John Bolton is not going to add anything to the current impeachment inquiry in the House Intelligence Committee, He would be a repeat of Lewindowski. The Democrats learned from that fiasco. Giving Trump loyalists or self-serving Repuglicans a forum does not advance anything but those individuals political aspirations or their book deals. They are not there to clarify the depth of corruption known as Donald Trump. Heck, Repuglicans who have sworn an oath to defend the Constitution don't seem to care about the Constitution. Party uber country, boys. Let's go. The truth? Nyet.
2
Oh, Gail, please don't ever retire!!
2
Once despised as backward and semi-Fascist Ukraine has benefited from the Trumpite onslaught. It has become the darling of good people everywhere.
1
2029 "Trump who? Never heard of the man."
2029 "Donald Trump, obnoxious, crass, boastful, and vulgar, with garish tastes and a Stepford wife - such a boor as president."
"You have to keep this President happy or he'll drop you like a cold Big Mac." What a felicitous turn of phrase. That means, of course, that there are a lot of cold and tasteless Big Macs at the President's feet. And that amounts to him being surrounded by a dung heap of garbage. This White House reeks like a landfill. But it can't even compare to a compost bin. There's nothing organic about the rot that infests the place. It's a toxic wasteland full of lies, deceit, foul toadyism, bloated egos, backstabbing, rapacious bloodletting, and one twittering fool.
2
Gail, you're so cruel to Donald J. Putin!
2
Poor Sean Spicer, can't get a break with the big man. I wonder if he will now try to sell his floppy chartreuse shirt on ebay?
I enjoyed jim jordan's defense "Sure he took a shot at him but he didn't hit him!"
If your main argument is that attempting to commit a crime but being too stupid to actually succeed, is an endorsement for being the president of the United States, then it doesn’t seem it would be that hard to refute it.
Maybe trump should fly back with Ergodan and just stay in the Turkey trump Tower.
2
The only show in town used to be Trump. But being surrounded by a cadre of misfits doing his digging, we are talking about a republican mafia ready and willing to support the unsupportable. You mentioned a few useful idiots...but left out Trump's personal attorney, not the 'hand grenade' Giuliani but AG Barr; and the Secretary of State Pompeo; none of them angels by any means. Are you keeping them for 'dessert'?
Sondland who? You mean the guy I made a cellphone call to in Ukraine about investigations? Don’t know him. Have no idea how my cellphone dialed him, I was trying to order a extra large pizza with everything, including extra cheese. How it became a Ukraine call I don’t know. Obama.
What does that Mulvaney guy I keep seeing around do anyway?
2
I wonder if any thought has been given to auditing Hunter Biden for the time during which he "worked" in the Ukraine to see if any of that money might have flowed to Papa Joe. Now THAT would be news.
Why don't they just blame it on the Bossa Nova?
Just as credible as anything else that Wrestlin' Jim "you can tell from the sweat stains how hard I'm workin'" Jordan or the rest of the brain trust comes up with.
1
You said it. "Sore winner." That describes most Republicans.
1
Oh yes, Ms. Collins.
If only the good guys could refrain from doing--um--
--dumb stuff.
A good friend of mine--a former student--an African American who now works--let's just say he works for the government--
--was incensed by Hillary Clinton's "inadvertent" deleting of some sixty thousand e-mails. "You work for the government," he exploded--"You don't DO things like that."
And Mr. Hunter Biden. Oh dear. I understand he was cautioned by his own dad, the ever-excoriated former vice president--"I hope you know what you're doing."
Well, Ms. Collins.
I'm not sure he did.
THAT BEING SAID--
--the egregious follies and flagrant iniquities of Mr. Donald J. Trump and his band of merry men (with some women)--
--oh my gosh!
There's no comparison. No comparison at all. None.
BUT--
--I know and you know and we all know: the GOP (like an old, practiced cuttlefish) will emit clouds of ink--clouds of obfuscation: they'll muddy the waters--they'll throw up smoke screens left and right and all around the town--
--and why go there?
It's like Watergate all over again. A smoking gun (like the one that eventually brought down Richard M. Nixon)--no. I don't think there's a smoking gun in the works. Not this time.
Used cartridges?
Oh yes. Oh dear me, yes. The floor is littered with them.
And so--
--we shall see what we shall see.
Sigh.
The White House has some dismay,
per what Yovanovitch's going to say,
It's no doubt she'll reveal
Giuliani's "drug deal"
And Rudy is going away.
2
Sure, Joe Biden's son Hunter Biden was paid a generous salary by a Ukraine company. Get over it, the Senate is full of much more influencial characters who are overpaid for their incompetance.
Is it a surprise that they doth protest too much?
1
Gym Jordan not aware of almost 1500 sexual abuses under his watch. Nunes Cow and his non existent farm in California which he is suing two news sourdes for printing the truth and he has the audacity to denigrate thousands of loyal , hardworking Americans in the FBI,CIA , State Deoartment. The smallness of republicans is mind boggling.
4
The winner in this sorry game? Vladimir Putin, of course.
I am watching as my country is being destroyed by the stupidity and cruelty of Trump and the evil genius of Putin.
Not sure if the nightmare will ever be over.
3
"Drop you like a cold Big Mac"? C'mon Gail, everyone knows you don't get to be his size by leaving one on the table.
He'd just tweet to Fox about how cold it is, how ugly and lame the serving staff was, that cold Big Macs are a Democrat plot, then Woof down another on top of it.
"Rinse & Repeat, Down the Hatch".....
Considering that Trump's tweets are "official" statements - doesn't the deleted Spicer tweet mean he violated the Presidential Records Act yet again?
1
The problem with the GOP House Members....they've used up all their material on Wednesday. Their cleverness is extremely limited.
Thanks for bringing in the Erdogan visit. Appalling timing since Trump can now do more awful and sneaky things while the hearings are going on. Tough times in America. And scary.
It was hard at first to accept that the Republican party is so terribly corrupt and devoid of morals and loyalty to the country. But the past three years have convinced the rest of us that it is true.
And let me share a few thoughts about Rep. Jim Jordan, the Republicans' rapid-fire question asker, the straight-shooting quiz master, guaranteed to keep you off balance.
Rep. Jordan is the same Rep. Jordan, the former assistant wrestling coach at The Ohio State University, who many wrestlers have said, turned his head away when confronted with complaints about sexual abuse at the hands of the OSU's former medical director Richard Strauss. An NBC News report details one wrestling referee who witnessed a sexual assault in a shower saying he directly told Jordan about the abuse, and that Jordan did nothing about it and said nothing about it.
Me thinks, Jordan needs to keep a low profile until he gets his own defensive house in order, i.e. quit defending the president, and start defending yourself MORE.
1
Times People of the Year: Government employees who had the spine to testify and the whistleblower.
3
corrected comment:
In regard to Sean Spicer, how much do these various has been dudes get to humiliate themselves on national television? Didn't they got enough humiliation working for Trump? Maybe they really need the money. It better be more than $10,000. (Trump got 400K, per week!, to pretend to be a great businessperson on You're Fired! or whatever the name of that show was.)
I saw the clip that got Spicer cashiered from "Dancing with the Duds". The on the knees slide across the floor was spectacular. (Not in a good way, though A middle age man doing a split slide across the dance floor? Holy wow.). I will say this: Spicer is a better dancer than he was a presidential spokesman.
I once lived in a country where there was some modesty and dignity. Do you remember when?
6
@Doug Terry - I hope you get a ton of "likes."
1
Trump has thrown the Kurds, DACA, and now Ukraine under the bus. If the Republicans in Congress were smart, which they don't seem to be, they would realize he will throw them under the same bus as his need for scapegoats occasions.
5
@White Rabbit - Said it. Eventually he will throw everyone under the bus.
1
Gail should know that the Dallas Cowboys actually don’t perform at halftime,on Thanksgiving Day or any other.
@Barry - I think it was clear that she was referring to a Dallas Cowboys game and not the team, however, have a good day. Find a flaw in that.
2
The zinger of the day was delivered when Jim Jordan, a snarky former wrestling coach who's involved in a college scandal demanded that Democrats drag in “the guy who started it all” to testify before the impeachment inquiry.
But Rep. Peter Welch (D-Vt.) had the comeback of the day by naming the actual person who started the Ukraine scandal.
“I’d be glad to have the person who started it all,” Welch said. “President Trump is welcome to come in and sit down right there.”
9
All of this would make for a stunning comedy if only it were not real and didn't affect our country so much. If you think of it, most of the Republicans are "acting," especially Jordan and Graham. What else could explain the constant change in their explanations to shield Trump?
4
@Barbara - Those two (and others) don't even believe what they are saying.
1
Trump may not get re-elected after this trial is over. He does not have to. He served his purpose. SCOTUS. Tax cuts. Religious discretions. Carving up countries for his “friends”..... What he accomplished will never be undone. The true nature of the republicans has been laid bare. Actually, the true nature of America has been laid bare.
119
@Robert Black ...Amen.
5
@Robert Black
You forgot all the Forever Trumpers have a few more $ on their paychecks and they get to watch state owned TV Fox News tell them what to believe.
10
It's hard to watch the hearings without losing all respect for the republicans, trying to make lemonade out of the lemons Trump has handed them. They just look like flailing morons, grasping at straws trying to put together a story, any story, that casts doubts on the facts of the case. Thank God for the career public servants that do not fear a nasty tweet from the bully-in-chief.
I don't however have the feeling that many minds will be changed by this revealing of trump's sins. If his fan club will tolerate his shooting someone 5th avenue then a little dirty dealin' isn't so bad. Good high drama but given the weak character of the GOP, we will still be living this nightmare for the foreseeable future.
When you come for the King, you best not miss....
2
@IndyAnna - I agree with the sentiment of your comment. However, that's exactly how you make lemonade. FROM LEMONS. (I get it. The lemons from this president are tainted.)
In regard to Sean Spicer, who much do these various has been dudes get to humiliate themselves on national television, as if the humiliation of working for Trump weren't enough? It better be more than $10,000. (Trump got 400K, per week!, to pretend to be a great businessperson on You're Fired! or whatever the name of that show was.)
I saw the clip that got Spicer cashiered from "Dancing with the Duds". The on the knees slide across the floor was spectacular (not in a good way, though). I will say this: Spicer is a better dancer than he was a presidential spokesman.
1
And two more enter the field for the Democratic nomination. People (as Gail says), have we learned nothing from the republicans? Focus, focus, focus. The goal is to get this Mussolini wannabe out of office. Instead we are delivering 20+ messages and harming some really good, electable, sane candidates. The field needs to narrow, not widen. Who asked for Bloomberg or Patrick? For the love of country, stop. Now. Unless, you're Oprah.
3
@impatient - Good point, except ..... other than the fact that all the Democratic presidential candidates are democrats, they are all flawed in some way. And yes, my current president is flawed in a zillion ways.
Republicans may want to consider using the (Bart) Simpson defense: "He didn't do it, nobody saw him, you can't prove anything."
3
Kiev is a Russian name. The city you're referring to is Kyiv.
3
@Diana
Yes, voting Trump out would be the ultimate best. But just remember: At its heart, this hearing is really about ONLY ONE attempt to cheat on the upcoming 2020 elections. There is also Mitch McConnell's adamant refusal to entertain bills safeguarding the process in any way. So I'm for any process at all that dethrones him . . . .
3
need to call out a mistake that trump originated but collins here agrees with: that one should have experience in gas to serve on the board of a gas company.
that's not how boards work. read harvard studies on the subject: most board directors are generalists, not experts in the company's business (if they were, they would be competitors and disinvited to sit in on confidential meetings).
most directors bring other skills to round out the advisory table, which does not run the company but assists management by overseeing policies and strategic directions. some directors bring little more than finance knowledge and contacts, but these are so essential that finance types make up the vast majority of corporate board candidates.
someone needs to put a foot down on the 'inexperience' argument. someone also needs to publicly question jared kushner's in-experience at anything he has been tasked with.
6
@Aubrey- Great comment. I don't think it has been explained to the general public (at least us commenters), as you just did, how a board of directors is made up and why. Thanks. G
I like the subplot where the temp/replacement for Marie Yovanovitch turns out to be one of several heroes to emerge. Not that she wouldn't have, but there is a cruel twist here for the administration.
1
Corporate board members are not necessarily chosen for their expertise in the field associated with a corporation's products. That's why corporations hire CEOs who in turn hire the people necessary to create, produce, and sell the corporation's products. Corporate governance is a real skill that corporations need, often at the board level, especially in countries where they are still figuring out how to compete on the world market.
Beyond that, the Bidens are only in the slightest sense associated with this story of attempted extortion based on the power differential between the US and Ukraine, as well as the attendant obstruction of justice that is the norm for the Trump administration.
1
Has anyone noticed that the bribe where no "quo" occurred, no White House meeting occurred. The "quid" investigations never materialized. Hence, no meeting. Sounds like the bribery proposal is still in effect to me.
1
it brought tears to my eyes when i listened to Ambassador Bill Taylor and George Kent's testimonies and the long lists of their services for this country. i am so touched by their dedication to support our nation's interest and security concern. It was a shame that Republican representatives, Jim Jordan, Dave Nunez, started insulting these courageous public servants even before hearing what they would have said; just like Lindsey Graham declared he won't read the testimonies released-- his mind had already made up. what did that tell the world ? and he is the chair of Senate Judicial Committee. Shame on him !
12
Wow you are once again right on, Gail, I sort of like you better when you're a little less snarky. That said, what I want to hear is the answer to A in your multiple choice. Not being a sports fan I couldn't give a hoot about C. But I don't know what it will take to get middle America to pay attention to anything beyond their preconceived notions. Perhaps it would be the major networks' Evening News leading with and following up on stories about what's going on with end to our government as opposed to the latest "ain't it awful" story. Yes, I know the old news adage, if it bleeds it leads, but our country is bleeding. Why isn't that leading?
4
Garry Wills in his excellent book “Nixon Agonistes” makes a convincing case for the idea that Watergate was the result of Nixon’s lifelong sense of insecurity, in particular as it related to his nail-bitingly narrow margin of victory in the 1968 election. While, certainly, there is no doubt that Trump’s view of the world is entirely transactional, some large part of our current political crisis must be attributed to his obsession with the notion that his Electoral College victory has left a taint of illegitimacy on his presidency. In each case each man allowed his own insecurities to drive his actions and, thus, each driven by internal demons, made real that which each feared most— being seen by history as tarnished presidents. The GOP may have had it right in 2000 when they said “character matters.”
1
"Oxford" dictionary defination of "though": "however (indicating that a factor quantifies or imposes a restriction on what was said previously)." Like immediately restricting the granting of a previous request for critically-needed weapons in exchange for the granting of the respondants' own requested "favor." Quid pro quo.
3
I get that your column is intended to inject some humor into this, but for me there is simply nothing humorous about this. Trump's words and actions and those of the GOP are an existential threat to our democracy, as are those who support him. They have cost human lives in Syria and elsewhere. They spread lies and try to obfuscate the truth with distractions and conspiracy theories.
If we do not rid our nation of this threat we may not have a nation worth protecting much longer.
2
D) Is your dog going to get any turkey for Thanksgiving.
3
If Jordan is unqualified then probably most House Members are as well, the joke is on us since we voted them all in.
2
The Sondland cell phone with Trump is so vile and yet another piece of evidence that sinks the Trumps
7
Trumpy, our Hater President, added to his millions with the Tax Cut. His children added to their millions with Trumpy's Tax Cut. Trumpy plans on repealing Obamacare and is making every effort to weaken and abolish health insurance for the middle and working classes.
