For this Distant Observer with only a mininal stake in the the hearings, there are two takeaways: 1) it is difficult to believe TrRump could not have help from Russia in getting into teh White House because he and his crew are so unbelievable incompetent that it would be comic if it wasn't so serious, and 2) Americans have infinite patience. How else to explain how it is that they tolerate the likes Jim "No Jacket" Jordan from Ohio, and David Nunes? How do such people ever get elected?
5
And we needed a congressional hearing to learn that Trump is inappropriate? Brilliant.
2
@W. Ogilvie : But more than inappropriate, only, no?
More than, "Locker room talk," no?
Trump's aides overhear him talking treason with the President of the Ukraine; even to them, it's "inappropriate" - well, yes it is, to mildly - but HE boasts that it's "perfect."
Shades of Nixon when a steward asked him if he wanted more coffee and he said "No'" - the unindicted co-conspirator" OBVIOUSLY disclaiming ANY involvement for Watergate and all that.
4
According to FoxNews Trump and his minions are heroes besieged by millions of Americans eager to destroy the country. What a shameful journalism.
6
OUR government is not Trump's corrupt play thing, although HIS opinion may differ. MafiaDon, who holds his position with far less than a "mandate" (he LOST the election by 2 million+ votes), has usurped every branch of government that he could get his hands on. Congress (at least the Senate majority) now answers to him instead of obeying their oath to be an independent body responsible to the COUNTRY and not a narcissistic sociopath. OUR DOJ has become Trump's partisan political tool under Barr - there is no longer uniform justice in this country.
America is becoming what we, the decent citizens, have for so many decades railed against - an autocracy ruled criminally by an idiot. As a previous beacon of democracy, our troops fought to overturn such governments and our diplomats worked hard to curb their rogue powers. Trump has destroyed almost all that is good and somehow convinced gullible supporters (mostly via vile and lying TrumpTV) that this is normal. IT IS NOT.
We should not be a country that supports xenophobia, racist philosophy, money as a God and blatant criminal activity at the highest levels. As average citizens support Trump, he and his cabal get richer and richer at their expense and will throw them all under the bus for money and power.
5
Are the GOP members a bunch of high school kids?
What’s with the daily posters behind their side of the bench?
Truly juvenile
6
Congressman Jim Jordan's sleazy, vicious attack on the patriotism of Alexander Vindman, a wounded combat veteran, echoes the sleazy, vicious attack on John McCain by Jim Jordan's mentor, Donald Trump: "He's not a hero..." McCain was a prisoner of war for five years and was tortured during his captivity.
Jim Jordan, get yourself another mentor...
8
".. if two people on the call disagree honestly about whether or not there was a demand and whether or not anything should be reported on a call, that is not a clear and compelling basis to ... remove president from office." Representative John Ratcliffe, Texas.
Wait, what? First, where's Trump? Where are Giuliani, Bolton, Mulroney? Hiding. Behind a fig leaf of a legal claim by Trump that he has "absolute immunity."
Well, yes, if I worked in the White House, and had concerns I would think long and hard about whether and how to report them. And to whom. Who wouldn’t? But these witnesses stepped up.
The GOP reps trying to smear the reputations of public servants? Please pay attention as these hearings unfold. (Watergate wasn't initially self-evident, either.) And vote these sycophants* out of office
.
*Sycophant --toady, leech, sponge--and other more colorful anatomical words "In ancient Greece, sykophantēs meant 'slanderer.' It derives from two other Greek words, sykon (meaning "fig") and phainein (meaning "to show or reveal"). How did fig revealers become slanderers? https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sycophant#synonym-discussion
4
For those military officers -- and anyone else wondering whether Lt. Col. Vindman violated his military oath by testifying --when the President clearly didn't want him to do so -- this article may be of interest.
THE UKRAINE CONNECTION: What Lt. Col. Vindman’s Testimony Says About Civil-Military Relations and Military Justice
"... All of that from a single question: Can an active-duty military officer, assigned to work with the White House directly by serving on the National Security Council staff, choose to testify before Congress on a subject involving foreign affairs in a way that seemingly portrays the president engaged in conduct that could be impeachable? Even though Vindman’s legal liability is mostly hypothetical, it is worth exploring the issues the situation raises....
When the conduct of an officer is entangled with a long-standing quarrel between two political branches flexing their respective constitutional authorities, the question of what applied justice looks like is determined both by how Congress has defined a generally applicable criminal sanction and what factors the president has directed his military leaders to consider in any case...." https://www.lawfareblog.com/what-lt-col-vindmans-testimony-says-about-civil-military-relations-and-military-justice
Is it relevant to consider Trump's recent interventions in other military cases? https://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/15/opinion/trump-war-crimes-pardons-gallagher.html
2
Congressional Republican leadership knows there can be significant political drawback to attacking a decorated US Army officer, explained this to the president and yet Trump tweeted disparaging remarks at Lt. Colonel Vindman while he was giving testimony.
Donald J. Trump has no idea how to act presidential, to act with decorum and integrity. He does know how to slander, to belittle and constantly tries to bully anyone who does not bow to his wishes. It's as if he doesn't recall Melania's recommendation to BE BEST.
Worst still is how America has come to expect this atrocious behavior from the man holding the highest office in the land.
378
@Question Everything.
Odd really.
Everybody gave Trump advice on how to run a successful Presidential Campaign; he ignored the advice of the experts.
Experts told us that Trump had "no path to the Presidency".
The 'Experts were wrong - Donald J. Trump won the Presidential Election because Experts were not in touch with the electorate
1
@Robert Jennings
He won because day before the election, dirt was released about his opponent. It was refuted quickly but it had the intended affect.
Without that one act, the Don would have lost
10
@Robert Jennings Donald Trump won the election because he solicited the assistance of the Russian Government. The experts were correct, and they never imagined Trump, Manafort, and others would stoop as low as they apparently have.
8
How the NYT can not see this as an abject failure by the Dems today is beyond me. By the end of the day they were attacking their own witnesses. If you don't believe me watch it for yourself. They attacked Ambassador Volker and Mr Morrison when they could not turn their testimony to what they wanted. As soon as that happened they were sunk. Meanwhile, the Republicans used the Dems witnesses to simply reinforce what happened and it was obvious, painfully, that while Vindman served our country, couldn't walk 5 feet without leaking information and equivocated about the whistleblower. Predictably, the Hardline reads White House Attacks It's Own Staff. Or should have read Dems Attack Their Own Witnesses. Bizarre.
3
@Mark You’re obviously confused. Volker and Morrison were called by the Republicans to bolster their case.
13
@Mark
Volker and Morrison were witnesses called by the Repubs.
Knowing that, I wondered why they didn't attack them ealier.
12
A. Both Volker and Morrison were Republican witnesses. B. Repeating innuendo and rumors, as particularly Morrison did and some that were easily rebutted, doesn’t make for a convincing testimony. At least not to those that are not desperate to ignore the facts literally punching them in the face!
10
With all due respect to Lt. Col. Alexander S. Vindman.
He was born in Ukraine under Russian rule. He came to the US when little and grew up here, but knows very well what his land went through under the Russians.
One could assume he is without a doubt, no doubt dead set to make sure, and would do anything at all to ensure his homeland never returns to Russian hands, including ensuring that a president who is close to Russia, does not see a second term.
He is the center person in this investigation now.
It seems to me that, as well intentioned as he is, the star witness is doing anything he can to ensure Russia does not return to his land.
This to me, and to any lawyer worth their salt, is motive and opportunity.
If this was a real legal proceeding, a real legal case, the GOP lawyer would be using this angle to take him down.
Don't get me wrong - I agree with him. I think Russia should get out of Ukraine, and having a president that is this close to Putin would almost for sure deliver Ukraine to Russia if that was requested.
But I also think the case can fall apart right there, because of him.
1
@AutumnLeaf Complete disrespect for a combat injured Veteran. Vindman came to America at 3 years of age; what do you remember about your first 3 years? Vindman deals only in facts; you Trumplicans only deal in Conspiracy Theories. Case against Trump is just getting started; Volker(called by GOP) just exploded Trumplicans main points. Vote out GOP to save America. Ray Sipe
11
Are you kidding? He was 3 years old when he came here!!!!
