My husband who is much more measured than me about everything in life, responded to my comment that the Republican senators are such hypocrites, that it is worse-- they are traitors to the Constitution to continue to support Trump and attack those brave state department staff who are telling what they saw. They are almost the story here - at what point when you cross the line of following the rule book of our Constitution are you a traitor ?
25
Volker never explained why he was compelled to resign his special ambasador posting when he did. No one asked him either. Why?
12
At one point, things turned testy when Mr. Nunes addressed Colonel Vindman as “Mr. Vindman.”
“Ranking member, it’s Lieutenant Colonel Vindman, please,” he shot back.
Congressman Nunes gets a verbal smack in the head.
24
isn't about time for the Trump supporters and GOP representatives to add an armband to their MAGA hat with an all familiar symbol of white supremacy.
11
I have nothing but praise for Lt. Col Vindman and Ms. Williams. They are brave and true. I have nothing but disgust for Trump and all of the Republicans attempting to smear both of their good names. Pure disgust.
20
I am appalled at the character assassination of a decorated lieutenant colonel for cheap gain. Shame on you Republicans. History will judge you harshly.
21
These aides like Vindman have turned a blind eye to Zelensky relations with Kolomoisky. Kolomosky bought and paid for Zelensky but these naive aides don't want to see that. Republicans should hit them hard over Kolomoisky!
Today proved that Lieutenant Colonel Vindman is a hero, and that Donald Trump is a fraud and an American traitor. I can barely bear the metaphorical stench every time the current occupant of the Oval Office opens his mouth.
13
Stating the obvious: whatever his defenders want to pretend he said, the only people Trump asked be investigated were the Bidens.
His intention was clear in the transcript he released himself; he was asking a foreign government, at the least, to investigate someone he saw as a threat to him
You don't need all of these other witnesses really. Anybody who actually speaks English can see exactly what he was doing. It's no mystery
The Republicans on the committee act as if their job is as lawyers who have to come up with the best defense they can of an obviously guilty client.
But that is not their job. Their job is to defend the country and its system of government from criminal people who are betraying it; the main culprit in this case is Trump.
If they are not part of the defense of American law and security they are its enemies.
27
It is beyond reason to understand the behavior of Republicans in terms of their current behavior, actually their behavior since Trump was elected. I hear the illegality explanation to explain their loss of regard for the law, and their looking the other way at the wrongdoings of Trump. I think it goes even further into the darkest side of human behavior, i.e., the fact that their behavior is what could be recognized those embedded in a cult. That definition has been expressed by others. Members of a cult become loyal to the cult at the expense of reason. James Town was an example of the most extreme degree of those who followed someone they believed in to the point of giving up their own lives.
4
With every passing day Donald Trump is proving to America, and to the world that he is a true to life Manchurian Candidate. Everything Trump has attempted to do with his foreign policy has benefited Russia . Never mind the garbage that’s coming out of his mouth, pay attention to his actions and how he has been acting as a foreign agent on behalf of Vladimir Putin and Russia.
And when Mr. Trump’s tax returns are released we may very well find how deeply in debt he still is to the Russians and why he is doing their bidding.
One way or another, it’s time for America to take out the garbage.
14
Obviously the Republicans and Trump are so desperate that that will say and do anything to downplay their total thuggery. Even their own witnesses are not portraying that Lt. Col. Vindman is a “never Trumper” but a dedicated Public servant.
11
Republicans, because they have nothing else, claim Democrats just want to unseat this president. Well, they should. He is a terrible president. He breaks norms and laws. He attacks his fellow Americans. He lies assiduously. He has blood on his hands. The reasons for removing Trump from office are numerous and compelling. Ukraine is just the proverbial straw that broke the camel’s back.
15
As a citizen who has for most of my life aligned myself with and voted for Republicans, the current repulsive behavior, hypocrisy and lack of morality among my Republican elected officials in Washington is causing me to seriously reevaluate my loyalties to the party and likely will lead to me casting my votes for the foreseeable future for any Democratic candidates who present themselves with even a hint of patriotism and honesty. The current behavior of the Administration, the Senate majority and the House minority whereby the end justifies the means has left the Republican Party ethically bankrupt and an embarrassment to those of us around the world who believe the moral threads of our leaders are vital to the fabric of free societies. I am willing to vote against my own political self interests if it that is what it takes to elect men and women of true character, patriotism and honor, regardless of their political alignments.
40
It’s mystifying how Mr. Morrison can testify on Lt. Colonel Vindman’s honesty when he had
worked with him for such a short time and they appeared to have little contact with each other. Most of his testimony included the timeframe from July-Sept 15. And included hearsay with no specifics or evidence to back up his charges of leaking and general dishonesty. Quite a charge.
Mr. Morrison appeared to want to hedge as much as possible regarding his skipping the chain of command (okay for him, not for Vindman), his ability to see the problem if others were investigated by foreign governments for personal gain but not for Biden, and his very real inability to discern right from wrong.
The man’s tense, curt, arrogant and wooden manner made him a terrible witness. In fact, the least impressive of the witnesses so far. And the most suspect in his intentions.
If he’s the best the Republicans can bring forth, they are really in trouble.
11
Volker says he cringes when he hears himself called one of the "three amigos" running secret and illegal foreign policy ops in Ukraine. I can see his point. Those three probably have no friends in the administration, and certainly they are not friends of one another. They deserve a more accurate name, like the "three stooges" or the "three crooked minions". I have read that Trump has floated the idea that this was a rogue operation of which he was unaware. If Trump exercises that option, they can call themselves the "three scapegoats".
11
Republicans claimed that the proceedings prove that they are nothing but another attempt to invalidate the election of Trump. Same old, same old. Instead of dealing with the facts they just assert that the facts do not indicate what the do.
7
We should question the judgement of a man who: had submitted doctor's notes about questionable warts on his foot to get out of military service (my dad had flat feet and served with honor); admitted that he cheated on his taxes; recently received a Court Judgement forcing him to pay back $2 million earmarked for veterans that he used for his campaign and to buy a portrait of himself to hang in one of his properties; is so confident that he can do anything including shooting someone in the middle of NY City and get away with it; who appears to have a White Supremacist on his staff; wants the black community to support him, but earlier, as a realtor, Trump and his dad wouldn't rent/sell to blacks; practically handed a slice of the Middle East to his comrade, Putin, and revoked the protection for the Kurds, leading to the slaughter of thousands, who had just fought alongside the U.S. Military; shut down the government, which cut off the income of thousands of government workers; enacted astonishing long-term tax cuts for big business and the rich (and a meager sliver of a tax cut for the rest of us); lied to the American People almost as many times as breathing; disregards the current laws of the Country, especially The Constitution.; appears to rule from a point of lawlessness. Those who support this type of individual should ask themselves why.
32
Yes, it’s amazing how far we have fallen...
7
Watching this circus is soul crushing.
7
@AR - Only parts of it is Soul crushing.
Some parts of the hearing are uplifting in that there good people working in government that have the strength to come forward to let us know what is going on.
Perhaps our system of government can prevail over the evil some people do.
I think there is some hope.
10
Have to come back on one point. Jordan talks about foreign aid. Officially, US foreign aid provision relates to humanitarian initiatives, emergencies and other soft power policies such as Secretary Clinton 4D proposals. Our Ukraine policy is anchored by high national security considerations, geopolitical architecture and nuclear weapons vigilance. For God's sake, this was not about withholding USAid bags of wheat.
11
Pretty hilarious that Nunes thinks that TV ratings are the only thing that matters, and is the only way Americans are following these hearings.
18
Regarding Williams: "[A]s she testified, she never reported any personal or professional concerns to me, her direct supervisor, regarding the call.
“In fact,” he added, “she never reported any personal or professional concerns to any other member of the vice president’s staff..."
This is very disingenuous. As if reporting concerns of this nature to anyone in this administration has worked out well for those who did.
14
@Terri - Your concerns of Ms. Williams is of a nitpicking nature. I believe she is sincere and honest in her testimony.
If we can have the audio tapes and the full transcripts of Donald Trump's phone calls then we can tell who being less than honest.
5
Interesting statement from Mitch McConnell to the Louisville Courier-Journal newspaper yesterday:
"I can’t imagine a scenario
under which President Trump
would be removed from office
with 67 votes in the Senate."
I can't imagine that scenario either. I can, however, think of several realistic scenarios under which President Trump might be removed from office with about 80-85 Senators' votes.
None of the needed 20 Republican Senators want to be accused of casting that 67th and deciding vote, which each would be. Once past 67 though, they'll be much more open to be seen as swapping out Trump, for President Pence. Hence, 85 being much more likely than 67.
Subtle, lawyerly precise difference from McConnell's earlier position. Wonder if it means anything?
10
It's so exhausting listening to Nunes and Jordan spew their self-righteous nonsense. Adam Schiff is impressive in precisely the opposite way.
50
I listened to part of the hearings on NPR this afternoon. What nonsense. This process is absurd. I am utterly disgusted by it. When I think of all of the things that our presidents have done in the two centuries since the ratification of the constitution, the charge against Trump is nothing.
I voted for Hillary, even though I did not like her. Trump is a terrible person, but he was elected. This impeachment process, coming in the last year of his presidency, is a distraction from our serious problems and a waste of energy. If the Dems throw him out, Pence will be elevated, and then the Dems can kiss the presidency goodbye.
I doubt that more than 10 percent of the electorate understand the accusations against Trump and why they might be worthy of impeachment. Meanwhile, we have serious problems that are not being addressed while the politicians carry on, doing nothing for the country. I have grandchildren to worry about. I don't have time or patience for this nonsense.
As for the Democrats, they cannot seem to find a candidate that is up to the challenges of our time. I'm furious about the whole shebang, and disgusted with this thing we call our "democracy," which, as many of us know, simply is not working for us anymore. It is not working!
1
@2REP Sir the only things not being addressed are the legislation already passed by the democratic controlled House sitting atop Mitch McConnell's desk. All of the wish lists for America from gun background checks, prescription coverage, Dreamers, border legislation, sanctions on Turkey.....Don't be disgusted that's a cop out just vote.
17
@2REP Millions of us are grateful the colonists didn't throw up their hands and abandon the American Revolution because it was too tough to pay attention. Fox parsed Bengazi ad nauseum, expecting their audience to followthe details. Now, they claim it's too boring and complicated. How insulting to their audience. The Dems are walking and chewing gum. The backlog of House legislation languishing on Mitch McConnell's desk is enormous. Defending our Constitution is not a waste of time. Cynicism is a luxury we cannot afford. Joni Mitchell sang, "you don't know what you've lost till it's gone" in Big Yellow Taxi. Let's not find ourselves there in a paved parking lot where paradise once stood.
Compared to many other countries, we're lucky to have our set of problems because we wouldn't want theirs.
20
@jeansch, Please don't lecture me. I've voted in lots of elections. Likely more than you. (I've had more than my three score and ten.) What good has voting done us? Endless enmity and war, environmental ruin, and widespread inequality. We need to tear it all down and try something new.
Pathetically, Republicans are insisting that the evidence that the President did require an investigation of the Biden to release the aid is all fake or misrepresented, like they had just proven exactly that. They asserted that in contradiction to the evidence presented. They did nothing to disprove the evidence that supports Trump trying to use foreign aid to force Ukraine to investigate the Bidens.
6
It seems Both Volker and Morrison have made a concerted effort to keep their testimony vague and only mildly inflamatory to the President. There are wavering statements, unclear inferences, and even criticisms of Vindeman. They are obviously accomplished officials in their posts however they have learned to play politics. Volker very dedicated to Ukraine with calculated finesse managed to get military aid through. I sense the same finesse in a willingness to not be able to connect dots where the President may not like the finished picture.
17
Nunez will never lose the reputation of tattle tale and coward when he was chairman of the House Oversight committee back when the Republicans still had control of the house. Imagine the Chairman of House oversight running secretly to the White House to report on the House investigations to the President.
Today, Nunez' insipid monologues at each instance of Republican questioning have gotten old. Arrogance is not a good look in the age of Trump. If these hearings do nothing else they expose the GOP as mundane followers who do not stand up to their oath of office and to the Constitution. California vote him out.
28
The Republican who went before Jordan referred to the Dems and Repubs as “teams”. I thought we were all supposed to be on one team, team America .
Republicans are partisan hacks and they are NOT upholding the Constitution.
22
and the Republicans called Volker and Morrison...so this is all they have as a defense other than Nunes' hallucinations.
I believe Trump's political grave has been dug to a depth sufficient to cast new light on a trial in the US Senate.
12
Devin Nunes comes off as such a tool. None of his questions seem to have any point other than belittling people who disagree with him.
32
Mr. Conaway sounds like a child complaining to the teacher. Others sounds like angry spoiled babies. Astonishing.
4
Schiff to Volker, what he should ask: Are you lying now or were you lying before—or both? Volker can’t even manage to clearly state he’s having ‘memory’ lapses. Preview of Sondland?
7
That Lt. Col. Alexander S. Vindman was forced to defend his citizenship and military service to spineless little bridge trolls such as shady cattle farmer Devin Nunes and the dirty wrestling coach Jim Jordan--neither who served in the military and now worship a bone-spur claiming draft-dodger-- is hideous.
46
Mr Nunes is not fit to polish Lt Col Vindman’s medals.
34
Was Volker being cute when he said he cringed when he heard he was one of the “Three Amigos,” because to him that was McCain, Lieberman and Graham? Someone should tell him it’s much worse than that — it was a reference to the high comedy with Chevy Chase, Martin Short and Steve Martin that referred to three morons....
13
@Andy Yes. Being in the company with Rick Perry should remind anyone this is an insipid trio.
2
So even though the State Department saw Biden had a conflict of interest, it was somehow inappropriate for Trump to suggest the Ukraine conduct an investigation. Why not? If it was ok for Biden to threaten to cut-off aid when there was an apparent conflict of interest, then it was more than ok for Trump to suggest an investigation.
3
Whenever a Trump supporter accuses anyone of a conflict of interest, I start laughing so hard I miss the rest of the sentence.
94
@ Caleb, Sounds like you missed the quid pro quo aspect, among other things
27
@Caleb Mars And you missed the part about how Biden was working in conjunction with several other EU nations regarding corruption at the highest levels of government. Totally different situation.
18
Corruption.
The single most repeated word in these impeachment hearings, and it is used to describe the Ukrainian system. As I watch these hearings, it is obvious our government run by Republicans is perhaps even more corrupt than Ukraine.
29
Wow! Mr 'carnival barker' Nunes, "just throw them a couple of soundbites and watch them cheer" believes that Trump supporters just want to be entertained, the facts and the consequences are too boring to pay attention too.
11
It is a wonderful and uplifting experience to listen to flow of speech from these exceptional Government employees. Such clarity of thought and delivery. It is wonderful to hear from these patriots who are rarely heard yet who are absolutely staunch and tireless defenders of the foundation Stone of this Country, the Constitution.
17
The writhing GOP worms are heading underground soon enough as the Democrat robins grab hold and gain ever more experience at swallowing them whole.
Whether in the senate or later by votes, Trump is finished, an aberration in American history backed by such a petty, mean, self-interested gop that together they’ll be forever blamed for seriously diminishing what for much of 100years was truly a great nation in the world. We’re all going to miss the old America, and cross our fingers for the America that emerges from the wreckage.
12
So Volker, whose title was special envoy to the Ukraine, claims he didn't connect the dots between Burisma and Biden, didn't wonder why a meeting ended abruptly when Sondland mentioned Burisma investigations, didn't wonder what the heck Sondland was doing there to begin with, or Giuliani, or Perry, and didn't have any curiosity about why the aid package was delayed. The President's Special Envoy to Ukraine. He bristles at being called one of the Three Amigos, but if he wasn't, Three Stooges might fit.
30
@jg
Your second characterization is apt. Thanks!
7
The tone Nunes takes is childish and puerile, I have no idea how he is an elected representative of anybody with more than half a functioning brain cell.
I wonder if he gets home at night and watches a highlights reel of him talking about deep state operatives, drug deals, TV ratings etc... and gives himself a little pep talk, telling himself how please Donald will be, what a good boy he's been etc...?
23
Nunes, Jordan and their ilk are all cowards who, regardless of how damaging these testimonies become, fail to take their Congressional responsibilities seriously. Their actions are for person, not for country. I remember when Nixon's impeachment happened and, regardless of party, Congress cared about the best interests of our country. The person who just asked questions kept talking about "my team" while browbeating Schiff about "his team". This is not a game. These men agreed to the rules and try to make it like they had no input. Do your jobs and defend this country, not 45 and certainly not yourselves. I am ashamed of you. All you can say is who is the whistleblower and the aid was released. Ask some serious questions and take your job seriously. And when is Rudy Giuliani getting indicted?