7
Best column ever!
1
Dear NYT,
Since WaPo scooped you on creating a database of Trump lies, maybe you can be the first to systematize GOP excuses for him. By my count they must number in the hundreds.
We've already heard:
- He's just new at this.
- He's too incompetent.
- He was angry because Democrats were mean.
- Its not technically illegal.
I'm sure I've missed some real knee-slappers, get on this!
7
After watching and listening to the first five hours of Day One of the impeachment hearings, my distillation department produced this bumper sticker, a quote from Nancy Pelosi... "All Roads Lead to Putin."
93
I’ve found a t-shirt that says “It’s like Watergate but with morons”
4
Here's the thing: we probably won't learn anything from this moment because half of the country will only talk about A and pretend that B isn't also a problem and the other half will reverse it. The problem is, both A and B are bad and we got A because B has been going on for soooo long. Also, who is "Recep Erdogan?" The President of Turkey goes by and is known to Turks as "Tayyip." It's a bad look to try to be clever when you don't know the ground.
The Republicans lack of imagination is amazing. A tip for them: They should come up with a more credible defense: t didn’t make the phone calls, his impersonator did. The impersonator was kidnapped by an Iranian Commando. And voilà how you kill 2 birds with one stone.
4
The photo of the hearing room shows a poster. "If we don't impeach, the President, will be re-elected." Better to say, "We can't win, unless we impeach the President." It makes your desperation more desperate. Hey, you could even say, "Send your gift of $19 a month and you can get a needy liberal a job in the White House."
"Did President Trump really threaten to withhold military aid unless Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelensky, helped him dig up some dirt on Joe Biden?"
Are we talking about the 1.5B USD of lethal aid? The lethal aide Obama didn't want to give to Ukraine, so the Russians wouldn't squelch Obama and Jarrett's Iran deal?
Remember, the Bidens were doing Ukrainian business in 2014, when Obama was president and Russia was invading Crimea. Just because Biden started running in 2019 does not change the fact he and his son were generating the miasma of corruption.
This show of Schiff's had better bring the mother of all bombshells by Friday, or all everyone will be talking about all weekend will be the cold weather and Don Cherry.
Who? If there is no Trump bombshell, many of you will be talking about a man, with the fashion sense of a Hawaiian hotel lobby. And his other positive attributes.
@Mike - Nope. This doesn't make the top 10000 of defenses of this guy.
Any day now, Trump will be saying who is this Giuliani everyone is talking about?
11
@Bonnie
"I take pictures with a lot of people."
Trump and his minions broke the law. They knew they were breaking the law and have done a massive cover up.
It is serious and he shouldn't be allowed to ignore the Constitution. Trump and his overall behavior displays continually that he is not the president of America but a want to be dictator. Troll me if you want, Trump broke the law and this administration is involved in a massive cover up that includes Pence, Perry and led by Rudi.
Jim Jordan and his minions only looked like ignorant fools attacking hero's of this country. Trump could never carry their boots. President of corruption
8
Why would one question the motives and actions of Donald Trump?
It is not as if he paid for the silence of a porn star and Playboy model, by violating campaign finance laws, or had to pay over $27 million to wind up his University and Foundation.
9
@Barry of Nambucca Or pay a $2 million fine for cheating Veterans out of $6 million they had coming from a fundraiser
So - Erdogan's son-in-law is the national finance minister and is friends with Trump son-in-law Jared Kushner who is WH Adviser.
Got it.
But it's Joe Biden's son who got jelly beans and Joe's the Enemy.
Got it, said Republicans. No - "shouted Republicans."
5
The next Time I actually will read anything about Trump -- the words "Trump is dead" will need to be in the headline.
He is a foul, lying criminal and yesterday sitting with the murderous beast Erdogan -- he was in his element and, of course, allowed that hideous dictator to berate Congress for recognizing the Armenian genocide and like Trump sought "help" with sending his political opponent who lives in PA back to Turkey so that Erdogan can have him murdered.
Trump is filth as are those attempting to defend him. We will have to burn everything in the WH when Trump is out in order to remove the stench of the traitor that he is.
13
"The Democratic primaries are coming up, and every one of the 92 candidates is worried about mispronouncing Kiev."
Shouldn't that be "Kyiv" Gail? Taking sides already?
1
In the thirties there was a scene from a movie (I think Kurt Jurgens was the leading actor) in which a German military officer, who was a prisoner of war, and an American equivalent conversed quite congenially and agreeably, illustrating that there was more fellowship between them than between either of them and their subordinate troops. The current revelations about the unconscionable dealings among the highest levels of government and of business supports the view of the movie.
15
Gale, you don’t care for Hunter it seems, but at least he was never exempt from tariffs for his clothing lines like the president’s daughter. I wonder how long before Rick Perry is on DWTS? Jobs for former trump WH people should be your next column.
5
@Jsbliv
I’m pretty sure ick Perry was already on DWTS.
several phone calls with sonderland and trump doesn't know the man.
8
Donald Trump dances with the stars, behind bars.
9
What a spectacle...Jordan and Nunez being the featured clowns.
10
Once a swamp always a swamp.
2
@.Marta
You can try to drag the house out of the swamp but you can't drag the swamp out of the house...
As for the Senate? Fuhgedaboudit.
Everything that is happening with Trump could have been predicted when he was elected president. Trump acted like an animal when he ran for president, with his swearing, insulting everyone (Republicans and Democrats) and making wild promises that any thinking person knew he would never pursue or keep. The right wing crazies and under educated got what they wanted, a man who is out of control. Trump thinks he still running his boutique real estate firm. It appears that Trump thinks foreign leaders are like the construction workers he used to deal with, except those people are not Teamsters or involved with the mob. Actually, Trump acts like a mob boss. His maniac behavior hopefully will catch up with him. Finally, the present Republican Party is the party of Trump sycophants.
7
@HRW - trump didn't pay workers. Putin wants
the money he loaned trump...or Ukraine.
1
"Much easier to move through this part if we all agree in advance that taking a big-bucks job from a Ukrainian gas company when you know nothing whatsoever about gas is acceptable only if your father is not a famous politician and you won the post in an international lottery."
A sentence that could easily be repurposed to reflect many in the current White House administration, down to POTUS' children.
4
One thing you didn't discuss, Gail, is where Trump got his conspiracy theory about Ukraine being behind the election tampering. Sounds like something Putin would have put into his head, although it was probably Manafort and Flynn who were the conduits. It's sort of like one organized crime boss manipulating another. And everything we know about Trump indicates that he's really easy to manipulate, especially if you dream up a conspiracy theory. You know, like Obama's fake birth certificate. Trump doesn't originate conspiracies, he just runs with them. Too bad conspiracy theories don't come with sharp blades, like scissors.
5
Gail, what you have not yet done for your readers is find the wolfhound on Trump's golf cart.
You'll get far better results on Trump's demise with the dog story than you'll ever get with the impeach preserves. As the Bard said, "Much ado about nothing but the House and little from the Senate."
Just sayin'....
1
Sorry Gail...no one I know will be worried about how to say Kiev at any of the gatherings I'll be at. Outside of the NYT op-ed page I'm not sure why anyone would talk about this obvious political play by democrats.
My new holiday song:
Ukraine, Ukraine
Ukraine all the way,
Oh what fun it is to lie about
Withholding Military aid
Ukraine, Ukraine
Ukraine all the way,
Oh what fun it is to lie about
Withholding Military aid
Dashing to DC
In a diplomatic sleigh
Through congress we go
Smiling all the way.
Lies on twitter ring
Giving Republicans freight
Oh What fun it is to sing
An Impeachment song tonight.
6
We'd all LOVE to see Lyin' Donny on the stand! Potential drinking games: How long can he go before he tells his first lie? How many lies per minute? How many people does he throw under the bus? How many fake words does he use? How many times does he say "believe me"? Can he exceed 1,000 lies per hour? How many different contradictory stories can he fabricate? How often does he mention "Obama", "Hillary", or "Hillary's emails"? Everyone takes a shot whenever he says "Witch Hunt". Oh, the possibilities are endless, but there's a good chance that many people would die from alcohol poisoning.
5
@Mike "I do not know the identity of the whistle blower."
A. Schiff 13 November, 2019
Will Schiff say that under oath?
@Mike- Really? My president lies thousands and thousands of times and you and I both know it. Next, we do not know if Schiff is lying about this and if he is, the best reason would be to protect the whistleblower and if the whistleblower was you, you would appreciate that. When Schiff gets to 10,000 lies I guess you would call him 'presidential material.' The end.
If Hunter Biden, a licensed attorney, wasn't qualified to sit on the board of a gas company, then what makes Jim Jordan, a wrestling coach who suborned the sexual abuse of a colleague, qualified to make the laws of the country? Since when is knowing anything about the commodity a company sells a requirement for a board position? Fmr. trade secretary Ron Kirk was asked to sit on the board of Petsmart. Does he even have a dog? Cat? Bird? By definition it's who you know, not what you know.
158
@Gary FS
Exactly. Gail has fallen for that Republican trap merely because it's plausible. The last board I sat on was a health care non-profit. I didn't know a thing about health care, but they wanted me on the board for lots of other things I knew about, including running a business. What does our current Secretary of Housing know about housing?
Here's something equally plausible. Burisma had been on list of companies to be investigated for corruption. Joe Biden gave a speech on anti-corruption to the Ukraine legislature. To avoid an investigation, Burisma wants to present an appearance of having a board that will not tolerate corruption. Hence Biden's son. In the Ukraine that would have been a good PR move. Don't tell me people in the US aren't recruited for board membership because it's good PR.
17
@Gary FS
Republicans seem to think that only their own kids have earned cushy jobs in the private sector with impressive monthly pay scales. After all, what's Donnie Junior got to show his knowledge and experience with foreign policies with Ukraine?
4
@Gary FS
I agree with you but it was still a dumb play.
2
“Swooping through...” It’s imagery like this, Gail, that makes you great.
3
How much, exactly, does Comrade trump owe Vlad Putin
and his ilk?
8
Sure, everyone is talking about Ukraine today. Or desperately trying to talk about anything but, depending on party affiliation.
The House will almost certainly vote to impeach the President on both bribery and obstruction articles. And McConnell will try to wrap up the Senate trial before lunch.
But there are other problems for the President, creeping toward the Oval Office.
Eventually, his tax returns will be provided to Congress by one or more of four different avenues. And the IRS will be hard pressed to explain their failure to properly audit and challenge the obvious false assertions. Think Manafort tax and bank fraud times a hundred (another puzzling miss by the IRS that would have remained hidden, had he not become Trump's campaign manager).
Meanwhile, the misadventures of Rudy and the Grifters, Parnas and Fruman, will be spilling into view, as the trial approaches and sources of campaign cash are uncovered. Their scheming to obtain energy contracts in Ukraine is likely to suck in Rick Perry as well. And the trail will keep leading back to Trump.
And there is much we still don't know about Turkey, but it seems that there is another back channel foreign policy underway with the sons-in-law that, like Ukraine, is diametrically opposed to the official policy of the US and NATO.
And all roads somehow seem to lead to Russia and Putin.
6
Speaking of the Trump show, is it true he is playing Mudhoney and Sebadoh at rallies? I can't find anything online about it other than rumors. Wow! Just, wow.
1
It's rich that Devin Nunes, who infamously delivered to Trump "secret" documents Nunes had been given by Trump Toadies, accused witnesses of being involved in a "low-rent" "hoax". Well, Devin, you're a recognized hoax expert.
6
"taking a big-bucks job from a Ukrainian gas company when you know nothing whatsoever about gas is acceptable only if your father is not a famous politician and you won the post in an international lottery."
Sort of like a hotelier paying $1M and instantly becoming an ambassador with absolutely no credentials or experience?
9
If a Trump does get removed from office we can look forward to a very special All Trump edition of Dancing with the Stars in 2020. Featuring the Three Amigos, Mick, Ivanka, Don jr and the Orange Man himself! To be followed in 2021 by the whole cast serving time in Federal Prison looking splendid in Trump Orange!
7
To protest Trump's meet with ne'er-do-well Erdogan, Americans of conscience should boycott turkey this Thanksgiving and try peach-mint pie.
3
Blatant lies, criminal business practices, immorality, bribery, extortion and even proof beyond any shadow of a doubt that he's a traitor are all just bonding opportunities for the Trump clan, both family & voters.
But they will desert him en-masse when they learn he's poor.
5
Donald John Trump, Sr. made a solemn sworn oath to preserve, protect and defend whatever profitable Trump Organization that he is hiding from the American people in his personal income tax returns and business accounting records arising from his occupation of the Oval Office of the White House.
Trump spends a third of his time vacationing and playing golf on Trump Organization properties.
Trump spends 2/3rds of his time tweeting and speaking nicknames and slurs while waatching Fox News.
Trump was really busy meeting with the Hittite King Ottoman Sultan wannabe Recep Erdogan yesterday.
Did Erdogan have any Kurdish scalps with him as gifts for Trump?
4
"...Lindsey Graham’s contention that the administration was so inept its members were “incapable of forming a quid pro quo.” They're too stupid to be criminals.
Trump is too stupid to be president, of the United States or a PTA. He is crass, rude. He lacks class.
But, he did beat 15 experienced Republican politicians and won the Republican nomination. And he bested that woman, what's her name.
That's why I want to watch, the daily replay, of the Congressional hearings. If past is prologue, this will end like the Mueller probe. And most Democrats will defer to the sworn testimony of the witnesses. Maxine Waters will find it necessary to elaborate. Maybe NY14 and her pals will prattle on. The Schiff Show will go into syndication, for those that like re-runs.
Everything Donald Trump touches dies.
He’s in the process of killing America.
Remove this vile excuse of a President or watch America expire.
14
If anyone still wonders how Nazism was established in a formerly civilized country, all they need to do is tune into the impeachment hearings and watch republicans twist truth into knots that Houdini wouldn't have been able to escape. Or just glance over to the White House where our Commander-in-Shame, who is supposedly on an anti-corruption campaign, was cozying up to yet another murderous strong-man.
9
Jim Jordan (R-Ohio)and pals are a silly Republican frat-brat act.
3
Gail, the Democrats would be well served by hiring you as their strategic consultant.
In one article you have accomplished what the Democrats have been unable to do for decades and that is to keep the message "simple for the stupid voters."
Two things I learned today. Kiev or Kyiv is pronounced "Keev" and not "Kee-Yev." Kee-yev" is a Russian pronunciation.
My own conspiracy theory that I am advancing is that the Washington Post columnist who met his untimely and gruesome end in Turkey had evidence that the mythical Hillary server was actually in Ukraine but shipped over there by the Saudis! The American "very deep state" found out the truth and the Saudi Prince whatshisface sent over his private "cleaners" to get rid of the columnist. Trump wants to cover up this part of the "evidence" and so his betrayal of the Kurds in Syria and his audience for the dictator of Turkey today...
1
I agree with everything you said.
HowEVER...no metaphors, no politics..I would never pass up eating a cold Big Mac.
Yours Truly,
America
Listening to Republican congressmen at the impeachment hearing is like actually reading your junk email.
4
@Enough
Perfect! LOL.
1
Question? How does a "stable genius" not know an Ambassador, appointed by yourself and has your cellphone number on his cellphone and calls you from a dinner table in Kiev? Just asking.
2
I am in love with Adam Schiff. He shows how politics should be done,
2
The best takeaway of the hearing: “Listen to your wife.”
64
@EnEsEl - Gordon Sondland's wife doesn't want
their Provenance Hotels boycotted or their
fortunes disturbed by lying for trump.