13
@AutumnLeaf He was three years ild. Three. Let that sink in for a minute.
Shame on people who are trying to play the “loyalty to Ukraine” card. He served in the US military. What more can a person do show his patriotism? :: shakes head in disappointment ::
15
If a President, rightly or wrongly, “veers off course” by pursuing a different foreign policy, it is the right of the President to do so and not that of unelected government employees interested in preserving the status quo.
8
@ehillesum Give us s break. Trump has no "policy" except that which suits his self-aggrandizing goals.
55
@ehillesum
You must mean, "preserving the Constitution", which, at its age is status quo. If you want something other than status quo, you have to change the Constituion.
19
@ehillesum Not if the 'veering off course' is criminal behavior.
18
The witnesses testified that Ukraine knew the money was being withheld. They didn’t testify if Ukraine knew why the money was being withheld.
It makes a big difference if a person being blackmailed doesn’t know they are being blacked or why they are being blackmailed.
It doesn’t work that way in our world. Probably does in a kangaroo court.
4
@Bhaskar
Read the "transcript".
12
@Bhaskar That a person who seeks to blackmail for his own benefit is in charge of our country should matter in "our" world. That his attempts to blackmail are scattershot, dimwitted, and inept do not detract from the fundamental dishonesty at work.
39
@Someguyinpants
Your premise assumes there was a blackmail. But you have the wrong guy.
The only blackmail happening is schiff holding our country ransom.
We just had a school superintendent who recently lost her job because she referred to the investigation into administrative mishandling of student concerns about inappropriate teacher behavior as a media circus. Words matter. Nunes will continue to try to lull GOP supporters into Trump slumber with his repetition of how the American people are not interested, not engaged with this impeachment process. Meanwhile, millions of us are riveted to our tvs, radios, livestreams and analysis of testimony. If nothing else, we're learning a lot about what diplomacy really is.
295
@BBenm
Yes, Concord, NH and the principle of Concord High also lost his job for working when he was not supposed to be.
4
@BBenm" If nothing else, we're learning a lot about what diplomacy really is."
really??!! it's 2019. where have you been for the last 30+ years? or your parents? or your grand parents?
this this seriously scary times .,, and I'am from the soviet union.
9
@BBenm Riveted: I was at the gym this evening. Way more than half the people (maybe 15 total?) doing cardio--they have video monitors attached--were watching the hearings.
13
It isn't surprising that public engagement is falling short of expectations. I think I speak for the room when I say we're all kind of on overwhelm.
The Nixon and even the Clinton hearings didn't have this kind of wall to wall, 24/7 coverage. No matter how engaged you may be there are limits to what a person can absorb.
The republicans are playing to the base, no surprises there, so I've kind of tuned them out. They are being reprehensible and disingenuous. Oh well, it must be Tuesday. On some level I wonder if we wouldn't all be better off if Congress did its work and gave us the sum results instead of a play by play. This endless droning will only serve to make any conclusion far less impactful with the public.
48
@BC
I understand your desire for less
Still, by repetition and added detail, the threads of the questions and answers become a fabric.
on the ocean, the waves do similar things over and over
And that is the ocean...
while you can "get it" in ten seconds, you get it more clearly and deeply after ten hours, and the meaning is somehow more affecting.
27
@BC Republicans wanted the whole thing public, so here it is. So now they call it a circus.
People need to think seriously about electing anymore Republicans to high Federal office, until they can find other, more honest and capable people. This bunch end up trying to defend the indefensible, and are by no measure, Conservative.
48
@BC
I am 65 yrs old and I remember the 24/7 coverage of Nixon. back then there was no twitter, social media. there was no 24 hr news coverage, faux news, cnn or any others. there was walter Cronkite who everyone trusted. there was only three broadcast news stations.
during Clinton that is all there was. I don't know what it is you saw but it wasn't that.
16
The impeachment hearings and election are no longer about Trump. He is who he is and its not going to change. For those of us on the outside, this is more about the American People and how they wish to be viewed by the world.
The impeachment hearings are revealing what one side of that equation will look like. The election will answer if that is what the people want.
The contrast between the worlds expressed by the NYT article on Mr. Rogers "tending the soil", and Mr. Nunes casually and cruelly casting aside the career of a life-long diplomat as a "human resources problem" is dis-spiriting.
Really, United States, which world do you want?
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/19/magazine/mr-rogers.html
483
@goodsonr not the one occupied by the despicable nunes.
36
@goodsonr Devin Nunes is suing a cow on Twitter for making fun of him. And then he speaks into the camera. Who wants to tell him?
36
It’s truly sad and upsetting watching these hearings knowing the Republicans sense of duty and patriotism is non-existent. Clearly, they have no intentions of getting to the truth and will try anything to discredit and smear these first hand witnesses in defense of Trump.
I found the "circus" remark by Nunez classless, in poor taste and appalling. The real participants of this so called circus are the Republicans; they proudly put party before country and have no shame of lying to America and the world.
868
@A.A.F.
I found the "circus" remark by Nunez classless, in poor taste and appalling.
So did it, although I'd call it nothing short of contemptuous. Which speaks volumes about the people who sent him to Washington from his district.
78
@A.A.F.
Nunes keeps referring to the (totally debunked) Ukrainian election interference in the 2016 election too.
Too bad he never read the DNI report on election interference in the 2016 election.
"Assessing Russian Activities and Intentions in Recent US Elections"
quote, from this document,
"We assess Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered an influence campaign in 2016 aimed at the US presidential election. Russia’s goals were to undermine public faith in the US democratic process, denigrate Secretary Clinton, and harm her electability and potential presidency. We further assess Putin and the Russian Government developed a clear preference for President-elect Trump. "
full text here..
https://www.dni.gov/files/documents/ICA_2017_01.pdf
75
@Lefthalfbach
Sorry, it is 99.9%
15
The back and forth of politics is one thing, but for Rep. Chris Stewart (R-Utah) to take a swipe at Lt Col Vindman's wearing of his uniform to the proceedings or Devin Nunes (R-Calif.) to intentionally address Lt Col Vindman as "Mr. Vindman" in an attempt to disregard his rank...this is the lowest of the low. It makes me sick to be a registered Republican, and I am strongly considering a change in registration. I can no longer be associated by party affiliation with people like this.
20
@Dr Chris E
Chris, this not the Republican party this is the party of Trump. Money & Power over morality and the needs of our country. Democrats are not perfect but for the most part we care. Come join us!
5
Those pursuing this action need to ask themselves two questions. First, what has happened here that rises to the level of an impeachable offense? Second, what is the goal of the process? Some possible answers to the second question can readily be eliminated. Clearly, the goal is not due process or the rule of law. In their blind, irrational hatred of President Trump, the Democrats are obviously focused on undoing the results of the 2016 election or, more probably, damaging the President so badly that one of their socialist candidates can win the 2020 election. I personally look forward to the time when President Trump looks across the stage at Elizabeth Warren and asks, "Is this really what you want for our country?"
2
It used to be anyone who served in the military, LEO's, or career civil servants, Republicans would treat respectfully. Until Trump. A person whom throughout his life has consistently put himself before all else, (including country), regardless of how those actions harmed other people. Obviously, Trump has continued his selfish endeavors on a larger, grander scale as POTUS, and Republicans have become his puppets auditioning for a chance to get scraps from his corrupt administration. The longer Trump is permitted to obstruct, ignore or break the law, the stronger and bolder our enemies will become in their attacks on America. Republicans should realize how their actions are further compromising America's national security, and reputation for a man whose has never done anything for America that would make him worthy of such devotion. Republicans should reverse course immediately by putting America first, ALL American citizens second, and their party dead last by holding Trump accountable for his attempted shake down of Ukraine.
3
Just another point of view. The present state between Ukraine and Russia is not one of open warfare, but it is not a cold war either. People are dying every week: maybe one can call it a luke-warm war. (By the way, I am currently reading Applebaum's Red Famine: Stalin's war on Ukraine. Again: nothing new!)