16
As a British citizen watching closely the impeachement process,I have to congratulate the forensic ability of the Democrats and am appalled by the Republican attempts to divert attenition from the key issse which were all revealed in the initial July phone call summary. I canot think that US people watching this issue will be so stupid as to question that Trump was not only inerested in advancing his own political agenda in trashing his politial oppenents but also had no interest in The support of Ukraine's security interests re Russia. Clearly party interests trump truth when it comes to the GOP.
23
sorry but you can't a country of which 80 millions are supporting Trump are smart. No one believed that they were so stupid to elect Bush for a second term and see now what they elected now!
@Rachel Sharp
Thanks for your interest from London. We’re not stupid, but could use a Sherlock Holmes to solve this mystery.
3
I hate it when people who are insufferable, rambling, and clueless try to make themselves appear witty, urbane, and intelligent by their arrogant attitude. Looking at you, Devin Nunes. You and your colleagues could learn from Lt. Col. Vindman’s example — country and decency before selfish posturing and snark. Always.
Trump’s penchant for playground debate tactics seems to be rubbing off on his fan club. Not a good look.
21
In a pool some friends and I created, I took “anxiety attacks” as the real reason Mr. Trump made an unscheduled visit to Walter Reed Army Hospital on Saturday.
However, after reading this:
“...Mr. Trump praised his allies and dismissed the hearings as a ‘kangaroo court,’ saying, ‘Republicans are absolutely killing it, because it’s a big scam.’”
I think I should have put my $10 on “hallucinations.”
22
Devin Nunes is getting cranky again. Perhaps someone who is in the hearing room can provide him with a pacifier.
11
If the GOP Committee counsel is the best and brightest the GOP has, that is pretty striking evidence that the GOP is insufficiently articulate and erudite to govern efficiently.
16
Volcker played the naive role in his marathon opening statement very well. If he's the bang whiz diplomat they give him credit for, he wouldn't have the tunnel vision, and inability to read between the lines in what is going on around him. I thought he would be a bit more forthcoming.
20
POTUS attacks critics as Never-Trumpers. Implicit in Trump’s attack is the argument GOP representatives on the Intelligence Committee hammer: the right of Trump to appoint ambassadors and officials in the Executive Branch who embrace his new policies that break with the past.
Assuming Trump has this right to sail a new course, then why, as the ship’s captain, has he failed to articulate to his sailors the new direction, show them the new ocean charts, explain how he will today allow the pirates of the past to re-seize old shipping lanes from past wars?
Why has Trump failed to explain why Reagan’s belief that the Russians were the evil empire is no longer true?
If the Russians are in fact good for American prosperity and have nothing on Trump, why has he not released the Mueller report and his tax returns?
Why does Trump’s world views only settle well with white nationalists?
Instead of smearing those who testify, Trump should answer these questions and provide records to support his claim that a change in course is in fact better for our country.
18
Representative Nunez does Trump no favors with his flippant language and partisan language and bloviating.
27
I am offended by Mr. Nunes' depiction of the televised testimonies of witnesses sharing what they know regarding events leading to the possible impeachment of Mr. Trump as a reality TV show. He jeers, "TV viewership is down," suggesting that they, in doing their duty to the nation and its citizens, are doing so only to become TV celebrities. That these are open hearings is the result of the President and the Republicans criticizing the House for keeping them private.
The hearings are important to me. I want to hear the facts surrounding the withholding of funds from Ukraine. I believe they are equally important to the witnesses who must hear their reputations being questioned and their intentions impugned. They suffer belittling, condescending questioning, and innuendo at the hands of Nunes and Jordan.
Instead of becoming fully informed I have to listen to the Republican leadership tossing about red herrings and "fake logic" to reach fallacious conclusions. They'd rather spin yarns and entertain than be serious about a national crisis. They staged a fake takeover of the "secretive" hearings in order to see the witnesses. Now they try to dismantle the affair—can’t have it both ways, guys.
The Republicans seem to be imitating the Donald in The Apprentice, yelling "You're fired." But we all know that was TV. He doesn't fire anyone in person—he has others do all his "dirty" work. And that's exactly what they're doing now.
35
Nunes and Jordan are disgusting failures. These hearings are must watch for all who care about this country. Many of us watching may not do so on traditional TV and are streaming while working. Contrary to 45, tv ratings don't make this country. As Vinman said, this is America and we value what is right. Each day of hearings is more damning.
10
Always Trumpers thought Lieutenant Colonel Vindman would be an easy mark to undermine. Baby-faced, looking like the former Eastern European that he is, perhaps a bit haughty given his amazing intelligence and success to date - they thought they could roll him, the way playground thugs target the smart, shy kids. Shame, shame, shame on them. Because their Leader judges people on how they like look and where they came from rather than on the quality of their character, his loyal followers thought they could undermine this patriot by vaguely insulting him and his motives. They were so wrong, as Trump is so wrong. Good Character and sound morality will trump foul assumptions and thuggishness any and every day of the week.
23
This is astonishing! Nunes, who probably did not serve in the military, impuning Lt. Col Vindman as a Mr. In uniform? In their current positions didn't Jordan and the GOP weasels swear to uphold the constitution? Also, welcoming distinguished service members and honorable civil servants to the so called 'circus' is demeaning. The whole GOP panel and especially Stefanik should be voted out.
33
Utah Rep Chris Stewart, who degraded Lt Col Vindman, brags about his 14 years in the Air Force. However Stewart never saw combat and got to fly around setting speed records and living at three different bases in the U.S. How dare he undermine a decorated war veteran.
45
A comment about the “Never Trumper” defense: It’s a child’s argument and it’s laughable that Mr. Trump and his band of “Always Trumpers” are so shallow in their thinking that this is the best they can do. I suppose a good response to all these adults arguing at the level of a developmentally delayed three or four year old is to just stick out their tongues at them and say, “Well, you’re a Never Pelosi. So there!” It’s rumored that these people have university degrees. I’m going to have to research which institutions they went to so that I don’t waste my money sending my own kids there.
22
I agree. Go-to defense for a kid? “That teacher never liked me!” Same thing as calling an adverse witness a never trumper.
11
Cannot watch the embarrassment that is Rep. Nunes. Are his lips moving? Then he’s lying. Right at home with McCarthy’s historically dishonest behavior under cover of elected office.
27
It is reasonable for LT. Col. Vindman to ask he be referred to by he rank in these formal proceedings. In fact, it is a rank and title he has earned.
It is impossible not to view Mr. Nunez and Mr. Jordan as repugnant. Mr. Jordan can’t admit he knew the doctor at Ohio where he was an assistant wrestling coach was a sexual predator.
Perhaps I will need too crowdfund enough money for a suit jacket.
16
Point of fact: Ms. Williams stated in her testimony that her boss Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg, (the vice president’s national security adviser), attended the meeting so the followup was his responsibility. She acted appropriately and shouldn't be criticized for her testimony.
25
The Republican defense, and Morrison, want to have it both ways, making no distinction between Trump as POTUS and Trump as a private citizen politician running for office. When Trump's roles directly conflict, including legally, they see no problem, and simply choose the most potentially exonerating, convenient role for their rationale.
Morrison just demonstrated whopping, abdicative ("Not my fault!") evasion: He said he asked an unnamed person why the MEMCON had been placed on the higher-level server, and was told that attorney Eisenberg directed that action. Morrison continued that when he then asked Eisenberg why, Eisenberg said he *didn't* direct it, and was told by an unnamed source that it had apparently, through an administrative error, been placed on the higher-level server by an unnamed person.
So we need to know (1) who Morrison asked, (2) who Eisenberg asked (Eisenberg must testify), and (3) who put the file on the server at whose direction. Morrison owed answers he chose not to provide voluntarily.
Most important, if the MEMCON doesn't belong on the higher-level server, let's have it!
23
Can we establish that at the same time Volker was pushing Trump to arm Ukraine, he also held positions with a major lobbying firm, BGR Group, and a think tank, the McCain Institute, that each had financial ties to Raytheon Co., which manufactures the Javelin system and earned millions from Trump's decision.
22
@Ann
What does that have to do with trump shadow government extorting a vulnerable country at war with russia?
6
@Ann
Thank you for this. Rich. Sounds exactly like a conflict of interest.
As far as Volker goes: He's lying. Giuliani himself claims to have written evidence that Volker was fully aware of what's going on. Like Sondland, he's been caught and, unlike Sondland, is doubling down. It's already obvious that he was, indeed, one of the Three Amigos.
10
@Earthling conflict of interest and no oversight
2
Most boring human resource meeting I have sat through in my 25-year career. ‘I feel’ was the most used verb!
Nancy, please, put an end to it!
1
@RMM and all those who feel so above it all to give the hearing a rating - It’s not supposed to be entertaining. Your attention spans are limited in scope.
16
The "most" aspect of today's proceedings to me was far from boredom.
They evidenced instead someone's hold on Pres. Trump -- a man with absolutely no personal insights in this arena -- implanting persistent, darkly negative views of our strategic partner Ukraine, a nation with its back against a wall in a with Russia.
The only such "someone" is almost obviously V. Putin.
How such hold was achieved by Putin should be investigated without delay, fear, or favor.
8
@RMM
Millions have been tuned in all day so your comment is out of step with the collective interest these hearings have generated. Personally I find these testimonies riveting, the Republican grand-standing not so much.
8
Watching Morrison field questions about Vindman's judgment. They just mention multiple times questions about judgment and then that they really wouldn't want to answer because it predates the Ukrainian issue. So just dump it out there to besmirch but don't explain. Vindman's questions to Morrison which Morrison resents come across as legitimate questions from a conscientious person to his superior. Pretty despicable behavior from Morrison.
27
@BLH I had wondered what Morrison's game was, his testimony appears coached to assassinate Vindman's character, drop a few breadcrumbs here, a few there, no context, no evidence: "not trustworthy, lacks judgement, possible leaker." Apparently he barely knows Vindman, was he chosen to replace Fiona Hill to spin a narrative? Coincidence, that he is in the door just in time to muddy the waters to Trump and Republicans benefit & out almost the next day.
5
These hearings uncover the increasingly ugly face of the Republicans. On a daily basis they embarrass themselves with their unprecedented barrage of lies and distortions. How can any self respecting conservative look at this behavior and accept it on any and all levels?! To attack these obviously sincere, honest, patriotic individuals, is beyond what we have ever seen. History will have a very bleak view on these assaults and its perpetrators. I hope our society will survive this assault.
16
Why is sexual abuse enabling Rep. Jim Jordan the only one who can't keep his suit jacket on? The same guy who shrugged when told of sexual abuse by the team doctor at Ohio State. Who as assistance coach let his players be abused....this guy thinks he has the right to question the integrity and loyalty of Col. Vindman? Astonishing and disgusting.
38
@Eaglearts — Because he means business, gosh darn it!
It's been suggested that in the Watergate hearings, the Republicans were less polarized, and less protective of President Nixon. That the Republicans were more concerned about what was best for the nation, as a whole.
Well, those people weren't watching the same ones I saw. I recently re-watched those hearings and one thing was abundantly clear: that the Republicans at the time, just as they are doing now, did everything in their power to protect their party member over the interests of this country.
The GOP defended Nixon to the very end. The only reason they could no longer defend him was because the Supreme Court, in a unanimous decision, forced the White House to release the tapes.
If they had not, Nixon would have walked, and the GOP would have gone on about their business of redistributing all wealth and opportunity in this country upwards into the hands of the 1%.
What is happening in these hearings now, is EXACTLY the same as what happened then - Republican party over country all the way down the line. Whether or not the current crook in the White House will end up getting on a helicopter for a final ride out of town is not really a question. Will he be impeached? Possibly. Will Trump ever leave the White House willingly, as Nixon did? There is zero chance of that, because Trump will never leave the White House unless he is being escorted out by the Secret Service.
30
I remember watching in fascination the Watergate hearings with my parents. Congress took it seriously then putting country above party. what we have now is the opposite putting 45 and party above country. Nunes is horrific, as is Jordan, this is not the joke they make it out to be....shame on them.
2
It occurs to me that there are many Dems following these hearings closely (24/7). The professionalism, succinctness and patriotism of the civil servants is reassuring and a relief. I think these witnesses remind me of Mayor Pete.
22
Under Reagan, taking down the Soviets was job one. Historically, the GOP has been staunchly anti-communist, anti-authoritarian, and anti-all-things-Russia...until now.
Listening to Nunes and his sorry attempts at humor about poor ratings, circuses, performances, etc., and Jim Jordan's visceral attacks with no questions, one has to wonder, does the GOP want to leave NATO and re-build Russia? Or are they just protecting their own political futures by defending Trump, who clearly has a man-crush on Vlad and is willing to do anything against historical US and NATO interests.
How can any GOP Senator or Congressman over the age of 60 be watching any of this and not be wondering what has become of their party and country?
35
@David — And most have been strict constuctionists of the Constitution — until now.
5
I have been watching parts of the hearing on and off today and just heard Nunes try to throw back the phrase "drug deal," that Bolton used to describe Trump's dirty dealings, onto the Democrats. I guess Trump isn't the only one in the GOP who is a master of projection.
15
I am waiting to see what happens to the politicians who stand solidly behind Mr. Trump when he decides that it is time to bury them because they are not sufficiently loyal. Maybe they asked the wrong question, or equivocated on one of Trump's bizarre tweets, or tried to duck a reporter's interview. Or committed some other transgression in Trump's eyes. For now, they can puff their breasts with pride that they are in Trump's corner, but the day they are abandoned will come. Trump is unreliable in every respect. We all know it from his past conduct. How many of his loyal confederates are now in jail or headed there soon. The Republican group in Trump's corner should get smart to save themselves as soon as possible from a catastrophic defeat - and Trump's eventual wrath.
16
Nunes is trying to be defense counsel for the President instead of a member of the Congress who is participating in an investigation. It makes him look like a person intending to distract the proceedings to introduce doubt instead of trying to determine facts. That's not what history nor the people expect of members of the Congress.
31
Republicans and the President may be making a grave mistake in their character attacks against the witnesses.
How many Americans have been in the position of doing their job only to come under a personal and political attack by someone who has an agenda of another sort? More people watching the impeachment unfold have likely been the recipients of such a plot that the attackers.
Even among Republican voters, how many Vindmans vs how many Jordans can there be?
14
Mr. Nunes, I don't know what "ratings" have to do with any of this, but I am watching -- on line where many people are watching.
47
@Sarah
Agreed.
During the worst years of the Vietnam War, before I was drafted into the army, I remember standing on the National Mall in a crowd of hundreds of thousands of protesters.
We were a chanting, “The whole world is watching. The whole world is watching!”
A million voices raised in unison made an awesome thunderous statement.
Of course, Mr. Nunes must deny that idea. His message is that no one cares about the “absurd impeachment hearings.” Admitting the truth about the number of Americans who are outraged by Trump, his lies and his crimes cannot be acknowledged by men like Nunes.
The truth terrifies Trump’s staunch supporters.
21
@Sarah
Nunes knows Trump loves ratings.
4
The GOP needs a plan B. They apparently don’t want Pence as President. Otherwise why support Trump and his overwhelming inability to perform his duties and pretty clear evidence of impeachable offenses. He’s also becoming a clear negative for down ballot GOP candidates.
Will the shoe drop if Trump is shown to have lied in his written answers, under oath, to the Mueller investigation? Clearly, this is of greater importance than lying about a dalliance in the Oval Office.
18
Having attended several formal team debates while a college student, I am frequently reminded of the well-mannered logical back-and-forth arguments presented by my fellow students at those debates.
Well-prepared students majoring in political science, history, social studies/secondary education, etc. often impressed me with the consise reasoning they displayed. Team members presented both convincing opening statements and clear rebuttals to their opposition’s arguments.
Undergraduates often displayed both sound preparation and the ability to think on their feet.
I mention all of this in regard to my perception of the content and temper of the Republican attempt to defend President Trump’s behavior and actions since taking office, and during the current impeachment hearings.
Denial, attack, character assassination, ridicule and a marked reluctance or inability to counter established facts with substantial contradiction.
Generally speaking, neither the president nor his various defenders, over the past three years and at the current hearings, have displayed the debating abilities that I have witnessed undergraduate college students display. The only reason that comes to mind, as I watch senators, congressmen, cabinet members and attorneys make fools of themselves in coming to Mr. Trump’s defense, is that the president has said and done things, as the POTUS, which are absolutely indefensible.