5
The Republican's "defense" of Trump is multi-pronged. Unfortunately for the pro-authoritarian wing of Congress (AKA GOP), all the prongs are ... well, embarrassing: Let's summarize:
Lindsey Graham: The President isn't smart enough to form corrupt intent.
Nikki Haley: The President didn't get away with it, and as we all know attempted crimes are not really crimes.
Jim Jordon: Everyone misinterpreted what President Trump was really trying to do. Including Mick Mulvaney. And President Trump.
Steve Castor (Republican attorney). Sure it was weird but it could have been worse, right? Right? Right?
Devin Nunes: I'm still not sure what Nunes was saying in his opening statement, but I'm pretty sure it was a mashup of QAnon greatest hits, Donald Trump Jr's tweets, and a bunch of random sentences he read off a TV tuned to Fox News.
Is it possible for a democracy to die of shame? Even if one of the parties seems incapable of feeling it?
12
@LT
"and a bunch of random sentences he read off a TV tuned to Fox News"
Demonstrates there *would* be a market for the "No-peach" refrigerator magnets...a box of pieces to assemble in infinite variations for a different defense each day.
2
I was checking out the American Experience offering “Chasing the Moon” yesterday. When footage of Nixon appeared in part 3 I felt, Jeebus help me, an unmistakable pang of nostalgia. There was a man who obstructed justice and committed treason. For brevity’s sake I’ll stop there. And yet...
1
Okay I don't need a subhead like this first thing in the morning because my sinuses don't need a coffee wash, and neither does my computer screen.
1
First hearing boiling down to basics.
Obama gave Ukrainians blankets, Trump provided defensive lethal weapons.
Hunter Biden was never investigated by Ukraine.
1
There have only been 4 impeachment proceedings in over 200 yrs of US history and gadzooks I've been through 3 of them! Does anyone else think there may be something more seriously wrong with our America than just the criminal currently in the white house?
2
@Paul de Silva
Yep, it's called the GOP.
1
Thanks for that last para, Gail! And for the spot-on Wild West metaphor. Much-needed laughs in these miserable times.
Sometimes I look at a very broad picture, and this morning I am thinking that the fact that we lost Robin Williams at age 63 to Lewy Body Dementia and Trump is in the WH, is proof positive that God - if he exists - is not blessing America.
3
Maybe we have this all backwards. Maybe Trump didn’t withhold military assistance to get dirt on Biden. Maybe he used Biden as an excuse to withhold military assistance to Ukraine - which would certainly please Putin.
71
@Rich M, A more convincing excuse would have been for general corruption, not dirt on a specific political rival at home.
4
@Rich M
The Speaker hit the nail on the head. All roads lead to Russia. Why?
23
@Rich M: certainly, by doing, this he signaled yet again his desire to play ball with Putin. In Trump's lizard brain, these motives must have seemed very nicely congruent.
5
Gail should rethink demonizing Hunter Biden and thereby promoting Trump's unfounded smears of him. He is in fact the holder of a Yale law degree and an expert in corporate compliance, which Burisma needed at the time.
Don't forget that Trump participate in a smear of Obama in which he asserted that Obama was not an American citizen and not legally qualified to be president.
Trump said his people in Hawaii were finding "amazing" things about President Obama's birth certificate but then never produced any evidence.
There is no evidence Hunter Biden or Joe Biden did anything illegal.
Don't promote Trump's smears of good people.
1002
@Scott Rose An Ivy League diploma doesn't mean that much when you got entry because your dad was rich and/or famous.
Lots of people who hate Trump consider the way Hunter got his job unethical. This is not a matter of smears. It is a matter of judgement.
There is also an open question how much Hunter did for his salary. There are some claims that he was just a public face but didn't contribute anything. If Hunter Biden testifies at the impeachment you can bet the Republicans will ask in detail how much he contributed.
19
@Scott Rose
I get your point; however, the fact remains that Hunter Biden wouldn't have gotten a very lucrative job from Burisma if his father hadn't been vice president. I think it is good that Gail admits this upfront.
34
@Scott Rose It cannot be disputed that Hunter Biden got his lucrative post because he is Biden's son. That happens quite frequently to off springs of powerful politicians. It is not illegal if a bit unseemly. However, it is also irrelevant. What is relevant is that Trump pressured the Ukrainian president by withholding desperately needed aid to make an announcement that Ukraine will investigate Biden, the democratic candidate, for abetting Ukrainian corruption for which there is not one shred of evidence. If that is not using foreign agents to influence the 2020 election I don't know what else it can be.
90
One month ago, after Turkish forces invaded Syria, in his widely-mocked letter, Trump told Erdogan- “Don’t be a fool. Don’t be a tough guy,” and threatened “to destroy” the Turkish economy.”
Now, one month later he declares himself “a fan.” Reycep Erdogan is a ruthless autocrat, and despite him referring to Donald Trump as “my dear friend,” he is NOT a friend of this country and its interests, and even the feckless GOP knows it.
I appreciate Gail’s attempt to inject some humor into her column by wondering if Trump and Erdogan discussed their sons-in-law, but all I can think of is how, once more, our craven President is allowing a foreign dictator to “carve us up like some Thanksgiving turkey.” Not funny.
3
It looks like the infamous phone call between Trump and Zelensky will be overshadowed by a more consequential chat between Ambassador and campaign donor Gordon Sondland and Trump. It was overheard by an aide to Ambassador Taylor.
This nugget told by Ambassador Taylor yesterday and not revealed in earlier closed door testimony, reveals that Trump was bribing Zelensky in exchange for weapons. Already, the aide is being called by the committee along with Sondland.
If the account by Taylor checks out, it could be game over faster than one can say, “Chicken Kiev”(or is it pronounced ‘Kef’?
2
@JT FLORIDA
However anyone's opinion about Mr. Trump, Ukraine-related issues, etc., we all should agree that this showed really horrible comprehension of basic security precautions. Amb. Sondland was using a cell phone (!) in a restaurant (!!) in any foreign country (!!!), and in this particular country where comms are well-known to be monitored by Russia (exclamation points fail).
1
@Grennan I think that’s right but I would add the difference between Sondland( money donor to the Trump campaign and awarded EU Ambassador post for his $1m contribution) and two exemplary public service professionals like Taylor and Kent.
Sondland didn’t think about using a cell phone in a public restaurant to call the president with Russia probably listening to every word. Kent and Taylor would never think of directly calling a president, much less calling with an unsecured phone in a public place.
3
@JT FLORIDA
Yes, and it's hard to get over the idea that in the wake of Brexit, Mr. Trump chose this guy to handle the EU. A professional would have found enough to do in Brussels to preclude taking on Ukraine as well.
2
To be honest I have no opinion on Trumps impeachment. His use by date is rapidly approaching and this will likely show him the door before anything else. The stench from the swamp is overwhelming.
1
"Sort of like agreeing to become sheriff in the Wild West, and walking into the saloon to see Jesse James, Billy the Kid and the Hole-in-the-Wall Gang working on a new city charter."
Best line in this piece.
For the record: Trump granie used to own Saloons in the West where gold diggers used to go for "entertainment".
His grandson Donald ran casinos and hotels.
Adult "entertainment" have deep roots in the family.
1
Oh dear, Sean Spicer. Didn't he ince hold a job in our current administration that some people once thought was serious?
2
It's funny watching the GOP talking heads. When asked direct questions about Trump pressuring Zelensky for a politifcal "favor," they change the subject to a scripted talking point they're more comfortable with.
What bugs me is the abject hypocrisy. They know, and we all know, if Hillary Clinton or any Democrat was in the White House acting like this, GOP eyes would be bursting from their sockets and steam would be coming from their ears.
2
I don’t understand why the dems don’t put Biden in the hot seat. I’m sure he can handle motormouth and Nunes the absurd. He’d be fine.
2
The only place the president would drop a Big Mac, cold or otherwise, is down his gullet.
So Trump is making the argument that Hunter Biden was not qualified to be on the board of Burisma because he has zero experience and only got the job because of his dad, so there must be corruption? And yet Ivanka and Jared, who have no experience in government policy and is only influencing our governmental operations because of their dad, and this is OK?
Is Trump is the idiot savant of hypocrisy?
6
I am at a loss how California voted for Republican Nunes. His theatrics during the hearing were laughable. I hope California will gain far more common sense in the next election.
3
Convincing the base is the plan. Say lots of garbage and let FOX interpret it for the base. Main theme now seems to be "who cares"?
1
Will Bolton will make a dramatic entrance into the hearings this week or next?
3
Gail, first kudus for being brave enough to admit that Hunter Biden exhibited poor judgement in taking the Burisma job. But so far no evidence of wrong doing has surfaced, and you better believe GOP operatives have been turning every rock to find one. My question is, with Javanka, Eric, and DJTjr running unsupervised through the White House and around the globe, how can any Republican saying anything about Hunter Biden with a straight face and sincere voice? Really, guys? You want to open that door?
8
If all this secretive yet so transparent Trump Show sycophancy wasn't so sad, it still wouldn't even be funny.
“ Republicans noted that neither of them had actually heard the words from the president himself.”
Do Nunes, Jordan, Ratcliffe, et al. similarly argue against the existence of the backside of the moon? Not one of them has ever seen it directly and they have only second, third or fourth hand reports from others.
1
@Sketco
Or, the Bible for that matter.
1
@MdGuy
The Bible's a much better example.
I NEVER want to talk about the Dallas Cowboys!
The actions con man in the WH is obvious to anyone paying attention (or not listening to Fox propaganda). The republicans on the Intelligence committee had no factual rebuttal, rather lied, reinvented history (Steele dossier, etc.), and were generally obnoxious. They know the truth and have sold their souls to the devil.
4
Oh for the Good Ole Days when Gail could write about Romney and the dog on the roof of the car. There is nothing funny to talk about now.
67
@Martha Smith Oh, I don't know. She got a laugh out of me with the quip about the sheriff finding the outlaws writing the city charter. But yes, Romney's much beloved dog is sorely missed. Maybe, when the world is turned right again, we should pass a few new amendments. How about:
1) All presidents must own a dog and 2) All VP's must be as gaffe prone as Dan Quail and Joe Biden.
1
Concerning Hunter Biden, Burisma was playing "who you know", for sure, but if the Republicans were really interested in nepotistic corruption, they could investigate Donald Jr., Jared and Ivanka, Mitch McConnell and his wife, and they could even go back and investigate Phil Gramm and his wife (board of Enron), and George W.'s $4 million payoff for his name by the Texas Rangers.
Corruption isn't the point. The point is having the Bidens, like Hillary Clinton, permanently "under investigation".
3
Absolutely feel for Zelensky and all Ukrainians. They were already between a rock and a hard place. Now Trump has pushed the edge of a sword into the mix.
60
@Katydid
I think it was NPR that carried a discussion where it was mentioned that Ukraine has been knee-deep in corruption since before the Soviet Union days... Where virtually every government agency had a side hustle or a pay-to-play option.
Then came Zelensky. Who is a genuine reformer making a good faith effort to de-corrupt Ukraine. And in need of foreign military aid to survive a border war with Russia.
Imagine his position when the US aid is delayed several months for no apparent reason, then our glorious leader uses the phrase: " I need a favor... "
Here's the timeline in graphic form:
https://www.politico.com/gallery/2019/11/08/the-nations-cartoonists-on-the-week-in-politics-003676?slide=1
8
A question: if Trump is impeached and removed from office, would he be eligible to run again?
@Caded Unless Congress acted to legally bar him, he would be able to seek a second term.
One has to feel some degree of sympathy for the Republicans. Their lead attorney wanted to discuss the potential degrees of "outlandish" to no avail. A member of the committee wanted to discuss courtroom rules of evidence. Too many times they failed to use all of their allotted question time. They filled their side with props but never used them. We in the audience thought the events of the last few months would be discussed while the GOP wandered back to 2012-2014 without ever really telling us why that was relevant.
They referenced "regular" versus "irregular" so often, it would have been easy for many in the audience to wonder if they were discussing predictability of bathroom visits.
Team captain Jim Jordan has to up their game or send in the subs.
3
@Tom Q
That's GYM Jordan to you!
1
Lindsey Graham’s ineptness defense must have been inspired by the Mueller investigation and the lack of enough organization among the parties involved to be able to call what they were up to collusion or conspiracy. No collusion means no forethought or planning, just self interest and greed.
1
If this was not Trump, but, say, Obama and he had done the same thing, the GOP would be yelling from the rooftops for his impeachment and removal from office. In fact, any other citizen caught extorting and provided irrefutable evidence of the crime would be convicted and sent to prison. In particular, the Constitution lists 'bribery' as on of the 4 items that are basis for impeachment and removal from office. It is most sad that the facts - and the law - are against the President and still he will likely remain in office. Perhaps if enough outgoing GOP Senators vote with the Dems for a secret ballet in the Senate it may turn out differently.
6
As sad as it is to admit, Trump has gained greatly from his Ukrainian gambit. Biden was the only real threat to Trump in next year's election, and the Ukrainian focus has tripped Biden up. It is not a coincidence that Biden's hold on the nomination has faded as innuendos about his son Hunter have spread. As we stand now, with Biden wounded, there is no strong Democrat candidate: Trump is in a solid position to be re-elected.
Trump perhaps would have preferred not to be facing an impeachment inquiry, but he is in a much better position to be re-elected, as astounding as that sounds. The president's probably illegal and totally unethical quest to smear Biden appears to have worked. And given that it is highly unlikely that Republican Senators will vote to impeach him, Trump has made a shrewd, albeit undemocratic ploy.
4
@Keir Shakespeare
No question Trump will be difficult to beat, but I have a different take on it. The Senate will never remove him from office, but human nature being what it is, I think (hope) the vast majority of voters will believe Trump got away with an impeachable offense and express their displeasure at the ballot box.
1
There is a lot of sadness in this country brought on by the don and his gang that can't shoot straight. The saddest for the nation however, is the fact that an ex-press boss for a sitting president is actually getting attention for being a crappy dancer. America, are you sick yet?
14
The best defense is a good offense, in theory. There is no good offense to be had for tRump. The only thing the Rubs can do is try to muddy the water, which doesn’t seem to be working for them. The Biden obsession is completely irrelevant to this inquiry & having Rubs try to put political statements into evidence is an outrage. The president asked for a personal favor & tried to leverage that by withholding money from Ukraine. Any president that tries to use his office for personal gain is committing extortion just by the effort, successfully or not. Here’s a little Latin for all to look up and remember, res ipsa locutor, the act speaks for itself.
11
@Blueinred/mjm6064
You should have looked it up. Res ipsa loquitur.
"Taylor was working as the executive vice president of the U.S. Institute of Peace when Donald Trump asked him to become the top diplomat in Ukraine"
Message to humanity: if Trump is on the line, don't take the call.
36
Think for a moment about the historical irony.
Trump was not brought down by Russia, but he may well be brought down by Ukraine. To those of us who knew what Trump was from his escalator speech, the irony is delicious and exquisite.
135
@James Ricciardi Since 2016 Trump has continued to be brought down by his own big, careless mouth and his inability to stop blurting things out publicly. Keep on blabbing, Donald !
14
@James Ricciardi, on behalf of those who knew what Trump was years before his escalator speech, we tried to warn you but you didn't listen. We are choking on the irony.
8
@James Ricciardi
All things considered, this visit by Erdogan was a whopping success.
No one in Washington got beaten up by his thug Army like they did the last time these clown got together.