Under these circumstances. it would be too obviously pro-Russian for Trump to stop the aid given by the US to Ukraine. But if Trump could disguise such a stop as a political attack on the Democrats, the current Republican majority would care much less. So the stop can be explained as just a Putin-supporting move in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
There have been plenty of similar wrecking moves of regular US policy by Trump. Currently, he is trying to wreck the relation between Korea and the US by demanding a fourfold increase in the amount that Korea pays for the aid that it receives from the US. It seems difficult to attribute the intellectual authorship to such wrecking to Trump since he does not seem to care about what happens outside the US.
4
The Republicans defense is that the president can do what he wants.
In fact the President is the elected to represent the Country, the entire Country and what it stand for as written in the constitution.
He is not a King, Boss, or “sole decider” of how things should be.
Our country is designed to be run by consensus. Not a child who throws a tantrum every time an adult says you cannot behave that way.
The reason things have gotten this bad in recent times no matter who is president is because the children in congress do not want to play together and start solving problems. Solutions are not telling everyone what they want to hear.
So my message to the current elected officials in Government is GROW UP!
5
Nuñes is now giving a speech accusing the democrats of everything the republicans have done in order to stymie the proceedings.
Seriously.
What is it in this man's world that compels him to describe up as down, and left as right?
This is simply Roy Chon-ism: Accusing your adversary of exactly what you are being accused.
6
So far I think the Democrats have done a creditable job of running impeachment proceedings. Schiff has shut down some testimony that I would like to have heard.
Colonel Vindman said he did not speak with the press but he did speak to someone outside the WH about the call. He also said he did not know the Whistleblower. I believe him, but I don't see why Schiff would not let him identify who he leaked this information to.
I understand his desire to protect the Whistleblower, but when the Senate trial begins, all of the witnesses who have been shielded so far will be subpoened and I expect Mr. McConnell, as is his wont, will pull out all the stops to get them in his chambers.
This whole thing is far from over.
1
How embarrassing for the Democrats and how aggravating for the taxpayers.
1
@Average Citizen
Check the headlines again........
1
"One Couldn’t Believe It"
He also stated that he did not know about Biden's getting Ukraine prosecutor Victor Shokin fired in the middle of investigating corruption in Burisma, the Ukraine gas company that paid Hunter Biden millions.
Biden's support has plummeted. It is clear that level-headed democrats recognize Biden's corruption, although they won't speak about it in public. Mainstream media has sidestepped the Biden/Shokin/Burisma/Biden incident, but people know corruption when they see it.
2
And to think Volker was supposed to be the GOP's star witness!
3
The officials who testified yesterday were smart enough to think about the long-term consequences of their testimony. While Jennifer Williams and Alexander Vindman embraced the good spirit of public service, the other two officials – Tim Morrison and Kurt Volker – brought forward by the Republicans, in an effort to bolster the GOP defence of Trump, seemed care about their reputation and fear the danger of committing perjury.
If they choose to be on the right side of history, there might still be a career opportunity for them in the post-Trump Washington. This should inspire other key officials to ignore Trump’s obstruction and step forward.
4
Republican treatment of our US Military heroes and civil servants is cruel at these hearings. Being base plays well to what’s left of the base I guess? Trump has become unelectable and it’s obvious they don’t know what to do.
6
Volker and Morrison express disapproval of Trump’s asking President Zelensky to “look into” allegations involving the 2016 election, Burisma and the Bidens. Volker pointed out there are appropriate channels for such a request. The Treaty With Ukrainian on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters requires the United States and Ukraine to assist each other in the conduct of criminal investigations. The president should have asked the attorney general to send Ukraine a forma; request, as required by the treaty. However, expectations that the Senate would remove the president from asking Zelensky directly are delusional.
But the important part of Volker and Morrison testimony is they both agreed that there was no quid pro quo, bribery, or extortion. Asked by three different committee members if they witnessed any quid pro quo, bribery, or extortion, both Volker and Morrison answered “No.” One committed member also asked if there was “treason.” They both answered “no.”
Treason and complicity in broad daylight by our traitorous GOP. Any thinking person cam observe the desperate breathless rants of the GOP enablers. Smearing Col. Vindman , using stupid terms like Star Chamber because the average low brow Fox viewer will only think of the movie.
It appears that Morrison testimony was inconsistent and hopefully he is exposed for lying. There was a curious back and forth with the attorney.
2
Wow! We even had the testimony of a political commissar (aka Lt Col Vindman). Think not? Do some research on the position. Even Lt Col Vindman referenced that he served the People. The only difference is that he actually served the needs of a political party. Really, how different were his actions vs the Politoffiziere of East Germany? Mother Russia would be proud.
@Mike there is no basis for such a characterization
2
Mr. Vindman, sorry, Lt. Col. Vindman, probably lied under oath when he testified that he did not leak and he did not know the whistle blower.
1
@Alex E what basis is there for making such an accusation?
4
Schiff trots USSR-born Vindman out in his dress blues with a chestful of medals to press his case against the President, and few seem to sense the irony. This "investigation" is starting to resemble Gilbert & Sullivan. Check out how many switch away from the televised hearings.
2
@OldEngineer You mean the uniform he deserves and the medals he earned? But yes, you're right, as you and yours realize your beliefs are unfounded, I'm quite sure you'll stop watching.
10
@OldEngineer That's Lt Col Vindman to you! This man protects your freedom to disrespect him! The only irony is your ignorance to what is happening to our democracy. Trump and his henchmen continue to chip away at it.
8
@OldEngineer
There is no "irony," unless you believe vapid right- wing conspiracy theories. Those of us who are grown-ups do not.
It's not supposed to be entertainment. People are following the hearings via the Internet. Welcome to the 21st century.
History lesson: Oliver North was "trotted out" in dress uniform during the Iran-Contra hearings in 1987. He was also arrested and convicted (charges dismissed 1991) for his role in the scandal.
4
Vindman was concerned our policy in Ukraine would veer off course.
It should veer in the direction Trump says it should veer, not whichever way a low level bureaucrat wants it to.
He was concerned the money flows would be altered.
Vindman doesn’t know the identity of the whistleblower, yet wouldn’t name the other person he shared his wisdom with because that person is the whistleblower.
Seems like nobody knows who this whistleblower is.
Hmmmm
5
@Ken Therefore it is perfectly okay for Trump to put his own private interests ahead of national interests when conducting foreign policy? Trump gets to do whatever he wants to do because he is president? Read the Federalist Papers.
83
@Ken Exactly what direction did "Trump say it should veer?" The only re-direction of policy that I have seen is that the mew Ukranian government should investigate Putin's charge that the Ukraine not the Russians interfered with the 2016 elections and that they should also investigate the Bidens - as a favour. Indeed that is Trump's right to do so but it is also the right of the House to impeach him for it.
26
@Ken It also "seems like nobody knows" what you're trying to say.
20
Vindman came off as well coached, but not authentic. It came out that he has been suspected of leaking White House communications, and he did not respond well.
P.S. Watching Volker now who seems far more polished and authentic than Vindman and every other witness Dems have provided. His view of why not investigate even though it may be a conspiracy theory because something might come up will be very hard for Dems to dismiss. His view that he and the other amigos were the "regular channel" and the others including Taylor were not is also reasonable given that he and the other amigos had direct access to President Trump.
5
@Dan "why not investigate because something might come up". If we followed that approach as a rule, all we would do is investigate. How about, "investigate when there is evidence a crime occurred"? You support cleverly flipping roles so that the irregular becomes the regular - exactly like when Repubs started calling real news "fake news", and real facts as "alternate facts". Your ability to twist things to fit your worldview is to be "commended".
27
You twist the facts to suit your bias. There is a right way and a wrong way to conduct foreign policy, and dare I say The Three Amigos and El Pauncho Villa are not the right way.
5
@jeffk "All you would do is investigate" - sounds like the Dems. What else have they done?
How dare that expert criticize the most knowledgeable and capable president any country has had in the entire history of the Western World !
Stronger than Caesar,
Fiercer than Attila the Hun,
Faster than a Speeding Bullet....
It's Superdon !!
10
I worked for years with military officers like Vindman and I am not enamored by them, like most. Generally, they are in love with the vertical pronoun "I", and overstate their importance and often overstep their duties. They also count on their medals, like a shield, to cover them when they overstep. In the end, they're human like the rest of us and own all sorts of flaws. We need to be objective about Vindman and look past the uniform and medals.