It must be awful to be on the anti-fact, truth, logic and reason debating team.
44
@Tom W Tom, you're problem is that you are comparing real debating for the slam and insult that currently passes for reasoned questioning by most of the GOP members of the House Intelligence Committee. In real debate, you seek to win by scoring points though the rationality and persuasivness of your arguments. For the GOP, the point is to appease the Trump base that will get them reelected next year.
6
Did I just hear Mr. Morrison say that the transcript was placed in the highly classified server" by mistake"? That"sounds likely".
31
The two partisan tools today are tripping over their opportunities for promotion in some future Democrat administration ,much ,in the future.
3
If I hear “Thank you for your service” one more time, I think I’ll puke. As the senator from Utah noted, Vindman didn’t have to show up in his full dress uniform. He just did it for effect. What does his testimony say? He felt the telephone call was “wrong.” He didn’t report his concerns to his immediate superior but went up the chain of command. Such a patriot.
3
Maybe he showed up in uniform because he has pride in his service? But then I really don’t expect that to resonate with our draft dodging president and his ilk.
28
@Edward
Perhaps Colonel Vindman wore his full dress uniform because he is proud of his service to a country he clearly cherishes.
He is a patriot-in stark contrast to the Republicans who questioned his loyalty and the embarrassment occupying the Oval Office.
21
@Edward As I understand it, he is active duty, and should wear the ASU for official business.
3
What I find glaringly amazing is that none of the prior witnesses who appeared at these hearings displayed nor acknowledged political affiliation to any party but rather, their loyalties were/are in serving the United States.
Sadly, Kurt Volker repeatedly displayed his blind and unwavering support for the president. His bias is very telling. I guess the Republicans only have witnesses who support and serve Trump rather than the U.S.
34
@Marge Keller, Volker is one of those play-along-to-get-along guys who was happy to do Trump’s bidding in order to stay relevant with the “in” crowd. Was likely looking for his next gig as well.
Now he is trying to “thread the needle” to get out of this mess and salvage his reputation. Speaks volumes about his character. At the end of the day, he remains a bit player.
21
He doesn't want to get Stoned (a la Roger Stone). It just happened to jog his memory
Tell me again how Republicans actually support our troops. By attacking a combat wounded veteran? As a former infantry NCO, I will NEVER vote for a GOP candidate for President or Congress.
81
The Democrats are contorting the language when they use the word "bribery". You can call what Trump is supposed to have done a lot of things, but bribery isn't one of them.
3
Extortion works.
38
Please explain your reasoning. Where did the Dem logic fail exactly?
19
@Caleb Mars I think the word “shakedown” would be appropriate.
23
Dear Dr.,
I am perfectly healthy. Why do I feel sick watching the impeachment proceedings? I don't like the idea that my president may have held up arms to Ukraine until Ukraine investigated his political rival Joe Biden, and Bidens son Hunter. The whole thing scares me. Do you think this is making me sick?
Megan
24
@Megan
I feel sick too. It is so depressing.
5
This is for all of those, including NYT journalists, who were opining even weeks ago that there was no need for impeachment hearings; that the "solution" to having a criminal president in the White House was to "vote him out." As if casting a ballot could *ever* stand in for actual accountability...!
Those of us who have insisted from the onset that impeachment was essential did so because we knew that the process itself is the curative for the rot eating us alive.
How do we know a democracy works? By being transparent. By hearing from civil servants like Volker, Vindman, Williams and Yovanovitch. By holding open inquiries. By asking questions, being curious, demanding answers, offering evidence and then testing its veracity. By welcoming vigorous debate.
What has baffled millions of us is why this country was so reluctant to embark on the only process for discovering the truth open to us. So it's a welcome day, a reassuring day, a day for celebration that we are finally doing what should have been done when we knew he had broken the Emoluments Clause...meaning the first day of his presidency. Because ALL of his wrongdoing tracks back to this clause. Yes. All of it.
We've tested our democracy and the pillars, daily shaken to their core, are holding. We know that only because of this process. We know who the heroes are --the whistleblower and the civil servants--and who is failing us (the entire GOP). There is no part of this process that is harmful to our country.
45
Ironic that an immigrant has more respect and love for the Constitution and rule of law than all the GOP members of the Senate put together.
81
or the President!
28
Driving to work today, I came upon a bumper sticker that perfectly characterizes this decrepit Republican bunch:
2020 Election
Vote For Anybody Who's Adult
Translation: A lock for the Democrats
31
@ Ken in St. Louis
You might also like this bumper sticker:
Trump’s Next Bankruptcy: You, the US Taxpayer
15
As the inquiry has become public and we have true examples of honor and integrity as well as disgusting juvenile behavior in our nation's public servants I have wondered about those in the Senate who will decide the final outcome of these proceedings.
Will they choose to honor their oaths and our nation's Constitution, honestly weighing the facts brought forth in the testimony of these hearings or will they cravenly chose to support a bully, a compulsive liar, a narcissist and at his best a coward?
12
As these hearings began I wondered whether they would be on par with what I remembered about the Nixon hearings, and whether anyone would rise to the level of Barbara Jordan, someone I didn't know of before the earlier hearings but I thought, along with many others, truly distinguished themselves. And while I'm increasingly impressed with Schiff, Daniel Goldman and many other Representatives, it's been those testifying that have truly made me proud -- and more hopeful in these tenuous trump times -- to be an American.
24
Rep. Nunes,
How dare you address Lt. Col. Vindman as "Mr. Vindman".
In your condescending reference, you disgraced yourself and your party, and demeaned armed-forces and security-forces veterans and all other U.S. patriots.
You may believe that you and your shallow soulmates in the belligerent self-serving Republican party serve the "U.S.'s interests", but you're dead wrong.
You and your corrupt fearless leader are a sham -- an utter blight to U.S. society and its forward progress.
68
This very article refers to Lt. Col. Vindman as "Mr. Vindman" three times itself.. Please refer back to your stylebook and use some consistency.
5
@Ben S
I missed the Mr. in the article. Only saw the Republicans be disrespectful. I see Lt. Col. Or Col in the article, guess I’ll need to re-read.
7
@Ben S.
Your assertion is false. The only reference to "Mr. Vindman" is the quotation of Congressman Nunes, who did indeed call Lt. Col Vindman that.
15
It was nice to see Vindman put loyalty of country over loyalty to one man.
It would make America great again if the GOP members could do the same thing.
31
The Republican party is no longer composed of moderate Republicans. The party is zealous and rabid supporting a President who sets the tone and demeanor of extreme right wing conspiracy theories. It is an unbelievable time in our history.
25
I hope their "45 fever" breaks soon. The testimonies are highly damaging yet the GOP acts like this is a game. Appalling.
2
As a Veteran, I share my disgust about the Republican treatment of LTC Vindman. There will surely be a day of reckoning for the likes of Trump, Nunes, Jordan, Johnson, et al... I just hope the country survives to see it.
38
I grew up coming home from school and watching the Watergate Hearings live on tv. I remember thinking that both the Democratic and Republican politicians seemed to want to protect America more then their own political party. As an adult, I see the GOP, who no longer appear to want to defend the American people from Russia, corruption, and the destruction of the government. The worst part is as a child I remember adults in the conservative town I grew up in talking about learning from the hearings what a crook Spiro Agnew and Nixon were. Now, you have people who do not even care if the President, the Congress, or the Courts do the bidding of foreign powers as long as people they hate are hurt.
413
@stuckincali
"I remember thinking that both the Democratic and Republican politicians seemed to want to protect America more then their own political party."
Then you weren't watching the same ones I did. I recently re-watched those hearings and one thing was abundantly clear: that the Republicans at the time, just as they are doing now, did everything in their power to protect their party member over the interests of this country.
The GOP defended Nixon to the very end. The only reason they could no longer defend him was because the Supreme Court, in a unanimous decision, forced the White House to release the tapes.
If they had not, Nixon would have walked, and the GOP would have gone on about their business of redistributing all wealth and opportunity in this country upwards into the hands of the 1%.
What is happening in these hearings now, is EXACTLY the same as what happened then - Republican party over country all the way down the line. Whether or not the current crook in the White House will end up getting on a helicopter for a final ride out of town is not really a question. Will he be impeached? Possibly. Will Trump ever leave the White House willingly, as Nixon did? There is zero chance of that, because Trump will never leave the White House unless he is being escorted out by the Secret Service.
32
@stuckincali I remember the watching every minute of the the Watergate Hearings during my summer break from college. I remember the sense of pride I felt watching both parties putting country before party as they asked their intelligent, deliberate questions. In fact, we could not tell their party association from the questions asked.
This investigation is looking into far more dangerous and corrupt crimes than Watergate. There is no sense of country before party from the GOP side. No intelligent, honest or fair questions as asked by the Dems (other than those asked by Rep. Hurd), either. They are succeeding in making us an embarrassment on the world stage.
13
@Chicago Guy I hope SCOTUS rules the same way, at least like a 7-2.
4
The White House tweet egregiously distorts Tim Morrison's comment about Lt. Col. Vindman, by lopping off the remainder of the comment. The comment was confined to a vague concern about Vindman's judgment re PROCEDURES, nothing more. One can assume the comment was issued at the behest of someone looking to discredit Vindman, but it is a case of praising with faint damnation, in that it was a carefully crafted, tepid comment that did NOT impugn Vindman's judgment re substance, or his expertise, or his analysis, or his integrity, or his account of the events in question.
17
"he felt it was his “duty” to report his concerns to John Eisenberg, the top lawyer at the National Security Council.."
In other words, here we have a mid-ranking officer raising havoc because he *feels* he disagrees with policy and/or his duties. I wonder how far would an army go if every corporal and colonel took it upon themselves to question their orders. Blowing the whistle on their commanders. My guess is - not far.
2
That is an incorrect interpretation. He didn’t have “feelings” about whether or not the call was inappropriate. He knew it was inappropriate. He felt duty-bound to report it, meaning he would be failing in his duty if he didn’t report it. Perhaps you have let your feelings get in the way of a balanced assessment.
35
He had a duty to report criminal acts and abuse of power.
It has not to do with policy, because an abuse of power for personal gain isn't a legitimate objective for United States foreign policy.
Nothing to do with feelings.
26
I think by the time this is done, I’ll have Devin Nunes’s opening statement memorized. It never changes!
23
@MDB
I agree with your assessment of Nunes’ remarks but I hope you don’t waste the brain cells to remember it.
It seems to me that one of the biggest lies in the hearings is the insistence that the Bidens' alleged conflict of interest has anything at all to do with whether trump has committed impeachable offenses. Even if, despite the lack of any evidence, there was impropriety by Biden, asking a foreign government, as opposed to using the US government's extensive resources, to investigate seems grossly inappropriate and possibly impeachable.
24
It’s only the elephant in the room.
Interesting point and definitely an easy “lie” or “distortion” to sell to the noisy media-sphere. Interestingly it has, in fact, forced this democrat (me) to seriously reconsider my opinion of Joe Biden’s judgement and wonder how many seasoned governmental wunderkind White House operatives had their eyes on Joe’s “nod” regarding his son’s new career opportunity.
No.. I’m not buying the whole Trump /Giuliani line but on has to acknowledge that the optics not good.
Why? The State Department saw a perceived conflict of interest in Biden's actions in dealing with the Ukrainian government. Many of the fact witnesses are in the Ukraine. We even have a treaty providing for mutual assistance in investigating corruption. There may be hundreds of instances in which Presidents have asked other countries for help investigating what US citizens have done overseas. It's not illegal or inappropriate.
Many of the questions posed by Republicans demonstrate a lack of a defense for Trump's impeachable offenses.
It is astonishing to hear Republican Committee members push Trump's debunked conspiracy theories regarding interference by Ukraine in the 2016 Presidential election.
Equally outrageous is the Republican strategy to label the hearings as a hoax, witch hunt and reporting of the events by the media as biased and fake news.
It is very sad and alarming that President Trump along with some Republican Committee members has attacked these outstanding and patriotic public servants.
These are desperate attempts that only Fox news and Trump's fanatical base believes and supports
8
These "say something negative or demeaning and hope it sticks" Republicans, by questioning the patriotism of a highly decorated army officer and besmirching the respected reputations of career diplomats, have in fact shown their own lack of patriotism and disregard for honest public servants...
10
Both Lt. Col. Vindman and Ms. Williams were exceptional, especially when one weighs the pressure, threats, and increased desperation of trump and those who stick by him hoping for riches, fame, and cover - betting it all for their personal futures - thoughtless of America and the ones they are charged to serve and/or the constitution.
Vindman is an exceptional human being, a courageous soldier, a serious professional, highly moral, principled, and a visionary - a person who seemingly still believes in what many of us hold close as American principles in this time of the terrible trump years. As a little, immoral man carelessly destroys all America stands for - just because he can and that it might keep him free from jail and richer in $.
I only hope to meet more people in my life who might even come close to what Vindman has proven himself to be.
The trump years have taught me convincingly that extreme wealth (and the blind pursuit of the same) are the ultimate corrupters of weak and hollow men. Mega money, over-the-top wealth, and false fame in America today is cheap, likely too ubiquitous, and very often ill-achieved and used not for much good.
Thank you Lt. Col. Vindman for showing us the way, reminding us that in America the true heroes are people like you. I will forever remember your testimony today. You have given me more will to believe and strive for our old America. Please continue to fight and I believe our nation was lifted today in a dark time.
12
It seem pretty clear now that all the "business" had already been conducted well prior to Trump taking any interest in "anti-corruption." Ukraine paid up by meeting all prior agreed-upon anti-corruption requirements contingent on that aid and Congress signed the check.
Trump stepping in asking for any additional requirements beyond this ("a favor") diminishes the integrity of the United States and its word while simultaneously destabilizing international relations with our friends and giving comfort to our enemies.
It would be wanton and reckless if it were not so carefully planned and calculated by multiple parties, including Trump.
That is enough to make it an impeachable offense for me, even before considering that "the favor" seemed to be of a personal nature, not related to United States' interests.
5
As the saying goes, if a person does not like what he or she is hearing, then change the conversation or narrative.
In this case, the Republicans did not like nor believe what Lt. Col. Vindman had to say in his testimony before the impeachment committee, so they requested Lt. Col. Vindman’s former superior, Tim Morrison, to testify. Here is someone who is eagerly and willing to testify against the statements Lt. Col. Vindman made as well as disparage and smear his professional image, not unlike what happened to Marie L. Yovanovitch, former United States ambassador to Ukraine.
None of this should be a surprise seeing that Tim Morrison is a huge Trump loyalist in the White House. I’m sure the Republicans believe his testimony will be a slam dunk for them and their defense of Trump.
He is “expected to testify on Tuesday afternoon that he heard nothing illegal as he listened in real time to a July 25 telephone call between Mr. Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky.”
This simply goes to show that the Republicans are so desperate to steer the narrative in their direction rather than in the direction of the truth, that they will do whatever it takes to accomplish that task.
2
Since when is "conducting foreign policy" (according to Nunes) asking foreign governments to find dirt on one's political opponent?
10
Repubs continue to ignore crimes, like Jordan ignored pedophiles attacking his students.
19
paul - spot on.
7
The rest of us are thanking God we were not ordained to be there with Perry and Trump.
4
Trump questioning judgment of anyone is too rich to contemplate.
11
Shame on the republican committee members and the White House for disparaging Vindman— their comments and behavior give new meaning to the phrase “beneath contempt.”
Disgusting and disrespectful.
10
If as Republican Rep Nunes claims the impeachment inquiry is a "circus" then the Republicans are its clowns.
12
The GOP continues their attempts to make the impeachment inquiries about the Bidens. Last I checked, these inquiries are about Trump and his inappropriate and possibly treasonous actions to obtain assistance from a foreign government in influencing the results of the upcoming 2020 elections. I'm still dumbfounded by the number of highly intelligent people I know that continue to support the GOP and Trump even though their diversion tactics are so transparent. Their attacks on highly decorated, long standing government employees and military personnel is appalling. Not sure what it will take before the dam finally breaks and the President and the GOP are held to account.
15
Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH) willing to look past trump's transgressions just like when he was the Ohio State University's assistant wrestling coach and was willing to look past the team's doctor sexually abusing the team's wrestlers.
45
I am so sick of the bully behavior of this White House.
25
@Jean, l just can’t help but wonder how things would be today if after Trump’s legitimate election we’d all held our noses and sang “hail to the chief” rather than “hail to the thief.” Much of what we’re enduring today I feel we’ve brought on ourselves borne out of spite. Each side’s disdain for the other’s has certainly helped to fuel this food fight.