1
While I understand the Dems not wanting to give any credence to the Joe Biden/Hunter Biden story being pushed by the Party of Trump (POT), it's clear that the POT will hold on to this story like a dog with a bone. Consequently I think the Dems should re-consider their position and call Hunter Biden so he can clearly state: yes, he was unqualified for the job; no, he did not discuss it with his father; yes, he liked the salary (and wouldn't most anyone, or their father, take such a job); (and) no, he did not discuss anything even remotely connected with Burisma with his father. He will have to weather a storm of insults and demeaning comments from the likes of Nunes and Jordan, but this testimony will likely be touted by FOX and maybe Trump supporters will tune in and stay to watch other testimony. This will also provide a forum for Dems to point out that unlike Trump's actions, Biden's threat to withhold billions of $$ in aid to Ukraine was US policy also pushed by the EU and IMF, and the threat was against possible funding and not funds that were already approved by Congress and the DOD. Drawing this distinction will demonstrate the lie of the false equivalency drawn by the POT. After Hunter Biden's testimony, Rep Schiff can move past add'l comments/questions regarding "d'affaire Biden" referencing his testimony when the POT hacks keep going back to that old dog.
17
@Bob Parker
Lets clarify Hunter's level of experience. Hunter Biden graduated from Georgetown BA and with a JD from Yale Law School. Among other professional experience, MBNA, US Department of Commerce, was previously on the Board of Directors of Amtrak -- appointed by the Republican President George Bush. So he did have board experience. Not all board of directors members have specific experience in the industry. Often times they are there for governance and investment/financing issues. He is not the unskilled reprobate loser that Trump tries to portray.
And only call Hunter if they also call Ivanka, Eric, Don Jr. and Jared. There are lots of emoluments questions I would like answered. They are busy collecting funds from foreign governments at this very moment, while doing deals wiht foreign nationals. Who refinanced Kushners' 666 Fifth Avenue loan for over $1,000,000,000?
VANITY FAIR: Eleven years after a young Jared Kushner purchased an aging skyscraper that would become an albatross around his family’s neck, and six months before the Kushners would have to cough up the $1.4 billion that was due on the mortgage for 666 Fifth Avenue. The Qatar Investment Authority being a major investor in the company, Brookfield Asset Management, and Kushner’s support of a Saudi- and U.A.E.-led blockade of Qatar. To some, it sure sounded like a foreign government was trying to influence policy by greasing the president’s son-in-law’s wheels!
19
@Jay
Don’t forget those two meetings Just Jared had with Bank CEOs in the White House that led to $430 million bridge loans within days after they walked out of the meetings.
4
While the planet roasts and our nation struggles with a constitutional crises, here is good 'ole Gail yukking it up for laughs. During Watergate the nation was somber and transfixed. Now it's just all entertainment on social media.
6
@Roger Sarcasm is dark, not light, and something at which Gail excels. This is a circus, not just a Constitutional crisis. Personally, I look forward to her dissecting the political circus into smaller, slightly more palatable bites, while peppering it with fact.
2
@Roger we passed somber and transfixed when the truth about children in cages was revealed. We are just trying to stay sane now.
2
@Roger
Humor is often the most serious critique available for "times like these"... Just sayin'.
1
I think there will be two impeachment trials, this and the next one. The Rs will exonerate him this time, which will only embolden him to re-offend. Remember he called up Ukraine the day after the Mueller report "exonerated" him. The second offense may be really horrible like trying for nuclear war against Iran or its equivalent horrible act. Trump and his tribe believe he's the "king", and totally unaccountable for anything. He's lived his whole life that way with consequences no stronger than a billionaire's parking ticket. But the end won't be pretty as all of his civil and criminal acts will roll on him at once.
11
Hunter Biden cannot be the first and only person to serve on a corporate board for a company whose business was they knew nothing about.
22
"Outlandish" is the word of the day. Trump Town is "unusual," but not as "outlandiish as it could be."
Let's think about that. Bribing for election help from a foreign nation is, by Republican standards, "unusual." Funny how the words "illegal" and " criminal" do not come into play.
19
We passed onward to where the ice roughly enswathes another folk,
not turned downward, but all upon their backs. Their very weeping
lets them not weep, and the pain that finds a barrier on the eyes
turns inward to increase the anguish; for the first tears form a
block, and like a visor of crystal fill all the cup beneath the
eyebrow.
Dante's Inferno Canto XXXVI
8
How refreshing to finally have a Republican telling the truth about the entire GOP leadership and their president.
“... Lindsey Graham’s contention that the administration was so inept its members were “incapable of forming a quid pro quo.”
17
As funny as it all is, it isn't funny. America is drowning in the flood that is Trump.
13
WHAT'S ALL THIS ABOUT HUNTER BIDEN? If there was any ethical violation, it would be that his father, as Vice President, if he helped Hunter get the job, would give the appearance of impropriety. No evidence has been reported that Joe Biden assisted Hunter in getting the job in the Ukraine. But the rules are different: In the GOPper world, Trump is always innocent because he's guilty. And Biden can't even be given the respect of being presumed innocent until proven guilty.
15
Paul:
I agree, only juvenile court may be too high over Trump's head.
Do they have kindergarten court?
7
The most depressing thing to know is that Congressmen are being fed a script crafted by Breitbart and Fox. And told to memorize it. Can we say Murdoch owns the government? What's the Australian stake in Russia and Ukraine?
16
"Sean who?"
Throw enough people under the bus and sooner or later one of them knocks a wheel off.
6
“No power can be maintained when it is only represented by hypocrites.” Friedrich Nietzsche
13
Gails method of comically calling out imposters, posers and miscreants off their cabbage thrones helps me endure the days onslaught of Orwellian abuse. Thank you Gail.
14
Trust me. Nobody will be talking about this at holiday parties. It's just not that interesting to anybody outside of Washington D.C. and maybe the Upper West Side.
4
@Carol Colitti Levine Just because you and your friends aren't interested, please don't assume that for the rest of us. My friends, and even casual acquaintances in Minneapolis (the oft-used "heartland" in political discourse) have to place a moritorium on how much and how passionately we talk about it. But then, we also have the highest turnout of voters in any election in the U.S. pretty consistently.
2
@Carol Colitti Levine
Oh please, I live in the middle of France and it's all we talk about among friends here, not to mention the people I know all over the United States. Don't assume to know the opinions and will of the general populace. It's an insult to Americans.
@Carol Colitti Levine NOT!
This impeachment is a farce. Not because what Trump did was proper or even defensible but because Democrats are doing the same thing he did: using the problems of the country they are ignorant about, and indifferent to, to score political points. How many Americans know the history of Ukraine? How many have heard about Kholodomor - the man-made famine Stalin unleashed on Ukraine? How many realize that 13000 people died in the Russian aggression so far? Do you know that Obama refused to provide sufficient military support when the Russian aggression started? Do you really believe that taking a cushy job in a poor country eaten alive by corruption is ok? Recently I had a heated debate with my ultra-liberal friends who were peddling their own conspiracy theory that the 2014 revolution in Ukraine was a “fascist coup”. No arguments would dislodge them from this Russian talking point. So the ignorant Trump supporters would continue supporting him, and the ignorant Trump opponents would continue opposing him, and Ukraine would continue to suffer.
1
@Mor Those who don't know anything about Ukraine, if they are following this, are getting an education. It may not be complete, but learning that 45's withholding of aid that had already been passed by both parties and both the House and Senate had resulted in more deaths of Ukrainians at the hands of Russians will strike some, at least, as being a venal move on his part. People can relate to unnecessary loss of life, after all.
I love to read your columns, Gail. They are always meaningful and humorous.
This one is especially enjoyable. Most of the Opinion columnists are poking fun at the Republican defenders of the President, but your acerbic comments are enough to satisfy our need to assess these nitwits and move on. I wish everyone could read what you wrote, but I am glad I am one of your fans. Thank you.
6
To keep you Thanksgiving dinner off the topic of uncle Joe, introduce the topic of how best Republicans can defend Trump. After running a number of flamingly lame and failed defense strategies up the flag pole, what do you think Republicans will try next?
A) They will acknowledge the preponderance of evidence that Trump is guilty as charged and vote to impeach and convict Trump of attempted bribery.
B) They will boycott all of the future impeachment hearings and complain to Fox that Democrats tried to extort the truth out of them.
C) They will...Uncle Joe did what???
7
So, the 4 GOP sad sacks who blew the most smoke yesterday: do they represent the best the party's got because if so, the party's OVER.
11
How much more evidence do we need that Trump is a Russian asset?
18
The Trump-Zelensky phone call and Giuliani's machinations that led to it may be divine providence much as Nixon's tapes saved the country in 1974. However, the problem confronting the Nation now is much worse. The Mueller investigation was initiated on the basis of credible concerns by U.S. intelligence agencies that candidate Trump was deeply vulnerable to Russian influence. Mueller was not tasked to address this problem rather his team addressed the evidence of Russian influence in the 2016 election and the possibility of collusion between the Kremlin and the Trump campaign. Whether Trump is a potential Kremlin asset was not addressed because the DOJ did not permit Trump's financial dealings to be addressed. Trump's finances are not his personal matter. They may reveal a major security threat to the U.S. and are relevant to Congress
Collins mentioned the family get together with Erdogan in the W.H., but Turkey may point to more damaging corruption than Giuliani's Ukraine dealings. Trump pressured Tillerson early in 2017 at instigation of Giuliani to work to release Reza Zarrab, a key figure in transferring over $10 billion to Iran in violation of UN Security Council authorized sanctions in 2013. These sanctions had been authorized in 2010 and signed into law by Obama. They were in force. The first foreign destination of Pompeo as head of CIA was Turkey. Flynn lobbied for Turkey prior to inauguration and his company had a contract from Turkey to kidnap Gulen to Turkey.
9
@Vid Beldavs In other words, compare this to a third rate burglary of Democratic headquarters, with a coverup.
Trump’s actions along with his cronies is 10000 times worse for the damage to our Constitution, the rule of law, our Democracy, our national security, or foreign policy, our standing in the world, and more.
1
@Vid- yes! All
Roads lead to Russia and Turkey. You are so right
None of it matters. Trump will be re-elected by The Deplorables in the same swing states he won in 2016. The Republicans’ best allies are the feckless Democrats who have a way of snatching defeat from the jaws of victory.
3
"Sort of like agreeing to become sheriff in the Wild West, and walking into the saloon to see Jesse James, Billy the Kid and the Hole-in-the-Wall Gang working on a new city charter."
Exactly! Gail, you are so talented.
I'm pretty sure that if President Hillary used 'alternative' channels' besides the State Dept to dig up dirt on trump in 2016, there would be some pushback.
when trump was elected, he unleashed the dogs of rapacious greed. As the Bible reminds us, "The wicked walk on every side when the vilest of men is exalted".
Shame on you, republicans, for exalting a vile man and his vicious profiteers.
14
It remains a mystery to me how a man so objectively awful can convince presumably rational people to defend his plainly immoral actions. Watching Republicans attempt to contort reality beyond recognition to provide cover for Trump was depressing and anger inducing. Trump's counter-programming stroke of "genius", entertaining tough guy Erdogan and lavishing him with praise, was pure Trumpian raised middle finger at critics (meaning virtually everyone except Russia, Turkey and Syria) of his Syrian pullout, as well as the impeachment inquiry.
It was a Kurdish plant in al Baghdadi's inner circle that made the raid possible, even though Trump endangered the raid with his Syrian pullout. Trump was extremely lavish with praise for himself upon al Baghdadi's death, but his betrayal of the Kurdish forces that defeated most of ISIS gave Erdogan the green light to cross the Syrian border and massacre those same Kurds. And now Trump heaps praise on Erdogan. Delightful counter-programming indeed.
Donald Trump is many things. Bellicose, clownish, disloyal, incurious, vengeful, dishonest to the core, greedy, uniquely boastful, wildly attention-seeking and utterly untrustworthy. These vices are balanced by...nothing. The man is without virtue. Watching Republicans defend him begs the question, what has the United States become?
17
@Rob Mystery solved: it’s a cult, just like Jim Jones and his followers. His defenders used similar language as the Republicans use defending Trump.
And now, it’s coming full circle, with congresswoman Jacquelyn Speier, who was shot 5 times trying to leave Jonestown, serves on the House Intelligence Committee and is questioning witnesses during the impeachment inquiry.
2
@Rob
evil
Seems as if the whole of Trump World has been contaminated with case of Ukrainium. All one needs to do these days is listen to Washington Journal on CSPAN to see how Ukrainium has literally melted the minds of millions of Americans. The thing is – The Trump Cultists seem to thrive on it. This is troubling, Gail. What to do? Build a wall around them? Place them inside or out?
8
The incomparably dimwitted columnist Marc Theissen claims in a WaPo article that a President cannot be impeached for "incompetency". I can only ask, "Why not?" The Founders were intentionally a bit vague on what constitutes impeachable offenses and for good reason - they knew they could not foresee just how criminal, how treasonous, how disgusting, or how...incompetent some of our presidents could be. Not being even "moonshot" close to being competent would have been inconceivable to them, and is certainly a reason to kick the fumbling supposed-to-be leader out before irreparable harm is done. Recent events hold that truth very visible.
While Trump most definitely falls in the "incompetent" range, that is the least of his faults and travesties, but of course the equally-incompetent Theissen willingly overlooks that fact. Trump is willfully and criminally negligent in fulfilling the responsibilities of POTUS; that is plenty reason for his removal.
8
Rep . Jordan...Ambassador Taylor did you ever speak to Mr. Mulvaney?
Ambassador Taylor..No sir.
The answer I would like to have heard.
Ambassador Taylor..."Mr. Mulvaney? He's the president's assistant who admitted there was a quid pro quo at a press conference? Further stating it was done all the time? No I have never spoken to him."
5
Gail, I was riveted to the hearing yesterday and yes, I took the proceeding very seriously.
That being said I had two take-a-ways.
1) How have I been able to go 66 years and not know how to pronounce Kiev?
2) How could it be possible no one felt an obligation to tell Jackie Speier that there was a paper clip planted in her hair the whole time she was questioning Mr Kent and Ambassador Taylor? I guess they felt that as long as it wasn’t a stapler sitting on top of her head, no one would notice! These are awful times, I pursue whimsy whenever possible!
6
While the cameras and reporters were busy on Capitol Hill, President Erdogan baldly stated that the Turks did not kill Armenians during WWI.
I've seen this referred to only glancingly. In a different time, this would be headline news.
7
Nixon: “ I am not a Crook “.
Trump: “ I’m a PERFECT Crook, and you can’t do anything about it “.
Enjoy the Circus, Collaborators. It WILL be packing up and leaving town, barely ahead of the Creditors, Lawyers and especially the Voters. Sending my thoughts and prayers to you ALL.
8
@Phyliss Dalmatian
Yes!
Trump is trying to figure out whom he can fire now to protect himself. When did we see this kind of scenario before? Oh yeah.Nixon. Funny how criminals think they can just off people who might give them up and get away with it. Sorry, Trump. It won't work. You will not emerge unscathed from this mess you created. Yes, the MAGA-heads will still scream "Lock Her Up!" on cue at your zombie rallies, but will they be enough to save you? Every day it seems less likely.
7
@William O, Beeman it will work for it, it gets away with every single thing it does wrong.
C'mon. Let's call it wat it is: extortion. Pure and simple. Deep red or deep blue, no matter what state you live in everyone understands the ominous nature of THAT!
10
@RDR extortion or bribery both work
Gail, you weren't hard enough on John Bolton. For a guy who considers himself the great defender of the US, Bolton is passing up the most golden moment of his career for a book that probably only 10 people will read?
