re all crooks in my book. Every last one of them.
12
Heard form comservative author on NPR this morning. First he argued what Trump did wasn't a crime. In the next breath he said, nothing happened because Ukraine got its funds. If it was okay because the President's extortion didn't succeed, it could hardly not be a crime.
11
This is why they are so upset at the whistle blower because without the W/B report they would have succeeded. It’s also an admission that he fears Biden and knows that without the Russian help in 2016 his electoral college victory does not happen
5
The Republican M.O. is to ignore the facts and obfuscate the issue. If Trump robbed a bank, Republicans would say it wasn't a crime, that he was merely making an expedited loan that he intended to pay back. They will continue to gaslight their way through. They have no shame.
7
The Republican party has allowed DJT to dehumanized the left so much that his followers and the Republicans truly believe they are soldiers fighting the good fight to save our democracy from the animals on the left. He has played on their fears about globalization, multiculturalism, Jews, hispanics, blacks and the LGBTQ community. The Republican party has become spineless because they fear what life will be for them without DJT and they fear his wrath if they do not fall in line. Even the Republicans that do speak out against the president, make excuses for him and downplay his actions. The truth is DJT is an abuser and he will continue to hook his victims by charming them and playing on their fears. I wish the Democrats would realize that this is not about putting their best candidate forward, it's about defeating an ideology that has been allowed to fester in this country and that must be stopped. It's about coming together as a party and changing the narrative that Trump has put forward. As cheesy as this may sound the only way to defeat fear is with unity, peace, love and hope.
5
Graham says all the testimonies presented to Congress are invalid and meaningless if the whistle blower does not testify also. Seriously? What an insult to our intelligence! Assuming he is intelligent enough.
7
@Roger
He's not. He's from South Carolina. And holds a law degree. Go figure. Doesn't say much for the USouth Carolina school of law.
I will never, ever forgive the Republican party for allowing a President to so openly and brazenly abuse his power, and then forcefully declare that he did nothing wrong. What does the Republican party stand for anymore besides corruption and bigotry?
14
This pretty much seals the deal for me. I don't care if it's an election for Dog Catcher, I will not waste a vote for a Republican.
15
Republican's requirement for being a legitimate witness:
1) Not a Democrat (then they're inherently biased)
2) Not working for the government (unless elected, but see #1)
3) Not a traitor (i.e., hasn't previously supported Trump only to now change their mind).
7
That GOP politicians can say they see nothing wrong with Trump's extortion of Ukraine for his personal benefit demonstrates that corruption is coded into the GOP DNA.
9
The man who acknowledged in campaign that he knew how to fix the system because he knew where the problem lay, the man who has bribed all his life, the one who was just recently fined for stealing from his charity, had "deep-seated, genuine and reasonable skepticism” about Ukraine. Got it! I TRULY believe it. NOT.
11
All politicians and government workers should have to face their constituents face to face multiple times a year. Let them tell their lies face to face.
Not just before elections in pre-approved staged campaign photo-ops.
November 3 2020 is the last time Americans can have their say in removing one the most corrupt criminals ever to set foot in the Oval Office.
9
@Hal Urbana Illinois?
Simple problems simple solutions.
No Republicans in 2020. None. Not one.
9
Every week I am shocked and dismayed by our elected officials on the right. Trump's behavior is indefensible and they are turning it into a partisan affair. What do they stand for? What do they want? I am not proud of my country. I am embarrassed. Spineless, cowardly behavior on display.
9
Truth and the rule of law offer no defense for what Trump and his miscreant co-conspirators have done.
The GOP show how totally immoral they are by planning to say he has done nothing wrong, when his lies, high crimes and other misdemeanors have been irrefutably documented in multiple ways.
The GOP's messaging machine operates on two basic principles:
* A sucker is born every minute.
* You'll never go broke underestimating the intelligence of the American people.
7
Not for anything but does Jim Jordan own a jacket? What’s with his phony “down home” every man appearance? More phony than a $3 bill.
5
Sycophants make lousy defenders. I certainly would not feel comforted if my defense relied on the likes of Jordan, Nunes and Gaetz.
7
Donald Trump is either a corrupt politician who used the power of the office to go after a political opponent.
Or he's mentally incompetent, delusional, embracing conspiracy theories that have been debunked time after time.
Either possibility is terrifying.
Both can be managed with mechanism in the US Constitution, though we rely on others enmeshed in his web to act.
That is also terrifying.
4
“And I would have gotten away with it too, if it weren’t for you meddling kids”.
7
If Trump had "innocent reasons" for extorting Ukraine, why did he attempt to cover it up, and why won't he let his officials testify?
If Trump is so interested in corruption, where is his program or policy to root it out? Does it include himself and his administration?
15
...and why did he use all of those shady, off-the-books people to carry out his scheme?
8
I think I understand the GOP rationale now. If I rob a bank because I'm really hungry or need to buy food, I'm doing it for purely innocent reasons. Therefore, I shouldn't be punished.
However, if I follow that logic, it doesn't work. If I leave Honduras because I want my family to live safely in the United States. I am doing that for purely innocent reasons too. But. in this instance, my family members and I can be punished.
It is really hard for a common citizen to know when he/she is breaking the law and when not. What constitutes an "innocent reason?" To clear this all up, maybe the GOP can begin with the law that Trump "innocently" broke. They can should introduce legislation to decriminalize any action by presidents to pressure foreign nations to provide anything of value for personal gain. That would allow Democratic candidates the ability to play on a level playing field.
And the ultimate benefit to the GOP would be shedding the stigma that they are hypocritical now about everything. Indeed Lindsey can write the legislation!
10
It's my understanding that Congress can impeach the president for anything it deems as high crimes and misdemeanors. It can be jaywalking if that's what they determine. The problem comes into play when you can't convince 67 senators that jaywalking rises to the level of high crimes and misdemeanors. Is my understanding of the process accurate?
2
@K. Will
And a far larger problem comes into play when you can't convince 67 senators that bribery and extortion rises to the level of high crimes and misdemeanors.
4
No
Neither Trump nor Mulvaney could even finish the U.S. Foreign Service Exam let alone pass it. The phrase, "They don't know what they don't know," has never been more accurate. Just because trump doesn't think he did anything wrong doesn't mean it's not illegal.
10
Trump tried to sell our country and the Ukraine in order to suit Putin and that is not against
The Constitution and American law?? Why doesn’t he move to the USSR where he belongs.
8
Really? Now Republicans are arguing that bribery is ok? That breaking laws are ok?
I’d like to see them defend that line when they start talking to constituents before the next election.
9
The terrorist with an "intent" to commit a terrorist act is charged with a criminal offense despite not having committed one. Why should the "intent" to obstruct justice and the "intent" to abuse power of office, be treated any different?
4
“Democrats want to impeach President Trump because unelected and anonymous bureaucrats disagreed with the president’s decisions and were discomforted by his telephone call with President Zelensky,” the memo’s author’s wrote. “The president works for the American people. And President Trump is doing what Americans elected him to do.”
---
Withholding congressionally approved aid in exchange for illegal foreign campaign influencing is bribery.
This suggests the American people want Trump to do illegal, self serving things. Let's hope this is not the case.
7
Republicans do not understand Trump. What you see is what there is. So what do we see?
We see a dishonest actor who has no convictions and no conscience, who does not think through anything past his immediate desires. His eccentric behaviors with regards to foreign relations have had results which do no advantage the U.S. but strangely always benefit other countries, especially Russia. They also tend to show a partiality for governments where Trump and his family are pursuing private business interests. The self dealing by Trump is not proven but it seems that proof is probably out there to be found.
Trump is not a Republican who Democrats are trying to misrepresent but a man without regard for others using an important office for personal gain. Republicans are headed for the same as have so many of Trump's business partners.
3
The GOP defense of a bank robber:
1. Bank staff didn't know the robber had a gun in his pocket when he walked in.
2. His note didn't have any Latin.
3. When the robber asked "are you scared?" the teller answered "no sir!"
4. The robber dropped his gun when he heard the sirens.
7
It is a good strategy for them, because there is no moment when the president actually received anything of value, and so they believe they can sell the situation as poor conduct, not a criminal act.
The response should use the examples of the last two impeachments to nullify the argument that poor conduct does not rise to "high crime and misdemeanor" level, and second make clear that a criminal enterprise/scheme is just as bad as actually receiving stolen goods.
Let's remember that Clinton's whole impeachment was based on being fellated in the oval office by a disempowered intern. That sounds like "poor conduct" to me, and that certainly got him impeached. Poor conduct that demeans the office of the president, and is dismissive of congressional acts (like withholding funding from Ukraine) seems a lot more serious to me.
It is, secondly, really important to remember that the thieves that broke into the DNC offices in the Watergate Hotel got caught, and never left with any document, or file. It was a criminal enterprise, a scheme, using illegal methods to get dirt on an opponent. Bribery, the act of paying a government official to get yourself a deal/contract with the government, is illegal. DJT etal. certainly were in the act of bribing Ukraine's leader, when they got caught. No one got anything, but the scheme was unearthed, and the act of bribing (just like the break-in 40+ years ago) happened.
From this perspective DJT actually did nothing at all right.
4
Of course the Republicans are doing wrong and they want to get away with it?? What has happened to
the American Democracy? Are we to become a Putin plebiscite for Trump’s evil sake? I thought America was a Democracy?? It used to be
4
Americans who love this nation do not vote Republican. If you do, you also must articulate- here how you defend the Republican party and every silent member in Congress. Propping up vulgarity, theft, graft, lying, extortion and bribery aren't noble acts or acts of public servants.
I want to hear from Trump supporters and those who support their current GOP Congressional member.
If your defense starts or ends with..."But Democrats...." or Hillary, Biden, Obama... you have lost the argument.
9
Amazing how quickly and completely the Republicans have turned into people with no honor.
7
So I guess I can draw up plans to assassinate someone but do not end up doing it, I can not be convicted of attempted murder really. Can I use the republicans in congress as my defense, because I want you to "do us a favor though". Com on man let's get real, do they really believe the American people are going to buy this?
5
You do not need to go to law school or be Republican or Democrat to understand. Just listen or read the conversations transcripts between Mr Trump and the Ukrainian president. They started taking general main concerns when suddenly Mr Trump short cut the conversation to ask for a specific prosecutor. Yes, suprising the Ukrainian president, probably he did not expect that kind of conversation.
I am independent...
3
Somebody buy that man a jacket.
6
Poor Jim Jordan, you have to feel sorry for the man. He’s bopped from one logically, morally, and ethically indefensible position to another.
But then I remember he’s Jim Jordan. Whiny, ineffectual partisan hack, misrepresenting the good people of Ohio. I feel sorry for THEM.
6
It goes to show you how truly brain dead the GOP believes its constituents to be. I couldn’t agree more with that assessment.
4
Corrupt, self-serving, and traitorous, the modern day GOP is a farce that is destroying our nation. And McConnell wants people to leave him alone when he’s out eating?
4
Republicans should be ashamed. Trump’s conduct is indefensible under any standard. They are blatantly supporting a silent coup to destroy the rule of law, the Constitution, and any semblance of a true democratic republic.
9
Expect media clown Jim Jordan to jump up and down a lot without saying very much at all. The GOP's insertion of Jordan into these hearings tells you they need a ringmaster for their sideshow. The representative from Benghazi fits the bill perfectly. What else can they do when the facts are not on their side? Come out and speak the truth about their despicable buffoon of a leader?
3
Roy,my sentiments exactly on the language.I also believe the Republican Party should be dammed if they defend his behavior in the Ukraine.This behavior is part and parcel of his mentality of corruption.
1
Ahh, the L. Graham defense. The ask was inept, the President folded when Zelensky pushed back, so no harm done. Attempted criminals in prison take heart! Republicans to the rescue!
3
The Lying Republicans defense is obvious: distract from the facts; distort the truth and/or lie; act with faux outrage.
They have no integrity, no honor, and they spit on the Constitution every day (yes, you, Lindsey Graham). They are a disgrace that history will fully document.
4
Lindsey Graham is on record saying that Nixon's obstruction of the Congressional investigation was the primary reason the Senate would have removed him. It will be interesting to see how he defends Trump on that charge.
12
lindsey graham will just change direction like a flag in the wind his as he does all the time... who believes anything he says?
3
"simple"? I'd say utterly incompetent. All they have is "the crime didn't work so that makes it not a crime."
13
I think the reason the Republicans are defending Trump so vehemently is they benefitted personally from Trump’s corruption. I think a peak into some of those Republican Senators closets would unearth more than a few skeletons.
9
@Patriot1776
Yes, let's find out about all the illegal donations from Russia that were funneled through the NRA.