@John Doe
Whoa, “Trump’s legitimate election”?! There are many of us who read the Mueller report and categorically reject that statement. If you haven’t read any of the report, look at Volume 1 and see how TRump opened the door to Russian assistance to win, despite what his toady AG Barr stated in his false summary of the report. Trump did it smugly, calling on Russia to find Hillary’s emails, refusing to believe our intelligence community. Many of us feel his administration is fraudulent but we have persevered the last 3 years and look forward to voting him and his corruption out of office. Until then, we stand in shocked amazement at his followers who scream in delight as Trump shreds the Constitution and the principles on which America was founded. Characterizing this animosity as a “food fight” greatly underestimates what’s transpired since TRump rode down that elevator. He’s topped 13,500 lies! We may stay far apart for a while.
1
Questioning the loyalty of Lt. Col. Vindman who received a purple heart after being wounded in combat, a person who was vetted by the most strict procedures in order to be on the security council is beyond the pale. That can be done only by a bunch of dirtbags trying to save Donald J. Trump from himself.
35
Hey! Trump supporters. Where are you? Can't lie your way through this, can you.
14
@Max Deitenbeck
Um...that's precisely what they will do...lie their way through it. It's what they've done from day one.
2
"Little, shifty Schiff."
Sakes, the man has a way with words. Cicero--Demosthenes! Move over. Make room for the REAL master of language.
The man is a rat caught in a trap. He bares his teeth. As he can, he lunges forward, snapping (with those tiny jaws) at anything that moves.
It mounts up, New York Times. It mounts up--the evidence of real live malfeasance "in real time" (as the approved saying is)--and he can do nothing.
Except what he and his GOP backers are doing nonstop. Obfuscate. Denigrate. Insinuate. Disparage.
Never a direct, frontal attack. Dear me, no. The facts--and I do mean the REAL facts, not any ALTERNATIVE facts that might be lurking in the shadows--the FACTS would obliterate them. The facts ARE obliterating them.
So we deal (as doubtless we will in 2020) with monikers and slogans and hashtags. "Witch hunt"--ah yes. I've heard THAT one before--many times. "Hoax"--ditto. "Kangaroo court"--no, that's a new one.
Keep 'em coming, Mr. President. And you two worthy gentlemen, Mr. Nunes and Mr. Jordan. Galahads both of you! tilting your lances as it were for the damsel in distress--
--no no. Sorry. We're not talking about a real damsel here.
We're talking about an ageing, corpulent, red-faced, ever-scowling CROOK.
Whose inveterate crookedness--a lifetime of crookedness--
--is finally, ineluctably--
--catching up with him.
Do what you can, you guys.
Do what you can.
28
Dear lord how I miss "No Drama" Obama!!
36
My disgust with people like Nunes is overwhelmed with my gratitude for people like Col. Vindman. The patriot Vindman will help our country get past the traitors.
35
The bigger scam is a POTUS who occupies the WH after he lost the election by 3 million votes. Then he selects his own advisors and questions their loyalty to our country when they dare to not blow smoke for him.
12
“It is improper for the president of the United States to demand a foreign government investigate a U.S. citizen and political opponent.” Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman
Gross abuse of Presidential power.
Corruption of the highest office in the land.
America deserves more than a Trumpian crook and his personal ensemble of 'deep state' Giuliani cretins running America's foreign policy over an Eastern European cliff.
Impeach Donald Trump; he's a serious threat to national security.
18
Inappropriate??? That’s impeachable!!! Good work, Dems!
5
Couldn't there be an article of impeachment which makes it clear that Trump is a worthless example of a human being who simply does not deserve to be president of the United States? After all the Republicans impeached and tried Clinton for the crime of being stupid. Trump is just plain evil.
13
Why is there a man wearing a MAGA hat in the rear of the Congressional Hearing Room right now?
4
Republicans at this hearing are disgusting. Enough from them. They are the traitors and it is their loyalty that should be suspect.
10
Republican Rep. Nunes keeps referring to the impeachment inquiry as a "circus." The only thing circus-like about this inquiry is the impressive lion by the Republican ringmasters.
16
@Jay Orchard
Yes, The lion and the pander bears!
4
@Astute Commentary
not to forget the Alternative Facts Acrobats and the Deep State Contortionists
Cheering on the Tamers of the Lying!
1
Incurring Lieutenant Colonel Vindman's and Jennifer Williams' disapproval is not an impeachable offense. Neither testified Trump committed an impeachable offense.
1
Their testimony is probative given their level of training, education and experience related to matters they’re testifying about, which is far beyond the black void level of ignorance Mr. Trump demonstrates on a daily basis. All roads do indeed lead to Putin with this president. It is plain to any reasonable (and honest) observer that Donald J. Trump is a dangerous national security risk.
13
@William Case They testified that they heard Mr Trump condition his White House meeting on Ukraine's opening an investigation of the Bidens, when the former vice president is Mr. Trump's chief rival. They later learned that congressionally appropriated military aid has been delayed until those conditions are met. Mr. Trump thus invited foreign interference in our elections -- an abuse of power that is certainly at the level of a "high crime or misdemeanor" -- and violated our election laws as well. And withholding of military aid based on a personal "favor," to quote Mr. Trump, is "bribery" within the meaning of the Constitution's drafters. Why can't you see the plain facts?
12
@William Case
please trump extorted a foreign government and created a shadow government to get it done - if that isn't impeachable than nothing is.
We don't have a tyrant we have a president who is not above the law - unlike barr seems to think
10
The hearings so far:
Democrats- Can you tell us what you heard and when you heard it?
Republicans- Your service to our country means nothing, you’ve always hated Trump, and describe you actions and whereabouts in 2016.
18
So extremely touching to see bravery in the face of vehement attacks. Thank you for your service.
25
By making no effort to probe into the facts of the events that transpired this past year in shaping policy toward Ukraine, and by doing nothing but trying to impugn the character of factual witnesses, Republicans are demonstrating again and again that they have no interest in finding out the truth of what happened. Clearly, they simply want to win the votes of ardent Trump supporters and to please Trump so that he will come to their districts and help them get reelected. Their cowardice and selfishness is an absolute disgrace. History will not look kindly upon the Republican party of 2019.
24
Not so sure Trump coming to their districts helps them!
1
@Laura Reich that's a good point, but I think they think so
Democrats are playing small ball. Enough of the phone call already, we get it. Republicans will continue to "so what" the bribe.
Barely mentioned in today's hearings were Putin and Russia. If impeachment is to succeed democrats must tie the Ukraine call, with the bigger picture that is Trump's continued aiding and abetting of Putin. That message of betrayal of national self interest will resonate.
If I were the democrats in these hearings, I would constantly draw the line between Helsinki, Trump's continued praise of Putin, and Ukraine call.
8
@Mark
Solid comment, “national self interest”. I like this, thanks. I agree it’s critical to draw the hard, bright line for those watching/listening.
1
Republicans are correct questioning Vindman's loyalty, because what they mean is loyalty to Trump.
Loyalty to our nation ... Well, who would you rather be in foxhole with: Vindman or Gym Jordan?
15
The White House and the republicans who denigrate the very people who literally put their lives on the line or are parents who gave the ultimate sacrifice should be loudly and repeatedly shamed for their inexcusable and unpatriiotic behavior. They owe the military, military parents and the public a sincere apology.
16
It’s a relatively tiny thing, but how(!) in the world am I going to deal with my in-laws at Thanksgiving who are .still. standing by 45...? Who seem to believe everything he says, everything Nunes says, and who are apparently incapable of realizing how much they are dragging our country into the mud? How utterly disrespectful this administration is to the men and women of impeccable character and integrity who serve this nation? How my brothers, who served, how my grandfather who served in WWII must be turning in his grave... How can I ever look these people, who I have always thought highly of, in the face again?
22
@Lilly: If you have dogs or cats, maybe you could set out an extra bowl there for the in-laws. Your pets won't care what they blather on about, as long as they're fed.
I’m in the same boat! So sad.
1
Order take out Chinese
I watched while the republican counsel 'whipersnapper' tried to denigrate the Lt. Col by insinuating that he had dual loyalty because he was offered a military job in Ukraine. Not to mention the 'burn spur' Chief in the oval office sent a tweet disparaging him-but I guess I just did. So, many of these guys who mostly on the republican team probably never served at 80 I did put in my 8 yrs in the guard and air force reserves during the Nam war. Here is what should happen once a democrat gets in- nominate Vidman for full Col and then followup w Grig. Gen. or the latter first would be the least this country could do. He carries shrapnel in him and not 'bone spurs'.
14
It's rich, isn't it, that the only thing the Republican consiglieri seem capable of doing is throwing shade at Vindman's "loyalty"--questioning a career military man with a purple heart! Whose father came to this country--our own country--for a better life. The ironies abound. For the GOP, though, it's not about loyalty to country...but to their mob boss who makes them cower in fear. Vindman's moral stature grows by the hour.
13
"WE want to thank you for your service"
May we now begin to disparage your good names and duty to this country?
Thank you.
The Republicans involved in these hearings have no shame.
This is a very sad time in our history, and all of the Republicans who sat on their hands while the lying, cheating, and abhorrent behavior of the president and his henchmen and women took place will be remembered as cowards or selfish egomaniacs.
12
Just when one thinks that there is no way the Republicans can drag this nation further down into the Trumpian abyss that they have created - they find new ways to do so.
Viciously attacking witnesses and putting their lives and their families lives at risk is inhuman and indecent behavior that Trump and the GOP has made their standard of practice. They are all shameless and must be replaced to save our country from a fascist dictatorship.
10
Fox News quickly picked up on the Republican line of questioning, sending out a news alert moments after Mr. Castor finished: “Vindman says Ukrainian official offered him the job of Ukrainian defense minister.”
_______________________
This deceit, masquerading as journalism, is why we can’t have nice things.
21
Definition of the word bribe:
Money or any other valuable consideration given or promised with a view to corrupting the behavior of a person, especially in that person's performance as an athlete, public official, etc.
Anything given or serving to persuade or induce.
Isn't this what Trump did with reference to Ukraine? Enlighten me if I am wrong.
21
@Roger
Nope, you’re not wrong at all. Amazing how simple it is when we stop listening to the Republicans trying to focus attention elsewhere.
4
Stark contrast between these two men in characters and deeds.
Vindman
1. Immigrant and a naturalized US citizen.
2. Humble upbringing.
3. Educated and becomes a scholar.
4. Served the country with multiple tours and awarded a
purple heart.
5. Sacrifice and serves the country.
6. Honesty and integrity.
7. Courage and speaks truth to power.
8. Moral.
Trump
1. US born citizen.
2. Inherited massive wealth.
3. Attempted to conceal high school grade.
4. Dodged Vietnam War on multiple occasions.
5. Bullying all his life.
6. Lied > 13,000 times during his presidency.
7. Cowardice and panders to authoritarian and dictator.
8. Amoral.
At the end of the day, which man do you believe or choose for American values and morals ?
46
Yes, actually subpoena Trump and make him testify in person on TV. He wants others to make his case. Let's all see how he answers questions and what answers he gives us impromptu in real time. He may exonerate himself and we can go back to our daily lives or he may convict himself and the Republicans will be left in the wilderness. If everything is perfect, come out and stand up in front of America and give us your side of the story. Anything less is cowardly and suggests you are afraid of your shadow.
14
It is APPALLING that republicans are working overtime to smear Lt. Col. Vindman. They show their own treacherous character denigrating a man who has literally bled for this country, and has the integrity to stand in front of this firing squad and take this abuse. I stand with all decent Americans and applaud his courage, once again taking on enemy fire in service to his country.
16
This will work. No one is watching.
3
Rachelle Lane -- sorry to have to tell you, but at last count, more than 13 million Americans are tuned in....
https://www.forbes.com/sites/markjoyella/2019/11/18/13-million-watch-second-day-of-trump-impeachment-hearings/#626f55aa44fb
7
@Rachel Lane
Surprise! Millions are watching, have been since this morning. And if you read more of the comments/replies, you’ll see there is little support for how the Republicans are comporting themselves.
1
@Rachelle Lane
Au contraire! People around the world are watching .
As the USA has sunk low in the trust and respect of other nations, it is in our interest to watch. I'm sorry to be your northern neighbor.....US Banana Republic stench drifts across our border. Looking for a day when it will stop.
Have to tell Rep Jim Jordan (R-OH) is acting in a manner which is antithetical to the best interest of POTUS Trump. Badgering a and acting Lt. Colonel is simply disgusting behavior and regardless of the merits of the arguments for and against impeachment and convictions, Jordan's caustic and disrespectful tone will sway support away from Trump. Attacks on Lt. Colonel Vindman are an assault on the honor of our uniformed service members who "do their jobs" without regard to political bias or partisan politics - unlike Jim Jordan who is a disgrace to the office he holds and the Buckeye State.
7
“White House officials fault Trumps Ukraine call”
These hearings will have to generate headlines that are far more ‘bombshelly’ than this move public opinion
3
@John
There are millions tuning into these hearings, many of us since this morning. The comments/replies show great interest in the testimonies. I’m encouraged.
1
Today I felt I could smell Frank Luntz's linguistic "consulting" (left over from the 2016 campaign) behind the overwrought GOP verbiage. Words like charade, hysteria, circus....As the proverb goes, when you point a finger, there are three fingers pointing back at you.
5
what did the GOP have to say when Oliver North testified in uniform?
4
"leading the witnesses through a series of questions intended to suggest that the former vice president had intervened in Ukraine’s domestic affairs to benefit his son, Hunter Biden, despite the lack of evidence."
C-mon! More of "nothing to see here, move along" from NYT which sounds like a broken record whenever they mention Joe Biden (re:"lack of evidence"). Out of partisan loyalty I presume? The very fact that Joe Biden intervened is evidence in and of itself. That others were concerned with prosecutor being ineffective or possibly corrupt is utterly irrelevant and does not explain the timing. Joe suddenly became interested and concerned with prosecutor's effectiveness only after Burisma was investigated. He used a threat of withholding taxpayer's $$ of US aid to Ukraine (bragged publicly about it) and his actions clearly helped his son to keep a cushy job he was unqualified for. This is not a conduct expected of a presidential candidate even if there is no criminal statute for it. Imagine that facts of the story are the same but the name Biden is replaced with Trump, I bet that very same stuff would suddenly feel impeachable, despite "lack of evidence".
2
Biden was working in concert with other governments in the interest of US foreign policy. Period. Let's not fool ourselves that Trump cared about corruption in Ukraine or anywhere else. If you look up corruption in the dictionary his face and the faces of that whole money-grubbing clan will be there.
2
@Valery
Let me straighten out a few points you made, your comments aren’t informed. As VP, Joe Biden was the point person for Obama’s Ukraine policy. It included a “get tough” approach to rooting out rampant corruption in Ukraine. The EU countries were also concerned and backed Obama’s approach. Biden is on record stating that millions in aid would be withheld from Ukraine unless their current prosecutor Shokin was removed and quickly. He was and aid was then released. That’s how Biden intervened, his actions were in support of US foreign policy, NOT his son. These activities are in no way what TRump did to Zelensky. The difference is stark: Biden’s intervention was to pursue US foreign policy in the full light of day. In TRump’s case, he sought to gain a personal favor from Zelensky, against our national interest and it was deliberately hidden from view. (call details moved to a super-secret server).
Personally, I think Hunter Biden’s job with Barisma was untimely. But it was in no way illegal and it was completely distinct from his father’s work as VP. And Hunter joined the board as a consultant in 2015, a year after an investigation into Barisma was completed.
Hope this helps clear up your confusion.
3
@Charlene Barringer
Thoroughly confused you are and in poor command of the facts and timing. Burisma investigations were closed by Shockin's successor Lutsenko. Hunter benefited monetarily by continuing to work for corrupt oligarch. His dad (Joe) helped to shield the company from continuing investigation. That others wanted Shokin removed is, as I said, utterly irrelevant. It was beneficial to the Bidens. That it coincided with stated foreign policy is utterly irrelevant. Please educate yourself:
https://thehill.com/opinion/white-house/436816-joe-bidens-2020-ukrainian-nightmare-a-closed-probe-is-revived
What will Mrs. Pence say now?
4
Sitting here in middle America, I am struck by the sarcasm and belligerent tone of the Republican Congressmen and women towards people who do their jobs for little pay and little glory out of a sense of duty and patriotism. I guess the the GOP House thinks that Americans are too stupid to be able the tell the difference between a political mule and a partisan hack and an acting Lt Colonel in the United States Army. Make no mistake, Jim Jordan is a liability for Trump and he is turning public opinion against the President with his bullying innuendo and caustic tone.