6
When they do write articles of impeachment Adam Schiff should consider asking to try Trump in juvenile court.
5
No I hope the discussion stays focused on the impeachment and that we do not lose sight of the fact that the Republicans have put our democracy at risk. Gail I love you but there is no humor in what is happening. I fear for my country.
5
The Republicans keep bringing up Hunter Binden and his serving on the board of the Burisma. Perhaps one of the Democratic members of the committee should remind them that they really need to be careful with that line of attack. As Gail says Kushner has a friendship with Erdogan’s son-in-law but how about his relationships with Mohammed bin Salman or Benjamin Netanyahu? How about all those trademarks that the Chinese have approved for the first daughter’s businesses? How about the business dealings that the stable genius and his company still have in over 30 countries? How about that energy deal that Rick Perry helped two of his supporters get in the Ukraine? And on and on!
IMHO: Once this is all over, Congress needs to pass laws to prohibit Americans from both parties from going overseas and bilking millions from countries like the Ukraine. I doubt very much that this is the only country where Americans are wheeling and dealing for lucrative contracts or getting paid exorbitant fees for their so called expertise.
SEE:
opensecrets.org/news/2019/06/trump-foreign-business-interests/
texastribune.org/2019/11/11/rick-perry-supporters-won-potentially-lucrative-ukraine-oil-and-gas-de/
2
@M. Natalia- EXACTLY! I am actually hoping that these ridiculous, and utterly ignorant of law and process Republicans open that door of discovery for Trump, with the corrupt business dealings his entire family are engaging in. Open it wide and shine the light in there, so we may see the corrupt money that flows into all their accounts from Russia and Turkey and who know where else? Probably China, since he doth protest them so much.
1
What makes me personally the most furious about all this in DC and the Holidays is that every minute of every day non stop
Donald Trump and his lousy life invades every nook and cranny of
America’s life! He even robs my ability to actively engage in any other concerns of America’s needs , much less my own.
I am a disabled American Veteran who struggles every day with just existing. But Trump offers nothing but his dyed hair and his vile pronouncements without ever showing even a whim of compassion for ANYTHING else!
I thought in my 81 years I had seen most types of human personality. .....WRONG!! Trump’s totally obsessive narcissism
Appears and Never Stops interfering with my late life with his
endless self absorbtion. I am totally to the point of saying only
God has the ability to forgive this fool, not me.
13
Trump may be incompetent to create a quid pro quo, but Putin is not. Trump's boss is in charge here.
12
@Eero Co you understand that Ukraine is at war with Russia? Do you even know that these are two different countries? Ukraine would do absolutely nothing to please Putin. I love it when “liberals” accuse Trump supporters of ignorance while demonstration their own ignorance every time they open their mouth.
Gee Gail, can't we discuss reverting back to your 2012 all-purpose label of 'rabid ferrets' for House GOP'ers?
After all, as none other than Mr. Kellyanne Conway explained on MSNBC's play-by-play today, it's truly "incoherent" for GOP'ers to argue that corruption was so bad in Ukraine that POTUS was sitting on their Congressionally approved security funding - then argue in the next breath that this 'corrupt government' was just the crowd to be called on and trusted to investigate an American citizen.
The only things missing from GOPers' loopy side of the room during Wednesday's hearing were the Red Queen and the Mad Hatter.
6
Most of the country is not watching. They are home confronting record cold weather, wondering how they will stay warm if the Dem’s Green New Deal is implemented, and looking for comfort food to eat while watching comfort TV. Such a waste of time given the absolutely predictable outcome.
2
@ehillesum
Trying to save your Constitution ought not be viewed as a waste of time. Far greater things are in play here. For one, handing all power over to the President - as opposed to the 3 branches of government.
I'd suggest that watching comfort TV for too many years is what has allowed these moments to happen. The rich fat cats in DC and elsewhere in the US have noticed that you've not been paying attention - and they're trying to abscond with the rest of your possessions while you sit transfixed watching Bachelorette on your flatscreen.
3
@ehillesum It's not a "waste of time" to save our democracy, our country. Get off the couch and start protesting in the streets.
3
@ehillesum
and....
That's what's wrong with this country.
2
Low comedy over a quid pro quo has become our de facto federal government! (Latin terms are back in fashion!)
When will Trump make good on his 2016 campaign promises? Where are the resurgent middle class, the lovable health care plan, the resurrected manufacturing and fossil fuel extraction industries, and the stupendous infrastructure plan he promised? All I see is a stupendous budget deficit, an unsustainable national debt, trade wars and economic sanctions ravaging our export markets, and yet another stop-gap government funding crisis looming next week.
When will the Ever-Trumpers and Never-Trumpers get around to the business of government?
18
@AynRant, No. No bothsides at all here. Please look up 'bipartisan House legislation' that Mitch McConnell is happy to refuse to let the Senate even look at it. Why? He forgot what his job is, and slid into being trump's man in the Senate. So my two Democratic, DULY ELECTED reps from Washington are nullified, as well as any Senators from Georgia.
Stop the cute phrases of ever/never trumpers and just look at what's right and what's wrong. The Democrats are doing their jobs, as well as impeaching a criminal. You sure can specify all the problems, without looking at any documented facts.
So when trump holds up the budget talks again because he wants to claw back money for the wall he STILL can't pay for (nor will Mexico), you'll sigh and blame both sides. He'll take money from the troops out of rage, which is illegal. Congress controls the purse strings. If the president doesn't like it, compromise on something. But this odious cretin of a president will just punish. Hateful, sneering, seething resentment against 'the left', instead of how this system is designed to run.
Despise the left all you want (Aynrant...), but please try to keep a semblence of truth. It's NOT both sides in Congress. It's republicans.
1
A win for Trump. He has the country, if not the world, talking about Joe Biden and his son tangled up with the Ukraine imbroglio. It was news to me. Democrats need to explain it all to me and other Biden supporters. It doesn't explain how Trump is therefore innocent of any wrongdoing involving Ukraine. It's another example of changing the subject when Donny is rightfully accused of malfeasance.
12
@mikeyh, really? It was news to you because it isn't really a thing. Dems need to explain it all to you? How about you just follow the timeline? It's all available to see, nothing mysterious.
Donny is rightfully accused of crimes against the Constitution. Documented facts. Donny wants you to look at the Bidens instead, with ZERO DOCUMENTED FACTS. How do you then insist the Democrats have to defend themselves? Screw the conspiracy theories: THAT'S the only response.
This is an example of bad faith arguments, like 'when did you stop beating your wife?' Nunes and his clown act were insisting Hillary had something to hide even though every. single Benghazi/email investigation turned up no evidence. Now they work the Bidens over, and then whichever Dem candidate is nominated. It's a nasty way of doing things, very Mafia.
Please please don't jump at the sordid bait the trump family flings around. Just stay with the facts, the actual requirements of the Constution, and your common sense of right/wrong.
If trumpies think nepotism is now a shocking thing, let's talk George Washington, the Roosevelts, Vanderbilts, The Bush family (9/11, the Saudies!) the Kennedys, etc. Stop imitating trump, twitching at the very idea that a rich person in America might help their children.
trump relies on low-information voters. I'll stick with the party that can do better.
Oh look, the Republicans brought their own signs.
We noticed the "Impeach Trump and he will get reelected" sign during the hearings. It looked pretty unprofessional and rather weird. I mean isn't that what they want?
I expect it's only going to get worse.
14
"Always listen to your spouse."
Yep, there was a moment when Karen Pence advised Mike to run away from the Trump train. It was a brief moment, but it happened. And, late at night (or, perhaps, at church), I bet there are more-than-brief moments Mike wishes he'd listened when he had the chance.
17
@Hey She might have to stop eating with him, in which case, without "mother" he might go hungry. Lie down with dogs, etc. etc.
1
I admit I'm looking forward to the new reality series, "International Diplomacy with the Feckless Felons."
Each week unqualified celebrities, Hollywood nobodies and recently disgraced public officials (political appointees only, please; Deep State professionals need not apply), vie for who can upset international relations to greatest extent and with the gravest consequences.
14
If the GOP wants to destroy the rule of law, I say we treat them without benefit of it.
15
Is it too patronizing to suggest that the legal term "quid pro quo" be translated into English for the general public? it means "this for that," as in - "we will give you this, if you give us that." Saying it in Latin doesn't mean it didn't happen.
10
@eduKate Bribery and extortion are also very clear. Nancy Pelosi used the term “bribery “ this morning during her press conference.
@ed
Kate
Just call it what it is extortion
I was unaware how many died in Ukraine fighting Putin: 14,000.
The GOP playing games with life and death military aid is beyond inexcusable.
If the nation condones this behavior, then we are truly lost, and the fallen heroes at Normandy Beach will have died in vain.
27
No. Not C. I stick with A and conspiracy theories "...that the country was the epicenter of a pro-Hillary plot to make it look as if Russia conspired to help Trump get elected."
Maybe there are more in the quid pro quo. Because so many people were listening to the famous phone call, Trump was very careful not to show that to get dirt on the Bidens was as important as to show that his friend Putin did not interfere in our 2016 elections.
1
I am truly frightened by the number of Americans who watch the impeachment proceedings and think the only wrong-doers are Adam Schiff and the witnesses. The republicans (ok, maybe not Matt Gaetz or Gym Jordan) know what they are spewing is nonsense, but millions of Americans really believe it. When they say impeachment invalidates an election (a position they failed to articulate when Clinton was impeached in 1998); when they impugn the credibility of long-time diplomats who served in the military; when they call factual testimony hearsay and opinion (when this is not even a trial and it's not hearsay in the first place) - these messages impact people. They greatly impact less educated Americans who are the ones losing out on the tariffs, corporate tax cuts, and other republican policies. It is so, so sad - another year to find any way possible to avoid Thanksgiving dinner with the Trump-loving relatives. Will we ever return to normal (conceding that "normal" was not perfect)?
20
@Sarah When the Trumplicans say "hearsay", they really mean "heresy" as to them, support of Trump is their religion!
1
I would hazard a guess that Trump's 37% are not watching or listening to the undressing of Dear Leader.
Our current political system is a belief based system - facts, details, truth are outweighed by opinions and belief(what Kelly Ann refers to as alternative facts).
The Democrats keep falling into this trap. I have a quote that I keep by my desk: "logic can never move a person from an opinion that was not gained through logic."
The good guys are trying to change beliefs - the bad guys are just reinforcing those beliefs.
The bad guys will continue to win with The Donald's 37%.
22
Even if they watched, I expect they would hone in on the narrative the Republicans are trying to push. Wouldn’t be much interested in the rest. It would ring true because it would reinforce what they are continually hearing from conservative media.
8
@bobbybow
agreed and the Dems should change tactics and focus on
A: getting out the vote
B: Keeping Trump's base ay 37%
4
@bobbybow
Then we have to make sure that the remaining 63 % show up at the polls next November and vote his belligerent organgeness and all that it has engulfed out into the cold hard streets.
4
How anyone can defend Trump, in any way, is incomprehensible. Loyal Trumpists are allegedly so afraid of getting on his bad side, they believe they will lose power and their seat in office if they go against him.
This shows a remarkable lack of faith in their constituents, and the American public, who, in general are in support of democracy, the Constitution and honesty.
One has to wonder why these Republicans are so ardent in their empty defense of Trump. Perhaps they literally have not delivered anything positive to their constituents--like more Medicare, education funding, voting rights laws, some form of gun control, clean air and water laws--and have left themselves open to losing.
The Republicans could turn this investigation around by actually searching for and exposing the truth behind Trump's "irregular channel" in the Ukraine, his seeking of foreign aid to win the 2020 campaign.
They could ask about knowledge of other ongoing foreign-supported election schemes, like pro-Trump Russian propaganda on Facebook.
They could be heroes, not desperate dissemblers.
20
It is telling the Democrats, no matter their purpose, are honest in their despair.
"If we don't impeach the President, he will get re-elected."
There is desperate and there is 18 people running for the nomination, with an economy that is better on every single data point, ever, and a president that is Teflon 2.0, desperate.
1
@Mike, desperate is asking for help from a foreign country to gin up an investigation into a political rival. That's cheating.
3
@Mike
"an economy that is better on every single data point"
You might want to rethink such a blanket statement.
Total Household Debt for the 3Q/2019 is just slightly less than is was in 4Q/2008.
You do remember how that Republican "boom" end?
And in 2020, the Federal Deficit will reach $1 Trillion.
I wouldn’t call it despair.
Trump is a flim flam con man, incompetent, and stupid ($260,000 to two hookers?). The economy is doing well, thank Obama.
When I was a child, growing up, I was taught in history class about the great presidents. Admittedly times were different, and our country’s history includes policies and events that are shameful to recall. We can always improve. But the greatest presidents (Washington, Lincoln, etc.) were admired for their basic integrity, honesty, devotion to our constitution, and putting the nation always above their own self interest. In short they were to be admired and emulated. How far we’ve fallen! Is there anyone in this nation of right mind and principles who would present the current president to a child as a role model or inspiration? Isn’t the President of the United States (at least in theory) supposed to be representative of the best of us? We are in a very dark place in our history. We need to come to our senses.
59
@John Neff
I am old enough to remember the story of George Washington and the Cherry Tree, where Washington famously says "I could not tell a lie".
These days my 8-year-old granddaughter says she doesn't like Trump because, as she claims, "He doesn't like me".
14
Well on Thanksgiving I am going to take the advice of Art Kaplan, a physician. He suggested that at Thanksgiving Dinner you look around the table and figure out who will help you out in your old age and agree with them.
Sound advice. Better still, don't talk about current events. Conjure up a conversation about how you love the Holidays because of how they bring everyone together. Remind them of the "Christmas Spirit" or whatever you call it when everyone is nice to everyone and treats them with kindness and respect.
17
Taylor and Kent offered IDEAS and principles about the role of the U.S. in protecting and nurturing emerging democracies, and the importance of the rule of law in the process. It was about Ukraine, but can anyone NOT have noticed the implications for our rapidly eroding democracy in the U.S.?
In the meanwhile, Trump was announcing his plans to keep Syrian oil, with Erdogan looking on. (Is Erdogan related to Stephen Miller--they look alike, somehow.)
Really, can there be any choice at all in the next election?
Aren't people starving for something more than venal self-dealing, lies, and a highly honed ability to be mean?
44
@SJL
The answer to your (rhetorical) question is no, not enough of us.
2
Here's a question. In the moments between the election and the inauguration could trump be indicted if he is elected for a second term? Or, since this is not settled law, could he just be indicted at the end of his term, but before the ballots are counted? Just asking for a friend.
14
His term ends in January, long before ballots are counted.
Another question. If he was impeached and removed from office, could he still be re-elected? (Of course, if his support eroded enough for Republicans to turn on him, he wouldn’t be able to win an election - but don’t know there is anything that would prevent it.)
1
@Maggie, his term doesn't end on election day. It ends on the inauguration day. So no, I doubt it.
4
I worked at a Dean in a high school for several years and, for the most part, the students in my office were Bill Taylor types---honestly admitting to certain events while questioning others. Once in a while, I would sit across from Devin Nunes character, who spend time weaving a narrative that at times was entertaining, but, bore no relationship to the what was written on the referral in front of me. The good news, is even the Devin Nunes characters would at some point say, look, yes, what was on the referral was correct, shouldn't have done it, could you let me slide with two detentions. It is tragic for our democracy that we have an entire party sitting in front of the American public unable to do imitate the values of the students I saw in office each day.