2
Why would you want Democrats controlling anything when they can't even put together a passable impeachment interrogation while holding all the cards? The parade of "witnesses" has done nothing except declare plainly that they saw nothing that is impeachable. Except for disagreeing with the President about how foreign policy is to be conducted, what have they gotten out of these people? The Democrats continue to fail miserably at trying to undo this President through every means possible except at the ballot box. Prediction: Trump will clean the ineffectual Democrats' clock in 2020 and they have no one to blame but themselves. Pathetic.
10
Hey, how’d that big governor’s election in Louisiana go? I didn’t follow it much, but I heard Trump went all in.
1
The Democrats latest impeachment effort attempts to show that Trump is guilty of bribery. After three days of testimony, what do we have? A couple of witnesses believe Trump's phone call was "inappropriate ". The number of witnesses who have testified to support a charge of bribery? Zero.
12
@Robert The extortion and coercion Trump exerted through his personal, non-government channels of communication (Giuliani), compared to executing American foreign policy through the extension of the government apparatus, is very clear.
This more than merely "inappropriate", this is a violation of Trump's oath of office.
3
@Robert Did you watch any testimony? I did yesterday, being off work. Let. Col. Vindman was so disturbed by what he heard, he reported it again and again, not just to the July 25th phone call, but also from meetings. John Bolton stopped meetings he was also in and told them to "go to the lawyers" due to his concern repeatedly. Devin Nunes was trying to out the whistle blower. The President is disparaging these people for being fact witnesses, doing their duty to our country and Constitution on official White House twitter accounts. When he is called out about some of the more egregious things he says, he talks about his right to free, apparently something no one else has, unless they agree with him. Mr Morrison, a Republican picked witness cannot say why he went to the lawyers, but still did several times. And Mr. Volker claimed not to realize that Burisma investigations meant the Bidens, even though he was helping create talking points for the Ukranians to announce the investigation. Vindman says the Ukranians knew. Maybe Mr. Volker didnt want to know, or maybe he is lying to avoid being charged himself. The Republicans put on a sorry performance, even referring to ratings going down in the afternoon. They appeared desperate.
1
Millions in military aid sure counts as 'value', both in giving it and withholding it in exchange for help in the election.
2
So, now we remove a President because a relatively low-ranking military staffer is concerned that his mother land won't get weapons fast enough to suit him?
Sorry, Lt. Colonels don't outrank Presidents.
10
Trump respects no rules, no boundaries, no principles, and nobody who is not immediately useful to him. He exceeded his authority in the expectation of immunity because of the office he holds and Republicans unconditional support.
32
@hula hoop You completely fail to make the distinction between the extortion and coercion Trump did through his personal channels of communication, compared to executing American foreign policy through the extension of the government apparatus.
One is legitimate, the other is not.
Your innuendo that tribalism is to blame for Lt. Col. Vindman's concerns is very dishonest too.
Tough to imagine a defense as stout as this one.
It’s irrelevant that Biden is/was a potential political opponent. Even if everything is true, Trump’s motive was not to get dirt on a political rival but to give Democrats a taste of their own medicine. If they want corruption, they can find it in their own backyard. Political revenge is not considered corrupt. It’s just part of the game.
@Edward
You just made that up. Read the law.
Yesterday, it was emphasized that Ukraine served as a barrier against Russian aggression into Europe, which is why it was so important to U.S. national security.
This cannot be stated forcefully enough. So far, Trump has ceded partial control of Syria to Russia, which doesn't serve U.S. national security interests.
Were it not for the whistleblower, Trump could have held up Ukrainian military aid indefinitely, ignored the Congressional vote for it, and ceded Ukraine to Russia, thus opening the door to Europe for Putin.
The Trump Americans have come to know is, above all, self-serving. His loyalty to Russia, and disregard of U.S. national security interests, tend to make him seem like a Russian asset.
1
Has anyone counted the number of people listening to the call? That room had to have been really packed.Earlier we had a person who testified that basically Tr mp wasn't nice to her.
In this article two are called to say they think his call was "not in line with American national security goals." Certainly they were different. Long before the call, there were reports that the State Department did not like what Trump did. Now it seams there is chance to voice those opinions in public. But that is not the definition of High Crimes. There is also a number of articles that Trump was trying to get something on the Democrat candidates. That is not what happened. What Trump was acting on was something that had taken place in 2015. Even Biden had talked about in an interview on 2018. A company Hunter was sitting on their board for as was much as $50,000 month, was going to have criminal charges brought against them by a Ukrainian prosecutor. Biden told the Ukrainian president to fire the prosecutor or he would not give them the aid package we had promised. The prosecutor was fired. A new prosecutor was appointed and promptly dropped all charges against the company. The aid was given to the Ukraine. I think it is perfectly reasonable to hear from the Ukrainians, what they say happened. All this is a waste of time. The Democrats hold the house. We might as well get on to the vote. It's all political.
I only caught the tail end of the democrats questioning of Volker and Morrison but the NY Times summary seemed to confirm my impress that the Dems let them off easily.
Volker was simply not believable with too many 'I do not recall moments'. Morrison was barely challenged when he claimed that there was nothing inappropriate with the call but he felt obliged to report it to legal. He criticized Vindman for not following the chain of command to report his concern about the call when he failed to do so himself.
I may have to stream their testimony again to see what I missed.
Republicans continue to point their fingers and make false innuendos at everyone and everything but the person whom has the most to gain in this entire situation- Trump. They may convienently forget Trump's other many underhanded actions, but many Americans have not! If the goal is to get to the truth, and Trump did nothing wrong in this matter, then release documentation requested, and allow those subpoenaed to testify. Otherwise, Trump mind as well as claim the 5th, and remember what he and Jr. said about anyone doing that!
2
Every time they talked about what the 63M people who voted for Trump want to happen, I was hoping someone would ask "What about the 66M who didn't vote for him?"
3
@Bill O. USA has 328 million therefor 265 million didn’t vote for him
Your point is taken however
People are criticizing Republicans for being partisan. I never heard of such a thing. In DC? I can’t believe it.
@Edward
Not partisan. Desperately dishonest, cruel, and destructive.
1
Donald Trump didn’t have the self discipline to stick to the script during a phone call with the Ukrainian President even though he knew many professionals were listening. Now imagine what he said to Vladimir Putin during those times when no one was listening. The biggest current threat to my beloved country is the President of the United States. Think about that. It is no longer rational to support this administration and the Republican members of Congress and electorate who support this insanity.
4
The most important question now is, what if congress doesn’t impeach and the Senate doesn’t convict, does that make our elections open season to the likes of Russia, China, Iran, Saudi Arabia and Israel, etc? At some point our elected leaders have to ask how much stress our electoral process can take. It’s already been critically wounded by Citizens United and unregulated social media. Both parties need to worry because what goes around comes around.
I worry for our precious values and our beloved democracy.
4
SO many diplomats and career officials reported the Trump/Zelensky phone call as 'unusual' or 'inappropriate' and asked the WH lawyer about it. They did the right thing: not talk about it over the water cooler, but alert the lawyer. They knew it was wrong.
Once again, thank goodness for the whistle blower for alerting Congress so we all know what the president asks of foreign leaders who need US support and money.
5
Jennifer Williams, Pence's national security aide, Lt. Col. Vindeman and Ambassador Volker were extremely credible.
When Volker realised that investigating Burisma, an historically corrupt Ukrainian company, meant investigating Joe Biden and son, he did not support it, because asking foreign countries to investigate U.S. presidential political rivals does not support U.S. national security interests.
Vindman or Volker said Ukraine served as a barrier against Russian aggression into Europe, which is why it was so important to U.S. national security.
This cannot be stated forcefully enough. So far, Trump has ceded partial control of Syria to Russia, which doesn't serve U.S. national security.
Were it not for the whistleblower, Trump could have held up Ukrainian military aid indefinitely, ignored the Congressional vote for it, and ceded Ukraine to Russia, thus opening the door to Europe for Putin.
The Trump Americans have come to know is, above all, self-serving. His loyalty to Russia, and disregard of U.S. security, tend to make him seem like a Russian asset.
4
Republican solidarity is the best sign that these hearings are going nowhere, but the Democrats are in denial.