These people are majorly compromised - the only reasonable explanation for what they're doing.
2
Let me get this straight: (a) Congress authorized - without veto from the President - $391M dollars in military aid that was critical for an ally (strategic ally, not casual acquaintance) to defeat a Russian-backed, if not a Russian-waged, war to turn said ally into a Russian Soviet-style satellite/puppet; (b) there were no Congressional "strings", contingencies or "favors" to be done imposed upon that aid as a condition for its immediate disbursement to the all; (c) President - without prior not to or authorization from Congress, or any other source of authority, appropriates this money, and (d) informs the ally that it's not getting a dime unless and until it publicly announces it will "investigate" Trump's political rivals and the so-called "Ukrainian interference in the 2016 election - with no guarantee that said investigation, even if performed, will "liberate" the funds for the military aid - to help him win the 2020 election.
Excuse me, "the President did nothing wrong"? Diverting hundreds of millions of dollars in Congress-approved military aid to an ally engaged in a war with our arch-rival for his personal domestic political advantage ins't garden variety theft? Doing so with full knowledge that "no aid" or "late-if-ever aid" only serves the military interests of Russia isn't treason? That Republicans, of all people, would be twisting their little brains into pretzels to excuse this perfidy is enough to convince anyone that the Party of LIncoln is dead.
19
This strategy is nothing new for Republicans, but this is the first time I can recall when they are so obviously protecting someone who is guilty. We're talking about a president who just got nailed for using his so-called charity as a personal slush fund. Not once since declaring he would be running for president has Trump exhibited an ounce of integrity or civility. And Republicans want me to believe that he's done nothing wrong and that it's the people who are accusing him that are lying? The president who wouldn't testify in person for the Mueller investigation because his lawyers knew he couldn't stop himself from lying? The president who is so oblivious that he modified a national weather service hurricane map with a sharpie and thought no one would notice? Please.
11
Republicans want to persuade the Americans that bribing foreign leaders for political interference is just the way things get done. They want to denigrate America’s foreign policy and military professionals and declare to the American people that they can’t be trusted. They will almost certainly not convict, and the damage to our institutions will be profound. The Senate will have told the America that bribing foreign leaders is just part of the job and that government professionals can’t be trusted. Another four years of Republican rule, and the damage to our institutions will be irreversible. A gutted, disrespected state department will make us all less safe, and the signal this sends to others who would engage in high level corruption will be an unmistakable green light.
6
Time to attack those who refuse to accept facts? Had they received the results of a blood test that said they had cancer, would they refuse that too?
6
Sure, Trump's innocent. And a corruption fighter. And he never did this kind of thing before, looking for allegations (true or false) about an opponent. His staffers and his family never did that, either.
And he's the most transparent president in history: we've seen his taxes, we've seen the transcripts of all his meetings with foreign powers, we've seen his payments to women he "dated" for one night, we've seen him releasing all of his staffers from nondisclosure agreements. We've seen the books from his charities, for heaven's sake. He's open, honest -- that's his mantra!
Trust Trump! Just trust him! That's his new rallying cry! Trust him the way his investors did, the way Trump U. students did, the way small contractors did. He's trustworthy! Not a skunk!
Best. President. Ever.
13
People, be they present day Republicans or yesterday's judges and juries have always been ready to look the other way at Trump's criminal behavior and make it a "so what" situation. Or a slap on the wrist situation.
Imagine if a Black American had run scam charities or a scam university? Or magically lost a lot of casino money? They'd be in jail now.
What's new?
7
The American People did NOT ELECT DONALD TRUMP!! THE MINORITY OF VOTERS with the Help of The ELECTORAL COLLEGE ELECTED the worst President in American History with an Administration with an 80% turnover rate ! Nikki Haley and others in the GOP and Fox etc. have said that since the money was released there was no issue. If someone were to attempt to hire a Hitman but never pay them and no murder were committed they could still be jailed for attempting a murder for hire. Trump's defenders have a tough road ahead. No wonder they appear so angry and confused. They made the error in judgement of endorsing a Presidential Candidate....aided and supported by Russia who has had no successful policies as of yet! That was a big mistake on their part.!To their credit though...they have an entire Fox Nation believing in the deceptive propaganda of their defense strategy. Let's see if sentiments change in the ...COURT OF PUBLIC OPINION!! The coming weeks of public testimony will determine our Democracy's course ahead !! Let's hope...and Pray...that ..the voices of Truth and Justice will prevail! Time will tell !!
8
Baloney. Just because 3 million illegals in California voted for Hillary does not negate Trump's victory or status as Commander in Chief.
1
@BearBoy Clinton won the popular vote. Trump won the Electoral College. The people were smarter than the EC. We wouldn't be in this trouble now.
have you noticed that these children (jordan, et. al.) simply cannot smile? they can only complain. they lack creativity. only destruction is on their mind!
3
Republicans who are poised to assert that Trump “did nothing wrong” should resign en masse, pack their bags and move to Russia, where they will be welcomed with open arms by autocrats just like themselves. The sycophants who choose to set up shop in Trump’s lower intestines rather than stand up for the rule of law send a potent message to their electorate: “We don’t care about crime, the rule of law, or the U.S. Constitution. We only care about protecting Trump and his criminal enterprise.” What a nauseatingly tragic group of cult followers.
8
This isn't just a cancer and it's not just the office of the Presidency. This is a stage-4 malignancy throughout the entire republican party that ,at this moment, seems inoperable. But it desperately needs to be removed.
8
Genuine skepticism?! Presidents don't act on skepticism, they act on facts. It is an absurd argument and typical of the "Freedom Caucus" folks. Don't they have any professional standards for this president? I don't understand if they are naive or cynical or devious (probably devious since the president uses this word to describe his critics). Perhaps a combination of all. Donald Trump has access to the best American intelligence available and he ignores facts in favor of self-serving conspiracy theories. Every day we learn more, making it clear that the president is dangerously incompetent and corrupt. In a rational world, impeachment would be a slam dunk. Instead we have lost souls wasting our precious time, eroding our democracy, and making our world less safe and secure.
4
The Republicans allegiance to Russia is no surprise. They do call themselves the party of Red.
3
So Republicans don’t care that Trump tried extortion and election fraud on Ukraine. They don’t care about the laws of this country and will turn a blind eye because they’re instructed to do so. Are these the people you want representing you?
8
There is no simple defense for Trump. In fact there is no logical defense at all. Nothing worse than spineless weasels who will not stand up for the Country in a time of crisis.
9
The Republican plan is consistent with their past behavior:
Llie, ignore, dissemble, distract.
Rinse and Repeat.
Ad nauseum.
4
He coerced a foreign nation into giving him dirt on Biden. He did that so he could use that dirt in the 2020 campaign.
And the GOP wants to tell us there's nothing wrong with that?
9
When you are as corrupt as today's Republicans are, then Trump's behavior, his "high crimes and misdemeanors" must seem all in a day's corruption. I am prepared to watch them re-arrange those deck chairs on their Titanic.
6
Trump beat the GOP candidate field in 2016 because they didn't know how to deal with pure and utter shameless self-promoting and hucksterism. Well.. Now they've learned how it works and it has become the Modus Operandi of the GOP. Heaven help us.
6
Brilliant!!! Right up there with the bag/beer/joint/bagocrack in my car, I don't know where that came from and it isn't mine when you get pulled over. And most importantly, whatever your doing, it's not a crime if you don't get caught and the victim doesn't know about it. It's sad that Republican will become synonymous with complicit.
4
All of those defense tactics were undercut last weekend by Rudy Giuliani. "The investigation I conducted concerning 2016 Ukrainian collusion and corruption, was done solely as a defense attorney to defend my client against false charges, that kept changing as one after another were disproven."
3
Poor, sweet, tender-hearted Donald Trump! He's so patient and willing to help others. So compassionate, too. Why, his favorite form of help is to toss children over an international border line and let them fend for themselves! The man's a veritable saint! And so are all those compassionate voters whose unimpeachable love for humanity never let us forget that's who they are! Follow The Lord's true path of love for mankind!, they do, and they do so by stripping away safeguards that protected young men and women from south of the boarder from being deported slam-bam-thank-you Uncle Sam into Mexico.
Survival of the most vulnerable has always been their greatest concern, to hear them tell it [as long as they're true Red White and Blue 'merikins, that is]...that's what faith is all about, Right?
Suffer the Little Children to come unto Me, someone said, Right? [Can't remember just whom said that but, Anyway, after that, they're on their own, right?]
Right's good.
But for GOODness' sake, not Left! Anything but! And after that? they can fend fer themselves...!
3
if after all that has happenend and is known, trump is not impeached, checks & balances and the whole american democratic system would have failed... i’ll keep my fingers crossed
3
"According to a memo on Tuesday by their top impeachment investigators, Republicans will insist that the president had a “deep-seated, genuine and reasonable skepticism” about Ukraine given its history of corruption, and that his decision to withhold security aid was “entirely reasonable.”"
1. Russia is the deadliest of adversaries.
2. Donald Trump genuinely WANTED DIRT on Hillary Clinton /Joe Biden because he had a deep-seated notion that he was going to lose coming elections without it.
Trump instructed his administrators to withold aid and to dangle a White House invitation ON THE SUBSTANCE of Ukraine government's pending public statement to be vetted by the President's personal attorney / political ally / conservative media purveyor of bogus, "deep state" conspiracies.
3. House Republicans find that - “entirely reasonable.”
4. Weigh-in on “perfect call” and “entirely reasonable” on Tuesday, 3 Nov 2020. Vote.
4
Republicans are going to rely on Jim Jordan who knew about the sexual abuses that wee going on in his wrestling program at Ohio State. How can any Republican that is a Christian continue to support Jordan and Trump given their sins.
5
The proper retort, then is to simply say: "an ad hominem attack simply shows you, Sir/Madam, know little about the issue, and consequently, you should be quiet unless you have some issue with the argument itself."
Too intellectual for Republicans? Perhaps. In that case, just borrow a line from Cheney, which the NYT will not let me repeat here, and follow that phrase with the person's name.
And then fight!
More exciting. Last one standing wins.
1
Come on Trump, even the Fonz could admit he was wrong.
1
All I can do is hope that 20 Senate Republicans will defect and vote this monster out of office. If not, they will be responsible for the greatest fraud perpetrated on the American Public.
9
Our nation’s fate will be decided by “spin wars”. I see George Lucas spinning for the Democrats, and Roman Polanski for the Republicans.
Representative Jim Jordan of Ohio uses this same defense for his failings to report the sexual abuse of his athletes when he was a coach.
9
Utterly crazy. Now I see the extent to which politicians are willing to throw democracy under a bus.
4
So once again, as during the Cohen hearing, we will be treated to full-grown men and women reduced, because they have nothing substantive to say, to whining, "Liar, liar, pants on fire," on national TV.
Twenty years ago it felt like Clinton and his shenanigans that led to impeachment made the presidency an embarrassment. Now Trump has done the same thing to the entire government.
5
It is shameful that Democrat lawmakers are so blinded by their hate for the duly elected president of the United States that they distort, cover-up, lie, and leak to advance their evil aim.
But the American people see through their Soviet show trial circus and will rebuke these crooks in the 2020 election.
3
@BearBoy
You again?
You project very well.
But the American people see through their Soviet-compromised president and will rebuke the crook in the 2020 election.
The wicked irony is that while Trump broke the law and violated our Constitution to steal elections and continues to do so, it was state level “legal“ Republican voter suppression program called Cro$$check that stole the election for Trump and the GOP.
I suppose the poetic justice of irony is it requires blatant, obvious, unConstitutional, fraudulent, bribed, crony, illegal voter suppression to steal this election, and the pure roots of the truth are surfacing out of the toxic swamp and into the disinfecting sunlight for all to see.
2
One might hope La Cosa Repubblicano would defend the country rather than their Don, but I guess that's not how mafias work.
3
Republicans have learned over the years that if they lie, and lie and lie some more pretty soon a lot of people will believe their lies. Especially the low-information knee-jerk repub voters who only listen to right wing entertainers whose primary job is to lie to their audiences.
5
Look at the face of Jim Jordan and his crew. What do you see? White ultra-conservative men terror-stricken that their hold on the national government will end in the next decade or so. That explains 90%+ of all the actions that House and Senate Republicans are and have been taking the past ten years. The solution: vote them all out of office in 2020. Put them out of their misery.
6
New Media Directive/Update:
Please do not use the phrase Quid Pro Quo any more.
The correct word is EXTORTION.
Please use it and abuse it.
9
@P&L quid pro quo is the defining behavior of ALL politicians.