50
What this has turned into is our investment in a proxy war the Defense Department wanted against Putin over Trump's protests. We supply the munitions and the Ukrainians fight. Trump's bizarre relationship with Putin which is hopefully revealed in his tax returns is the reason the aid was held up. Even if Zelensky did his bidding by investigating Biden and gave him the quid pro quo White House meeting, I'm not sure he would have released the aid. Perhaps he had tacitly given Putin the ok for an invasion which still might occur. After all, he gave Erdogan tacit approval to invade Syria to go after the Kurds and while there was an initial dust up, that seems to have settled down. It would appear based on Bolton's comments last week, that Trump's Turkey policy is based on his future business interests there. It would be safe to assume, Trump's interests in Russia are the same.
49
@Bill
We wil see no indications of Russian money in the tax returns. The money is laundered theough real estate, where transparency laws are astonishingly lax.
The best bet is probably to catch him on tax fraud and/or bank fraud.
8
@Bill
Trumps interest in Turkey may be partially business
but they also further Russia’s interest. Pulling out US troops has solidified Russia’s influence. Everything he has
done since his election has helped Russia. He has criticized NATO, held up sanctions passed by Congress and of course held up military aid to Ukraine. And of course no one knows what was discussed in Helsinki or what was discussed in conversations stored on the more secure computer. We only know that Russian money poured into his company when no one else would give him any. So I would think that his interests in Russia are not to manage new hotels but rather to keep the Russians from foreclosing the mortgages and demanding the loans and revealing the money laundering. In other words he is completely compromised and controlled. This is qualitatively different than his interest in Turkey.
15
Trump’s withholding of aid to Ukraine would have assisted Russia whose assistance Trump will need in the 2020 election. It was intended as a down payment by Trump for Russia’s assistance, but it failed. So he gave Syria to Russia by letting Turkey attack the Kurds, which gave Trump points with both Putin and Erdogan, two men he needs if he is to secure authoritarian rule during a second term.
Nothing exists in isolation; everything is connected.
74
@M.i. Estner According to yesterday's testimony, Trump gave lethal aid to Ukraine. How does that help Russia.
Obama gave the Ukrainians blankets and food, but not lethal aide, so as to keep Russia from putting the kibosh the Iran nuclear and pallets of money deal.
1
@Mike Trump did not give aide to Ukraine - Congress did.
But for the pressure created by the Politico article and the whistleblower complaint, the Congressional authorization for that aid would have expired. It was mere days away from doing so, and Trump was mere days away from stopping the aid.
30
There was no pallets of money deal. There were no pallets of money. Sheesh.
5
David Holmes is scheduled to privately deposed tomorrow. According to Taylor, Holmes heard it straight from Trump's lips. Whoops. That defense isn't going to last long.
Speaking of defenses though, let's go back to the Hunter Biden accusation. I think the reason Democrats are having a difficult time gaining traction with "THE" 40 percent is there's a grain of truth here. Hunter Biden was paid $50,000 a month for a job he was grossly unqualified to do.
We've concluded the arrangement wasn't illegal. We've concluded the favor did not measurably impact Joe Biden's attitudes and policy towards Ukraine. We've established that the episode was already investigated and dismissed. However, there is a grain of truth there. That's all conspiracy theorists need in order to latch-on and hold on tight.
Our best defense isn't that the situation was appropriate. We can only say, "Well, if you care so much, go look at Jared Kushner." That's a problem. Fox News and all the other right-wing media are going to exploit this singular vulnerability to their dying day. Not because the attitude exonerates Trump. Because the diversion might help insulate the wingnut conservative institution from consequence. Most critically at this juncture: The Republican Senate.
I think we should get out ahead of this effort. At the end of the day, ask yourself: Was Trump successful in damaging Joe Biden's candidacy? So far, the answer is yes.
19
@Andy I think that every time the repubs bring up Hunter Biden, the Dems should talk about the MILLIONS that Javanka have made from curiously timed Chinese patent approvals and middle eastern investment in failing NYC properties, among others. Pales in comparison to what Hunter was paid for something that looks bad but is legal vs. things that look bad and are illegal.
62
@Andy
Biden's candidacy is flagging on its own. That doesn't stop Trump from taking credit for it.
14
@Andy
As if anything could gain the Democrats traction with Trump's base. A fool's errand to think anything will.
1
There's no doubt that CNN and others -- and I love Rachel Maddow! -- are minimizing the Hunter Biden thing. But who wouldn't when we'd had (we've all had!) a president and his cast of dangerously inept Keystone Cops running roughshod over the globe.
Since I'm not following the halftime controversy in much detail, and I'm not overly worried about lost ad revenue for the news channels -- I am concerned that the interested public is going to be either further divided by the televised hearings, or more deeply confused by why everyone's all so worked up over this one little country so far away when there's so much going on at home -- such as Democrats springing up like meerkats who think running for president is a weekend hobby (Hillary, please: No!). And who would have thought impeachment a clever diversion for Trump meeting with Erdogan -- My god!
This is truly an historic event, and Trump's rule has continued to be an appalling experience -- one that has continued to numb and shock us at the same time. I just hope that the shock treatments alert a sufficient number of us, Democrat and Republican citizens alike, to end the pain and begin anew. Another Trump election in 2020 will bring a numbness like never before, and the possibility of a fascist leadership that may destroy our country.
23
A "low rent sequel"?
That's Devin Nunes getting re-elected. Devin's nose is out of joint because he's not the center of attention these days.
If Trump's main defender is Nunes, I'd say Trump is in bigger trouble than he thought -- assuming he thinks at all.
30
Sean Spicer's undeserved advancement on Dancing With the Stars (egads, he's a star?) is everything that's wrong about this administration. Like Trump, Spicer is a man whose lack of skill was ignored because he'd learned how to whip up public support to vote against better and best. We laugh at the silliness of it, but in all seriousness, the voting public kept a man whose awkwardness was only outdone by his audacity and ego. It's exactly what we're watching as the GOP awkwardly defend a man with only ego and lack of skills. Not funny. So not funny.
28
@SD - Yes, but DWTS is entertainment, and keeping the inept Spicer was good for TV ratings. An inept President who obsesses about ratings instead of his job is another matter. The first makes sense, the second is extremely dangerous.
3
"But before we leave the subject, people, is it fair to point out that while the Intelligence Committee was holding its hearing, Trump was meeting with his great friend Turkish President Recep Erdogan"
That's only natural since Donald cares so deeply about government corruption. That's why he kisses up to some of the most corrupt tyrants on the planet. Speaking of humor, I look forward to hearing Gordon Sondland elaborate on how Donald's background as a "businessman" makes extortion for personal gain an acceptable part of foreign policy. That should be a hoot. Maybe Jim Jordan will finish dressing for the occasion.
33
Thanks Gail, you somehow manage to find the humor in these dark days and brighten my morning as well. :-)
21
Once gain it is obvious that for Trump the presidency is another Trump acquisition. He handles the affairs of state as if it were a real estate deal. everything and everyone revolves one objective to serve the Donald, placate his ego, dance to his tune. There is no sense of history, decorum or serving others. He is the infant terrible always demanding and wanting, He takes and gives back nothing but bleakness and despair. Yet his faithful flock yearn for his so called "leadership". We are truly living in the Twilight Zone.
27
The quotes from Devin Nunes will be snatched up as the whole story by Trump-supporting news entities, which got me thinking about the movie NETWORK. Perhaps as a public service, this show should run as often as It's a Wonderful Life over the holidays, ie incessantly, to remind people how our artificial media world can distort our thinking.
"We're all you know. You're beginning to believe the illusions we're spinning here. You're beginning to think that the tube is reality and that your own lives are unreal."
10
Of course Trump will not be impeached unless the GOP members of the Senate feel that the wrath of God might strike them dead unless they voted for impeachment. And that ain't gonna happen. Moscow Mitch will not allow it. But one can only hope.
I applaud the testimony and character of the two witnesses yesterday, men of principle who serve their country with dignity and grace.
Mr Jordan's inquisition of the witnesses was disgusting and, despite us sharing a name, he makes me think of lots of unpleasant things which I can't name here.
28
By a devine stroke of luck I am out of the country this week and next. Planned a long time ago and completely unrelated to what's going on back home. I feel so fortunate!
5
The live hearing of the House Intelligence Committee provided a good opportunity for the country to observe two men, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State, George Kent, and Ambassador William Taylor, both of whom personify the phrase, “dedicated public servant.”
The two witnesses had important evidence about President Trump’s telephonic misdeeds in Ukraine, but the biggest value was the contrast their heroic independence and expertise made to the bumbling of the selfish plotter in the White House.
Donald Trump was doing what he loves best (other than playing golf and munching a hamburger) by entertaining another sympathetic dictator, Erdogan of Turkey. Somebody recently mentioned that Thanksgiving was quickly approaching, making Trump think of turkey, so he extended the invitation to his pal, Recep.
The Intelligence Committee lineup of witnesses could extend for weeks, but the Committee probably will take a break. They are winning the battle for the hearts and minds of America, so they don’t want to blow it all by intruding upon the American traditions of Thanksgiving and televised football.
The short respite, however, will give Americans a chance to discuss with friends and family the truthfulness and decency of Kent and Taylor versus the devious man in the Oval Office.
24
I suppose being rude is no longer a serious transgression, but when Nunes told Taylor and Kent they had been cast in the low-rent Ukrainian sequel, I cringed. Given their years of service to this country, I suppose he couldn't accuse them of being unpatriotic or treasonous, so instead what he did was insult them -- calling them, in essence, dupes caught up in the game the Democrats are playing. That struck me as being highly disrespectful and really rude.
I guess the fact that Zelensky claimed he had not been pressured by Trump had to be mentioned, but that, too, seemed rude to me. Asking Taylor, I think it was, why he said he was sure Ukraine was being pressured when Zelensky claimed otherwise put the Ambassador in the extremely awkward position of having to call Zelensky a liar, which. being a diplomat, of course he would not do.
Anyone with any sense knows Zelensky had to lie about Trump's pressuring Ukraine if he wanted a positive relationship with the U.S. Republicans know that. Most of them are scared to death of crossing the man. Yet they dared to back Taylor into a corner, making him choose between admitting he was wrong or calling Zelensky a liar. Bad form.
Calling something bad form nowadays is, I suppose, just as outdated as calling out rudeness. I really wish that weren't the case.
54
Thank you for the Sean Spicer update. I had almost forgotten about his dancing.
5
Trump is studying Spicer’s dancing moves to see if it gives him any insight into dancing around his troubles.
Yet again, it's all so confounding ... for decades we've been indoctrinated to believe that John Bolton is the hawk to beat all hawks: "there's not a conflict he hasn't wanted to get the US into", yet now we find he's hiding away, unprepared to give evidence to his own Congress about matters which threaten the security of the United States from within.
Most peculiar.
15
@Cass Phoenix , not that I agree with Bolton's positions, but being a hawk doesn't mean being in favor of undermining national security in the pursuit of personal political gain at home.
3
Maybe Vladimir has a tape.
I appreciate the fact that we can all poke fun at what is happening in politics in this country. However, at some point we have to seriously deal with the way a Republican thinks. They do a two-step that completely boggles the mind. Every Trump supporter I have talked to uses this argument—
(1) “ Trump is trying to clean up the mess of politics in this Country.“
(2) (when we point out crazy, crazy, gangster-type behavior by Trump) “All politicians are bad.”
Really, we shouldn’t allow these people to raise children.
34
My favored candidate for the most outrageous defense of Trump was the Republican who wanted the witnesses to say that, because Zelensky didn't come right out and say he'd been pressured, they would be calling him a liar if they pointed out that he had, indeed, been pressured.
7
Impeachment hearings!
The carpet is blue. If all else fails, don't you think that will be a point of protest? A clear indicator of democratic bias?
12
I’m curious to know what Trump got from Erdogan in exchange for the WH meeting. Trump doesn’t just give these things away, as we have learned.
14
A Turkey for Thanksgiving, clearly.
3
@Carrie Actually he does sometimes, mostly out of his ignorance. Remember his meetings with Kim Jong Il? With no preconditions, with no concessions, North Korea got what it's been longing for for decades and which was always denied by previous American presidents --- the international prestige afforded by a visit with the American president. The self-proclaimed 'great deal maker' evidently had no idea that he was supposed to get something in return for giving the North Korean dictator such prestige!
2
Susan, you are a national treasure.
6
I think you mean Gail? Because while Susan Collins is many things, national treasure is not one.
Ms. Collins is right that Times readers would rather talk (C) about whether the Salvation Army is anti-trans than (A) why the Mueller investigation tanked or(B) how Hunter is a money hunter.
Schiff is still trying to stand tall, but his nose is pitched a little too high. Democratic Party House members are going to have to think twice before following that piper over the Pacific coast cliff on the far left. The Pubs don't "need to get a lot more creative." All they have to do is just keep pointing out how the Dems have been all too creative themselves since even before Trump was elected. Horowitz, Durham and Barr will explore those features soon enough.
I sense that Ms. Collins is practically admitting here that things are not going well for the would-be impeachers, even if Ms. Collins is not yet unfurlling the white flag. I'm beginning to wonder if there will be a positive vote on impeachment.
1
@Dave Oedel, would you like to hear from the people Trump spoke with directly about why he chose to hold up congressionally approved aid while simultaneously asking for an investigation into Biden? If you think there's no problem with a president asking for an investigation from a foreign government then what exactly are you accusing Obama of doing in 2016 that's worse?
I know one thing Obama didn't do. He didn't announce that the Trump campaign was under investigation, which is exactly what Trump wants to be able to do with Biden.
That's cheating.
5
@Dave Oedel
Trump extorted Ukraine, using taxpayer dollars as leverage. Then admitted it. Called it perfect. Then checked back to make sure the dirt he wanted was being created. Then asked China for the same.
Trump obstructed justice in both the Mueller report and in the Impeachment hearings.
Trump was guilty of Federal Campaign Finance violations, more felonies (Individual 1). Cohen was convicted and is already serving time. Charges are just waiting for him to be out of office.
These are facts established at trial.
Faux news may lie to Trump every night, but the fine women and men in the government (true patriots upholding the Constitution) will make sure that NO ONE is above the law. Tick, tick, tick . . .
3
This is not the first time Kiev has seen controversy. The city was probably founded by the Kievan Rus in the 8th century.
"Controversy persists over whether the Rus' were Varangians (Vikings) or Slavs."
Now they face their greatest challenge, the vice of Donald J. Trump. If they scratch his back, he will scratch theirs. I'm not sure how to say "quid pro quo" in ancient Slavic terms.
4
The republicans put their best and brightest forward today to protect Criminal Trump and it did not go well. A harbinger of things to come...
11
This is not a show. Please pick an analogy that better reflects the seriousness and gravity of the moment.
5
@JBC
The Republicans are the ones putting on the show and not exhibiting seriousness and respect for the gravity of the situation.
Did you see Jim Jordan's act yesterday? Need I say more?
4
Those who ignore history are entitled to repeat it.
4
Gail, you can scratch talking about Ukraine over the holidays. These people don't have names like 'Kim' and 'Vlad' and I'd say few Americans could find the country on a map.
As for A, B and C, we all have at least one "Biden's son" in our families so nobody's going to waste any time on that, unless you count desperate Trump supporters who need to divert the topic. Otherwise political chat will be, as usual, all about our president. Putin's czarina. Or the second coming, depending on your party affiliation. Another topic that should be avoided because it can result in fistfights. And the halftime performance ….. Can anyone remember who performed last year?
Best is to contact every one of your representatives right now and tell them what you think and how their actions will affect your vote. Because that seems to be the only truth that matters.