12
I am a liberal and have not supported any Republicans. However, I have never encouraged my children to dislike the President of the United States. We may differ in our political positions, but the President deserves our respect as the leader of our country. Until now. Now I regularly tell my 7-year old when she asks about the President that he is a depraved coward and a criminal foisted upon us by a party of racists. Such an unfortunate situation. Hopefully she will live in a future devoid of Republicans.
16
A suggestion: why not simply write "Trump Phone Call! Phone Call! Phone Call!” In block letters every day in The Times. It would have the same impact as your stories. That is, zero.
2
I am honestly struggling to understand why Republicans continue to defend the President.
No reasonable Congressperson should let the Executive branch so easily undo their work - i.e., withhold Congressionally-allotted military aid for personal gain. Terrible precedent to condone that.
I had thought Republicans' defense of the President was advantageous for their winning upcoming elections. But so far, Trump is a liability in elections.
As the truth mounts and their defense of the President gets untenably thin and less politically advantageous, I wonder how they will crumble.
I voted for Obama but would want him impeached over this, had he done the same.
If I were a Republican, I'd be looking for another affiliation, as I watched my party trash the Constitution and their oaths of office for personal political gain (i.e., Trump's support).
335
@STG There's something bonding the GOP, probably a pact with the Russian government.
15
@STG Donald Trump committed crimes with Ukraine. Trump stopped $392 million in Military Aide to Ukraine. Trump wanted dirt on the Bidens. Bribery. Taking anything from foreigners breaks election laws.White House covered up the call. Donald Trump is not fit for office. Ray Sipe
26
@STG I have suggested before that the current Republican party is tantamount to a criminal enterprise. If you entertain this possibility, everything else makes sense. These people have a criminal heart. What shocks you and I, seems quite ethical and moral and legal to them. They are Roy Cohns. Struggle no more.
29
Prouder to be an American everyday I watch these proceedings.
142
@Greg Tutunjian
I hope your pride in America is sustained to the end.
It seems the outcome of this trial is preordained.
At the end, your pride may return to dismay.
5
Amen!
Feels good, eh?
When Chris Stewart (R-UT) questioned Vindman, I found an error in one of Vindman’s responses.
Stewart asked if Trump is or was a member of the military. Vindman answered no. Vindman should have said yes — he’s the Commander in Chief.
1
I'm not sure being the commander in chief makes part of the military so much as the authoritarian over it. but it is a potato potatoe issue either way.
4
False. The President is a civilian.
8
He is not a member of military — had a chance to be but was able to use his daddy’s wealth to dodge military service.
6
Omg. The republicans are soooo smart. As Americans we’re lucky to have them as a political party.
2
Indeed we are lucky to have the GOP. I am amazed at their unwavering dedication to their oath to our constitution and their moral compass.
4
@Roger Unwavering is a great description! No climate change. Give big business free range. The rapture is coming and DJT will lead us straight into it.
4
Bribery is laid out in the Constitution. It is a legal term. The witnesses are part of fact finding. It is not their job to declare the charge of bribery. One only has to look up the word bribery to be able to fit that in perfectly with what the President was in the process of.
It becomes more and more obvious the Republicans don't like or want to talk about the facts.
27
It seems like every time there's a major televised political event, somebody publishes a photograph of the televisions at a Washington D.C. bar. Let's raise a glass to the intrepid reporters who journey out into the weather to let us know what's going on in drinking establishments in the nation's capital!
4
This is going down like scenes from the movie A Few Good Men, and most certainly a few great women.
13
The behavior and treatment of the witnesses by the Republicans is reprehensible. Smearing Americans and patriots for your political interests is behavior that all Americans should denounce.
37
My grandfather, who fought in WWII, must be turning in his grave.
15
“Have you no decency?” redux.
6
After hearing Lt. Col. Vindman speak and the attempts to insult, disparage and destroy him both during the inquiry and outside of it on social media platforms by the propaganda machine Fox and from the taxpayer paid White House Twitter account as well as from members of Trump's family, I am in tears. Thank you for your service to our country, Lt. Col. Vindman. Thank you for standing as a patriot, thank you for standing for truth and justice.
42
Republicans made a huge mistake with so much focus on attacking Vindman's character. Maloney's retort was one of the best moments of these hearings so far.
12
I just want to let the GOP members of the committee know that I am not tired of this process, and that they do not speak for me. I also see through it very well: This president is completely corrupt and answers to no one, and the GOP is too cowardly to stand up to him.
39
This unwavering dedication and unquestioning loyalty to Trump is going to come around like a boomerang and hit them on the head soon.
2
Lt. Col. Vindman is a true patriot. He brings honor to his country and my country. ...My country 'tis of thee.
16
Vindman and Williams are everything the Republican party is not. Brave, patriotic and honest.
31
@Richard Wilson
Democrat shills? They are pathetic...
There you have it, again.
Thank you, Ms. Williams and Lt. Colonel Vindman.
18
All of this is nonsense.
Move to a vote now...but the Dems won't.
They know they need to keep the "circus" going for as long as they can.
There's zero need for these hearings and testimony. There is not one Dem in the House who will not do the right thing and vote against impeachment. So it will pass.
The Dems deep fear is - once they lose control of the narrative of impeachment when it goes to the Senate - so will their hopes for a win in 2020.
We all know this.
4
@DB The word you're looking for is "responsible government." In this case, one branch exercising its oversight of a co-equal branch.
The fact at hand is that a sitting president asked the leader of a foreign country for "a favor." That favor was not to investigate general corruption, but to investigate the son of the top candidate in the race against him.
The law is clear here:
§30121. Contributions and donations by foreign nationals
(a) Prohibition
It shall be unlawful for-
(1) a foreign national, directly or indirectly, to make-
(A) a contribution or donation of money or other thing of value, or to make an express or implied promise to make a contribution or donation, in connection with a Federal, State, or local election;
(B) a contribution or donation to a committee of a political party; or
(C) an expenditure, independent expenditure, or disbursement for an electioneering communication (within the meaning of section 30104(f)(3) of this title); or
(2) a person to solicit, accept, or receive a contribution or donation described in subparagraph (A) or (B) of paragraph (1) from a foreign national.
The "thing of value" is a news conference smearing the son of a political rival.
65
@DB
The hearings serve a very important purpose in this process: They put everything on public record. They allow viewers to see and hear those questioning and those answering. The gestures, facial expressions and tone of voice of all help add context and perspective. For instance, see Jordan to be exactly what he is: like an over-matched, underweight wrestler trying desperately to score on an escape move. See the shrill harpie from the New York state outback trying to seethe her one-sided and inadequately developed positions into righteous -- but really over wrought -- indignation that could cause the Trump base to make sham conclusions of merit. This will be on record forever. And that serves a purpose. Remember, the Repubs have tried at various times to brand all of this as a secret effort to undermine Herr Leader. It is painful at times to watch, but oh so necessary.
49
@DB Oh my. "We all know this"?
What I know, which is reinforced with every hearing, is that trump leveraged ours and Ukraine's national security for his own personal interest. It was dangerous, corrupt, and unprecedented. Oh, and Putin benefited too.
22
Tell me again what the crime is?
Do the people in the Dem Focus groups concur?
4
It can be told again, but it cannot be understood for you.
62
@PTM Predicating congressionally mandated aid on doing your personal/political dirty work, maybe?
37
@PTM Extortion and bribery, and now obstruction of justice. Ain't rocket science you know.
109
By denigrating these witnesses and tearing at their patriotism in spite of obvious proof they are deeply patriotic, Trump and other GOPers show that when the facts and the truth is NOT on you side, this is the only argument left.
Trump claims that he is thinking about testifying perhaps by writing answers to questions. Serious doubt has to be given to this statement until there is strong evidence he does intend to carry out the action.
232
@Sajwert
Trump is on record as having publicly lied over 13,500 times since becoming President. He is currently being investigated for lying to Robert Mueller during that investigation. As a chronic, pathological liar, Trump's words are meaningless.
56
@Sajwert If Trump testifies, he needs to testify live, not with written answers that any of his flunkies could write for him.
54
@Sajwert If Richard Nixon and Bill Clinton testified in person, and that Trump lies more than tells the truth, he should testify - in person - under oath. That way, if he lies, perjury would be added to his list of crimes. He hasn't been honorable in the past 30 years, is not honorable as of now, why would he change? Instead of watching the Impeachment Hearings on television and/or playing some golf, he should be forced to testify.
5
As a Vietnam-era veteran, I am appalled at the Republican attacks on a decorated soldier.
Where are my fellow veterans? A personal attack on the character of one of us is an attack on all of us.
Worse, the attacks are in service of a five-time draft dodger.
824
I fully agree with you. I am a VN veteran and I am repulsed by the attacks, not only on Ltc Vindman but also on Ambassador Taylor and others who may not wear a uniform but are equally in service to our nation. All of this on top of the recent interference by Trump with overturning rulings by the military courts is too much. The rippling conversations within the current active duty military communities cites the impact on enforcement of the UCMJ and is overturning any previous support for Trump.
168
@Alex
Don’t forget that Trump ripped off veterans charities as well.
172
@Alex
Bravo Alex. Well said about a deplorable and despicable scenario.
Just when one thinks the bar could not be lowered any further, here comes additional verbal attacks and threats to a decorated war veteran.
Such vile behavior is beyond comprehension..
68
It's been interesting to listen to an active army officer in uniform testify and speak disapprovingly of Trump, our commander-in-chief, on the irregular foreign policy moves that are being made in the Oval Office.
You can sense the nervousness of Republicans, which is rightly placed - especially when it comes time for 2020... The governor races in Louisiana and Kentucky are decent indications of what's to come.
The citizens are not stupid, despite Republicans' persistence on thinking we don't know what 'quid pro quo' is.
278
Are these hearings having an effect? You bet!
My mother-in-law is the widow of a deceased Air Force Major who served from Korea to Vietnam. She is a registered Republican who has voted straight Republican tickets since Nixon's presidency. She said last night that she has been watching the hearings and doesn't know what has happened to her party. She is not just disgusted with Trump. She said she is disgusted with the congressional Republicans participating in these hearings and the ones she sees in the news defending Trump.
She lives in a southwestern Pennsylvania retirement community, is an active participant in social activities, and hosts and visits with other retiree neighbors and friends on a weekly basis. Previously she did not fault Republicans in Congress for Trump's behavior. That has now changed. She may never vote for a Democrat in any election but now she doesn't want to vote for a Republican in any election! And she is not hesitant to share her views!
How many more of these traditional Republicans are not just offended by Trump but offended by their Republican representatives? My mother-in-law is a sharp person who is closely following the hearings. She is not alone. The more these hearings showcase Republicans defaming military personnel, dismissing the loyalty and credibility of distinguished, honorable witnesses and insulting the intelligence of the viewers by claiming a duck is not a duck, the more members of the Republican Party will turn on them.
475
God bless your mother-in-law! Many of the elders in my life watch too much Fox News as their sole source of news, so they are getting only one point of view.
34
That is today’s great tragedy, people that only listen to and watch what they want to listen to and want to watch in order to have confirmed what they already believe.
16
Your comments give me hope.
31
A poignant scene: Ms. Williams departing the hearing after giving testimony against the so-called POTUS and taking a cab.
Remember when people didn’t have limos and fancy SUV’s but had character instead?
26
If a mob boss told a supplicant owed $4 MM that he “needed a favor”, apparently some on the Committee would call that a friendly request. Anyone should understand the implied coercion and power imbalance. Here’s the most powerful leader in the world talking to a newly elected inexperienced leader of a nation very dependent on the US in its fight against another more powerful nation. How could he not hear that as what it clearly was? And the fact that Republicans are claiming the Ukrainian now says he felt no pressure is laughable — because Trump would be oh so understanding in his future dealings with him if he disagrees with Trump’s line now. The good news for Republicans is that the base is secure. The bad news — from Kentucky and Louisiana, and 2018 — is that everyone else is in play and they’re not convincing anyone but the base.
19
If Americans don't know the facts of this case, they could easily be bewildered, with all its twists, convoluted improprieties (esp. with Giuliani's goofy but perhaps diabolical shenanigans), and the dust storms being kicked up by the Republicans and Fox News.
There is a dynamic in psychology called field dependence versus field independence. In field dependence, people's perception is easily influenced by the moment, but in field independence, people manage to screen out the extraneous information to concentrate on what is essential. My bet is the Head of Republican Strategy and Talking Points knows this principle well & is using it to the max.
But I really understand why judges are so necessary at trials--just to keep lawyers on track and not getting away with tactics that mislead or disinform the jury. Nunes attempt to make Hunter Biden, not Trump, the culprit who did wrong by our country was outrageous. Fox News fans by it.
But, after watching the Republicans at these impeachment inquiries, and following Trump and his henchmen's lies and upending of U.S. policy in the Ukraine (which those testifying have made clear), I don't think Trump and the Republicans are on the side of the U.S. anymore, because Putin has gotten almost all of what he wanted from Trump.
Think about what the Republicans are actually defending and what that means for our country and its future.
And Tucker Carlson says the hearings are "boring." Wonder why he would say that?
13
It speaks volumes about the way Trump is doing his job that he’s never met people working for him on the level of today’s witnesses.
9
Thanks to Rep. Schiff’s leadership, this morning’s testimonies were strikingly clear and damming for Trump and Republicans on the Committee. The facts supporting impeachment were presented in a clear, crisp, credible manner, and in a way that the public can understand.
Lt. Col. Vindman, in his uniform, comes across totally credible and loyal to country and the military. Ms. Williams was exceptionally credible, ethical, moral and professional as well. Rabid dog, Jim Jordan was reduced to size. Rep Stefanik -the new Michelle Backmann with brains - along with Liz Cheney are the new mean girls of the GOP.
17
Devin Nunes spent his entire opening remarks bashing the media. That said, not one Republican seemed to have any issue with Trump and his "perfect phone call." Republicans know Trump did the indefensible. That's why they deflect and in Nunes' case go after the media.
14
I see a lot of comments about how childish the Republican defense is, but they know exactly what they are doing by basing their inquiry entirely on slander, lies, and debunked conspiracy theories. Their abuse of the 1st Amendment is both calculated and insidious in the extreme. They know very well that they are dealing in lies. They know very well that they are deliberately misleading the public and they know very well that they are assassinating the character of these witnesses. It's a breathtakingly unpatriotic display of anti-Americanism and an extreme abuse of their oaths of office. But, based on recent polls, it's working -- the Trump base hasn't really wavered, despite the very, very obvious evidence of his wrong-doing presented here. The problem is a whole segment of the population is not seeing through the GOP lies and not fact checking them, and that's something the GOP is only too willing to exploit for what are obviously nefarious purposes. We need a way to hold these con-artists accountable.
20
@Brannon Perkison
Don't be so sure it is working. More and more people are increasingly appalled - even a few Trump supporters appear to be appalled. Just look at the last four elections. Trump is a mill stone around the Republican's necks. Couldn't happen to a less patriotic group of traitors.
3
“Dad, Do not Worry. I will be fine, for telling the Truth “.
A real American Patriot and Hero.
35
I was amused with the line of questioning about Trump not knowing the difference between "a demand" and "asking for a favor." Every American who ever watched a Godfather movie knows what a "favor is." Every developer who has built buildings in NYC has had to do and grant favors.
A favor is not optional if requested by someone who literally (or actually) can kill you. If you think that is a joke, count the bodies in Syria. President Trump's behavior, style of doing business, and personal demeanor are right out of the Godfather's play book.
18
Trump celebrates Putin denigrating US intelligence work, before the world, and then Republicans' response is to question Vindman's allegiance to the United States.
Surreal.
But true.
Vote the rebels out, the partisanship of the Republicans is turning into utter betrayal.
18
Ron Johnson is helping to lead the attacks on Vindman.
Sixty-five years ago, a previous representative of the US Army said, to previous senator from Wisconsin, ‘at long last, Sir, have you no sense of decency?’
That episode became the start on Joe McCarthy’s downfall.
17
There are many women and men, who, like Colonel Vindman and Ambassador Yovanovich, believe in duty, honor and country and "doing the right thing" for country, their fellow countrymen and the nation itself. Quite obviously, Mr. Nunes and the big boss man above him believe solely in doing what is best for themselves. Period.
10
After the “commander-in-Chief” trashed and disparaged a decorated soldier who earned his citations under hostile fire, my question is this: how many potential soldiers and sailors and marines and airmen—defenders of the colors—has he discouraged from serving?