How unusual and inappropriate? Every time former National Security Advisor John Bolton was apprised of the situation by his NSA Director Morrison, Morrison was told "Go speak to the lawyers".
That phrase will be heard for what it is and for what it portends for Donald J Trump.
1
I love this word "inappropriate" people keep throwing around. The behavior was Unconstitutional, pure and simple.
2
It was pretty amazing that Morrison said there was no quid pro quo but then said it was apparent to him that everything depended on Zelensky's acceding to Trump's demands. I think Morrison is likely highly educated but he doesn't seem to know that is a perfect example of what quid pro quo actually is!
5
Re”Officials Testify Trump Call Was Inappropriate; One ‘Couldn’t Believe’ It“
Coincidence is no accident!
What a two fer for Trump. It was almost perfect. He just about got dirt on Joe whilst hobbling Ukraine for V. Putin.
I ask, has Trump done anything that did not, directly or indirectly benefit one V. Putin? If so, it must have been for Erdogan or his ilk, call them, “The Union of World Autocrats”.
4
If there is a lack of clarity as claimed by Republicans it is due to their failure to allow key witnesses to appear and enlighten the rest of those willing to listen.
4
As President Trump implied early in his first campaign, he knows personally where all the political bodies are buried in Washington and how the pay- to- play swamp game is negotiated, and deals are made. Trump has an accurate aggressive external reality orientation to Washington politics. He is unfortunately taken for granted by traditional politicians, academics, liberal media pundits, and many psychoanalysts and psychologists. Career diplomats with decades of experience in the Washinton swamp seem like they are from Sarurn and Trump from Mars. Trump clearly knows that if he doesn't counterpunch to Schiff's frame-ups of him no one else will.
1
President Trump lost the popular vote by 3.2 million votes. He was elected by the electoral college, the fourth time in our nation’s history, and he is vying with President Pierce to become our worst President ever.
2
Why we don’t see what any Ukrainian can is a puzzle. Everything Trump does, benefits Putin. Those benefits should be mentioned more often in the questions and answers at the hearings. A simple yes, and that benefits Russia, would help clarify where we’re at, and why. Putin’s effectiveness in dividing the British on Brexit should be taken as a warning. He’s waging war, and winning, against the entire liberal west.
6
This hearing is turning into a sham
2
Will Lieutenant Colonel Vindman's comment, "Here (in America), right matters!" become the Senator Joseph McCarthy moment that will inspire the country for the next 50 years?
9
The next Democratic Congressman who accuses this President of intimidation or threats is going to be REALLY sorry
1
Republicans should be ashamed!
I get the be a team player ideology, but when the member of your team that you are so staunchly defending is as corrupt and sinister as the president, it is no longer time to be a team player and time to be a patriotic American...
but it looks like all the Republicans have forgotten how to be truly patriotic.
9
@batman
It is you who should be ashamed. Any patriot knows that you are innocent until proven guilty. In your world, you are guilty until proven innocent. It is exactly that attitude that will allow Trump to escape.
Fair play still holds some sway in my world. If the Dems play fair, which they are not, they would have a much easier time of getting him.
Should we believe Trump or Vindman? Answer- If you had to go into a battle for your life, who would you go into battle with? Case closed!
4
“At long last, have you left no sense of decency?"
5
I am a Navy veteran'65-'69). I am also a retired federal prosecuting attorney (1995-2010) who has extensive trial experience and, therefore,extensive experience in cross-examining witnesses.
One of the cardinal rules of cross-examination is to "Never ask a question the answer to which you do not know." An exchange between Jim Jordan the Republicans "wannabe" lawyer, and Lt. Col. Vindman is instructive if for no other reason than to shine a light on the depth of his incompetence in cross-examining a witness.
I watched Jordan, with the ever-present smirk and glee on his face that suggested he though he was moving in for the kill. He asked why the Colonel's concerns about 45's phone call were relevant in light of criticism from both Morrison and Fiona Hill.
As noted, by the reporters, Col. Vinmand, was ready. Indeed, I laughed out loud when he began to read from his July performance evaluation written by Ms. Hill. For Jordan, the Republican's "expert" cross-examiner, had demonstrated to the world, that he had no clothes. He asked the question the answer to which he did not know
So Republicans, if you're listening, please replace lead counsel, Castor, with Jim Jordan. He's your party's kind of guy: a blowhard, incompetent, and disgraceful individual, just like 45.
11
“to investigate former Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr. and his son Hunter Biden and a debunked theory that Democrats conspired with Ukraine to interfere in the 2016 election.”
The fact that Democrats conspired with [people in] Ukraine is NOT a DEBUNKED theory. The evidence has not been investigated fully yet [and there is evidence, including a video of Vice President Joe Biden bragging that he stopped a corruption investigation in Ukraine].
William Barr is currently investigating this area and it is well to await his findings before rejecting them. That is called ‘due process’!
2
Does "inappropriate" mean illegal?
Scream a headline when that happens. Believe me, I'll be happy to see it.
2
My reaction to the house republicons questions/accusations and illogic is:
Thoughts and prayers America.
3
Welp. If this is the best republicans can come up with - witnesses that support the impeachment case against "trump" - then they really just gotta throw in the towel.
Just tell us, republicans: Do you care that you are going to vote in the senate to toss these crimes and underline that "trump" is above the law, and thus a dictator? And why? Because you have our federal republic? WHY ARE YOU GOING TO DO THIS? What is in it for you once it's all torn asunder? You think chaos and strife is a really good idea? Cuz that what you are going to get. Your kids will NOT thank you.
6
Since when do people in the military get to wear fancy uniforms with medals on them?
2
DJT is not well. He is probably in early dementia. It is crazy that we have such a chaotic/risky situation that is true life drama .
If GOP voters are actually multiply/beaucoup informed of the probable bad health reality, and yet they are still passively choosing to dismiss/ignore the dire situation, then
there is apparently little which can be done,
We cannott expect the Democrats to solve the problem by themselves. Our nation seems evenly split, The ball is clearly in the GOP’s court
I beg every DJT voter to please consider our crisis, and to not be stubborn/foolish for the sake of your children/grand-children and everybody else’s.
Potential insanity/dysfunction that is inevitably (Murphy’s Law) tragic is perhaps a matter of a short time. If he is re-elected, then hades is probably likely within those four years.
1
Republicans questions are not meant to be serious, nor do they expect to elicit a Perry Mason-like witness stand confession. They are click bait material, designed for those who get their news from Fox and its ilk.
7
I get that impeachment is inherently political but The GOP has no shame. The witness is a decorated officer and instead of fairly evaluating his testimony or pretending to they are questioning his loyalty ? Shameless.
6
What appears to be a perfunctory or even disinterested response by the public as compared to Watergate and Clinton is really just the realization that the facts here are beyond obvious. We know Trump did it. Everything Trump has ever done, said, or tweeted supports that conclusion and every witness, each of whom have been credible witness, has testified to the same unassailable facts. We also know it is a violation of Article 2, section 4 of the Constitution and that Trump must be impeached. And finally, we know from Republican reaction, that they will never, ever, regardless of the crime, uphold the law. We know the Republicans are a rogue radical right wing criminal organization that will defend a criminal from within while attacking all outsiders. That's what fascists do. But trust me, we are out here and we are watching...and we are mad and offended beyond anything you can imagine. We know....
8
Dear NYT:
The impeachment "inquiry" is resolving down to a comically uptight military man in dress uniform, who was the original source for the anti-Trump "whistleblower" and his second-hand tale of Trump "bribery."
Despite The Times' efforts to lionize Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman as a man of integrity and acumen, Vindman seems merely confused.
Only Vindman heard Trump "pressure" President Volodymyr Zelensky to provide "dirt" on his 2020 political opponent.
The transcript speaks only of a "favor."
Two of the three percipient witnesses to the telephone call -- and other senior officials who read the transcript - rejected the characterization that Trump in any way pressured the Ukrainian president.
Vindman's boss, Morrison, heard Trump make a "request" only and did not see anything wrong at all with the call. No bribery, extortion or quid pro quo. Vice Presidential aide Jennifer Williams denied any pressure was applied, and said only that Trump's call was inappropriate.
And the Ukrainian president also insists that no pressure was applied.
Time to move on.
3
Is there any circumstance under which a President could legitimately request a foreign government to "investigate" his political rival?