5
I continue to shake my head in disbelief at what Washington has become. Perhaps it has always been like this and I was too complacent to notice. What must the world think of the USA?
14
What does the rest of the world think? When we are not laughing (or crying) in disbelief over the sheer inanity and incompetence of your president, we sometimes fear that the US is like Rome in the decades before the Vandals sacked it. Your dominance is slipping and your civilization is collapsing under the sheer weight of your dis-functional political system and your adherence to various dogmas, over science-based policy options. SAD
2
I always enjoy and admire Ms Collins' columns for their wit and insight. Somehow this one saddened me. It is too much gallows humor for me. This is serious stuff - way different from putting a dog on the roof - rack.
We have an inquiry ongoing where all the people capable of giving first hand testimony have refused to show - for whatever reason. This means it is easy for the Trump GOP to say everything is hearsay. And technically it is. The real issues is that no one with likely direct knowledge is being cross examined.
Its like saying Nicole never testified against OJ Simpson.
10
@mrc
"like saying Nicole never testified against OJ Simpson."
That expresses the dreadful black humor we are left with in the face of those who won't stay on topic, and do their best to avoid discussion of the issues. They use worn but familiar phrases to insinuate that the process is flawed, without noting that they don;t apply. Having the President and all of those subpoenaed actually testify under oath is the one action they will oppose for ever.
1
The Republicans like to wrap themselves in the flag. But Taylor, Kent and those other devoted PUBLIC employees are the true patriots. Unlike those Republicans who will try to confuse Americans and discredit the witnesses during this process two of the courageous patriots, Hill and Vindman, are naturalized citizens. Imagine immigrants being more patriotic than those native born Republicans looking the other way while the stable genius breaks the law?
And then there is that great patriot, John Bolton, who didn’t show up to give a deposition. Bolton referred to the stable genius’s foreign policy at a speaking engagement for which he must have been paid big bucks. Then there is that $2 million book advance. The book is scheduled to be released before the election. No wonder he is not keen on testifying. If he does, the value of the book will be greatly reduced once he tells what he knows publicly. There will be fewer books sold and less money in his pocket!
25
What we got on Wednesday was a radical vision of what it looks like when the adults are back in charge.
14
It's hard to find humor in the fact that no one really cares and none of the theater will make a vote's worth of difference in the general election. I despise everything Trump stands for and I will support absolutely anyone who runs against him. But if all we have is a party that is out of touch and an impeachment case that adds nothing to what we already knew about the man in 2016 -- well, I can't find the humor.
Good try, Gail. I still love your columns. But I'm steeling myself for 4 more years.
7
@Moxie
Are you doing anything to prevent those four years? Small gestures are able to change minds. Don't give up.
3
I sympathize.
Must be hard to keep on travestying what began as a travesty and keeps on topping itself.
But this is tired. Maybe move on: there's always Bloomberg's run. There's some little-known good stuff right in this issue.
I would have never brought the proceedings. To the Trump base, Biden(s) are just "as bad" as Trump. Now, Biden may be tainted with the Independent voter. Exactly who we need to elect a Democrat and end the nightmare. That's why I have decided on Bloomberg. I only want to win.
6
@USNA73
Bllomberg doesn't want to win, he wants to split the Democrat vote. When he doesn't get the nomination he will run as an independent to stop Warren and her plans to make the uber wealthy pay their fair share.
12
@mrc Ohhhhh I hope you’re right.
@mrc ...Liz is flushing the uber rich from the woodwork, isn't she?
Barring consumption of a mind-bending, perception-changing, stiff dose of clear-headed reality, it seems foreordained that the Republican-controlled senate will do nothing about Donald Trump's transgressions, and that the president will escape, acquitted, office intact. Ultimately, it will be up to the American people to determine whether Donald Trump is returned to private life after the 2020 elections.
It is clear thus far, even after only one day of hearings by the House Intelligence Committee, that Republicans are not at all interested in asking thoughtfully probing questions in order to get to the truth. Instead, their interest lies in assassinating the credibility of sworn witnesses, life-long career professionals.
The Trump impeachment hearings have always been at risk of being perceived as a politically-biased endeavor. But that does not mean that they should be. Republicans do themselves and their own credibility no favors by predictably behaving as Trump shills. Instead, they would better serve their own reputations, and the country as a whole, by taking their jobs and oversight roles seriously by attempting to uncover the truth.
How low we have sunk when a U. S. president can likely skate after abusing the powers of his office for personal and political gain, playing fast and loose with American national security, after Republicans feigned moral outrage over a former president who lied about cheating on his wife.
It may be the only show in town, but
53
Thank you for this thoughtful response!!! Our nation deserves better than the Trump fiasco.
12
My heart ached for the Republican attack dog, Jim Jordon. He either has no jacket to wear or left it in his office. His day in the witness dock will soon be at hand and the world will see yet another lawmaker fend off questions about impropriety, albeit in his home state while coaching young men at Ohio State University.
37
@Doc , be patient.
Soon someone will ask Jordan, ''Have you no sense of decency?" and omit the ''sir''.
5
Three parts: We do know who had first hand knowledge and look forward to their testimony. The White House is in full obstruction mode. While these hearings are going on, the House is doing other work. Anyone else notice that the legislation required to approve the Equal Rights Constitutional amendment passed out of the House committee? Contrary to conservative fake news, the House is doing their job.
41
If nothing else, perhaps the impeachment process will convince just a few of the morally indolent "both sides are equally at fault" citizens that there truly is a difference between a principled if flawed Obama administration and the current Turkish bazaar of self-dealing.
I don't expect the Senate to do its duty, but when it doesn't perhaps one or two people I know will scrutinize Mitch McConnell and realize that the far-right partisans that make up today's official GOP consider illegitimate any decision made outside their circle.
Here in Maine, many of us will enjoy the dizzy carousel ride our Senator, dubbed by some "Suzie Two-face," will take, offering to the liberal Portland Press-Herald sotto voce quotes expressing "concern" about the back channels employed by the Giuliani administration while continuing to stoke her guns and superstition base with slogans of support for the president.
Meanwhile, GOP Senators have been heard to speculate on how long they might draw out their kangaroo "trial" so as to tie up Warren and Sanders and others during campaign season. Nothing says corruption more than the combination of administration refusal to allow government employees to testify to the government and elected government officials giving early notice that they have no intention of listening to evidence and honestly weighing guilt or innocence. Heck, in 1973 GOP Senator Howard Baker at least was willing to listen.
As Mr. Vonnegut once wrote, "Welcome to the monkey house."
111
America & the world should be proud & grateful for people like George Kent and Ambassador Bill Taylor. Every credible nation depends on civil servants like Kent & Taylor. It is when people like them are marginalized or swept aside or worse, that democracy begins to wither.
Unfortunately, many senators, yesterday, minimized what these men know and their perspectives. Many senators fed into Trump's view of his own sordid world. Because these senators care more about their jobs & self-serving ideologies than about their country and our democracy, they are sending the message that corruption is only bad when someone else is doing it.
This Thanksgiving, we should all be thankful for people like Kent & Taylor and pray that people like them prevail over people like Trump & his sycophants, in government. These people are our hope for continued freedom & greatness.
102
@JoKor Indeed, your Senator Collins is known as you describe her even here down under. Surely wonderful Maine can do better.
4
Even Gale Collins falls into the Republican trap of bringing up unrelated things to confuse the story.
We live in a complex world, with people sitting on Boards of companies not due to expertise in that industry, but simply because of their networks or net worth -- just think of Boards of Regents of our great state universities. How many of such members are profound thinkers or talented educators? They are either well-connected with the political world in which the university is located or their are wealthy. Sure, this should stop. But that is an op-ed for another day, not today.
The Russian interference in the 2016 election is indisputable, a conclusion supported fully by the Mueller report, that led to the indictments and convictions of many co-conspirators, and noted that there were limits on the evidence able to be collected which might show direct Russian-Trump conspiracy, due to the clear obstruction of justice committed by Donald Trump, even if this was unspeakable due to some arcane memo.
And one obstruction of justice does not exonerate someone committing another such crime.
Anger and monologues are the refuge of scoundrels.
Are the scoundrels going to succeed in their scoundreling? And most importantly, do they drive with their dogs tied to the roofs of their cars?
32
"The Only Show in Trump Town" has nothing to do with Trump, or his phone calls, or his attempts to extort, or cheat the Vets of millions of dollars.
As these brave and honorable diplomats were testifying, the only show on Faux News (that is the literal synonym for Trump Town) being shown was the CMA awards that spoke to girl power and Patriots football.
Nothing, nada, not a whisper about the hearings.
And finally when they got to refer to "those hearings" the usual language was invoked: witch hunt, deep state, etc. etc.
This is the source, almost exclusive source, for 40% Americans. there is no escape from that bubble.
For any change to occur in 2020, we need every single sentient progressive and independent American to vote. Especially in the six swing states. Otherwise get ready for four more years of Trump Town.
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@chickenlover , Agree that Fox should not be allowed to be called "news".
3
@chickenlover Murdoch’s fox has poisoned our politics to a dangerous extent. Think Hitler & Goebbels and their masterful propaganda. Fox, Brietbart & Sinclair have us pointed in a similar direction.
Trump's approval numbers hover around 40%. He is going to need a much higher percentage of the popular vote to win next year. Impeachment is not going to help him. The stock market and unemployment numbers have not been moving the needle on his inelastic approval ratings. As long as the eventual Democratic nominee can effectively tailor his/her message to the audience for the general election, Democrats should be in pretty good shape. This impeachment inquiry is coming at just the right time. Those who are looking for Trump to be ousted by next November should justifiably be hopeful.
22
Polls are meaningless for detecting who will vote for Trump as many will not voice their vote. He will get all of those who voted for him in 2020 and many new voters who like his anti-establishment style and the economy.
Add in a potential opponent who plans to completely decimate the economy as we know it and there is no contest.
2
@Jim
Trump's highest approval ratings have been over 44% since he was elected. If Trump wins that many voters plus additional ones scared off by the eventual Democratic nominee, and if Bloomberg and Steyer (and others?) wind up running as independents in the general election along with a Green Party candidate, then Trump will win re-election when Democrats split the vote.
Democrats cannot afford to split the vote in the general election next year.
7
"But before we leave the subject, people, is it fair to point out that while the Intelligence Committee was holding its hearing, Trump was meeting with his great friend Turkish President Recep Erdogan?"
Yes, it is quite fair. But more than the sons-in-law connection, it is worth exploring what John Bolton meant when he, according to NBC, "suggested his former boss’ approach to U.S. policy on Turkey is motivated by personal or financial interests, several people who were present for the remarks told NBC News."
Is that the "personal or financial interests" that got Erdogan a meeting at the White House? What "favor" did Erdogan do for Trump to get the meeting and get the US to pull out troops from Syria? Another impeachable offense?
174
@RK follow the oil reserves...
2
@RK
"Another impeachable offense?"
There are so many, aren't there.
2
While much of official Washington was on display wringing its hands over the plight of Ukraine, one fact from the testimony stuck in my mind: "$1.5 billion."
The amount of aid given to Ukraine thus far.
Would it be so unreasonable for many Americans to ask, "Don't we need that money here at home?"
Why aren't the hearings about Trump's failure to provide the wonderful health care he promised, the infrastructure program, or to bring manufacturing jobs back.
The Dems need to do a better job of making it clear that it isn't so much Ukraine we're worried about, it is the integrity of our election system and thus, ultimately, of our democracy.
39
@Thomas -
Democrats have been talking about those items for around 2 1/2 years.
As far as the “don’t we need that money here at home”, allies around the world are necessary. Standing up for another country that has been invaded twice in the last few years by Russia, is also necessary. Besides, 1.5 Billion dollars doesn’t get you much. That would be spending less than $5 per person. Or to put it another way, California’s share would buy just two F-35 fighter jets, or about 1/30th of the replaced portion of the SF Bay Bridge, a huge transit corridor in the SF Bay Area. The entire amount would only pay for about 1/4th of the bridge.
8
@Thomas Some of the testimony explained why Ukraine is important to the interests of the USA. Perhaps you should look into those reasons.
When a president sends his personal envoys around the world to interfere with diplomacy in order to benefit that president, we should all be worried. It just isn't true that we can trust this president to act in the best interests of the US.
Yes, we should be worried about the integrity of our election system, but we should also be worried that our president seemingly believes he did nothing wrong when he asked Zelensky for that "favor." What other mistakes has someone who is so obtuse making in foreign relationships?
The defenses mounted by Republicans are another cause for concern. It seems as if they are throwing garbage against the TV screens and hoping enough of it sticks to allow their base to continue supporting them and their president.
12
@Thomas Sure, we need that money at home so that the republicans can spend it on more weapons, such as the three 3.2 BILLION dollar destroyers, one of which broke down in the Panama Canal. As long as those rats are in charge of our present sewer, we'd be better keeping money from the republicans right now.
2
Worthy attempt, Ms. Collins, to see any humor in the first day of the impeachment of Trump. USA voters have good reason to be proud of the diplomats who are trying to explain the novel experiences surrounding the events in Ukraine last summer.
As usual the details of how policy is implemented in the Trump administration is eye-opening. The ambassador to Ukraine takes a call from the president of the USA while having lunch at a busy restaurant. The voice of Trump is clearly heard over the cell at the restaurant. And no one sees this as a breach of national security. In fact, Trump hands out his personal cell number to foreign leader seeming at random and without caring for national security.
In addition to and outside of the normal diplomatic staff, Trump has given 3 men authority to determine policy and speak for the USA. These men have not been confirmed by the Senate to give their discussions any hint of official authority. They represent Trump personally. No wonder Trump doesn't worry about security being breached; he has no concept of the procedures of governing. This is what comes from electing a person like Trump who has no government experience at any level and fails to realize that diplomatic relations with foreign countries is like "doing a real estate deal."
Trump is a danger to the national security of the USA. He cannot be removed from the presidency fast enough to prevent real damage.
223
@Lynda
"...fast enough to prevent real damage.''
MORE real damage.
14
Even worse, Sondland was actually not the ambassador to Ukraine, but the ambassador to the EU...
17
@Lynda Did you mean 'the ambassador to the EU?'
1
Here's hoping there's a hidden patriot in the Administration who will answer the subpoena and provide the missing (in the view of Republicans) link to Trump's actual words. That would both provide the necessary drama and revelation required to make the people who are ignoring this process pay attention. One can dream.
127
Ms. Collins. There is something you have omitted here. If things do not go well for the GOP and their defense strategy, they will blame it on today's date, the 13th. That, Mr. Schiff set it up on purpose?
30
@citizen
At least it wasn't Friday (that's next month).
1
Gail,
I have had a chance to closely watch the hearing and the testimony of Mr. George Kent and Ambassador Bill Taylor.
Ambassador Taylor and Mr. Kent gave very impressive statements and reading their bios, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_P._Kent https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_B._Taylor_Jr.
I think we are in good hands. Both men are exceptional public servants and they made me feel more confident that the inquiry into the behavior of the President and his mindset in the conduct of foreign policy are valuable takeaways from their statements.
The hearings have given us good lesson in the importance of Ukraine to the interests of the United States and the importance of posting men and women of high character, judgement, and integrity to these important public service jobs.
I love your humor, so I always read your observations on the passing political scene. I hope that Americans don't go for C and many voters have a chance to watch.
The first day made me proud and so far this inquiry has demonstrated to me that our Constitutional system of representative government and its provisions for separate and equal powers in the 3 branches of government was a pretty good idea.