1
You mean to tell me that Republicans have shifted from, "He didn't do it," to "He did do it but there was no quid pro quo," to "He did do it and there was quid pro quo, but it doesn't matter because he can do anything he wants." I did not see this coming.
31
Republican apparatchiks are sworn to party, not to country. One hopes, when all is said and done, that the public will realize that they failing in their duty. Policies — right, left or center — can be reasonably debated: The duties of our representatives should not be.
6
The reverse will also be true. In that democrats will question the loyalty and patriotism of any republican that attacks them. I think most republicans are anarchists who want to bring down democracy as we know and respect today, and substitute some other "alternate" or "revisionistic" form of government. They are not patriots to me. And I along with many others, will make sure that they will never ever to be able to forget what they did and run away from. I'm retired, I can show up at every single rally that you appear at. Many of us can, and we will. And you will be asked some very hard questions that we expect and answered. We are voters and you work for US, we the people.
9
Can we pleas dispell the argument that we should let "the people decide" on Trump's conduct?
Trump has attempted to enlist a foreign government to interfere with the US election by conducting an investigation on his opponent. We have clear evidence that he did so at least once. We don't yet know how many other times he has done this or other election-interfering things.
We CANNOT allow a President to rig the election and then say "let's let the voters (in this rigged election) decide!" NO. All federal officials have sworn an oath to protect the constitution of the United States, and they need to do so and not abdicate this to voters in an election that they allow to be rigged and fixed by people who want to subvert democracy.
13
And when a Democratic President uses this same Quid pro Quo in the future, will the precedent be established? Of course it will.
Or will future Republicans deny the legitimacy of President Trump and argue that he was a felon, which anyone from NY already knew.
1
We will soon know what the republicans really stand for: A functioning democratic republic as they claim, or win-at-all-costs politics as we suspect.
2
This is a wise (though depressingly cynical) strategy for Republicans. By not disputing the facts, just the interpretation, this becomes subjective not objective.
It means that no matter what the outcome, or what is revealed, Trump can still stay a hero and portray himself as maligned, and voters can decide to do the same.
Let’s be honest. The lower level folks testified in the impeachment inquiry for the same reason that we pay our taxes. If they ignore their subpoenas, there is a jail cell for them, the same cell that is there for us, if we do not pay our taxes.
For the President, cabinet members and congress, the military, taxes and rule of law, are all optional.
8
It is past time for all Democrats on the Hill to "get" that Donald Trump is the "King of Narcissists," and that all Republican members of the House and Senate are cut from the same narcissistic stone. This is also true of voters who would vote for Trump again in 2020. To not understand this is to be naïve and expect anything will be different when "King" is gone.
This is the "new normal" in America and it is time for the entire rest of us to see this.
Psychologists work daily to help patients NAME the problem. OWN the problem. and only then we can talk about FIXING the problem. "Trump did nothing wrong " will be the mantra for all of the aforementioned narcissists.
2
I don't think this strategy is going to work quite as well over the course of an hour as it does when people are speaking for 5-10 minutes at a time.
You can only say "The president is innocent" and "this witness isn't credible" so many times in an hour.
4
The Republican strategy is simple: Violate their own paths of office while attacking the patriotism of those who are honoring their oaths to defend the Constitution and protecting the interests of the United States.
4
The GOP decided sometime after G.H.W. Bush that both their future and those of the amoral billionaires who bankroll them lay in thurough, rigid and robust anti-majoritarianism. Honestly, integrity, decency and patriotism are quaint, old fashioned character flaws not compatible with minority rule. Hence their impeachment strategy is as natural as breathing.
The next election is the most important of our lives. We better act like it.
5
Ok, if the argument is that Trump was showing genuine concern for corruption would the House GOP (much less the White House) be open to releasing the unredacted transcript?
Let us see if Burisma and other content is there --or not. Either there is evidence pointing one way or another. Why not release it if it can bolster their argument?
Seems the GOP would prefer to lead us to believe they are psychic and can read the heart of Trump.
For me, I am seeing my world change forever with the Trump administration.
Not only do we have a lying president, we have an entire party of Republicans willing to support these lies because winning is more important than being right.
Where in the past did we ever have a President and an entire party that were willing to exploit a political rival by stealing their property and admitting it was stolen and they are proud they did it and if we have to blame someone, we blame an innocent party (i.e. the Ukrainians). Is this what our future will be? Lie, steal, cheat just to get ahead and win. Is this the new American Way? I am so sad for my country.
9
It's standard for leaders of any party to prepare talking points and arguments for their caucus in order to persuade voters and other lawmakers on a matter of law or policy. It is reprehensible to denigrate government workers who have the courage of their convictions and are willing to risk their careers testifying under oath. The GOP has basically nothing to stand on here, so all they can do is attack the integrity and values of the witnesses. It promises to be a disgusting display, but the American people will be watching.
6
We have arrived at condoning the argument that a president can murder someone on 5th Avenue or order the police to shoot protesters with lethal force if the president says that they were enemies of the state.
Additionally, the republicans claim that under no circumstances can a president be questioned or investigated, let alone prosecuted. He is free to do whatever he wants. Anyone who objects or tries to stop him is taking unlawful action or according to republicans treasonous action.
Up is down and right is left. "1984" has been realized. What is happening with trump and the republicans has become dangerous and insane. They are claiming trump is a king.
5
The problem with the Republicans' defense is that there is zero evidence Biden acted out of personal interest. And there is a mountain of evidence that Biden was merely executing official US policy that was tied to a larger coalition of EU partners to oust the Putin-backed Ukraine prosecutor, Victor Shokin.
4
Can you please set us straight: Hunter Biden was NOT paid $50,000/month for a position with Burisma Holdings Ltd. in Ukraine, while his father was dealing with US-Ukraine relations as VP? This has been debunked? It was also reported that he never even showed up for work, has this also been debunked? I hope that your reporting on this issue can be more clear on these points, because the GOP will thrive in an environment of ambiguity.
2
Satire? Snark? Sarcasm? Whatever; not helpful discussion of an important issue.
2
@John You need to read up on this, because it has been discussed at length.
Do your research.
By the way, the GOP won't care about the truth anyway. Thanks for your "concern".
2
@John Let me set you straight. Trump was not really after an investigation of corruption. He wanted the **announcement** of an investigation. Do you not see that his intent was to smear the Bidens to benefit his re-election? Lordy!
2
“The president works for the American people. And President Trump is doing what Americans elected him to do.”
Trump was elected by 26% of the eligible electorate, losing the popular vote by over 2.8 million. We all know that Trump specifically wanted Joe and Hunter Biden to be somehow, someway connected to corruption by using the threat of withholding desperately needed military equipment. Trump wanted political dirt, first and foremost. To take such a position is the cherry on the impeachment sundae of reasons why he’s the most dangerous corrosive president in my lifetime. If Putin wanted to design a President to weaken America and destabilize the west, he couldn’t have done better.
4
So many in the GOP willing to fall in line and LIE and support corruption and for what? To be reelected? Trump has no loyalty to you, or anyone but himself. Why are you so willing to trade your truth and honor in exchange for a deception that will have negative effects on the whole world?
America, tell your GOP Washington reps that you'll vote for them if they tell the TRUTH, and to stand up and be the leaders we desperately need, not shadowy, fearful followers-at-any cost.
Dig deep and find your moral center. If you don't, we're all going down the toilet with you.
3
Here is the truth at the heart of the Republican memo: "President Trump is doing what Americans elected him to do.”
Anyone paying remote attention knew that Trump was incapable of following the rules and that his unceasing devotion to his own self interest overwhelms every decision that he makes. He can't even abstain from sexually assaulting women or telling people he wants to date his own daughter.
So, yes, they elected him knowing full well that he will do anything and everything he wants without the constraints of law, tradition, propriety, morality, or decency.
That's the sad truth.
3
The Republican Senate will not vote to convict him. They will waffle, and wiggle, and squeak their excuses and let him off the hook so they can go home to their biased base and get re-elected.
No matter how often he Democrats claim that Trump broke the law, it will be hard to prove that Trump did so with intent. He was probably too ignorant to understand the nuances of what he was doing, and acted on impulse.
In the end, can Trump be convicted of "Treason, Bribery, or other high Crimes and Misdemeanors"? Democrats and the left will of course say yes. And by the letter of the law, he should be convicted.
But the Republicans are spinning it to make his actions seem if not quite incompetent, relatively innocuous. It's a "witch hunt" to nullify the 2016 Presidential election, taking the vote away from people who elected him. They are putting the onus on the Democrats to prove impeachment is not just another waste of time like the Mueller report.
And the political ramifications for the 2020 election for the Democrats could be bad. Imagine four more years of this insanity.
2
So many in the GOP willing to fall in line and LIE and support corruption and for what? To be reelected? Trump has no loyalty to you, or anyone but himself. Why are you so willing to trade your truth and honor in exchange for a deception that will have negative effects on the whole world?
America, tell your GOP Washington reps that you'll vote for them if they tell the TRUTH, and to stand up and be the leaders we desperately need, not shadowy, fearful followers-at-any cost.
Dig deep and find your moral center. If you don't, we're all going down the toilet with you.
2
The Republicans have no defense and there is none for Trump, and his henchmen Mulvaney and Giuliani. Therefore, the game plan must be obfuscation, confusion, spin and diversion. The attack will be conducted by attacking true Americans serving in diplomatic and military positions. The remaining question is why. Why do they continue to favor obviously pro Russian positions and a severely compromised president? Expect a circus conducted by those who have no respect for truth and honor.
1
Honestly, to about 98% of all U.S. citizens, this whole thing seems like much ado about nothing.
For the d's to again lose their collective-minds and go as far as impeachment-inquiries once again reduces their credibility.
The truth is the President did nothing wrong.
You may not like the way he says or does somethings, but, we all knew on day 1 that he wasn't (thankfully,) going to be the p.c. President. He get's straight to the point on matters and he has consistently delivered on his campaign promises.
The more you step away from the headlines and hysteria, and truly think for yourself, the more you realize he's the Greatest President in U.S. History.
1
@Fortitudine Vincimus.
The more you immerse yourself in Fox News and Brietbart, the more you come to believe he's the greatest President in US history.
1
Most Americans believe that they can do whatever they wish because the constitution gives them permission....no matter if what they do is moral or immoral, decent or indecent, or right or wrong. With this kind of total freedom the future will have no need of prisons, law enforcement agencies, nor law books. Why? Because if the law allows you to do what you want, then there is no wrong you can do.
Blessed are those who do not see yet believe. To those who believe in His name: who are born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.
“According to a memo on Tuesday by their top impeachment investigators, Republicans will insist that the president had a “deep-seated, genuine and reasonable skepticism” about Ukraine given its history of corruption, and that his decision to withhold security aid was “entirely reasonable.”
Fine. Trump may withhold aid to Ukraine based upon a history of corruption. Unless Trump can prove that whatever Hunter Biden was doing in Ukraine was corrupt, then Trump (Republicans) has no case.
And by “Trump”, I mean the Justice Department.
And by “prove” I mean a smoking gun; verifiable evidence through bank records, audio recordings, surveillance video, or whatever that Hunter Biden was breaking Ukraine law or engaging in corrupt behavior.
And if no such hard evidence exists, Trump MUST be impeached for breaking US law, using his personal attorney (Giuliani) to conduct personal business on the taxpayers dime and time clock.
1
Trump wanted an announcement of an investigation. The announcement is all he cared about in order to smear the Bidens.
I ask the Trump administration to release the report of their findings regarding corruption in the Ukraine.It appears that the only two individuals responsible for this immense corruption were Joe and Hunter Biden. Thank goodness we have Giuliani on the case.
The Constitution isn’t designed to adjudicate truth, but power. Just like the Electoral College shoots the actual popular majority in the heart, the impeachment process isn’t predicated on finding truth or punishing treason, but exists as a lever of party power.
Impeachment might pass the House, but it fails the Senate. What matters are the fictions each side summons to their side as evidence; even if the Democrats possess evidence for their side, it’s irrelevant. The notion that a party would trade its power for nothing but honor is specious - would a business forgo profits because of ethics, if the violation wasn’t legal but simply moral? Heck no: see oil, tobacco, cheap labor supply lines, palm oil, rainforest burning, etc. Same logic: in what game does one side trade in something for nothing?
The entire system is built to defend existing powers and reflect existing politics, and to exclude popular majorities and concentrate power in ways that enable corruption and collusion. Ejecting Trump wouldn’t make the system any less vulnerable to the next Trump. We need a new system with more democracy, and more trust in people, and less concentration of power. Abolish the Electoral College, revise the impeachment process, and start thinking about the checks and balances. We can’t keep fighting using eighteenth century tools. Ironically, to save the Republic we need to revise how we design power, not simply impeach Trump.