He didn’t; he ran from harm’s way, but that doesn’t count. Silly me.
7
I listened this morning for about ten minutes and decided I did not need the aggravation of listening to the Republican’s speeches. I will read your reporting but leave the TV off.
9
A draft dodger and Republicans attacking a decorated soldier telling the truth: have they no shame.
11
Vindiman. A request from a superior officer is a command.
Republican. Trump never served in the military, right?
Vindiman. That is correct.
Republican. Therefore, since Trump never served in the military, his request cannot be construed has a command, right.
Vindiman. Correct.
Gee even if he didn’t serve in the military, that is irrelevant to this line of reasoning.
Last I heard, the President is the Commander in Chief. He has authority over all of the armed forces. Seems to me that he can order military officers to do what ever he wants, provided it is legal.
Therefore, if the President makes a request, that should be taken as an order. Even if he is eating a Big Mac while in his pajamas.
11
@Country Doc In The Mountains
May I suggest spell check?
1
Shorter Donald Trump: “Corruption is a prime concern for me. No one knows more about corruption than me.”
4
It is becoming truly intolerable watching these Republicans beclowning themselves viciously attacking people whose greatest sin is that they were concerned that what the President was doing something wrong enough to motivate them to risk their careers and come forward. These are not vacuous Instagram "celebrities" looking to extend their fifteen minutes. Meanwhile, Trump commits one outrage after another, even during the actual hearing, and suddenly these same sycophantic lapdogs are struck mute. And heaven forbid they should express an iota of protest at the executive branch's snubbing of their own House subpoenas. What a warped moral spectrum these cowards see the world through.
8
Dad, my sitting here today, in the U.S. Capitol talking to our elected officials, is proof that you made the right decision 40 years ago to leave the Soviet Union and come here to the United States of America in search of a better life for our family,” Colonel Vindman said. “Do not worry, I will be fine for telling the truth.”
I am in tear to read this. I am the "Dad" here for my family, leaving my country for a better life for the USA about 20 years ago. I believe that I have made the right decision. Colonel Vindman, your dad must be proud of you. Thank you! You set a good example for immigrants.
16
And our country is richer for having you. Thank you for choosing the US as your home.
3
@Janine Thank you for saying that. I came to the USA in 1999 with $700, borrowed from my sister. The great USA and kind Americans welcomed me - who was poor and spoke poor English - gracefully. Now I have a stable job (I am a physics teacher in a college), a house with mortgage paid off, 2 dogs, and 2 decent vehicles. And I have a few hundred thousand dollars saving in the bank. I attribute all of these to the USA country and the kind Americans. I often talk to myself: If one day the USA needs me, I will do everything I can to pay it back. It's really from the bottom of my heart.
After moved to the USA, I have learned a lot from Americans and I try to be a better person everyday. For example, I have learned to distinguish between right and wrong, whereas in the country I come from there is a big grey area between them. People are more afraid of doing the right thing there.
"The land of free, and the home of the brave". Yes, without the brave people like Colonel Vindman, there would not be "the land of free". There are many democratic nations in the world, but few are as great as the USA. The main reason is that there are many brave and kind people, risking their jobs, careers, maybe even lives, here trying to do the right things. We see the hope of the future USA from those people. And those people are my example and hero. I believe those people will have a positive position in the US, or even the world, history.
Donald Trump, on Lt. Col. Vindman having been wounded in combat: "I like people who weren't wounded."
8
As in my previous comments, Trump continues to paint himself into an inescapable corner. Day by day the public gets to see for themselves a President who is not fit for office. Every time I think of this Trump, I am reminded of children still behind bars, who but for no other reason than for being Hispanic, torn from their parents. I believe this cruel leader of our country who praises Putin more than our military heroes must be removed from office. If by impeachment or by voting, we as a nation must remove this most despicable person from governing our nation. Truth to power!!
209
Lt. Col. Vindman said that since he began participating in the hearings he has been excluded from meetings he would normally attend.
So, he has been retaliated against.
Surprise surprise, but still unnerving.
55
I listened to this morning's hearing. If Republicans are celebrating, I can't see why. Col. Vindman was unbreakable, in spite of their character attacks. A typical Republican tactic is to ask a question (at times after grandstanding) and then not let a witness complete an answer. They tried that today, unsuccessfully. One witness said the July 25th call was 'disturbing', the other 'shocking'. This afternoon Mr. Morrison will refer to the call as 'nothing illegal'. Mr. Morrison, a Trump appointee, was briefly the U.S. presidential advisor on Russia and Europe on the White House National Security Council. He resigned after three months.
24
Assuming, the impeachment goes through, I look forward to Republican Senators, laying down their votes regarding removal from office. Their re-election campaigns will be quite interesting. Many, but not all of course will have a difficult time securing another term in office.
Trump, won't get removed, even with all of this testimony by honorable professionals, Some Senators will likely get removed in 2020. Give me Mitch Mconnell for starters
22
my parents also fled Communism in the 60's. I would do the same because I love America. The truth cannot be covered up. The truth must always come out. This man is a patriot. The attacks on his reputation and the insinuation that he is a spy shows you exactly who these Republicans are and who they work for (Putin. ALL roads lead to Putin).
27
What's worse, being asked to serve as Ukraine's defense minister or serving as US president and doing Russia's bidding at most opportunities?
13
Release those tax returns...! We need to see just how compromised he is financially, not just morally, too.
4
My sincerest compliments to Lt. Col. Vindman for the elegance and grace he displayed while reading a glowing and exemplary performance evaluation Fiona Hill wrote about him in the early part of July 2019, which countered Rep. Jordan's nasty and vile attempt at smearing his abilities and performance with an alledged negative assessment and criticism from Ms. Hill
The audacity and cruel blatant smear campaign by the Republicans against witnesses at these hearings is abominable to say the very least.
Once again, Lt. Col. VIndman rose above the rancor and hate and was the perfect gentleman and professional which he has been his entire life.
34
Look , Today's hearings doesn't change anything.
We have a president doesn't have any feeling or sense of what is shame , embarrassment etc. just the opposite Trump feast on these particular feelings,.
In any previous administration, this level of character damaging scandal, literally would end the presidency.
Now We have a voter base, when you show an evidence of corruption , wrong doing , they are thinking that these are merits.
This is a situation nobody has clear solutions.
This is a situation clearly corrupts the soul of any nation.
7
@su
But the answer is the truth. Some may deny it, but all will see it eventually. Even if it takes years, these are historic records and this is an event our country must go through. What do we do when 30% of the people are traitors? This is what we have been deciding for the last three years. And we are succeeding with a majority of people.
1
Republicans are no longer patriots, they are partisans. They crossed the line when they target and smear decorated military professionals with impeccable careers to defend a corrupt and incompetent president . The US military was the last non-partisan institution admired and cherished by all American patriots. This is no longer true. How can any patriot support this party with a good conscience?
The military bases its mission on facts, science and truth. The GOP despises facts, science and the truth. No longer does the GOP support our military.
18
I hope Veterans are taking note.
I hope cooler head prevail when it comes to Vindman, but some of us remember the Swift boat commercials. This is just an updated version of swiftboating your opponents. Just find someone who personally doesn't like the guy, and then attack his loyalty or motives. It's an old tactic. As long as Fox News is willing to carry Trump's water on this, then people like Vindman will be brutally attacked and have their loyalty questioned. Of course, we almost never question the loyalty of a white guy whose family has been here more than one or two generations -- someone like Aldrich Ames, or Robert Hanssen?
13
POTUS and GOP hypocrisy is on full display.
Rick Perry engaged in graft with his Texas cronies, obtaining contracts for Ukrainian natural gas.
So is POTUS and the GOP calling for the Ukraine to root out Rick Perry’s corruption?
No, they are not.
Moreover, nothing is wrong with Vindman, this is a smear by POTUS - Trump’s default when caught.
If Vindman was a problem, then why does Trump repeatedly permit “bad” people to serve his administration; the only answer could be gross incompetence, ignorance and lack of judgment. And if such be the case, instead of impeachment, the Republicans need to be begging to invoke the 25th Amendment.
8
Another day, another playing of the Hit Parade: Deny, Distract, and Disparage. -C
6
Ukraine interfered in the US Elections not Russia.
Have you heard this before ?
Yes.
Where?
It is part of a Russian Intelligence Misinformation Campaign that is repeated by its agents, Mr Nunes.
21
Wait a minute - taxpayers are funding mr. Trump's Twitter account?! Cut that funding, NOW!
9
Generally, when I have a "routine physical" it is on a weekday and scheduled in advance. Just sayin'....I feel like he would lie to his mother about how old he is....
9
@Yertle We can only hope that there is something wrong with him besides his very unpleasant disposition.
2
Russo-Republican pretzel logic at its finest:
“Impeaching Trump will guarantee his reelection!”
But—
“This impeachment hearing is a scam! A kangaroo court!”
(Why is it that the Russo-Republicans are not in the least disturbed that Trump is doing his best to take away the electoral interference charge off Russia and pin it on Ukraine? Why is the former party of patriots now fully owned by Putin?)
5
@Opinioned! Putin/Trump: Make Russia Great Again
2
I guess the Repub politicians are feeling very insecure when they see an immigrant doing a great job of upholding his oath to defend the Constitution as they show nothing but cowardice. Repubs are nothing but shameful. They really do not belong in our government. Get rid of all of them.
12
My summary of the 1st part of today's hearings:
Rep. Nunes: you leaked information right?
Answer: no
Rep. Nunes: you really did leak information right?
Answer: no
Rep. Nunes: yes you did.
Answer: no I didnt.
Rep. Nunes: who's the whistle blower?
Answer: Impeachment hearing rules and the law prohibit me from answering that question.
Rep. Nunes: you're here to answer my questions. who's the whistle blower?
Answer: (silently "what planet is he on?")
20
You forgot one question - Nunes: Was the aid withheld? Witness: No. Nunes: So if the aid was released why are we still here in this bunker. Nunes: One last question, do you know the whistleblower?
It takes a special kind of psychological, intellectual, and moral gymnastics to continue to defend Trump. I kind of have to admire the degree to which the GOP has lost a grip on reality. Things must be nice and cozy in the "never-never land" their living in.
62
The line between truth and corruption U.S. politics just got a fresh coat of paint.
The Democrats are hoping America is paying attention --this is our duty to the nation as informed citizens.
The Republicans are hoping we'll swallow their right-wing soundbites.
It is all quite clear.
But has clarity ever met the Republican-controlled Senate?
21
VINDMAN: ...this is America. This is the country I've served and defended. That all of my brothers have served. And here, right matters.
.
.
If this doesn't matter, nothing does and nothing will.
Thank you, Mr. Vindman. Thank you!
73
@Anie G.
Thank you for your service!
2
There is a time and place for loyalty. A rule of thumb: If your boss or country asks for loyalty, give them integrity. If your boss or country asks for integrity, then give them loyalty.
28
Mr. Trump has conclusively demonstrated he really IS focused on corruption - not fighting it, just engaging in it on a daily basis.
49
The appropriateness of Trump's call is not Vindman's. Vindman is a fact witness. He testifies as to facts. He doesn't get to pass judgment and to propriety.
3
@MIKEinNYC He is a NSC employee. It is his job to decide whether the phone call jeopardized our security.
14
I did not see the part where he declared a judgement. Can you point that out?
2
Again the Republicans conducted their alternate sideshow. They showed they were not really interested in disputing the crux of the testimonies of Lt. Col. Vindman or Ms. Williams: What they witnessed was wrong and they reported it.
Rather, they were interested in attacking the media, in promoting Rudy Giuliani talking points and in chasing debunked conspiracy theories. Then they had the gall to attack Lt. Col. Vindman. What a cluster bomb disgrace!
Here, Right matters.
35
Adam Schiff in wrapping up: “It’s no less odious if it was discovered and stopped.” In other words nothing happened. The gun can’t smoke if the trigger was never pulled.
2
When you shot the gun and miss it is still a crime called attempted murder.
8
So conspiracy to commit a crime is not a crime? You better tell somebody because I don't believe our legal system got the word that conspiracy is perfectly legal.
7
@Edward Interesting...you must be a lawyer...yes?
2
Trump knows what won him (barely) the 2016 election. It was the Russian misinformation campaign claiming that Hillary was crooked--remember "Lock her up!" He wanted to do a replay for 2020 with Biden or the Democrats in general--that's why he was so focussed on getting Ukraine to announce "investigations" into the Bidens. He could claim his opposition was corrupt--again. Hard to play the same lie twice.
40
These republicans should be more than ashamed of themselves, but you have to have character to feel shame. Jordan, and others attack a decorated Military Officer Lt Col, Vindman, it’s a sad day for the Republican Party. The republicans can’t argue the facts, the substance, so they try and kill the messenger, that ploy may work against people perceived to be compromised in some way, like Stormy Daniels.
The idea is that since she works in an industry who’s movies aren’t generally shown in family type theaters, that somehow precludes her from being truthful, in reality working in “adult entertainment” doesn’t make her any less credible. One of their weakest arguments is that the democrats haven’t produced any witnesses that “heard” Trump order staff to withhold aid to Ukraine, is even more ridiculous, given the fact that those who did have conversations Mulvaney comes to mind, Giuliani, are defying subpoenas. Odd how you don’t hear the republicans mention that tiny bit of information.
But to make the assertion that Vindman isn’t loyal to the U.S. is to say that his service to this country deserves no recognition, to assert that he’s some sort of a spy, is simply beyond the pale. Republicans will then turn around and say how important vets are to this country, their hypocrisy knows no bounds. As more information mourns out, as the investigations into Rudy and the energy company Perry himself benefitted from, heat up, the republicans will have a stark choice to make.
29
@James
A stark choice indeed. Hari Kari might be appropiate.
Much emphasis placed on republicans criticizing the military witness in this article
2
Trump and the Republicans know that the truth would be dangerous to all of them, so they continue to attack the witnesses. If there was not wrongdoing on the part of the president, they would be able to simply tell the truth. But the truth will not set Trump free. Instead, the truth would probably put him in prison.
So on and on go the lies, the name-calling, the vicious tweets. What is it with this president and Twitter? He tweets and tweets like a teenager, not the president of the United States. What a reckless, cruel, adolescent Trump is!
If I recall correctly, President Obama surrendered his phone upon taking office. Why didn't anyone take Trump's phone away from him? He has used Twitter to spread lies, accusations and conspiracy theories.
In the end, I hope, Trump will tweet something that will be his downfall. He's been given enough rope and is bound to hang himself. Just give him time!
22
@Country Girl Completely agree - Trump has already bullied and intimidated a witness former Ukranian ambassador Marie Yovanovitch last Wed by tweeting at her while she was testifying. When she was read his tweet, she responded that she felt intimated and his tweet are intimidating.
2
When did "loyalty" to the President become a litmus test?
Oh, I know. November 9, 2016
13
The Office of the Presidency is now severely compromised by a malignant narcissistic personality in the Oval Office. He has done enough damage. Enough.
3
Do not limit your criticism to the corrupt president. Each and every Republican congressman/woman who is protecting this corrupt president and lying on his behalf, is equally guilty, and they will all have to answer for their corruption, not least of all about trying to out the whistle-blower, who this president insinuated should be killed.
As for the American people being smart enough to see these hearing as unfair, as Jim Jordan puts it,
Yes, Mr. Jordan, we, the American people, do understand what is going on with these hearings, and we know that both you and your Republican colleagues have no decency.
And please, you are not in you old job coaching jocks, put your jacket on, and try to at least fake a modicum of decorum.
29
The Republicans’ defense of the President’s behavior, as evidenced by their line of questioning, is one my children might use.
“They did it first.”
IF, and I’m pretty sure this has already been investigated and disproven, IF Hunter Biden or VP Biden did anything illegal, it does NOT excuse illegal and unethical behavior on the part of President Trump or anyone else in the Administration.
So extrapolate from what I would say to my kids, “I don’t care what so-and-so did. You are in trouble for what YOU did. And if you lied to me about it, we have two problems: the first behavior and now the lie.”
Illegal is illegal. It doesn’t matter if someone else did it first. And if you lied about your behavior, we now have two problems.
The Republicans’ defense is repugnant.
718
Lt. Col. Vindman and Ms. Williams come across as American patriots, consummate professionals, proud of their service to our country. Listening to them speak truth to power makes one believe that there will soon be an end to this corrupt presidency.
575
@Joe Miksis Agreed and let us hope so.
There is a difference between personal power and the power of position. Many of those with the latter lack the former. When confronted by a high quality individual with exceptional personal integrity--where they are greatly outmatched--they usually revert to using any tactic to cover their weaknesses. This is what we are witnessing during these hearings.