The only reasonable inference is that he made a request that was for his personal political gain, and he added teeth to the "request" by withholding millions of dollars of aid, our money, our tax dollars, played by him as ante in a poker game.
Trump is loathsome and anyone who backs him must be a thug.
5
"...that is not a clear and compelling basis to undo 63 million votes and remove a president from office.”
Perhaps 67 million votes should have a voice.
5
Lurking below the surface of Republican questioning of col. Vindman is the age old anti-Semitic trope of the questionable loyalty of a Jew. I believe the Army is acting properly in providing physical protection to col. Vindman and his family.
7
Inappropriate does not equal illegal. Not a trump fan, but not seeing enough for impeachment. The people voted for a lying con artist--they got what they voted for. Let the voters decide in 2020.
2
@Hello
Except when it does. Look up Federal Bribery Statute. Getting elected doesn't confer impunity, that's what impeachment's for.
2
“Inappropriate”? Wow, how terrible. How about calling what it is which is, factually; extortion. Not just, um, sorta kinda maybe, er, mean? No, extortion and bribery. Not inappropriate.
2
Vindman seems to have forgotten a couple of basics.
(1) The military gets its directions from the civilian Commander IN Chief.
(2) The elected POTUS makes policy and the career employee staff carries out those policies. If an employee cannot bring himself to carry out changes in policies, he has to resign.
Vindman seems more interested in joining the Dems campaign to sabotage this POTUS from day one. If so Vindman and the Dems are making a valiant effort to rip the Constitution to shreds . . .
And I have a feeling that the full of Schiff Dems have signed their own orders to spend many a year in times to come in political siberia . . . common sense Americans will finally see the real cost of voting for the looney left.
2
@Steve Bee. anybody that is taken the oath knows it is to uphold the Constitution. Try harder.
1
in their defending of a tax evading draft dodger and attacking America’s military personnel, it’s the Republicans who should be questioned as to their loyalty.
6
None of these alleged ' patriots' would be testifying but for an anonymous whistleblower.
Unlike the brave honorable great American patriots Edward Snowden and Chelsea Manning who came forward openly and alone at grave great personal and professional risks. Both have suffered bipartisan condemnation.
Thanks to Barack Hussein Obama, Mr. Snowden lingers in limbo in Donald John Trump,Sr.'s primary patron Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin's Russia.
And Manning went to prison for 7 years of a sentence that Mr. Obama commuted.
All of these ' patriots' are going to keep their benefits and current and future job prospects.
2
@Blackmamba
I'm sorry, you've said this before. So what? When you cut through the noise, these witnesses eliminated the "hearsay" claims.
Imagine… the so-called impeachment investigation / hearings have morphed into a Democratic Lynching mob. Adam Schiff continues to deliver self-serving parities regards the Ukraine transcript suiting his politically correct whims from the politically appointed position as the august Chairman of the ‘deep state’ putsch.
Imagine… wondering if self-serving parities aren’t grounds for impeachment, or a prerequisite for Adam Schiff’s immediate removal from his august position as Judge, Jury and Hangman. You have to question the process of leaking titillating transcript snippets favorable a Phaethon whistleblower or the inquisitor’s ‘deep state’ whims, aka a political putsch.
Imagine… a politically correct façade gone the way of a psychotic liar, suffering facial ticks and the expressionless gaze similar a doll’s eyes or a cult follower in search of a Magi. The mephitically leaked snippets favoring the whims and disillusions of politically correct wunderkinds in search of a socialist La-La-Land; has a foul stench all it’s own.
Imagine… the hypocrisy of it all; defining ‘quid pro quo’ has taken on new significances depending on the political whims and affiliations of our political servants. Some define it as ‘something done in exchange’ or ‘returning a favor’. While others associate ‘quid pro quo’ as a mechanism to satisfy the whims of collaborators associated with a ‘deep state’ putsch eying the destruction of our Republic.
2
Am I the only one reveling in the the excellent use of English vocabulary and grammar in public discourse? We have been so linguistically impoverished by this White House these years past.
And of course what patriotism looks like.
1
Who writes these headlines. "THE CALL WAS INAPPROPRIATE?" - that's a summary statement and seems likely to have been written by someone who just came back from a 6-month (or 3 year) vacation where s/he was avoiding media the way jurors are advised to.
Even worse - because NOBODY testifying was so very stupid as to say or imply ...
"I couldn't believe it."
... If only there were (maybe there ARE) enough Republicans who finally reach a tipping point -
"So, you're saying that Donald is so fixated on every little thing that will benefit him personally ... that he'll actually put his interests ahead of the country's!"
Yup, that's what these proceedings have revealed. Can anyone either moral or rational (or both) really vote to keep him in office, knowing what we all now know?!
3
"Dad do not worry, I will be fine for telling the truth". Lt. Col. Vindman's statement to his father during the impeachment inquiry brought a sense of pride to those Americans who value truth and decency above all else. Yet from the reporting this morning, Lt. Col. Vindman has a military security detail to protect him. Vindman took the oath to protect the United States of America from all foreign and domestic threats. The security protection provided him appears to protect him from a domestic threat. For?. Telling the truth.
4
Inappropriate, yes. Impeachable, no. If this is all democrats have, they have lost another round.
3
@AACNY
Obviously, we see it differently ... and I have to say in passing that for virtually EVERY Republican "serving" in Washington to NOT go with you on "inappropriate" strikes me as not exactly incomprehensible, but it's certainly in-SANE.
I know it's debating 101, but if you answer honestly, I think you'll get to the same "fallback position" those guys and gals (moral-less pols all of them) have gotten to - Let's see what the American voters think!
That's simply not good enough, and it's clear that the nation's founders WERE thinking straight when they opted for something other than DIRECT DEMOCRACY on the national level. Other nations - recently - put questions like Brexit to an all-country up-or-down vote.
It probably says something that our voters picked Trump over Clinton within a year or so of when Brits opted to self-destruct... rather than keep their borders open.
Seriously, WOULD IT BE SUFFICIENT (TO IMPEACH) if -
a) Trump said "OK, Russia, you can annex Ukraine" and it came out that Russia with-held embarrassing photos as a quid pro quo?
or
b) He orchestrated Israeli annexation of the West Bank in exchange for Netanyahu promising to come to the US (Florida, say) and stump for him?
==
Was it OK to impeach Nixon just because he knew about Watergate and covered that up?
I'm sure King George was a baddie, but I'm equally sure that the founders would agree, "If you put your own personal interest ahead of the nation's, ... you SHOULD BE removed from office!"
1
@edTow
I love it when the founders are mentioned. People often forget that they knew all about politically motivated impeachment. They were ready for it, so to speak. And so are we all thanks to them.
They also understood the importance of Executive powers, which is something democrats pretend don't exist.
@AACNY
I think you're reading the scoreboard wrong but either way it's like saying in the top of the third that's it, Nationals are toast.
"An impeachment inquiry is supposed to be clear."
It's clear Donald Trump tried to extort Ukrainian government help for his re-election.
It's clear he used aid appropriated by Congress in this extortion attempt.
It's clear the Trump White House is an ongoing criminal conspiracy.
3
That is just obscene. Who makes US foreign policy - US President or a nobody leiutenant colonel? And remind me who is currently the president - Donald Trump or Alexander Vindman? But most puzzling - why are we even having this discussion?
2
Wait for it: The Biden dirt search was only an excuse to withhold the money - not the other way around. Why? 1) failing to provide the money would only help Russia.
2) Reality of Trump Russia and Putin's Puppet for reasons unknown (yet). 3) Fighting all the way to Supreme Court to keep taxes private. It's only a matter of time when these dots are connected - - --
3
Profiles in courage.
3
Trump is ignorant of the rules and is so self-oriented that even if he knew he was wrong he wouldn’t admit it. His bullying and boorishness is so all-encompassing that he’s managed to convince those in the party that the emperor’s suit is oh-so-fine. I used to think it was just Trump but obvious the virus he has is so infectious that his fellow party members have caught the bug. It’s hard to believe that they think they can prevail in these hearings by displays of indignation and denial. It’s time for the Democrats, both here in these hearings and on the campaign trail to show their opponents’ lack of feeling for what is right.