195
@X
"What matters are the fictions each side summons to their side as evidence; even if the Democrats possess evidence for their side, it’s irrelevant. "
Please just stop with the false equivalency, just stop it.
There is real, serious evidence of malfeasance on the part of the president as well as other high ranking officials.
People like you are destroying this nation.
104
@X I agree with the previous comment. Your opinion is nothing but a sophisticated sham argument to get people to ignore actual abuse of power. The tools to address it may be old, but so is the crime.
57
@arusso Indeed. And conveniently forgotten is how the Republican leaders in the Senate led by arch-conservative Barry Goldwater came to Richard Nixon and told him he would be impeached and convicted so Nixon did the honorable thing and resigned. What's missing in today's politics is that sense of honor and common decency we once had.
53
If the president has access to $391 million of the government’s money to use for his personal re-election campaign, then every presidential candidate should have the same access. Otherwise the U.S. government is actively working to re-elect the president.
289
Boom! Hard to argue with salient, direct reasoning like that.
14
@ClydeS Excuse me, Clyde, but the president has access to $391 million of OUR money--mine and yours. He tried to use OUR money for his reelection campaign. I want a refund from Trump's campaign committee, which really should share the same name as Nixon's: CREEP.
11
If the so-called Tea Party were truly interested in taxation only with representation, it would be aghast at the use by this so-called President to use our taxpayer money in a scheme to support his reelection rather in furtherance of the interests of the American people. Trump' supporters are not aghast because they in not interested in our constitutional values or we the people; they are interested in keeping one party in power, the complete antithesis of a democratic republic with fair representation. Their indecency knows no bounds.
15
Great picture of Jordan, really capturing his essence. Kudos to Anna Moneymaker!
5
Jordan is the fellow who also turned a blind eye to the sexual misconduct at OSU.
How pathetic.
10
The Republican Hymn, the Chorus:
Oh, these are the lies we'll tell,
Sailing to the gates of Hell.
America's Ship of State's first rate,
And Captain Trump is truly Great!
Sailing through the Gates of Hell!
Sailing through the Gates of Hell!
9
GOP Answer to Selling Our Souls:
Na Na Na Boo Boo We Can't Hear You
Na Na Na Boo Boo We Can't Hear You
2
Jim and his band of merry republicans might be Fox "News" rockstars, but for the Times of London and the NYT's level of journalism, America has been dragged into a dumpster fire with these DUI and sexual molester tea party creeps.
4
It's difficult to accept the notion that a major political party is not interested in finding the truth, in digging deep to expose what has really happened, Clearly the Republican memo admonishes fellow Republicans to defend the president above all else, no matter how improper or illegal his actions. Their memo clearly commands: defend the president and make certain he holds on to all his power, no matter how it impacts on Americans.
16
@shimr
Democrats want to impeach Trump for asking Zelensky to "look into" allegations made by Ukrainian officials in a series of articles and interviews that appeared in The Hills, a U.S. newspapers. These allegations are listed on page five of the whistleblower's complaint. They may or may not turn out to be true, but it's a case of Trump's digging for truth and the Democrats objecting.
@WIlliam Case, what about the authority given by the criminal investigation treaty? Did that argument not pan out? Does it not authorize private individuals to involve their private lawyers in investigating insane DNC server conspiracy theories? Or do you deal with those elements of Trump's abuse of power in some other way? Your comment doesn't address any of these questions.
1
Why no interest, on the part of Trump’s most ardent supporters, about the obvious implications of Russia’s ambitions in the Ukraine? $400 million dollars held up as a personal strategy for Trump’s 2020 election is plainly indefensible. The back and forth gamesmanship performed by Republicans is petty politics compared to the thousands of lives lost and the potential for tens of thousands more. This is seemingly compounded by Trump’s lack of strategic finesse and an infantile sense of self... or is it something more? So many questions and answers hidden in the dark. The implications are not good for Trump AND the nation at large. Where is the truth? Where is the moral fiber, the backbone and the strength to back an ally in dire need and defend it against a mutual foe. We as AMERICANS need to look at ourselves clearly and ask ourselves what is right and wrong and act in our collective best interests.
7
@tgemign
Timothy Morrison, the Senior Director for European Affairs at the White House and the National Security Council testified that the funds were held up because “the President thought Ukraine had a corruption problem, as did many others familiar with Ukraine. I was also aware that the President believed that Europe did not contribute enough assistance to Ukraine.”
@William Case
And what did everyone else testify, William?
3
Holding up aid already destined for Ukrainian defense and Trump decides he’s a defender of moral truth and corruption? I wish it was true but with Trump’s track record in the real estate, construction and gambling businesses and now politics, it’s as disingenuous as it gets. To up-the-ante and combine it with a Biden investigation, is such a blatant twisting of right and wrong, even for Trump. Such behavior only benefits Trump’s fear for his political future and Russia’s aspirations in eastern Europe.
1
It’s sad to watch a political party go to great lengths to undermine truth and honesty. There is not an ounce of integrity left in the Republican Party. This is a very sad phase in American history and the world is watching.
20
@Sumith
The Democrats want to impeach Trump because he asked Zelensky to look into allegations made by Ukrainian officials that appeared in a series of article and interviews published by "The Hill," a U.S. newspaper.
Democrats have also pressured Ukraine to conduct investigation that might implicate their political rivals. In 201t6, Democrats reach out to Ukraine in an effort to undermine the Trump presidency and the 2020 election results, In May 2018. Democrats senators Menendez, Durbin and Leahy wrote a letter to the Ukraine prosector general that said: “We are writing to express great concern about reports that your office has taken steps to impede cooperation with the investigation of United States Special counsel Robert Mueller. As strong advocates for a robust and close relationship with Ukraine, we believe that our cooperation should extend to such legal matters, regardless of politics."
Americans, including House Democrats, want to impeach Trump because he is abusing his office.
Whattaboutism is disingenuous and shameful, William Case.
1
@Dubious
Delegates at the Constitutional Convention debated whether impeachment should be a political process and decided it shouldn’t.They did not want the American system to be like the British system, which permits Parliament to remove prime ministers by a vote of “no confidence.” Instead, they gave Congress power to remove presidents from office only by impeaching them and convicting them of “Treason, Bribery, or other high Crimes and Misdemeanors.”
Trump cannot be constitutionally impeached for "abuse office."He can only be impeach of crimes. If the articles of impeachment do not accuse the crimes, Senate will probably refuse to consider the articles, Chief Justice Roberts might also dismiss he charges.
Oh sure, a defense revolving around attacking anyone who QUESTIONS his conduct. That should work just fine, right?
Good luck with that, guys.
Republicans don't seem to remember that when it comes to public "officials," anything they say or do is fair game for question or criticism.
9
So Trump was just doing what the people elected him to do by bypassing the state department and using an unelected private citizen who also happens to be his personal lawyer to pursue his "policy agenda" along with an inexperienced campaign donor (one million dollars) who was appointed as ambassador but NOT to Ukraine. He raised corruption on the phone call but specifically mentioned the Bidens and only them. And made it conditional that the president of Ukraine go on CNN to announce the investigation. As well as raising the issue of completely discredited conspiracy theories that contradict our own intelligence agency findings and benefit Putin's agenda. But no, nothing political here.
8
One after another, members of the Trump administration have departed under clouds of scandal and corruption. Yet now we are supposed to believe that the president is deeply concerned about corruption in Ukraine.
11
"Republicans’ argument boils down to a simple formulation: The president did it, but he had completely innocent reasons."
My daughter scratched up the dining room table. She did if for completely innocent reasons. She's four.
That's what we're dealing with here. Four-year-olds.
10
This bears repeating over and over again...
This is not how innocent people act.
Forget the partisan attacks and all of the call details, this is just not how people act when they are adults that have integrity and the facts on their side.
So, I say let the gop do and say whatever they want, it will not change what happened and DJT will subsequently impeached in the House.
Those articles will be passed to the Senate.
10
They will show that the guy read his own words when he made the case to Congress, thus falsifying information.
They will show the whistle blower was a partisan with a bone to pick who had no first hand knowledge of the facts, but who was on mission to see the POTUS fail, then had motive and opportunity.
Right there the case falls apart.
I have been wondering why Nancy Pelosi saw this as well, and still allowed it to happen. She is a master tactician who knows she was endangering the election but giving the green light to this circus. Maybe she calculated that she would allow the noise to happen, because eventually it would fall flat and disappear. Make both sides happy.
One thing for sure is that none of this will result in Trump leaving the WH, being jailed or worse. At the worst case scenario, a slap on the wrist, and a pardon by President Pence. She knew this from the get go. I am sure she knew as well that nothing would become of this.
2
What Pelosi saw was a chance to damage Trump rather than enhance him, as she was afraid the impeachment process might do. The Republican “it doesn’t matter” defense of Trump may play well with Republican congress members and the Republican base. But it will not lessen the growing antipathy to Trump among Independents and it will only fire up the Democratic opposition. In an earlier comment to a different piece a writer maintained that he would “crawl over broken glass” to get to the polls to vote against Trump. I don’t think he is alone by any means. The Republicans, in their zeal to provide a defense of Trump, appear to have lost the big picture. They think they are riding high but they are at serious risk of a national version of what happened to the party in California in 1992.
As a side note, how’s this for a silver lining? If the Democrats do take over national government it will actually be a blessing to have a conservative majority in the Supreme Court.
1
Since it is all a bunch of conspiracy theories that originated with Trump - Democrats should simply reject calling any witnesses to support those theories unless Trump testifies first.
3
Can the Trump administration demonstrate a single other attempt at “rooting out corruption” that doesn’t involve a personal, business, or political rival?
I won’t hold my breath.
9
This is what happens when a political party no longer has any viable ideas for actual governance. They no longer even support the most basic and essential overarching American Constitutional principles. All that they now exhibit is a total resistance to necessary adaptation to a changing society. This failure to adapt has taken them to a dead end where all that remains is an all enveloping lust for power and the only measure of 'value' they have is endless fiscal greed and the repression of anyone or anything they don't like. This party has nothing left to offer this country other than to go extinct.
6
So he is against corruption in Ukraine but he has no problem with Russia’s meddling in our election! All of his actions relating to the Ukraine seem to be favored toward the Russian perspective. It is sad that the Republicans can only muster weak whimpers against this president.
4
Not exciting news: in impreachment discussion one side plans to argue that nothing wrong was done; other side provides evidence to contrary.
2
Here’s the chronological Republican defense so far:
1. It didn’t happen.
2. It happened but he didn’t say anything wrong.
3. The whistleblower is the criminal.
4. Fine, he said it but it wasn’t a crime.
5. Ok, there was quid pro quo but get over it.
6. The investigation is being conducted in secret.
7. If the investigation isn’t secret it’s unconstitutional.
8. The legally protected identity of the whistleblower must be revealed or the investigation is a sham.
9. “Rooting out corruption”
Yep. Republicans. Looking out for hard-working Americans everywhere what with all their presidential defense strategy planning meetings.
5
@T. Rivers
It is too bad that all of these Republicans didn't use their time to come up with the alternative health plan that was promised to replace the ACA
4
Republicans are going to claim that Trump was just trying to root out corruption in Ukraine? How is that going to work when 1) Marie Yovanovich was doing just that and they fired her; 2) Trump only asked that an announcement be made of an investigation into Biden. And if Trump wanted corruption investigated, why was he pressing for an announcement of an investigation?
And how is it going to work to say that Trump just differed in his priorities from those working in national security and State? The career staff has testified that the U.S. has been working to root out corruption in Ukraine for years, since before Trump took office. And let’s say Trump really believed he was simply pursuing a foreign policy that differed from what career diplomats wanted, does he have the right to hold up aid that Congress approved for Ukraine? And why would he feel the need to involve his personal lawyer?
It’s all ridiculous! The Republicans are a sorry and desperate lot.
2
The argument that withholding both military and humanitarian aid was an attempt to get Ukraine to root out corruption is, on its face ridiculous.
Why wouldn't they first focus on their own citizens where any actions would be far more effective in removing corrupt people from positions of power?
It's also so very suspicious that Trump specifically asked for an investigation into the son of the person who he perceived to be his biggest political rival, and no one else. If Trump is so worried about corruption in Ukraine, wouldn't he ask for an investigation into organizations or someone who were more of a threat to U.S. interests?
Trump is mendacious to his core.
1
I agree with the need to stop using Latin.
The words "extortion scheme" work perfectly.
7
So Republicans #1 defense is that Trump did "nothing wrong".