21
@Surreptitious Bass what do you mean by that?
@Jerry, I think S Bass is referring to the behavior of the Republicans - lacking in personal power and reverting to using any tactic to cover their weaknesses.
2
As much as Donald Trump would like to negate Mr. Vindman, a servant to our United States, in many ways, Trump will never be able to do so.
We honor Mr. Vindman. We honor his service, his allegiance to this country, to Americans.
Today, we citizens have the opportunity to hear his voice, to hear his truth.
It would do well for Republicans to advise Donald Trump to silence his electronics. Trump will never have any words, anything, to silence the honor, integrity, or voice of Mr. Vindman.
Mr. Vindman, let us express gratitude for your service to this country. We listen to all your words, we take you seriously, we take you to heart.
And we will proceed in this truth.
781
@MIMA Mr. Trump shamelessly smeared a gold star family and a reporter with a physical disability. This is the example he sets and encourages for his party.
100
@MIMA
With the utmost respect, as was witnessed in this morning's testimony, when "Mr. Nunes addressed Colonel Vindman as “Mr. Vindman", the response which was shot back to Nunes was “Ranking member, it’s Lieutenant Colonel Vindman, please."
Lt. Col. Vindman is still an active member of the U.S. Military, assigned to the National Security Council.
154
@MIMA Republican's support of men and women in uniform is a mile wide and an inch deep. They support them in superficial ways - wearing clothes with flags printed on them and attending a parade from time to time - but given the choice between honorable, patriotic service members who have given their lives to the service of the Country and the shady draft dodging President, they side with Trump every time.
62
“There have also been discussions about moving the Vindmans and their families on to a military base for their protection, according to a person with knowledge of the discussions.”
Wait a sec - we need to consider protecting these peoples’ families from Trump’s base? if his tweets regarding these public servants is not witness intimidation, then why on Earth do we need to even consider protecting their families?
Outrageous - and he will undoubtably fuel the fire by tweet by the end of the day.
1007
Great point!
29
@Johninnapa: "Wait a sec- we need to consider protecting these peoples’ families from Trump’s base?"
Concur, Johninnapa. Isn't it one of the President's jobs to protect American citizens everywhere first and foremost? Get me past that hurdle first (looking at you, Ms. Stefanik) and then I'd be happy to talk about the obvious, low-hanging fruit of obstruction and witness intimidation.
61
I still can't understand why yelling "fire" in a crowd is not considered free speech but Trump's tweets are.
109
“Do not worry, I will be fine for telling the truth.”
I had tears in my eyes.
249
@John D. Me too!
15
How far we have fallen. We are now in danger for our lives for telling the truth.
32
@John D. , as did I. Literally had to pull my vehicle off the road as I could hardly see. This man made me proud to be a citizen of the United States, if he and how he sees us is part of it. And it's been awhile since I've heard anyone say that he is proud to be so, out loud and with such conviction. May he inspire us all.
33
It sounds like military hero Lt. Colonel Vindman came prepared for the repugnant attacks of Nunes and Jordan. His letter of recommendation from Fiona Hill that he read was once again a perfectly embarrassing rebuttal to Jordan. It also isn't hard to understand the constant ridicule on Twitter that Nunes receives after watching his unhinged and strangely comical performances at these hearings. If he wants to sue his critics he should perhaps stop giving them footage on national television making their case.
I was glad Col. Vindman forcefully addressed Trump's witness intimidation, also an impeachable offence, with, “The vile character attacks on these distinguished and honorable public servants is reprehensible." Reprehensible indeed sir.
173
Just as alarming as the testimony in the impeachment inquiry is a cabinet member beginning a meeting with a prayer describing the executive branch as ‘ordained’.
What’s next in trump’s defence? Invoking the divine right of kings as it applies to foreign policy phone calls?
83
Truly, truly appalling. The Constitution is clear - there shall be no state sanctioned religion. Yet this administration consistently violates that basic tenet. Where are all those “Originalists” who are members of the judiciary now? Oh, probably at their Bible studies meetings. Where they can learn about how Jesus gave comfort to the money lenders, advocated hitting back if someone wrongs you, and putting children in cages for -oh, whatever.
18
“Alex is a top one percent military officer and the best army officer I have worked with in my 15 years of government service,” Mr. Vindman said, quoting Ms. Hill. “He is brilliant, unflappable, and exercises excellent judgment.”
Okay, he’s not a stable genius, but you know, close.
79
Wile I don't have many, the few maniacal Trump supporters that I know are ardent supporters of the military. More often than not, their posts on social media seek blind support for the military (often re-postings of information taken from conservative propaganda sites). How do they not reject these vile attacks on a war hero? How do they countenance attacks on a witness because he wears his military uniform? We are experiencing new levels of hypocrisy. The most significant tenets of conservative beliefs are abandoned in support of an egomaniacal president holding office solely for his own gain.
71
@Disillusioned
And all that blind support for a 5-time draft dodger. What gives with these people?
8
@Disillusioned
Well, at this point hasn't his base been dwindled down to racists?
2
Right wingers are the best at ignoring cognitive dissonance.
2
Trump doesn’t even know where the Ukraine is. And I wonder if the Republicans do.
26
@Kate McLeod
They don't know where their souls are.
Big, big problem.
2
"have you ever accessed someone's computer without their authorization"? Sample of Nunes questioning.......Yes, he asked this..Unbelievable
29
Can Republicans Turner, Jordan or Ratcliffe be any more rude, disrespectful, arrogant or snide in their behavior and comments directed to Lt. Col. Vindman?
93
I second your comment about how snide Jordan and Nunes were this morning in questioning Lt. Col. Vindman. They were beyond rude and disrespectful to him and his service to our country. It showed that they didn’t have anything concrete to go on to find his testimony untruthful so they attacked him personally. Just totally disgusting behavior on the part of elected representatives.
5
@Marge Keller
Probably, and certainly will.
2
Nunes since Obama was President and he determined what our foreign policy was, and the EU, the IMF, and anti-corruption groups in Ukraine wanted the prosecutor removed were they all doing it to protect Hunter Biden? If the Republicans who controlled the House and Senate since 2014 if you thought Biden's actions were nefarious why didn't you call for an investigation? Why did Ron Johnson and a couple of other republicans sign a 2016 letter expressing bipartisan support for “urgent reforms” within Ukraine’s prosecutor general’s office. The letter stated "“We recognize that your governing coalition faces not only endemic corruption left from decades of mismanagement and cronyism, but also an illegal armed seizure of territory by Russia and its proxies,” they wrote in the letter. ”[We] urge you to press ahead with urgent reforms to the Prosecutor General’s office and judiciary.” Were they out to protect Biden's son too?
18
Here is a president who faked some irrelevant foot defect (the podiatrist who signed the paper was a Fred Trump tenant) to dodge the draft and his henchmen are questioning a military hero about his loyalty.
The GOP congresspeople belong in jail with their darling President. I can’t wait when all these people are going to be dumped by the voters and prosecuted for violating the constitution.
Shame on all Republicans. What a bunch of fascists.
63
Nunes is using John Soloman's writings to " bolster" the defense of Trump. Uh-oh.
5
if the president is “above the law” then why did Nixon scoot out of office? ( Obviously the promise of a pardon is the key there).
Trump should be impeached on every single account of offenses he has, and is committing. We are still, I hope, a nation of laws. This occupant of the Oval Office is recreating a pure domino lawbreaking effect as did the Fuhrer in 1930’s Germany.
13
There is not an ounce of integrity in either Nunes or Jordan and their lies are a complete shame to this country.
Shadow governments are fascist and so are trump and theses republicans.
39
What stood out to me was Ms. Williams' testimony that the trip to Ukraine would take priority over Canada if there was a schedule conflict. It's one more thing that bolsters the idea that the Vice-president's trip was cancelled as leverage.
38
The Democrats need to take the subpoenas to the courts for enforcement. I understand that will slow the process down, but it will also legitimize the inquiry. And if the Supreme Court will not legitimize the inquiry, we have even bigger problems that we need to know. I really don't get the reluctance to at least begin subpoena enforcement in the courts. Maybe we need a hashtag for it!
28
@Vance
I think they should ask the court to hear arguments this month, while the investigation is ongoing, enforce subpoena’s that have already been duly issued. For the third time in history the Supreme Court will affirm as it did with both Nixon and Clinton, that presidents aren’t immune to legitimate investigations, and can’t ignore subpoenas, courts have ruled against Trump over and over with regards to that assertion. In fact the memo that Mueller talked about that says a president has immunity from charges while in office, has yet to be tested in court. And looking back at previous rulings against Nixon and Clinton it would seem that would be destined for the trash. As the judge who heard that argument from Trumps attorney, wrote that it would be repugnant to the country if that were the case, they were using Trumps assertion he could shoot someone on 5th ave, which by itself is an odd thing for a candidate (at the time) to say.
5
“Is it improper for a sitting President of America to demand a foreign government to investigate a private Citizen for the personal benefit of the US President?”
And withhold foreign aid that is approved by the Congress unless an agreement for the foreign government’s leader to go to the Press and utter the words that he will begin an investigation of the American president’s political opponent.
That is the question.
17
Lost in the focus on Trump's ask of a personal "favor" benefitting him politically in the US is his secondary ask: that Ukraine help prove it was not Russia who meddled in the 2016 election but was instead the Ukraine itself. Russia is an established adversary/enemy and has been established as the source of the proven interference which occurred. To seek to deflect Russia"s culpability for that act looks a lot like aiding and abetting an enemy of the US. Why isn't Trump being investigated for treason as well? Or is that to come soon once people become conscious that his motivation was not only self interested but pro-Russian as well?
30
Excellent point!
4
Nunes’ rambling gets less coherent every day, BUT Hunter Biden receiving 86k for nothing will stick and it directly undermines Pelosi’s bribery argument.
In the end, Hunter is likely to damage his Dad and save Donald.
2
@Me
Except there is no evidence to suggest that Hunter Biden did anything wrong, I would agree that the optics gave the perception that it was improper, but people have to keep in mind, that there is no evidence to support any assertion that Hunter got that position because of and as a direct result of Joe Biden being VP.
At the end of the day, if that’s all the republicans can come up with then it would seem it may be better to admit wrongdoing and go for a censure then let the voters decide. However, if the Senate outright votes to acquit, then I believe that we have a constitutional crisis, because it’s a violation of the Hatch Act, as laid out in the Mueller report. And Trump has made many an enemy I’m sure, that have lots of dirt on Trump, and if the republicans kick that door open, we’re not a democracy anymore.
3
Trump had a campaign issue for his selection, in case, Biden was the democratic nominee. He could have brought up Hunter Biden then and claim it was an ill advised decision by the son of the candidate. He would not have to allege anything more. It would have stood by itself. It was a gift, really, to his campaign.
Instead, he becomes obsessed with the matter and chases it down to the point where (1) It may lead him to being removed from office or (2) The matter flushes itself out ..no irregularities are found and he can no longer use it effectively in his campaign. Trump cannot help himself.
16
@Agostino , precisely. This is why we refer to certain personality disorder types as "self-defeating". They cannot stop themselves.
2
@Agostino I agree. The Hunter Biden fiasco could have been put out on the table by Trump like a five day old dead fish and the smell would have lingered through the entire election. Instead, Trump decides to use his leverage as the giver of military aid, to get the Ukrainians to do some of the dirty work that would foreclose and likelihood that Biden Sr. would get the Democratic nomination. As is usually the case, Trump's reptilian sense of survival gets the better of him.
2
Also interesting is the lack of distinction by Republicans between loyalty to Trump and loyalty to the United States of America.
66
@Gary Steele
It’s on full display, no fuzziness whatsoever. Really disgusting and I would say treasonous to our liberties.
3
During the testimony with LT. Vindman, Republican Stewart was asking if Trump has or is part of the Military in a question to Lt. Vindmans judgement and understanding of the use of the word Favor which Vindman took to mean command. While Trump did not serve, we refer to the President of the United States as Commander and Chief— a person who exercises supreme command and control over an armed forces.
5
The testimony of Lt Col Vindman, a patriot through and through, should be enough to convict Trump. Unfortunately Republicans are not patriots. They hate our country and hate democracy even more. Republicans will do everything they can to keep Trump in office because they know the will of the people is against them.
20
The continuing Republican effort to put the whistleblower should alarm all Americans and betrays their disregard for the rule of law.
32
It is rather amazing to watch Republicans' performance here. If their questions and assessments were delivered as an assignment in an intro law course, they would all flunk.
22
Argh!
That is all.
6
Watching today's hearings in real time, and some of the greatest fools ever elected to Congress twist themselves into lying pretzels (Nunes, Jordan et al) in trying to denigrate two courageous career professionals I am dismayed and ask every day, "what happened to my parents' Republican party? (Not my party, ever). Who are these people who feel they can blatently lie to us, tell us we do not hear and see what we actually hear and see, and dare to speak for us, all in the sevice of the worst nightmare the founders did foresee could happen with an unbridled autocrat being elected to our Presidency, and an autocrat who clearly and indisputably is serving the interests of Putin and Russia, our major adversaries. What is going on before my very eyes is stunning and horrifying and if the republicans do not end this charade of an opposition when they cannot get away with bending and outright denying the truth they will bring down our very Republic.
57
Funny how the Republicans consistently attempt to find smoke where there is not only no fire, but no matches or even accelerate, i.e., trying to imply that Lt. Col. Vindman would even consider the esteemed and high level position of the Ukrainian minister of defense, much less possibly not tell anyone about offer, not to mention having to ask Lt. Col. Vindman a few different time what he replied when offered the position. Apparently, the Republicans can't seem to take "no I was not interested" for an answer.
18
Bribery refers to the offering, giving, soliciting, or receiving of any item of value as a means of influencing the actions of an individual holding a public or legal duty. ... Bribery constitutes a crime and both the offeror and the recipient can be criminally charged.
10
If Republicans honestly have questions about Lt. Col. Vindman’s loyalty to the US based entirely on his merely being offered a position in the Ukraine government, then they ought to CONCLUDE that Donald Trump has NO loyalty to this country given his business interests in Russia (and chumminess) with V. Putin. If I were the Lt. Col. I would be suing every one of these Republican weasels for defamation.
25
First Barr gives us the highly questionable reconstructed "gist" of the Mueller report. Then Trump offers a reconstructed phone conversation of the Ukraine phone call. Then Stone is convicted , partially on evidence that Trump lied to Mueller in his written "testimony" of events in the Russian coverup. And now Trump is "maybe" willing to submit written testimony on his own impeachment while openly vilifying witnesses who acted on behalf of many prior administrations with exemplary records. Who can still believe this man? And the Republicans are still SILENT.
27
@richard Not silent, vocally supporting and abetting this unAmerican Firster.
1
The only play the Republicans have left is defamation of character, including defamation of a decorated U.S. officer who was wounded in Iraq while Nunes was safe at home tending his virtual cows.
The Republican Party has effectively dismissed every value they ever claimed to have. There is no honor left for any of them.
27
I commented in another thread that Russian sniper activity in Libya is the farthest west Moscow has ever pushed in Mediterranean North Africa after our acquiescence in Syria (and acknowledged by @Richard C Benson). Ever. El-Alamein, anyone? It happened almost immediately after Trump's troop draw-back. I haven't seen much said about that one fact lately. Ol' Vlad sure is a good chess player. Ever play chess, Don?
10
Republican Rep. Ratcliffe: I have some questions for you:
How many times were witnesses asked if Trump engaged in bribery? More importantly, how are these witnesses qualified to answer the legal question of whether what Trump did constitutes bribery. Finally, why do you keep wasting time at the hearing making speeches to the television audience instead of the witness?
I yield the rest of my time to other commenters.
8
It is appalling that Republicans imply that Col. Vindman’s loyalty to the United States is compromised because he was offered the unsolicited job of minister of defence for Ukraine, a position he repeatedly declined and the offers dutifully reported to his superiors. Vindman seems to have anticipated this line of questioning by preemptively addressing his loyalty in his opening remarks and explaining why his family came to the US to avoid oppression.
How many foreigners in US military service have faithfully defended their adoptive nation? I wonder how many times Henry Kissinger’s loyalty to the US was brought into doubt? How about the loyalty of immigrants in general? Are they all Fifth Columnists? Certainly, the US Government had no qualms when Vindman and his twin were recruited into the Army to serve with distinction and in harm’s way.
This reprehensible tack emerges from intrinsic Republican racism and distrust of anyone not of white privileged heritage. It shows why the party, not just its figurehead, should be impeached.