131
Always been very interested in politics, always thought of myself as engaged and a tad left of Bernie Sanders, but found myself late afternoon watching Michael Kay Sports Center rather than tune into the punditry and recaps of today’s testimony. Just could not bear it. Wonder how many people in the heartland are paying attention? Nothing ever ends in Washington. Another Forever War. So discouraging, watching this latest drag on, and on and on. And why is it necessary to have dozens of photographers and media present? Other than to stroke the egos of politicians.
16
@William Colgan Yeah, it's a show, but the future of our Constitution is at stake. Trump has said in public that he can do anything he wants. Not even the worst dictators have said that in public. We would do well to follow Trump's attempt to rig another election. We are not a free society without free elections.
173
@William Colgan The First Amendment is the true answer to your last question.
The best advice from this column is, when this president calls upon you to serve, it probably would be better to keep your day job. So far he hasn't called upon me but if he does, I have my answer at the ready.
133
@richard wiesner
Better advice would be to pretend he's reached voice mail if Trump calls.
You know: " I can't take your call at the moment but leave a message at the tone. Beep "
1
Leave it to Trump to be more interested in what Hunter Biden has been up to then the fate of Ukraine. I wonder if Trump has learned from Fox News how important a country Ukraine is because of its geographic location. If Sondland's comment is to be believed it doesn't sound like Trump has much interest in Ukraine at all except for a certain server that he believes is located there. Or has Putin told Trump that Ukraine should belong to Russia and is none of his business?
184
@Bob Do you really think that t has the faintest idea of the geographic location of Ukraine? His knowledge of geography is apparently on a par with his ability to spell -- which is about on the level of a Third Grader.
4
I pray every day that our country can be delivered from the neglect and evil foisted on us by the Trump administration and its toadies in Congress. Until that happy day arrives, I rely on Gail’s humor for balm.
244
@Carol Prayer is good, but voting Trump out of office would be better.
3
@Carol In addition to your prayers, please be sure to vote.
2
Speaking of people who wind up on corporate boards of companies in businesses of which they have no experience, how about that Elaine Chao?
804
I’d rather people with no expertise sit on Boards of Directors than run the Education Department, the Energy Department, the EPA, HUD, etc.
60
@Robert Kerry
or Nikki Haley who now sits on Boeing board.
26
@Robert Kerry Don't forget Dick Cheney, who swanned out of government office to serve as CEO of Halliburton, this even though he had virtually no business experience.
23
If you ever wondered about the importance of diplomats, just listen to Mr. Bill Taylor. If you want to see a charade, listen to Trump with Erdogan. Trump only spouted off Erdogan’s talking points. The tragedy today was not the impeachment testimonies. It was the a president fawning over a foreign dictator.
1129
@Edgar every single moment with tRump as president is a tragedy for the American people and the entire planet.
38
@Edgar Agreed. I'm waiting to hear that Trump is going give Fethullah Gulen to Erdogan, something that Mike Flynn tried to effect and Erdogan keeps asking for and came up again in their news conference yesterday - A gift from one authoritarian to another? A bit of quid, or is it quo? We will find out in time if it happens.
23
@Edgar Yet, Trump still whines that the Nobel Prize Committee overlooked him. He doesn't get the part about actually producing a win/win outcome or doing something positive to even be considered. In fact, he's incapable of making that happen, because it's always 'we have to win, they have to lose".
8
"Are you a Never Trumper"--reminds me of another dog-and pony show brought to us by the good patriots in Congress. The irony(lost on the GOP I'm sure) is that Devin Nunes--the godfather of conspiracy theory investigations--is now trying to pin chasing conspiracy theories on the good people who came to testify to the disgusting behavior of Trump and his minions.
115
I haven’t heard it mentioned again but President Zelensky made the comment after his and Trump meeting of “no pressure” he said “I think you forgot to tell me the date for my visit” (paraphrase). And he sort of grinned.
Or did I imagine that?
38
No. You didn’t imagine that. He is the victim in this affair.
5
Gail, Please take us back to the halcyon days of the Romney Holiday Rambler. The dog strapped on top as they cruised oh Canada and went door to door.
If we muffle our ears and Tempur Pedic our eyes, will this all go away?
Things were so much simpler then.
42
@Tabula Rasa. Things were not simpler for poor Seamus.
6
@Tabula Rasa
I for one would praise Mitt if he would put Trump into a carrier on the roof of the car and drive him to Canada. Unlike Seamus, however, Mitt should dump the carrier somewhere alongside to the road, hopefully in an area where there a couple of hungry polar or grizzly bears.
(My apologies to our dear neighbor to the north.)
9
@Tabula Rasa But Trump doesn't have a dog - because a dog would not have him.
2
It seems like Trump’s main defensive strategy is...his incompetence! Not sure if that works against charges of bribery and extortion...
67
The President of the United States involves himself in Dancing with the Stars contests.
We are so low we can’t get air.
523
@Will. You forgot his call into the Conservative London Talk Show in support of the Brexit Prime Minister. Digging really deep for approval.
20
We will go even lower when Trump is on Dancing With Stars. That day will come! Oh my!
11
@BSR Even with those horrible bone spurs?
12
The "deep state"? Far from being a sinister force, it's what is getting us through four years of Trump. If he gets four more years, all bets are off.
100
I promise to watch Dancing With The Stars if Trump, Jared, Ivanka and Huckabee Sanders do a twirl on network television.
What a spectacle.
They could do a Fox trot.
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@Dry Socket Only if Kellyanne Conway and Stephanie Grisham do The Monster Mash.
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@Dry Socket The four of them aren't intelligent enough to learn the Fox Trot.
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@Dry Socket Since when haven't they been doing a Fox trot?
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“This wheel’s on fire, rolling down the road…” and we all know how that ends.
But somehow your insights and your wit make it more bearable.
That’s a small, good thing. Your best equals Dorothy Parker and Wolcott Gibbs at their heights. Thank you, Ms. Collins. We need you now, more than ever.
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absolutely fabulous comment
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Flouncy ruffled shirt in neon green; "Woody" cowboy duds from Toy Story; and the white suit John Travolta wore in Saturday Night Fever in size 46 Short: somebody in Dancing with the Stars's costume department has a wicked sense of humor.
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@Pucifer You just made my day...I just can’t stop laughing.
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@Pucifer It was kind of brilliant to put putSpicy in the white suit.
Gail. Love your columns. The comedy isn't working any more. I think we both know it. This is democracy at a crossroads.
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Gail, nice essay!
Could you nudge the Republicans of the Senate to stop calling the NRA, and take a minute to watch the Congressional Inquiry, so that the could prove America with a trace of confidence in their respective Senate Trial.
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I admit it, ok? I hoped from the first day that Trump took office that he would not make it the through his term. Why? Because he thumbed his nose at the political establishment? I'm not part of that establishment and I couldn't care less. Because he's a Republican? I voted for John McCain and other Republican candidates in the past. So why? Because he is incompetent, vulgar, crooked and probably mentally ill. Fortunately, Trump has done his part to give people hope that he will not be around in 2020 by committing various acts for which he should be impeached and convicted. The bottom line is that the fact that I and others have been hoping for an early end to his Presidency does not mean that he should not be impeached. It just means that we may get lucky.
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@Jay Orchard
60% of the country hope he doesn't complete his term. We all have done since before day one. We hoped something would happen to prevent it.
The only reason he's fighting to stay in office is to stay out of jail.
We all know that too.
2
Ukraine will not be the only show in Trump Town-you are not giving him enough credit,Gail! Even as the Impeachment hearings were taking place Trump was glad handing the cruel dictator of Turkey-the dictator who had persuaded him to leave northern Syria and abandon our Kurdish allies.Trump is still wanting face time with Putin so will probably attend a Russian military parade-so he can admire all the munitions Putin means to use to threaten Eastern Europe.The tawdry show in Trump town will never end until he is voted out of office and the Court in the Southern District of New York can indict him.
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During the current election cycle when Joe Biden was in the early running for the presidency, it was widely reported in the media that Donald Trump was more afraid of Biden that any other candidate. In Trump code that means "watch out." Over the next months the Don's misguided plan for the Ukraine was hatched at the very end of his somewhat superfluous second congratulatory telephone message to Ukraine's president Zelensky with, then, unknown consequences that are now taking place in the House.
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@M. H. Levin
I do not think that Trump is afraid of Biden. He is just using that as a red herring to throw us off the scent of who he really is afraid of.
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@JANET MICHAEL I keep stating that our current POTUS is, literally, the Manchurian candidate, working on behalf of our sworn enemy, with mutual animosities reaching back a century: ending our support of a loyal ally that helped us decimate the ISIS caliphate, only to invite Russia and Turkey's surreptitious invasion, genocidal, and human rights violations against the Kurds; withholding promised military aid to a country currently being invaded by Putin's forces; siding with Putin in controverting U.S. national intelligence agencies' assertion that Putin was behind efforts to sabotage the 2016 elections; evidence of Trump casinos accepting Russian mob moneys to launder said moneys; evidence of Trump tower units sold to Russian entities in order to launder more nefariously gotten moneys.
This is worse than the movie, as this is being done under our own eyes, aided and abetted by the Republican half of our nation.
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Thank you Adam Schiff for your leadership. For your outward calm and for keeping the hearing organized, timely, and moving along. We as a Nation are grateful.
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@NextGeneration
However, if I was chairman of that hearing, I would take down the posters sitting behind the Republican members. Outright lies and distortions should not be in a prominent place where it could influence those who are testifying.
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@NextGeneration
Mr. Schiff is truly a class act.
Compare him with the bombastic buffoon Jim Jordan.
And who on earth convinced him that taking off jacket will make him look stylish or respectable?
13
Didn't Rick Perry major in animal husbandry in college? How does that qualify him to be Secretary of the Energy Dept? Oh, maybe it's because cattle produce methane? But then we should realize that Republicans are far more skilled at any thing and a former neurosurgeon can become the head of Housing and a guy who mostly made movies can be Treasury Secretary, especially if he has millions of his own. And a woman who never went to anything but church run schools is so qualified to be in charge of all public education in the US. But a democrat with a law degree and working for an international consulting firm and as a lobbyist isn't capable of advising a gas company on how to get more international business?
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@Susan in NH As someone said recently: "Trump's cabinet members were appointed to their departments for the sole purpose of destroying that agency". Seems clear enough.
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@Susan in NH -- Gail should insert your comment into her opinion piece, to replace her swipe at Hunter Biden. Never mind that your humorous paragraph nailed a few of Trump's ridiculous appointments of the unqualified. You're the first writer I've noticed who put Hunter's board position in the context of his law education and experience in international consulting and lobbying -- usual prep in D.C., including having a powerful relative -- making him a suitable fit to advise a gas company on increasing international business.
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@Susan in NH
Manure is an excellent fuel source. He's got an ample supply coming from the administration.
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Thanks,Ms.Collins. It is still amazing how you manage to inject humor into this. This is my second chuckle today, the first was Rep.Welch's zinger.
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If I have this right, the Republicans are saying that Ukraine, which favored Clinton, hacked the DNC server to get politically damaging information on her so that the Russians could be blamed for interfering. And Comey brought up Clinton's emails shortly before the election, so he would have the opportunity to do a Russian investigation in order to remove Trump once he was elected. It all makes perfect sense once you walk into the swamp.
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I am so tired of this. Looking forward to Christmas and New Years in Italy. I’ll be keeping the flag in the shed.
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ALL I want for Christmas is one Resignation. Let Him keep his ill-gotten gains, just LEAVE. The ultimate Florida man can stay there, forever.
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@Lester
That's a great idea. The crowds are way down in Firenze and everywhere.. and the Christmas cookies in Siena -- whatever the main bakery on the main street is called-- are OUT OF THIS WORLD. Christmas concerts and after all, most of the art is Christian. I think you have helped me make up my mind a to when to go to Napoli and environs.
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@Phyliss Dalmatian Unfortunately he will be unable to remain in Florida due to sea level rise innundating Mar. He alredy sued in EU courts to be able to build sea wall to protedt Scottish golf course from rise due yo [irony} climate change.
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Trump has made the country into little more than his own chatter box. He's not accomplished alit for us, just managed to dominate the news cycle. He can't seem to get enough affirmation. I've a theory: Trump was never truly embraced by the elite, so he really doesn't respect the country. On some level, he's working for our enemies, eroding our values, mocking our Constitution, robbing even his own base via taxes...
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I’ve felt that for a long time.
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@joe new england Ding Ding Ding! We have a winner!
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Never have we had a President more deserving of impeachment than Trump. However, if like the Mueller Report, Trump cannot be directly tied to anything, I am uncertain how this will all play out. We are once again stuck with knowing something and proving it. Further, Trump usually has a fall guy in mind to blame everything on he is ready and more than willing to throw under the bus. Right now Giuliani and Sondland are looking like good contenders for that role. Once Trump has no use for you, he no longer knows you, to which Michael Cohen and others can attest.
One other thing, if Trump is somehow miraculously removed from office, we will be left with Mike Pence as President, and that could be a big worry for 2020 and beyond. Honestly, I would prefer Trump and Pence being booted from office by voters, and relegated to the trash heap of history where they belong. This isn't your Nixon impeachment. We had Republicans then who actually had a moral compass. I also keep remembering the Kavanaugh hearing where Republicans put on a shameful performance. They will not hesitate to smear anyone who speaks out, no matter how impeccable his or her reputation, nor service to this country. Some witnesses will become victims of these hearings, and careers will be destroyed.
In less than a year we will either be dancing in the streets or the nightmare will deepen and continue. I pray we are getting this right. I hope I am worrying too much.
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@Diana
I hear you and share your concerns. The hearings had become inevitable, but it is hardly a pathway for Democratic triumph next year. Impeachment is deeply divisive, and the proceedings will harden the resolve of Trump’s supporters. Those on the fence may well be put off if they perceive Democrats’ overreach.
My best hope for the election is that Trump’s entire first term record will be too unsatisfying to get him reelected, but I don’t count on his quid pro quo with Ukraine to factor against him.
Thanks for what you wrote. Take care.
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@Diana I also fervently hope that Trump is booted at the ballot box.
We can't rely on that, however, since Trump's impeachable crimes entail trying to influence the election. His request of Zelensky to interfere in the election coming so soon after the Mueller report shows that in addition to voter suppression, Trump is very content to ask for foreign government influence.
Any entity (or person) caring about democracy needs to not look the other way when people try to steal an election
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@Diana "However, if like the Mueller Report, Trump cannot be directly tied to anything, ..." Where does that come from? Trump already IS directly tied to this, through his own words, his own phone call, his chief of staff's admission that "we do this all the time."
What more proof can one need?
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Well, since Thanksgiving is still two weeks away, chances are that there will be new Trump dramas by then.
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@NM Yep. Just waiting for the results of the Barr investigation into the FBI and CIA. All totally made up.
1
Yeah, he’s pardoning two turkeys. Stone and Rudy, in advance.
1
If John Bolton's already got his $2 million book advance, why doesn't he testify? He's made a lot of money. Maybe he could take one for the team. Although, it appears he's already trading in his erstwhile job to speak on the lecture circuit for big bucks.
No money to be made as a Congressional witness.
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@PJW
He needs the book to sell first, then he'll testify. He can't use the line, "If you want to know how the story ends, read the book," if he tells how the story ends before the book comes out.
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@PJW
Books like Bolton's, at this point, will have a readership hovering around zero. Everyone knows how dysfunctional the White House, no surprises there, so he really just has a few highly incriminating tidbit to share and that's it. Simon & Schuster are chumps to pay him that much in advance - and I thought Schuster was the smart one.
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@PJW
and if he testifies, why buy the book?
9