Then why are Trump and his GOP absolutely forbidding his entire WH staff from testifying to this fact?
7
This mind-altering defense of a con man elected president will come back to bite Jordan, et al, in the behind. Such hypocrisy is rich as Republicans would immediately move to impeach if a Democrat did any of what Trump is accused of.
4
Jimmy struggles to make a coherent argument and given his past record of allegedly excusing misdeeds done to children under his care, we should expect his line of argument to be “Thats just Trump being Trump”.
1
Here we go again. Get ready for Johnny Cochran saying if the glove doesn't fit, you must acquit. I am not optimistic.
1
gdurt, I could waste a couple of hours on this.
'he's our prez sublime,
so it's not a crime.'
'neither quid nor quo?
gotta let him go.'
Okay. That's enough. Missing our Times poet laureate, Larry.
1
This is so incredibly disheartening to hear. I must be crazy, but until this moment I actually expected better of at least *some* Republicans. How much lower can we sink as a nation? Only into chaos and despair, I'm afraid.
4
What is so maddening about the Congressional Republicans is they can't and don't even believe the arguments they are making. They know what the facts are. They've seen the documents and heard the testimony. Yet they persist in this mendacity. It's disgraceful.
5
The US used to cajole other countries for the good of the US, not for political needs of a con man. That's the distinction the regressive reactionary republicans are ignoring.
Attacking his critics is a strange and tortured argument. President can do what he wants “with public monies”. Withhold it in order to extort for personal gain? The dark ramifications of such a position, contrived to shield this incompetent and corrupt buffoon, are obvious to anyone who is not a Russian troll or a republican congressman.
Putin must be over the moon, kinda like Bin Laden after 9/11. Thank you GOP for your tireless work to protect America during these troubling times. You shall not be forgotten, next November.
2
The audacity of the GOP is incomprehensible.
5
Donald Trump & Republicans are hugely benefitted by the absence of a simple message from US Media & Democrats exposing Donald Trump’s criminal actions as President. US Media is incapable of simply stating that Donald Trump criminally used $400 millions of US Govt Funds to recruit a Foreign nation, Ukraine, to Illegally work for his 2020 Re-election Campaign. Democrats are incapable of simply stating that Republican Lawmakers are Flouting the Law by asking the Whistleblower to testify & blow his legally-protected cover.
In order to champion Truth & the Rule of Law, US Media & Democrats & Liberals must Learn to communicate simply, & effectively, with the American people.
A flood of tentative words, filled with conditions & qualifications, cannot match the clarity of 144 sharp characters.
2
I see nothing wrong in the Republican opinion that Trump did nothing wrong or at least nothing impeachable. If they can prove it, fine. What I dread is the strong possibility that they will pick up on the loony theory that Ukraine not Russia meddled in the 2016 election. Mueller and all Congressional hearings proved that it was Russia. This bit of insanity will not fly, and it is really odd that Republicans would suddenly take it up. I believe that it was a trial balloon to addle the brains of the public. Misdirection and disinformation are Russian ploys. The Republicans are now trying it out.
167
@Martha Carter
Trump claims that Ukraine wanted to "take him down" by pinning 2016 election interference and the hacking of HRC's emails on Russia, thereby making him look complicit in Putin's interference.
But this makes no sense! If Ukraine wanted HRC to win, why would they hack her emails and give them to Wikileaks?
It's so absurd that only a twisted, corrupted mind could agree with that reasoning.
34
@Martha Carter The Republicans aren't just now trying it out they have been doing it for years. They don't bother to follow the Constitution of the US or care one iota about the American people. They also put our National Security at risk and allow our allies to stop trusting the US.
14
@Martha Carter - The Republicans’ current laughable arguments are only odd until you realize that it’s all they’ve got. For them, it’s speak nonsense or give up altogether.
15
Mick Mulvaney, the acting White House chief of staff, said he would obey President Trump’s order not to testify rather than seek a judge’s ruling first.
So, do I hear this correctly that the President of the USA directs his staff not to follow the Rule of Law as set forth in our laws and our Constitution?
Isn't that in of itself an impeachable offense? Didn't he swear to uphold our Constitution and laws?
457
@Deb Yes.
26
@Deb Yep. And every one of those rejected subpoenas will be on the evidence list, I do believe.
21
@Deb, Perfecto. Correcto.
8
Nothing screams “He’s innocent!” than secreting a phone call transcript in the dead of the night by unknown operatives and depositing it inside a codeword-protected server and releasing a doctored transcript and calling the call as “perfect.”
Yep, the height of innocence indeed.
Also there’s the bridge in Brooklyn that is for sale. How about rescuing a Nigerian princess?
248
Questionable if this Republican strategy will work since the Government workers are all going to be impressive and a stark contrast to the Republicans on the committee.
8
Republicans in Congress are not supposed to "defend" Trump as if they were on his legal defense team.
Republicans in the House are supposed to listen to the evidence, as if they were on a Grand Jury
Republicans in the Senate are supposed to listen to the evidence as if they were on a Jury.
They have no integrity, are ignoring their oath of office, and apparently do not care that Trump, installed against the will of the majority of voters by 306 party-over-country Republican Electors, withheld aide from an ally and is following Putin's playbook from the Ukraine to Syria
28
Democratic Louisiana Governor and Senator Huey Long stated that if fascism ever takes root in America that it would come under the guise of the American flag. Politicians of course say a lot of things, but today's GOP has hitched its wagon to the Russian dis- and misinformation campaign to divide America and subvert the course of our national and international security. Putin's playbook in hand, they defend Trump, quashing the Constitutional protections like Romans crushing grapes underfoot even those these are people's lives. My father served in the O.S.S. during WWII and two of my uncles in the C.I.A. during and after the Cold War (When clandestine incursions were used to keep the wars smaller and the economy capitalist, was the thinking). These were honorable good men doing dirty work but they did not work to undermine the bulwark of the America system (The feasibility of Operation Northwoods for example and the Bay of Pigs came from military planners, not State Dept or CIA). There is a cancer in the current GOP and it is impacting the lives of Americans and the people of countries world-worldwide. It is as shocking as it is deleterious.
8
Apparently Trump opened up a new personal bank account in his own name. His first deposit was the 200 Javelin missile's that he could use to help his campaign for president. Hopefully the GOP will also deposit a few nuclear warheads he can contribute to Turkey for some dirt on Obama or Warren. And geez, why not throw in a submarine or a couple of jets just so his account can maintain a proper balance. With his taxes about to be produced by the courts American citizens wouldn't want the image of the country being led by an insolvent president.
2
Every time a Republican politician tries to defend the Ukraine extortion scheme by claiming Trump is just deeply concerned with corruption, the following question should be asked: Besides the Biden’s, what other examples can you site of Trump showing concern with corruption in Ukraine or any other country?
Please. He couldn’t even bring himself to criticize Saudi Arabia for hacking a journalist to pieces. Trump wasn’t trying to rid Ukraine of corruption, he was trying to corrupt it himself.
20
Republicans say he did nothing wrong. The facts do not support them. This was extortion. One party, Trump, was threatening the other party with dire consequences if some condition was not met. The other party, Zelensky believed he would be in an untenable position if he did not acquiesce to the demand. When governments are involved, this behavior is called bribery as set forth in the Constitution. That is how this crime should be framed. Trump is guilty of bribery, a crime the Constitution says merits impeachment and removal.
2
With so many examples of asking foreign governments to investigate his opponents it's clear that this is his "M-O", modus operandi." There is no question of his criminal intent. Just hammer the facts and call it what it is: Extortion to enforce cooperation of foreign governments in his corruption and illicit theft of our Democracy.
2
Republicans: “The president works for the American people. And President Trump is doing what Americans elected him to do.”
Oh, now I get it:
Americans elected Trump as President.
Trump did something as the President which is illegal or improper.
Therefore Americans elected Trump to do what he did as President even if it's illegal or improper.
3
I was a republican once...Now, it just baffles me how low republican representatives will go collectively in trying to keep Trump in power. After three years it has become clear that he is morally and mentally unfit for the office and also busts up traditional republican values and principals. What is the endgame here? I just hope democratic committee members are prepared to keep the hearings on track or the republicans will turn them into a circus drowning out the facts.
4
So Trump was so deeply concerned for Ukraine corruption that he eventually gave the money without an investigation. Some deep concern.
Why not open an investigation into Ukraine by the Justice department? Why not do so for Biden? Since when does the US investigate via foreign governments that you suspect are corrupt?
1
Then what is a violation of the law and the Constitution?
The goal posts are on permanent wheels with this crew. Their leader can never violate the law.
1984 rules. We will tell you what the law is and what to believe. Words like inappropriate or improper or " I would not have done it that way." but he did not violate the law? You cannot aid a foreign power he did.
If these guys were not craven enablers of Trump, it would be funny.
The Republicans will prove der leader prophetic...he can shoot someone on 5th Ave and get away with it.
1
Simply put; President Trump sought to undermine the United States through a foreign nation. It's sedition and High Treason.
He admitted to the summary of the call, meaning guilt, so any attempts at portraying guilt as innocence is a cynical view of their own voter base and any degree of intelligence.
The Orwellian idea by Republicans is simply a diversion and smoke screen.
3
Trump's only hope of survival is delay.
The facts are clear.
3
Trump never does anything wrong does he, Mr. Jordan?
The state of the country must be somebody else’s fault then, right?
Trump and the Republicans have traded integrity and soul for money. Sounds almost biblical. Ironic, with all those Christian followers of theirs.
3
Trump's "efforts to push a foreign leader to announce investigations into his political rivals were legitimate attempts to root out corruption."
So it's okay and acceptable for a corrupt president to root out corruption which he perceives or claims exists. In other words, the means justifies the end?
The irony and arrogance of these Republicans and their magical spin to rationalize is outlandish if not spellbinding.
WOW on steroids!
2
What defense? This is an inquiry, they can defend him in the Senate. This is a Russian style dis-information campaign; their witness list is a joke and may as well include Barney the Dinosaur. And the media goes along with it, mentioning only that their crazed theory is "largely debunked" rather than "made up," or, "an outright lie." The media portraying reality v fantasy as just two sides of an argument won't really help much.
Don the Don has decades of experience running his scams in a fashion which insulates him from direct prosecution. He may just get away with it again.
However, now that Mitch has managed to cram our Federal judiciary full of Right Wing operatives posing as justices (150+ of them, some who put their God above our laws) he may figure they don't need 45 any more. Who knows?
3
How dishonest can the Republicans be? Can they look themselves in the mirror? Trump's intention towards the Ukraine was not root out corruption. If you believe that sincerely who are engaging in magical thinking. Trump was engaged in a thinly veiled attempt to force a foreign government to take actions to investigate a key domestic political rival of his, namely, Joe Biden, to benefit Trump's reelection. He sought to impune the character of Joe Biden. That was his motivation. Any attempt to say otherwise is a lie. If the Republicans can live with themselves for eternity with that lie then they just placed themselves in the sewer.
1
I certainly hope the Democrats don’t put all their eggs in this one basket. Trump has committed multiple impeachable offenses and all should be investigated and form the bases for articles of impeachment.
Every day we talk about the Trump "supporters" and all the choreography surrounding this dance with the devil. Every day I ask...why? Why are there supporters left?
What is it Trump had done, is doing or says he will do that makes people say he is making America great? Specifically, not just the bluster and noise?
Patriot? No.
Veteran, or a lifetime of support for veterans? Definitely not.
Christian? Maybe in some small box churches.
Leader? Absolutely not.
Putting others first, and having the best of all our citizens as his first priority? Sorry.
Republicans have changed the subject and have forgotten there was any Mueller report at all...that stated Trump obstructed, that stated the Russians infected his election with their meddling, and that there was enough dirty business surrounding the campaign and the transition that all of america had to take a shower because we felt so dirty...and the impeachment should include articles that finish what Mueller started-since Barr told him he could not indict.
How can anyone still support Trump?? I worry more about those that do than the man himself.
3
The Republicans’ game plan to defend Trump is seriously flawed.
Valid quid pro quos are common in international diplomacy. American Secretaries of State, ambassadors and diplomats frequently engineer “this for that” deals with righteous intent. Incidents of war-crimes and genocide have been curtailed through the use of quid pro quo by America diplomats.
“Quid pro quo” in and of itself is neither illegal nor immoral.
Trump illegally used a quid pro quo to blackmail the Ukrainians. Stopping payment of congressionally approved military aid in order to get President Zelensky to announce the commencement of investigation of the Bidens was illegal on both ends.
This is not a complex case.
Examples:
“The United States is very concerned about the damage the recent earthquake caused to your nation’s infrastructure. An aid package involving the assistance of our Army Corps of Engineers could go a long way to speed your recovery efforts.”