15
Who in their right mind would want to pursue a career in public service watching this? Trump and his minions are doing more damage to government than we can fathom.
22
Ratcliffe’s stack of depositions reminds me of Nixon’s stack of transcripts re: Watergate. We all know how that turned out.
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I’d like to remind the good Congressman who is picking nits about whether Trump was issuing an order or merely making a request — Trump is Commander in Chief. Lt. Col. Vindman would feel duty bound to treat any directive from the CiC as an order.
The disrespect here is outrageous. And they all have the nerve to thank the lieutenant colonel for his service.
7
@MDB
Several on the July 25 call realized the extortion aspect of TRump pressuring Zelensky for investigations on the Bidens. That’s dishonorable if not illegal and no soldier is duty-bound to honor that request. Plenty of us see this distinction and honor Lt. Col. Vindman for stepping forward. Ukrainian soldiers died in the months that TRump held up military aid that Congress had already approved. What’s the matter with you?!
6
@Charlene Barringer — Thank you for setting me straight on the context. The lieutenant colonel is definitely a hero in this whole putrid mess.
@MDB Chain of command. He reported a violation of what he saw of orders to the appropriate person.
Military personnel are not required to follow unlawful commands; indeed, they are supposed to report unlawful activities.
4
The saddest part of this this is that many Republicans, afraid of seeing the truth told in these hearings, will run to Fox TV to hear the real story, or Fake News, as Trump would say.
6
Well, I think the smarter ones know better. They will turn to Fox News to get the latest spin that they can use in news comment sections and Facebook.
1
Mr. Jordan is truly an embarrassment to Congress. Mr. Vindman is an honorable member of our Military, yet Gym Jordan is bent on tearing down his credibility. What we need is the truth and I believe these two witnesses are telling the truth as to what they know.
12
The Republicans steal the banner of patriotism and then defend a president who got out of service be declaring a bad toe, over a purple heart soldier who loyally served his country. The Republicans have shown that they are more proud to wear the Republican badge over that of American. They are not in that room to listen They are there to destroy those unwilling to stay silence while their president steals from every coffer he can find
14
Jim Jordan, like a bully tearing through the playground, gives delivery intent on shoving Lt. Col. Vindman's Testimony to the ground. These credible witnesses are remarkable for answering belligerent questions because all I hear is Republican Hostility.
9
Jim Jordan is certainly determined to point the narrative towards Lt. Col. VIndman as the individual who leaked information about the July 25th phone call.
His behavior continues to be rude, mean and so disrespectful, especially toward such a highly decorated military veteran such as Lt. Colonel Vindman.
He continues to be such a disgrace.
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@Marge Keller — They all are.
10
@MDB
I hope you mean the Republicans are the disgrace. I see Democrats doing their job re: impeachment as the Constitution demands.
2
@Marge Keller
Jim Jordan belongs home in Ohio, NOW. He has a few wrestlers demanding a conversation with him. Jordan certainly isn’t distinguishing his intellect in any way at these hearings.
6
Listening to Republicans on the Intelligence Committee, being struck by how they seem ignorant of the danger Putin poses to our country. It’s terrifying to hear them trying to tear down Ukraine experts’ testimony and the insinuations about their character.
If we do not impeach this president, will we still have a country?
7
The GOP is now equating loyalty to TRUMP to loyalty to our nation. This after Barr last week tried to reinterpret history to suggest that the Founding Fathers had no beef with King George but only with Parliament. These ideas are, IMHO, treasonous.
18
@ Betty in LA
I agree on Barr’s remarks, I almost fell of the couch when I read about them. Treasonous indeed.
It’s nice to see pence implicated in this since he is privy to almost all of this criminal activity and he does nothing about it.
So far 6 of DJT’s associates have been tried and are now convicted felons - and that does include rudy!
Not even pence could have expected that so many of DJT’s inner circle would be criminals but now it is fact.
What is interesting is that pence stands by and let’s it all happen knowing his boss is a compromised asset of a foreign power.
I like Dems chances in 2020. The big blue wave is forming offshore as we speak!
7
"Why Did We Switch To Calling It Bribery?
Calling it Quid Pro Quo from the start wasn’t wrong, but it also wasn’t as accurate as it ought to have been. As stated above, bribery is a kind of Quid Pro Quo. It’s one in which the intent of the deal is not good.
The reason why bribery is now the word of choice to describe this scandal is that it is explicitly mentioned in the constitution. Impeachment is stated in Article II, Section 4:
The President, Vice President and all civil Officers of the United States, shall be removed from Office on Impeachment for, and Conviction of, Treason, Bribery, or other high Crimes and Misdemeanors."
https://medium.com/@MatthewQKnipfer/bribery-vs-quid-pro-quo-whats-the-difference-81151981ae38
5
A decorated Iraq War veteran sits before the Intelligence Committee attired in his dress uniform and speaks forthrightly with truth and honesty yet is impugned before our eyes as his loyalty is questioned by Republican congressmen. This is the depth that this Grand Old Party has sunk to when brave patriots raise their voices to save a waning and declining democracy. This group formerly of the Party of Lincoln will defend corrupt liars like its boss contaminating the Oval Office and a court jester, to wit, Giuliani, in order to stay in power. This is the message we are sending our kids: It is okay for the POTUS and those of his ilk in his Cabinet and Congress to deceive and manipulate and align our nation with brutal dictators as long as money is to be made and power is maintained. What fools these sycophants are to not see that they are mere puppets to the whims of Mr. Putin, Mr. Erdogan, et al., that they are on that road to perdition and attempting to pull Americans along with them. They just might succeed when this inquiry meets McConnell Inc.
10
The Republican Party has made it abundantly clear to every citizen of this country - from their frantic installments of lifetime right wing judges to the highest courts to the flagrantly false spin of the Mueller report to these impeachment hearings - that they have no allegiance to the Constitution, the rule of law, or to democracy itself. They are so hell bent on their loyalty to this autocrat, this despotic, wannabe dictator, one would think they’re trying to turn this country into a right wing authoritarian dictatorship. Am I wrong? Somebody please prove me wrong,
1
I can't understand why everyone seems to accept a "redacted/reconstructed" copy of the phone calls as honest or complete? Trump and his administration are habitual liars and everyone knows it. If national security issues are involved, please have the proper people listen to the entire call "first hand" in closed door hearings. The actual full recording would obviate all the testimony of witnesses that the Republicans are trying to discredit. Anything else is a sham.
9
Devin Nunes’s attempts to out the whistle blower are about as subtle as an elephant trying to tiptoe through the tulips.
4
There’s no need to talk about how republicans would behave if the tables were turned.
This is about trump and his actions.
This is about a betrayal of the American people.
This is about representatives in congress - jordan, nunes, others - who have abandoned their oaths of office and trample on the Constitution.
Their comments are disgraceful! All they talk about is 63 million people who voted for trump.
But regardless of what the campaign entailed and included, trump defied the law after that!
These events took place this year!
What is jordan arguing for? He is a repugnant individual and a menace against democracy.
15
Should any of these witnesses or their families be hurt or injured in any manner due to Trump's or Republicans' grand standing theatrics or bold face lies; all of them should be charged as contributors and open to libel. I do not recall at any time during previous Republican led inquiries had any witnesses then been subjected to threats to their lives, livelyhood or even their patriotism, as what we see and hear happening in this situation! Shame on those Republicans who engage in or encourage these atrocious, disgraceful behaviors towards fellow Americans! Let alone Americans who are war veterans or long term civil servants who've dedicated their lives to the country! Address the FACTS being provided like mature minded professionals putting America first, not Trump's political party driven puppets!
4
Republicans work for Fox News, not the American people.
Fox News works for Rupert Murdoch, Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin.
Trump just works for Putin.
Russian oligarchs bought the republican party apparatus. All roads lead to Putin.
10
Lt. Col. Vindman just said — “Here, right matters.”
Here in America being on the right side of the law is still the status quo.
I salute you, Lt. Col Vindman, Jennifer Williams, George Kent, Bill Taylor, Ambassador Marie Yovanovitch. For the easiest and most difficult thing to do— testify and tell the truth.
15
What I really don’t get is how anyone could possibly think that the Trump-Giuliani machinations, evident in the ousting of Yovanovitch, were (try to choose just one):
1. How the USA rolls
2. Great (in any sense, even MAGA)
3. OK
4. Sharp, really sharp
5. Passable (i.e., D- or better, rather than F or worse)
6. Not criminal
3
Add a new pathetic defense: Lt. Col. Vindman has a conflict of interest because somebody once mentioned to him the possibility of him joining the Ukraine government. Let's see just how low Republicans can go.
7
I heard Castor say something to Vindman about "refreshing his memory" and Vindman reply with a smile, "I guess that's a term now" — referencing, of course, Sondland amending his impeachment testimony after the testimony of other witnesses helped refresh Sondland's memory that there was, actually, now that you mention it, quid pro quo. Lol!
2
After hearing Lt. Col. Vindman's testimony today, I was ready to enlist!
2
It just keeps getting worse. Don't refute the testimony, smear the witness. Smear all the witnesses . The President does it and there are no consequences. So all his toadies can do it, too. The search for the truth apparently doesn't matter, only the burying of it under sewage.
5
It is excruciating to watch the Trump sycophants, Nunes, Jordan and Ratcliff, attack and attempt to demean the reputation of Lt. Col. Vindman and Ms. Williams. Jordan is currently on a rant that has nothing to do with Trump's crimes. Disgusting.
6
Nunes is like a dog with a bone in his many attempts to garner the identify of the whistle blower.
If the tables were turned, he would be the one jumping up and down, insisting that the name and integrity of the whistle blower be protected by the Whistleblower Protection Act of 1989.
294
@Marge Keller Nunes' behaviour is less that of a dog with a bone than a dog known to lick certain parts of its own anatomy.
10
@Marge Keller Agree. Of course, if the tables were turned, there would be little worry of repercussions.
4
@Marge Keller
We’re supposed to care about the identity of the whistle blower? We are light years beyond that point now.
It’s as if the house is on fire, and they’re screaming to find out who pulled the fire alarm.
5
The need to move Lt. Col. Vindman and his family to a secure location for their safety is a direct result of Trump’s Twitter attacks. Trump is not only defaming the witnesses, he’s now putting their lives in jeopardy. At what point will he be stopped from his morally reprehensible, treacherous, and unlawful acts?
662
These Hearings display Outstanding Servants to this Country. Of All Options--Why on Earth Republicans scape bottom of barrel for Presidential Candidates is extreme mystery
118
@TWShe Said
330 million plus citizens and this is the best the Republicans can do
5
@TWShe Said It's about power and ambition and how you wield it. The smart people, conservative or liberal, or some mix of the two, will refuse power since it corrupts. You really need to have a pure soul to even handle power properly temporarily, and even then there's a chance of making mistakes which is human. The best ones know the level at which they can retain integrity.
The Founders certainly did their best to design a system of government that tried to balance a lot of things and they largely got it right. I think they didn't anticipate a dynastic political/corporate class forming out of the tax revenues. It's one thing to have a bunch of rich people decide what to do with the resources of a country like the US but it's another to have a lot more bootlickers who're below that and only want to perpetuate their own career.
3
No, it's not. They don't want a bright man; they want a figurehead they can manipulate.
Unfortunately Putin is the best manipulator because he holds the most aces. The Republicans gambled and lost and are now desperately floundering to save their own skins. In gambling on Trump in order to profit, they bet the house. Not only were they willing to betray America to enrich themselves, they did. They are all traitors.
2
Nunes, slyly trying to identify the Whistleblower. Wouldn’t Trump just love that?
57
Yes Rep. Nunes there is a reason why identification of a member of the intelligence community at a meeting of the House Intelligence Committee is inappropriate. THE HEARING IS BEING TELEVISED!!!
199
“Colonel Vindman is expected to say [because he already said it in the closed hearing] that at the direction of John R. Bolton, the president’s national security adviser at the time, he wrote a memorandum urging that security aid for Ukraine be restarted, but Mr. Trump refused to sign it.”
MR. TRUMP REFUSED TO SIGN IT
“Republicans are hoping to portray Colonel Vindman’s strong opinions about the president’s call with Volodymyr Zelensky, the president of Ukraine, as just that — his own opinions about a telephone call for which a reconstructed transcript has already been released. They intend to point out that the president makes no mention of security aid during the call.”
The Republicans arguing that Vindman’s concerns about the call were his OWN OPINIONS because a RECONSTRUCTED TRANSCRIPT of the call made, “no mention of security aid,” has just a few, um, reconstructed holes in it that even a child could see right through.
As Tom Friedman said of Secretary Pompeo in his op-ed, where is their honor? Where are their ethics? Are they really defending Trump and denigrating members of Congress because they truly believe it is best for our democracy to thrive and to thwart our foreign adversaries? They are gaslighting the American people at all costs so they can stay in power to what end? I can’t fathom their rational, so maybe we should ask a child.
167
Excellent comment!
4
@Karen J.
It is seriously hard to believe. Their rational is power and greed.
8
The Republicans will not be satisfied until this whistleblower is outed, by any means available. I think their greater aim, thiugh, is to have a chilling effect on the whistleblower provision in general, which will then allow abuses of power to go on, unreported and unchecked.
The whistleblower protection is there for a reason — to protect an employee from reprisal for doing what the employee in good faith thinks is a malfeasance of procedure.
What the GOP wants to do is dangerous and reckless, not only to this particular person, but to government as a whole.
They are not standing up for the Constitution. They disgust me.
224
@MDB That’s right. And what honorable purpose can they possibly have for knowing who the whistleblower is? I can’t think of a single one.
4
At this point, absent a witness adding to his/her prior testimony, my only interest in the hearings is to see what drivel the Republican questioners spew and to see what Trump may tweet during the hearings. I would like to see a running list of all of the so-called defenses to impeachment that Republicans raise.
58
Expect the Fox Administration and the Trump party members to "work" overtime to demonize both Col Vindman as well as Miss Williams, and also deflect by asking both these individuals about Biden and other pointless questions about the whistleblower, coupled with a sideshow of Rep Stefanik again interrupting proceedings and claiming victimhood.
102
Between her, Nunes, and Gym J, it’s hard to know who’s worse. Despicable.
5
Of course it will be easy for the Republicans to assume they have a slam dunk when they “point out that the president made no mention of security aid” during the infamous July phone call because the transcript has been “reconstructed” rather than the Republicans allowing the original transcript to be heard by everyone.
However, when not one, but the two qualified individuals, Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman and Jennifer Williams testify before the committee this morning and report what they heard first hand rather than what was told to them, then their testimony will be a game changer. Perhaps one individual could misunderstand a conversation, but two individuals?
Yeah, good luck with that argument Republicans. The truth rather than the “reconstructed” contents of that phone call will come out today.
137
We can expect more of the same buffoonery from Republicans like that low grade senator from Wisconsin, Ron Johnson. Would that Chuck Todd can cease giving him a respectable platform from which to peddle his brand of calumny. It is a disturbing reality that Johnson's ilk occupies a seat in the senate. And when will Todd be ushered off to interview school? What a sorry successor to the great Tim Russert.
71
Yes, I too can’t stand Todd. He lost my respect when he interviewed Gabby Gifford’s about the “cross hairs” comment made by sarah 1/2 term quitter palin BEFORE the shootings.
29
Agree. He is the epitome of mediocrity.
3
Agree. Can’t figure out why Johnson was invited back to MTP after prior debacle. Get someone else. Or nobody else. Hearing obfuscations does no good. And Todd is indeed a poor interviewer. He always seems unprepared for his follow ups.
4
I am sure that they will attempt to smear Col. Vindeman. He served the country honorably and earned his credibility on the battlefield, not the way Trump served during Vietnam, by his own admission.
96
@GSS They successfully "swift boated" war hero John Kerry, before social media. Democrats must take that as a warning to fight back hard, and with every resource.
6
I expect the President and his party will continue to treat non partisan witnesses and heroes badly and ignore the facts. A criminal sits smugly in the Whitehouse endangering and eroding our National Security every day. Even the US military have lost trust in the judgement of their Commander in Chief. The presidency of Donald Trump is a national tragedy. He’s a disgrace to the office and completely unelectable.
264
@GCAustin
It's been hard not to notice since he got into office that anyone with a thread of integrity or true heroism is always in danger of Trump's narcissistic scorn.
8
Love it "A criminal sits smugly in the White House"
2
Trump tried to bribe the Ukrainian leader.
How long does it take to say that and make the case?
THE REVOLUTION WILL NOT BR TELEVISED!
22
@Carl No, it will be live.
1