3
Trump supporters of my acquaintance like Trump because he behaves like a wise guy. All the legal stuff is just guff. What if Trump shook down the president of Ukraine? That’s why they support him. The country isn’t just polarized about opinions, it is polarized about behavior. While AG Barr gives speeches lambasting the moral relativism of the liberal “elite,” Trump’s fans say: “whatever it takes.”
1
President Trump has a responsibility of not awarding our tax dollars to corrupt countries. If Burisma is not corrupt and if VP Biden did nothing wrong in getting Burisma's prosecutor fired then a investigation would prove it. To impeach the President on the testimony of Vindman who has a terrible judgement reputation, the Democrats also have to charge Pres Zelensky with corruption and lying when he's stated that there was no demand or pressure from Pres Trump. Doubt Russia wants any war with Ukraine learning well having these satellites states were the cause of the Soviets demise. Total waste of our tax money when Detroit still doesn't have clean drinking water etc.
2
Watching these hearings have given all of us who are normal a sense of hope listening to true Americans who have given so much for this country and we have seen the greed, selfishness of the GOP who did the questioning. As a matter of fact the whole world has watched the GOP and these tapes will live forever.
I often wonder when did American politics become a board game. Did it start with Regan that on one side of the board it is white winners take all despite the destruction of the country.
The GOP administration dont seem to care about anything but themselves, they dont care about the people of America, the lives of the Kurds or just telling the truth. Being white ignoring the Constitution and the laws of this country is all that they have perfected to the highest art form.
We have everyone who leaves this administration writing books of nonsense making money off of the white house. Bolton wont testify but has a 2million dollar book deal, he is giving speeches but he cant testify for the country. Haley is pretending that she is a woman of color (despite the fact that she did nothing for minorities when she was in charge of a bigoted state) has written her book smearing her fellow White House team members. The corruption sickness has unleashed a SS guard, into the country to do great harm
We need to remove this tyrant from office, vote democratic down the ticket because we are on the slippery slope to moving into a dictatorship, GOP party is already there
3
Those coming forward such as Col. Vindman show what is the best of America while our President and his republican cronies show us what is worst and so very self serving. Honor and upholding the constitution vs. hollowing out how American should be working.
3
All of the Republicans illustrious careers, their achievements and their restraints, their learning and their yearning and years of balancing their thick reading glasses on their noses, have come to this. Working for an incompetent conman who couldn't care less for their values.
What a humiliation.
What do we learn from this? That the methods one adopts to achieve one's goals cannot be compromised.
3
Just need to stir the consciences of at least two hundred thousand open minded, clear thinking independents in the battleground states.
Wake up America!
3
“An impeachment inquiry is supposed to be clear,” said Representative John Ratcliffe, Republican of Texas.
I believe it is clear except to Republicans who cannot see beyond their personal interest and that of the Republican Party to the interests of their country. The cataracts of self interest have blinded them to anything else.
4
If Ed Snowden was right about the NSA collecting and storing data on everyone's phone calls then they should be able to retrieve the conversation. Of course the NSA might not want to provide evidence that Snowden's warning had merit.
1
"Inappropriate?" Understanding that these people live in a world in which words are ever so carefully phrased, can we dispense with the tact and discretion? Pelosi was right to call it a bribe. Besides, Trump only understands,and uses a limited vocabulary so let's just say what trump would, in ways he understands. The American people have to stop being so naive. It was "a thing for a thing."
3
It certainly takes a lot of courage to tell the truth when you have a President who lies constantly. The next President should give these people a medal for protecting the values of a democracy.
5
Let’s get this to a vote by end week, there’s already enough evidence to impeach, and no one is sane on the other side, so there is no more point in marching out any additional proof, we already have enough, and a signed confession of bribery (which we actually have - it was perfect!) wouldn’t change the minds of the lock step evil called republicans, who now scare me. It was illegal by the constitution to solicit another country to trump up an investigation in order to receive favorable diplomacy- so blantantly wrong - and already corroborated, so we’re done, impeach him, move on. No one cares about the senate any more.
3
I am disgusted by the red herring now being offered up by Republicans and right wing propaganda that this inquiry is an effort to “undo” the 2106 election. To the contrary, the impeachment inquiry is absolutely necessary to determine whether the Chief Executive abused his office and violated his oath of office by leveraging our taxpayer dollars, already appropriated for the defense of Ukraine against Russian aggression, to pressure the Ukrainian government to attack, for his personal political gain, his likely opponent, former Vice-President Biden.
Merely winning an election doesn’t insulate any president from investigation of clear, evidence-based indications of bribery and high crimes and misdemeanors. Ignoring the mounting evidence, both direct and circumstantial, of such would make them guilty of violating their oaths of office. Moreover, as one of the Republicans’ own witnesses said yesterday, Trump’s withholding of duly appropriated aid to Ukraine benefited only one party: the Russians. As Speaker Pelosi notes, all roads lead to Russia with this president. Republicans might want to start asking themselves why, if they truly love our country.
Oh, and one more thing - they might want to stop saying they love our military and those who serve, given that they are now openly slandering or acquiescing in the slander of heroes, like Lt. Col. Vindman and Sen. John McCain, by the likes of accused sexual assault-enabler Jim Jordan and draft dodger cowards, like Trump.
4
Let’s remind ourselves there were the witnesses Republicans called. Adam Schiff and others are doing a remarkable job not only exposing the truth, but quashing Republican efforts to muddy it.
4
Yes Men and Yes Women, who will do anything. In this context, where are we finding them?
I agree completely with Trump’s reaction to Vindman’s testimony. Plenty comments here about his unquestionable loyalty, etc. but why’s he there at all? He is an active duty soldier and his commander is Trump. By not defying the subpoena Lt. Col. Vindman is making a full-throated declaration that he is working for someone else. (Just as his father warned..)
Rep. Jim Jordan tells us that he knew nothing of the sexual misconduct scandal at OSU while he was a wrestling coach there. I believe him. He is clearly oblivious to anything beyond his own narrow understanding of his personal interest and obviously has no problem defending the indefensible in the face of overwhelming evidence.
3
President Trump, after winning an election where 63 million voted, took the oath of office, swore on a Bible and closed with “so help me God”, that he would protect and defend the constitution of the United States. That pledge was made in front of the same 63 million voters, (including Colonel Vindman) most of the Congressman who participated in the Impeachment hearings and the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.
The Constitution provides Impeachment as a remedy if the President fails to carry out those sworn duties.
Congressmen Radcliffe, Jordon and Nunes as well as AG Barr know that the Impeachment is not about “overturning an election mandate”, Impeachment is the sole recourse 63 million voters have when they have been a President who fails to execute the oath he swore to.
Members of the GOP and perhaps most importantly the Attorney General must stop this false and incendiary narrative they are trying to force feed the Trump base. Elections are a cornerstone of our Democracy and should not be used as a cudgel to defend actions that simply put, cannot be defended,
4
To New York Times - Amazing, accurate reporting. Thank you!
3
No longer can or should we ignore the issue of values. When we lived at the mercy of animals in the forests, famine, drought, flood and infectious disease our survival depended on controlling these external forces. Now the major threats to our survival aren't coming from nature but from our human nature. It is our hostilities, selfishness, pride, carelessness and willful ignorance that endanger the world.
Evil is ugly.
1
Treason, bribery, high crimes, misdemeanors, and inappropriate telephone calls. Yup, I’m pretty sure that’s the impeachable conduct specified in the Constitution.
4
Doesn't the truth have a clear bell sound that all the lies of Nunes and crazed Jordon smearing Vindman's reputation or hypocritically hollering about circuses (what are Trump rallies or twitter rants?) can't belie? We know Trump all too well by now and demanding a phony investigation into his political rival with the American taxpayer's money is exactly what he would do. So what if a bunch of Ukrainians die? Using money allocated to rebuild military housing to build his phony wall is what he did try to do. He is no respecter of any branch of government including the military, the taxpayers money, allies, accords, traditions, honor or honesty. The majority of Americans can't wait for him and his to be gone. I'm with them.