1. “We’re also alarmed by the harsh treatment of the since the present administration came into power...
2. As the American Ambassador, I can begin to arrange for that aid as soon as I receive five hundred thousand dollars in gold.
3. As the American president, I can begin to arrange for that aid if your government will retract all statements made last year, accusing & villifying me. It’s reelection season. A sincere public apology for that “misunderstanding” would be expected.
Simple.
1 is diplomacy.
2 & 3 are illegal, blackmail.
1
Sheldon Whitehouse retweeted a timeline that was the perfect encapsulation of Trump's extortion of Zelensky. It was clear as day that the funds were withheld and then released when the whistleblower came forward. If the investigation of Burisma and Biden was so vital, why didn't Barr investigate? And why is Jim Jordan not being investigated for ignoring multiple complaints of sexual assault when he was a coach?
My last question is just an example of a typical, Republican what-aboutism. The defense of this abuse of power will fly with low information voters or those who are too busy or those who are cult members.
"He did nothing wrong"??? That's it? This is all the braintrust at the Republican party can come up with? It shouldn't surprise me, they had 6 years to formulate a replacement plan for ACH and came up with zilch.
3
Trump would have us all believe that he’s a noble fighter of corruption. But I don’t see him rooting out corruption in African nations or in South America. What about Nigeria or the Philippines? Maybe India? I wonder why Ukraine is so important to him. Could it have something to do with Russia?
Please Democrats, conduct these hearings with dignity and seriousness! Prove yourselves worthy of the office you hold; make very clear that you are representing the judgement of your constituents who do believe that Trump acted against our national interests. If the Republican Senate does not see it this way then so be it. The salient point here is that you have gone on record that many citizens did see wrong being done and this view has been heard. And please gavel down the clown and disruptive antics of Jim Jordan and Devin Nunes who will try to turn this into a reality TV special. If they can not conduct themselves civilly, then through them out. Consult Roberts Rules...
The Republican memo states: “The president works for the American people. And President Trump is doing what Americans elected him to do.”
No, America's voters did not elect Trump ... the Electoral College did. Add to that Republican voter suppression and gerrymandering reveals that Republicans can't win an election and can only avoid impeachment with lies, corruption and witness intimidation.
1
Obama spoke with world leaders about Russian influence in the 2016 election. If he had brought up Trump, which is likely, would it have been an impeachable offense?
Republican hypocrisy will be on full display throughout the world on Wednesday as Trump's morally bankrupt supporters in Congress attempt to defend a con man who tried to extort a country that desperately needed America's help for his political gain.
Ukraine needed U.S. weapons to defend itself from Russian thug, Putin, and his army.
The Republican argument that Democrats want to "substitute" Trump's judgment for theirs is not only lame but also questions how they can continue to defend Trump's "judgments" while in office. Judgments that include crimes and flawed decisions like abandoning a close U.S. ally like the Kurds to be slaughtered.
Trump's impulsivity and inattention to detail are part and parcel of a con man with severe mental problems that are a threat to national security and the U.S. Constitution.
His judgment to thumb his nose at the rule of law, including ignoring subpoenas from Congress, is evident.
The world will have front-row seats to Trump's decision-making and ongoing attempts to try and turn American democracy into a gangster government that can easily usurp power from the America, its people, and the nation's institutions.
Keep this in mind, Republicans.
The whole world will be watching the Republican political circus that will attempt to put the Party above the United States of America.
What we will be watching Wednesday, is the implosion of the Republican Party because, at this point, the Party knows no shame and lacks integrity.
1
What these GOP characters lack in shame, they make up for in enormous glass egos.
It is time for public humiliation of these folks.
Corroborated evidence of Ukraine extortion (lets start using bribery and extortion instead of quid pro quo) aside, please remember they didn't reign him in when he created a disaster in Syria, which could exact a real toll on Americans.
If they intend to abrogate their constitutional duties they deserve excoriation.
1
Congress should inquire into the scope of Trump's intense concern about Ukrainian corruption. He apparently believed it was severe enough that they, and we, would be better off if militarily captured by Putin. So, Mr. Trump, who else besides the "horrible" Bidens did you have your anti-corruption laser focused on?
He won't respond, of course, but the answer is just the Bidens. It sure doesn't include Rick Perry or Rudy G.
Good Jim Jordan wasn’t on the Nixon impeachment panel. “I am not a crook” Nixon could’ve learned a lot from Trump.
You have to be kidding!
If these three are the best that Trump can come up with to defend him. He might as well call the moving van now.
Would you hire hire any of them to fight a speeding ticket? I know which one is Moe, which one is Curly?
1
Only in the Bizarro world -- or the Republican's Fox-fueled, willful-denial-of-reality hothouse -- can colluding with a hostile foreign power (Russia) to tamper with the 2016 elections, repeatedly obstructing justice (cf Mueller, Comey, Sessions, Rosenstein), and trying to pressure another foreign government (Ukraine) to dig up dirt on a political rival (Biden) for the 2020 elections be called doing "nothing wrong".
2
How did we end up with so many anti-American, anti-democracy representatives in Congress? It boggles the mind.
It very likely will work!
Republicans today are blindly partisan, on top of being generally low information and non-thinking. As it is, we can see that they believe black is white when told often enough!
The state of the Republican minds is our greatest national security risk. They have embraced authoritarianism and authoritarians. They make hostile nations, like Russia, our friends. They concede our rule of laws and constitution to corrupt people with crooked logic. They confuse traitors as patriots. What will not go wrong?
True patriots beware: Do not under estimate the power of afflicted minds. Truths do not always prevail, at least not in the immediate future.
1
Republicans have no shame in defending a corrupt president guilty of extortion and bribery among many other crimes.
I'm astounded. They got "simple" right.
1
Republicans remember it is America over party!
Keep Democracy alive.
1
The GOP behavior of Jordan, Gaetz and those that back them is so abhorrent, Our ancestors would be ashamed of what the GOP have become. An Embarrassment to say the least. And no this is not politics, its mob mentality. We have lost reason.
2
Anybody embracing a "strategy" to gum up the impeachment hearings with a carnival sideshow does not love this country. The open extortion and bribery that has been practiced by the Trump White House is despicable, especially given the dire straits that Ukraine is in.
If this is the way it goes, the Republicans will just make themselves look like a bunch of cynics and swindlers.
Jim Jordan, sycophant extraordinaire. Unbelievable that under Trump we’ve witnessed the complete moral and ideological collapse of the Republican Party into a personality cult filled with sycophants that seem to express absolutely no interest in the survival of our democratic Republic. I’ll never vote Republican as long as I live.
2
All teachers know that one must talk at the level of your audience, hence, a simple impeachment defense is just what's needed for simpleton defenders of the PINO.
It's not about a single phone call (though that certainly got the ball rolling), it's about months of unscrupulous dealings by Guiliani's gang that couldn't shoot strait under the direction of their leader, the POTUS, on the behalf of the criminal Trump enterprise.
1
Jim Jordan ignoring the facts just like he did in sexual abuse complaints while he was coach at Ohio state university. Disgraceful characters are defending Trump, what else can be expected.
2
The idea that Donald Trump had:
"deep-seated, genuine and reasonable skepticism”
about anything is, literally, a laughable defense. I know that Republicans count on the ignorance, both willful and God-given, of their constituents, but they're not fooling anyone else. What a joke.
4
trump is literally the conservative id. he is a reckless, uninformed white male in power that reacts and receives comeuppance from ANY action he takes.
i often wonder if we are at the end or the beginning or somewhere in the middle of this story of hegemony and i am terrified to find out.
Aside from the thin defense arguments in the memorandum there was another stunning statement within this document.
"The democrat impeachment narrative flips our system of government on it's head. The federal bureaucracy works for the President."
In North Korea the federal bureaucracy works for the benefit of the president, in America the federal bureaucracy works for the benefit of the people.
Well, it's supposed to be that way.
If you had any remaining doubt that republicans in the House no longer represent a separate but equal branch of government you can stop wondering now.
In essence, the Republicans are arguing Trump is too simple-minded to be a real crook and despot.
That ought to fly with Republicans.
1
So the plan is for Jim Jordan to attack people's character. Jim Jordan.
1
While the trump presidency continues to eat away at our democracy, angry people like jim jordan with their own personal baggage are becoming a cancer on Congress. Something for trump and jordan voters to wrestle with.
Anyone who doesn't already know that the Republicans are not going to vote to impeach Trump is either painfully naive or willfully ignorant.
Repeat after me folks: There will be no Senate impeachment. Not gonna happen.
This entire futile exercise is happening to keep the base, and the NYT comments section, happy.
--"Mommy, what happened to the Republican party?"
--"Sweetie, they lost their courage and their principles in support of a very bad man."
1
Just think. Just think. Just think if Barack Obama had done the exact same thing as Donald Trump has done,where would these Republicans stand? They are all a bunch of frauds, phonies and liars. About 100 of them have "left" the business of politics - either elected out, resigned or won't run again. They used Trump for what they wanted - two Supreme Court seats, a devastating deficit increasing tax cut for the rich and red state favored reductions on climate control. Their work done, they are getting out while the getting is good. One last job in the Senate however is to be sure Trump is not convicted. They have to cover their rear ends when they go back to the conservatives who voted for them. Meanwhile, America is receding worldwide in terms of respect from other nations. Congratulations Trump voters - you've put our entire country in the dumpster of history.
2
With Republican Congress zealots Jim Jordan and Matt Gaetz guiding GOP impeachment strategy and execution, what possibly could go wrong?
1
Two congressmen knows how to screram. Jim Jordon, former wrestling coach, OH and other one with big hair, Matt Gaetz are the two trumpers, meaning trump pets.
While Adam Schiff, from Stanford University and a J.D. degree from Harvard Law School. He currently serves as Chairman of the United States House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence .
Very recently he asked the other guy Matt Gaetz with big hair to leave a closed dood session where the congressman entered uninvited.
This is what Mr. Schiff has to deal everytime with two loud mouthed house members.
3
"largely debunked conspiracy theories about Democrats, including the business dealings of Hunter Biden"
Hunter Biden got paid hundreds of thousands of dollars by Ukrainian oligarchs while his father was chief envoy to Ukraine, but it's been "debunked." Nothing to worry about then!
Jordan and the rest of his chums aren't politicians any more they're minions. Sycophants, lickspittles, toadies, what ever you want to call them. They've chained themselves to the Titanic and are determined to hold off the sea as it passes their knees. Good riddance to this disgrace of a political party and could someone please buy Jim Jordan a jacket.
2
The Republicans want the Bidens questioned at the Committee hearings because they were mentioned by Trump in the phone call.
But according to their logic, the dozens of staff members at the DNC and Crowd Strike were also mentioned and must be questioned too.
We could prolong these hearings for at least a year but the Republicans would complain about that too.
Just think, if Nixon had stated that he was investigating Corruption in having the Watergate burglary done, he would still be in office. Republicans would have been okay with that too.
2
Regardless of what Republican strategists say today, most thoughtful concerned Americans have seen and heard what Trump has done. No words, tweets or other outcries from Congressional Republicans will outweigh what we have all seen and heard. We don't need a political clergy to interpret the words of Lord Donald for the rest of us to understand what has happened since Trump took office. The real question is how many of those citizens who will vote in Nov 2020 will select a POTUS and Congressional representatives based on what they learned from honest journalism and how many will vote based on what they learned from social media (including Russian and other bots) instead of thinking about what is actually best for themselves and their country?
3
Our Republic, in many ways, is Machiavelli's The Prince, realized. It's certainly true in politics and our never-ending expansive military stance, even if that does not fit with some of our Puritan "city on the hill" insular mythology.
1
GOP's "party first" approach hands a big victory to Russia.
Sounds hyperbolic, perhaps even fantastical. However, more and more, this seems to be the case. They are enabling and either directly and indirectly, supporting Russia's goals.
As a former intelligence and military professional, I find all of this surreal. If you told me 20 years ago that this was going to happen and the GOP would be on the helm enabling an autocratic Russia, I would never have believed it.
7
Once again republicans gear up to defend the indefensible. They are masters at it, having honed this skill for at least four decades. They will do what they always do and try to convince us that it is raining. Unfortunately, a large minority of our citizens will not only agree that what they feel down their backs is rain, but revel at how warm it feels. Get used to it.
3
Those who know the Constitution and have even the most basic education about the laws in our country know that the Republican’s defense is weak at best and laughable at worst. The euphemism of “spin “has been now used as a ethically feasible explanation for lying in the Senate. And when those Senators who blindly support Donald Trump because they are between a rock and a hard place have no defense, they will then become defensive. And when Senators like Lindsey Graham or Jim Jordan have their public temper tantrums , the response should be calm and measured the way Adam Schiff has been this entire time. The reason Donald Trump keeps belittling Adam Schiff is because he knows that both he and Nancy Pelosi have his number.
2
Fox and friends and the republicans can spin this all they want. Unfortunately for them the US constitution has laws.
Bottom line: no elected official is above the law, especially and including the president. If a president violates law, the Constitution provides a method for removal from office. That is what impeachment does.
Despite what the republicans are trying to spin, Impeachment is not in anyway a violation of our democracy.
It is a FUNDAMENTAL component of it.
The framers did not want another monarch.
It is by following the constitution of the United States that makes us a democratic republic.
2
Under the Republicans and their president, America is witnessing its economic principles subordinate its democratic principles. Truth, justice, and rule by law are becoming secondary to wealth for the few, retention of power, and self before community.
2
Although it's been said countless times before, it's worth once again asking: What would the Republicans be saying were everything else about the situation exactly the same except that we were discussing President Hillary Clinton? Just imagine...
1
I can't for the life of me figure out why the House Committees do not use their power of inherent contempt and arrest, or at least threaten arrest of those who clearly demonstrate that contempt by ignoring congressional subpoenas. I seem to recall that during the Nixon investigation, such threats of arrest elicited almost immediate compliance.
2
Along with all of those arguments that are insulting to anyone with a modicum of intelligence (Trump supporters: you're not being insulted), Republicans will say that nothing new was presented at the public hearings - which is probably true since the key testimony has already been publicized and analyzed. Of course, Republicans will leave out the fact that they were the ones who needlessly insisted on public hearings.
2
I'm a Democrat who supports Tulsi Gabbard, but I have to say that the Republicans are absolutely right in their defense against impeachment. There is no crime here, except in the minds of partisan Democrats. I cannot yet understand why Democrats did not accept their 2016 loss as normal, learn the lesson that they lost because they lost contact with what used to be their working class base, and work to win back the presidency in 2020. They should have tried to work with President Trump on the nation's real problems. Instead they tried to frame President Trump him on absurdly false charges of being a Russian agent, and now they are pushing this nothingburger of an impeachment. This behavior of the Democratic party has done our nation immense harm. Unless Democrats find a way to nominate the outstanding Tulsi Gabbard for President, I will be voting for President Trump in 2020 if only to punish Democrats for what they have done to our country.
2
This whole exercise feels more frivolous by the day. We all know where it's heading. A party line vote in the house to impeach followed by a party line vote in the Senate to acquit.
However, it still feels necessary because anyone who's being honest with themselves knows that our corrupt president was using the power of the office to benefit his personal political needs. By inviting foreign influences into the 2020 election, he violated his oath of office.
That's the paradox of the world that Trump has given us. Something can be entirely frivolous and entirely necessary at the same time. And in the end, nothing matters and everyone loses.
2
Bargaining for foreign interference in an election with American tax dollars far exceeds anything that can be described as normal “diplomacy”. The Constitution is non-specific about which behaviors are impeachable. No legal code is mentioned, but rather left to the House and Senate. No matter, bribery and extortion are serious crimes in every society. The bottom line- Is demanding a trade of our valuable military equipment to be used in your defense of an existential invasion in exchange for a your public, foreign investigation intended to injure my political opponent bribery or extortion? I think so.
2
It is the job of Congress to protect and defend the Constitution not protect and defend the President. They need to do their job they were elected to do.
1
I'm not sure why the Democrats don't just have the vote to impeach so we can move on with real business. They already have him convicted with or without further testimony. Maybe they think they can sway the Senate into finding him guilty. That would be beyond wishful thinking.
2
I just wonder if the GOP is just going through the motions. In effect, their strategy is equivalent to defending a moving violation, instead of vehicular homicide.
I mean really saying Trump is innocent. How many people occupy prisons across the country saying they were innocent? How many go to court saying the same thing, and end up being fined or jailed?
Now, that you have a weakest of defenses. The next part is saying, it is just a bunch of bureaucrats over stepping their bounds. You have witnesses to a crime, and telling the court, and jury, to ignore these witnesses on political grounds.
A defense attorney putting up such a defense would be chastised by a judge and probably replaced by a more competent attorney.
Trump is better off admitting guilt, stop the public testimony, get impeached, and hope that the Senate does not convict. Trump, and the GOP's, Achilles's Heel is what will start tomorrow, live public testimony on CBS, NBC, ABC, FOX (maybe) CNN, Fox News MSNBC, and CSPAN. There are many more outlets to cover impeachment hearings than exited in 1973. And, like 1973, when all said and done, a president will be forced from office.
2
Their strategy has a certain meretricious appeal. and by meretricious I mean attractive on the outside with no merit. But the Republicans strategy seeks to influence their partisans, no one else. The argument, if I understand it correctly, is that Trump was looking to protect (all) Americans by making sure aid was not given to a corrupt government. and is is coincidence only that the focus of this corruption was an old relationship with a political rival. if this rationale was true though why was this rationale kept secret from Congress and the State Department? Was even Moscow Mitch aware of it?
1
The gravity of these claims are serious, and this is the best defense House GOP officials can come up with? You have no real strategy in defending Trump against these credible allegations and should be morally and ethically ashamed of yourselves and the constituents you represent. More importantly House GOP officials are putting partisan politics over ethical and legal standing. I've never seen a President do more to divide a country than unite it.
1
My question is about how this memo will affect the Times' reporting in the coming weeks. When a Republican says the things that this memo tells them to say, will Times reporters note that the official in question is following the GOP playbook? That they are repeating the agreed-upon talking points? I hope they will, and that they will do this when Democrats repeat the explicitly laid-out Democratic talking points, too.
1
They should question Jim Jordan on the Ohio State sexual abuse scandal.
10
"The real criminals are the whistle blowers!", says the criminal, lying, self-serving, duplicitous, treasonous GOP in their full throated defense of Donald Trump's blatant extortion.
18
Two quotes come to mind. 1)" On some great and glorious day the plain folks of the land will reach their heart's desire at last and the White House will be adorned by a downright moron." H.L. Mencken. 2) " You don't even have to be convicted of a crime to lose your job in this constitutional republic if this body determines that your conduct as a public official is clearly out of bounds in your role. Impeachment is not about punishment. Impeachment is about cleansing the office. Impeachment is about restoring honor and integrity to the office." Lindsey Graham
5
In the United States people often condemn others for not talking English, so let’s stop using the term ‘Quid pro quo’ and used the simple English terms ‘Extortion and Bribery’ then everybody will know what is being discussed.
900
@Roy Balcombe So your claim is that if the U.S. offers another country aid, but asks them to do something in order to receive it, that is "bribery"? Interesting conception of foreign aid you have.
1
@Tom
Interesting that YOU think that's what he said, when he didn't.
Asking "them" to "do something" like dig up dirt against your perceived major political opponent is far from any discussion on "foreign aid" pal.
54
@Tom
Under the Trump Administration that is exactly what is happening. Trump and Giuliani are both corrupt and if you don't understand that then listen to the impeachment hearings on Capitol Hill.
34
There are no statesmen/stateswomen left in the GOP. It's all about political expediency at the cost of minimizing the power of the country's founding documents. Is there a greater shame for a politician?
434
@Ralph Braseth And so many want their healthcare to be run by factional political parties.
To them the greater shame is losing and being out of power. Period.
6
@phil montgomery
And your point is?
Because people who can think and respond logically want to know.
6
How long do they think they can keep up this Potemkin village of respectability? One day the lies will collapse, as will the GOP. Maybe it’s already too late for some of them. Many are retiring rather than get mixed up in this. The younger members on that side of the aisle have the most to lose. They should be the ones to step up and stop this before their entire future is gone.
11
Jim Jordan of Ohio now on investigative republican seat for what? Let him it be known that this isn’t a wrestling tournament,it’s a serious game to be played in best interests of our nation,its people,protecting our democracy before it falls into hands of rogue oligarchs & preserve the rights & freedom of the people for which he got elected.
If you can’t stand the truths & want to favor the lies while in committee,you must think twice for the interests of your constituents.
9
I have nothing but the greatest respect for those members of Congress who are going to listen to these Republican denials of truth and then-- patiently and for hours on end-- are going to respond with reason, clarity, and passion. I can't even imagine. Thank you in advance to those House members who hold on to the facts. Please take your vitamins and get a good therapist.
9
@Katherine Smith
And personal protection.
Trump has put a target on the back of every one of these brave Americans and Republicans are making sure those targets stick.
1
No doubt the GOP will hold the line against the upcoming senate impeachment trial; in turn, it should receive a richly-deserved thrashing in the 2020 elections.
10
“In the reconstructed transcript of the call, when Mr. Zelensky brought up his desire to purchase defense weaponry, Mr. Trump said he wanted the Ukrainian president to “do us a favor, though” and then mentioned the investigations into the Bidens. “ This is false. There was a lot more said after that “do us a favor” line, and the bidens did not come up until near the end. You all still cannot prove the president’s intentions were purely political, and you have to force feed the narrative to people. With all of the testimony thus far, no one has been able to prove the president’s motives were personal and political.
1
@E Robichaux, you've got a point, although you're going too far when you say "this is false." After Trump asked for "a favor, though," he went immediately into his insane Crowdstrike conspiracy theory. That's actually worse for Russo-Republicans than if he had immediately talked about Biden, because there is no plausible argument that the Crowdstrike investigation request was somehow legitimate. The Times is accurate when it says that the "favor" request came before the Biden statements.
"by arguing that his efforts to push a foreign leader to announce investigations into his political rivals were legitimate attempts to root out corruption" What does it say when the "GOP" cam promote a ridiculous position like that knowing that their "base" will lap it up without question?
4
For all anybody knows Joe Biden in spite of all disqualifying reasons still chose to run for President just to turn the Burisma corruption investigation into a political smear issue to protect he and Hunter. Democrats then doubled down and turned it into an impeachment cause. Pretty slick.
1
That's not a strategy. Also, what else is new?
3
Republicans do not have much to promote. Attempts to bribe a foreign leader to announce an investigation into a political opponent is clearly impeachable. Followed by obstruction of justice and smearing all of his own hires.
5
The Republican strategy to defend Trump will fail. First, the electorate is very tired of Trump's enablers continuIng to excuse his bringing his sleazy "business" practices into the Whitehouse. Second, most people are fed up with partisan politics and the gridlock it causes. Finally, most people have little tolerance for hate speech and Trump's obsessive and spasmodic lying.
6
The fact the GOP has ignored its only "get-out-of-jail-free card" should raise numerous, insistent alarm bells. In a functioning democracy, there would have been--on the day the phone call was revealed-- a rush to the nearest podium as congressional members fought for the privilege of being the first to denounce DJT.
Their total lack of desire to free themselves from this corrupt man's image, agenda, and actions-- the only option the GOP had to rescue some shred of its tattered reputation for the historical record-- leaves us with only one conclusion...they're all up to their brows in this too.
I can't say this more directly or sincerely. The GOP must be investigated for its role in obstructing justice and colluding with a traitor.
5
Although the Republicans now have a defense strategy, it's almost irrelevant what they say. Impeachment is a political trial of the president. As such, the deciding factor should be public opinion as reflected in members of the House and then Senate. However, it seems their minds are made up before the facts are publicly presented.
And as this opinion piece in the Times points out, elected Republicans are generally ignoring public opinion anyway. https://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/10/opinion/impeachment-polls-republicans.html
3
So, Trump had “deep-seated, genuine and reasonable skepticism” of Ukraine based on its history of corruption.
The only seat that Trump could experience as "deep" is his own. "Genuine" and "reasonable" are phenomena outside the scope his moral universe, which is just barely large enough to contain his ego.
Why the focus on Ukraine? Might it be the presence in that country of someone named Biden? Surely not! The president is sincere!
Of all the ironies of the Trump era, this takes the cake. The most corrupt president since Warren Harding is suddenly concerned with the corruption of Ukraine. I don't doubt that the President is aware that many other countries on earth are considerably more corrupt than Ukraine. It's just that they don't contain a Biden.
How he can sit through the Republican's oafish "defense," in he is deemed sincere, when he not only knows that he is not sincere but guffaws privately at the notion, is attributable only the fact that he is a sociopath.
5
I always enjoy the hypocrisy when we accuse Mexico, Cambodia, Venezuela and others of having corrupt systems of government and election practices when the only real difference is that politicians on our side rationalize it is all legal, and sadly, a significant portion of the voting population sides with them.
266
@Glen Absolutely right. My current question to the president is, in light of his great anti-corruption crusade, will he see investigations of Rick Perry and his merry banditos who have won a huge gas lease deal in Ukraine? Perry was pushing it had during Ukraine meetings while he was in secretary of that "oops" department - Energy.
23
@Glen Public Opinion...or more to the point...the Public Opinion of the American Voters is key !!! Democracy works when the Majority Votes and determines the course of History for all of us !!
3
It is an accurate defense. The Democrats will be laying another egg with this one. Democrats losing bigly in 2020.
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What other examples can you site of Trump acting out of his “deep concern” about corruption? And I mean anywhere in the world? It’s just a crazy coincidence that the only corruption he was worried about was in Ukraine and involved his main opponent in the 2020 election, I suppose? Why was he more concerned with the announcement of the investigation than with the investigation itself? Why was the record of the “perfect” phone call hidden on a top secret server? Why has he ordered all the people who work for him not to testify? Why doesn’t he volunteer to testify under oath himself?
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Yes, the old "nothing to see here" and "what about" defense. The remaining reasonable Republicans (now almost an oxymoron) are heading for the exits leaving the klieg-light-insects such as Jim Jordan and Matt Gaetz to perform their histrionic shtick for the cult following. It's a pathetic spectacle and embarrassing to watch GOP politics reduced to the level of WCW smackdown.
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Not to mention...it might actually be that the GOP believes he did nothing wrong. They may actually be so morally bankrupt that the GOP honestly believes that all of Trumps offenses aren’t criminal nor treasonist. Let that sink in.
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Further proof that Trump could shoot someone in broad daylight on 5th Avenue and the GOP would defend him. Getting away with murdering the constitution.
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I doubt President Trumph could have found Ukraine on a map at the time of his phone call. But the Republicans argument is why I will NEVER vote for Republican as long as I live. No one is above the law!!. I've read the transcript and he should be impeached
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Fast talking GOP Rep. Jim Jordan denied turning a blind eye to sexual abuse when he was Ohio State wrestling coach despite some of his former wrestlers saying Jordan was covering up the truth.
Now Jordan is working the refs at Trump’s impeachment trial.
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Where is the transcript of the second phone call?
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I'm remembering the Trey Gowdy, Jim Jordan and Mike Pompeo show at the Benghazi hearings. Good grief, what a show.
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A very lame defense but it’s all they’ve got.
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Extortion is the proper word for what Trump did. As a bonus, it’s not in Latin!
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Unfortunately, the Trump enabling Congressional Republicans are traitors. So what does anyone expect them to say. Solution, vote every single one of them out of office at the first available opportunity. Then check to see how many received Russian Mafia money and publish their names. We know Moscow Mitch did and I'm sure there are plenty more.
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To me, arguing that Trump is so stupid and naive as to believe conspiracy theories against the advice of his own agencies seems like just another reason to impeach him. Maybe the House just needs to add gross incompetence to the list of charges.
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I miss the honorable Republicans of yesteryear. A lifelong Democrat, I never hated the opposition until Trump took over their party.
By supporting Trump’s use of the Presidency for personal gain (as proven by the transcript alone), the Republicans in power today are betraying our nation. And I know I am not alone in wondering if watching Trump defy the Constitution is similar to watching Hitler amass power in Germany.
History will not look kindly upon those facilitating the demise of our Constitution.
I say thank you to the few conservatives (Romney, Amash) who have resisted the temptation to fold. I may not agree with their policies, but they are good and honorable Americans.
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The Federalist No. 51: "Ambition must be made to counteract ambition. The interest of the man must be connected with the constitutional rights of the place. It may be a reflection on human nature, that such devices should be necessary to control the abuses of government." -James Madison on the "proper checks and balances"
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Its almost like Trump is a Devil's Advocate testing the American Democracy and the limits of its Constitution. Will the Democracy and the Constitution it is based on rise above? This needs the country and its elected representatives to look inward to who they are and what should do so that this country can survive and stay stronger for another 1000 years and more. Will the American Angels rise to it?
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@Ram
Do you mean Putin’s Advocate?
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We know where this is going, the Republicans with the help of Fox News will easily convince 40% of the voting electorate that Trump did nothing wrong despite clear evidence of impeachable offenses. The truth is, a lot of people (not me) buy into the idea of "how can you impeach a president over a phone call?"
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As you probably know, the phone call was one act in five or six month (maybe, longer) chain of events.
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If he did nothing wrong, then he has nothing to fear by fully cooperating with the investigation to demonstrate his innocence. By obstructing justice by not acknowledging the patent Constitutionality of the inquiry, he adds to the impeachable offenses.
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On the very narrow point of innocent intent (or ignorance), the GOP argument falls apart on the fact the conditional nature of the aid is tied to an investigation of a domestic (US) political rival of Trump. Surely there is other, more egregious alleged corruption in the Ukraine that was worthy of withholding aid. Wouldn't there be a pattern of withholding aid to other countries as well? Sorry, not buying it....
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So the President had “deep-seated, genuine and reasonable skepticism” of Ukraine? But not of Saudi Arabia or Russia?
And if he or the GOP is worried about corruption, for that matter, let’s look a little closer to home.
The perfect place to start? The President can show us his tax returns so we can see just how little money he is making off being President, or as he likes to claim, how much money he is losing.
Then, I’d like to see investigations of all the President’s adult children, many of his Cabinet members, especially those who leave and walk into jobs in the industry they were overseeing, and so many other “unelected bureaucrats,” to borrow the GOP phrase for the career civil servants who have come forth to testify. The Trump Administration is full of unelected bureaucrats whose decisions could be investigated to ensure their choices were in the best interests of the American people.
Corruption is corruption is corruption. I don’t care which side of the aisle you are on, corruption and abuse of the trust of the American people and misuse of tax dollars should disturb you.
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Looks like we’ve crossed the rubicon; no longer thinking of ourselves as Americans, instead Trumpists or anti-Trumpist.
As an anti-Trumpist, I can only now dream of an America again.
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Bribery and extortion are illegal. The Constitution clearly states that bribery is impeachable, and extortion is clearly a high crime/misdemeanor. Not everything that is wrong is illegal, and not everything that is illegal is wrong. Republicans are trying to win a game of semantics, but Trump's actions were both wrong and illegal. And impeachable. Republicans could at least be honest and recognize that the president's actions were both wrong and illegal, but so what. They don't care, because Trump is one of them, and if remaining in power requires the acceptance of illegal wrongdoing then so be it.
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I want to add another comment: what I anticipate is that Republicans on the committee will attempt to disrupt the proceedings, using every tactics they can dream up, (parliamentary or otherwise). Their goal will to create a sense of confusion, mis-direction and obfuscation, so that the open testimony of witnesses will be obscured or even forgotten as the GOP members go to any length to turn the hearings into a farce.
I also predict that they will go aggressively after Adam Schiff, interrupting him at every turn, yelling "point of order," repeatedly, and all the while shouting about "unfairness" and "let us speak" and "stop this witch hunt."
It's what Republicans do these days. Gym Jordan, a man of questionable personal ethics, will be their lead disrupter; he was chosen to be inserted onto the Judiciary Committee not to be a sober-minded, serious, thoughtful member of the panel, but instead to act like a drooling fool. He is well-suited to the task.
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Hey, this strategy's worked for them pretty well over the last two GOP presidencies. Why not keep running with it? Just circle the wagons, never concede anything, and always make it someone else's fault.
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All roads lead back to Putin:
"George Kent, a deputy assistant secretary of state, testified that Trump appeared to sour on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky between their calls on April 21 and July 25 partly because of conversations he had with Putin, the Russian president, and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban."
"During a meeting with his own aides in the fall of 2017, before a sit-down with Ukraine’s previous president, former aides have told us that Trump grumbled that Ukraine is not a “real country” and that it had always been a part of Russia."
Why are the Republicans willing to let Russia shape America's foreign policy?
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Because they are white, anti-gay, Christian and authoritarian.
Plus they spread around the money and young women so...
It's a defense fit for a king. Unfortunately, we have no monarchy in the United States.
For Republicans to suggest such a defense shows they are unfit to defend the Constitution of the United States, let alone to hold office.
The GOP makes a mockery of our form of government. It was the end of our system of government and laws as we knew it. I use the past tense on purpose.
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@Not My President, Giuliani has set the example of jurisprudence. Foot A goes into mouth B.
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Showing once and for all that the GOP is completely lost to integrity of any sort whatsoever. They have gleefully reduced themselves to shameless, lying treason, in the hope that if they stand for nothing, they will be held accountable for nothing.
I can only pray the rest of my nation eventually decides it likes itself better when it doesn't sell out this way...and fights back with fury and constancy. Truth matters. Integrity is worth pursuing. Honor is a gem in our crown. Those who reduce it all to a football game of strategies miss the point that only by resisting can we "Make America Great Again."
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Wow, just when I thought these guys had FINALLY settled on one, consistent message ("he did it, it was very inappropriate, but not impeachable"). Now we're back to the "he didn't do anything wrong, all the proof is there, even Zelensky said so" nonsense. Next week it'll be........?
The GOP used to be such masters of message. Now they look more like the Dems of old.
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14 general principles, cont.:
9. Employees shall protect and conserve Federal property and shall not use it for other than authorized activities.
10. Employees shall not engage in outside employment or activities, including seeking or negotiating for employment, that conflict with official Government duties and responsibilities.
11. Employees shall disclose waste, fraud, abuse, and corruption to appropriate authorities.
12. Employees shall satisfy in good faith their obligations as citizens, including all just financial obligations, especially those—such as Federal, State, or local taxes—that are imposed by law.
13. Employees shall adhere to all laws and regulations that provide equal opportunity for all Americans regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, or handicap.
14. Employees shall endeavor to avoid any actions creating the appearance that they are violating the law or the ethical standards set forth in this part. Whether particular circumstances create an appearance that the law or these standards have been violated shall be determined from the perspective of a reasonable person with knowledge of the relevant facts.
Wow, mind-boggling how many of these have been violated by this administration.
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It's a sign of how very predictable they are in their habitual flouting of rule of law, common sense,and human decency that legions of pundits and journalists started predicting that they would play this very card weeks ago.
Plan A) Screech hysterically that there is no QPQ.
Plan B) When overwhelming evidence surfaces that that is exactly what it was, screech louder and wave your arms and ape the words "it doesn't matter."
Plan C) If it becomes clear that the public doesn't agree with your efforts to derail the conversation, screech even louder, wave arms and legs frantically and break the nearest object --in this case our democracy--to distract from your own moronic, unpatriotic, and calculated efforts to derail our country. The only wonder is that they think this plays. I don't know anyone, including Republican family and friends, who voice anything other than contempt and ribald disgust for this party.
*IF* our justice system prevails --not remotely a given--the GOP itself must be investigated for dereliction of duty, grotesque lapse of judgement, obstruction of justice, and overt collusion in criminal wrongdoing.
There has always been more here than meets the eye and ALL of it stinks to high heaven.
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Federal Election Campaign Laws clearly state under:
"§ 30121. Contributions and donations by foreign nationals
(a) Prohibition. It shall be unlawful for—
(1) a foreign national, directly or indirectly, to make—
(A) a contribution or donation of money or other thing
of value, ..., in connection with a Federal, State, or local election;.."
As used in this section, the term “foreign national” means—
a foreign principal, where:
" 22 U.S.C. § 611(b) provides:
(b) The term “foreign principal” includes—
(1) a government of a foreign country and a foreign political party"
There you have it. Trump attempted to extort from the Ukrainians an investigation of the Bidens (an "other thing of value") solely for his personal political benefit in return for the release of military funds already authorized by Congress.
The Republicans are offering no fact or expert witnesses to rebut that accusation, only the promise of disruption, character assassination, and circus.
It all brings to mind Joseph Welch's characterization of Trump's mentor, Roy Cohn, in the 1954 McCarthy hearings when in response to a character assasination he said pointedly to Cohn ..."Have you no sense of decency".
Roy Cohn and his Republican supporters didn't have it back then and 65 years later still haven't gain any sense of decency.
8
In order to believe Trump had nothing to do with a Ukrainian bribe the conduct of Sondland and Giuliani would have to be rogue and the consistent testimony of Taylor, Kent and Cooper needs to have been put together by some unknown hidden anti Trump government employee and distributed to each to keep them consistent. Why not, they believed Obama was born in Kenya in the face of overwhelmingly convincing evidence that he was born in Hawaii. Power not persuasion is the answer to the bigots who control the GOP. Trump needs to be impeached, convicted by the Senate and thereafter prosecuted. If not convicted by the Senate, impeachment and criminal prosecution will do.
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