3
Lt. Col. Vindman and Ms. Yovanovitch clearly appreciate, and bravely defend, the American Constitution more than the President and his closest allies. Both are immigrants, and I am so proud they chose to pledge their allegience to my country. Meanwhile, the American prez tweets, golfs, stews, and talks to Rudy. When the enemies of America try to interfere in our elections, torture our citizens abroad, and manipulate Trump into playing their fool, I feel so grateful that non-partrisan career watchdogs like Lt. Col. Vindman and Ms. Yovanovitch have my back.
3
Just a pedant point...
Alexander Vindman correctly introduced himself as 'Lieutenant Colonel Vindman'.
But, isn't it conventional that he be addressed as 'Colonel Vindman'?
Aside from the differences of Loo-tenant and Lef-tenant, don't all Anglophone militaries address Colonels of both ranks as 'Colonel'?
This foreigner finds the disrespect of a senior and decorated career soldier pretty shocking.
2
Lieutenant Colonel Vindman is certainly an American hero. However, his testimony fell flat. He came across as a disgruntled employee, who couldn’t be trusted by his superiors, for fear of leaking information To those who had no need to “know.” To me, it’s fairly obvious, that he is the one responsible for giving the information to the “whistleblower.” The hearings are a circus led By its ringmaster, the arrogant and repulsive Adam Schiff. Contrary to what the democrats want to believe, trump has done nothing that warrants impeachment. End this charade and get on with the people’s business.
3
For reasons I simply do not understand the Republicans seem to be hiding their heads in the sand by not admitting Trump did wrong.
Attacking the messengers of these wrongdoings is the worst possible thing they can do; particularly when these messengers are being applauded by the audience in the hearings.
3
The arrogance of these unelected bureaucrats is astounding. Who do they think they are to presume to undermine the foreign policy of the duly elected President of the United States? Their duty was to carry out the policies of the President or to resign. Those were the two honorable choices. Insubordination is not a valid option.
1
The most stirring words to emerge so far from the impeachment inquiry were spoken by Lt. Col. Vindman:
“Dad, my sitting here today, in the U.S. Capitol, talking to our elected officials, is proof that you made the right decision forty 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. Do not worry. I will be fine for telling the truth.”
Unless, of course, Trump succeeds in turning the United States of America into a gangster state – just like the Soviet Union. Then he won't be fine. And neither will we.
All my grandparents emigrated from blood lands – Ukraine, Poland, Moldavia – which not long after they left became the Holocaust's worse killing fields. As I listened to Col. Vindman's opening statement, I felt a surge of emotion as someone who comes from the same gene pool and whose presence in this country -- indeed my very existence -- is due to the same decision by my ancestors to escape the same oppression.
The questions directed at Vindman by the GOP hit men were not intended to elicit facts because they had no foundation in fact, and the questioners knew it. Rather, their sole purpose was to create video clips useful to Fox News in creating an alternate universe. Thanks to the GOP, we are now deep into an Orwellian fever dream. And in serious trouble unless the heroism of Vindman and the other witnesses – speaking truth to power – snaps us out of it.
2
@Barry Schreibman You forgot to add that your “very existence” is ALSO due to the very political system that put Trump in power, including the GOP. We are NOT “..just like the Soviet Union.”
I try not to follow Trump, I try to tune out. It is such a waste of time. For me, one glance, a long, long time ago, sufficed to categorize him as a plausible crook. I kept and still keep wondering however how he will end. He is now openly attacking his own staff. Of course, because of the situation, everyone working for him is turning into a co-conspirator.
The end can only be that he starts to attack himself. This can be done in many ways: defection to his "great" friends in Pyongyang or Moscow? Deteriorating health? More insane twitters? Whatever the end is, it now seems truly near.
If he attacks himself, Fox and the GOP can be sure to still stand by him. That may seem illogical, but in the case of billionaire Trump, public logic and public memory have always been dysfunctional.
2
@What'sNew
twitters tweets
What kind of country is this when credible witnesses fear for their safety?
2
For the Republican Party to suggest that Trump’s behavior is not illegal or treasonous is so much a provocation against the people of the United States and the Constitution that it warrants removal from office. Since when does America tolerate traitors?
3
“Inappropriate” is a weasel word.
These witnesses were concerned that Trump was committing an illegal act and they were concerned that he might get them involved in illegal activity with criminal liability.
Trump has a history of walking away as other people pay for his mistakes.
Bolton did not tell them to speak to the lawyers because he thought it was inappropriate.
Bolton told them to talk to the lawyers because it was illegal.
2
It's despicable that Republicans try to impugn the patriotism and honor of an exceptional soldier like Lt. Colonel Vindman, accusing him of being a traitor, and yet turn a blind eye to the REAL traitor, Donald Trump. It's beyond hypocrisy, and a betrayal of their sworn oath to uphold and protect the United States from "enemies, both foreign and DOMESTIC". That they are blindly defending someone who invited interference in our democratic processes from the Russians and other foreign actors, and is using his power for his own corrupt - and traitorous - ends, makes them complicit in Trump's crimes and they should be impeached as well.
But I would like to see the Democrats become much more direct and forceful in calling out these lies and evasions. Mr. Morrison should have been threatened with legal consequences if he continued in his obvious lie that there was no particular reason he went straight to the legal counsel's office right after that phone call. Likewise the same consequences should have been aimed at Volker for insisting he was oblivious that the investigation being demanded by Trump was aimed at the Bidens. Someone holding the post of Ambassador cannot be that dumb and clueless. The only explanation is being evasive and trying not to get caught, and the Democrats should've made him pay for that attempted deception.
The Dems need to tie this in Trump's earlier interactions with the Russians and show Americans how Trump has sold out our nation for his own gain.
2
There are 2 issues: 1. Impeachment - Is under investigation. 2. Bidden business in Ukraine. - Is not under investigation.
Are the Democrats trying to shift people attention form kind of corruption on their backyard?
1
That guy Morrison will not say why he took that transcript of call #2 directly to the OLC, the lawyers, an action in which he skipped his normal chain of command...When that point was made, by both Schiff and the gentlewoman from Texas, I think ,the last questioner, Morrision squirmed in his seat, looked to his council to his lefft - his body language was overtly moved into major discomfort, etc..I think that was the first time in these hearings it was SO obvious that the guy was lying or concealing something, and he knew it..
3
Former White House Counsel McGahn is being shielded from a congressional subpoena on the novel theory that the Executive is immune from all subpoenas and investigations. Yet Mueller's investigation refused to make a determination of lawbreaking on the grounds that that was Congress's responsibility.
AG Barr is promoting a theory of "unitary executive" that in no way resembles the Constitution written by the Founders. And to cap it all off, Trump actually launches his own investigations, using his own personal attorney, freed from the fetters of American or foreign law.
Trump is effectively amending the Constitution to give the President the supreme power of investigation, including the power to quash investigations of inferior branches of government.
If the Senate does not convict him -- or if the Supreme Court does not stop him -- the Trump Amendment will be permanent.
2
It's fascinating to compare these kinds of explosive headlines with the fact that the hearings are not moving the needle of public opinion.
Indeed, the polling and political betting odds show Trump's position is strengthening.
Why is the public just not buying what the impeachment advocates and most of the media are selling here?
1
Congressman Jim Jordon is the main-line moral conscious of the GOP espousing vitriol and damnation at every truthful utterance from witness after witness. GOP voters might be mindful that they are silimilary to Mr. Jordon lacking logic and lost in fanciful tales of the deep state. One wonders if Mr. Jordon could balance his checkbook or know how to get a driving license with such a fanciful departure from reality.
However, every American might grow weary of a Nation heaping unlimited praise on military service because things like war crimes are ignored in the romanticized world of hero worship. Firstly, people join the military for many reasons and boundless Nationalism is inherently irrational as evidence the US Constitution with insightful checks and balances and civilian responsibility for war. Military service needs to be rational, practical and professional. However in America, the citizenry seems to heap praise on active duty personnel yet less so on battle-weary veterans with PTSD and illness (evidence the VA healthcare limitations and decades of mismanagement). My personal military experience during a conscription era was that few of us serving resented the draft and took the oath to the US Constitution as dutifully and seriously as lifers.
Last time, I checked, the Constitution gives the President the authority to conduct the foreign policy of the United States, not our military or "experts." The old saying that "Too many cooks spoil the broth" might well apply here. Lt. Col. Vindman has a very personal interest it seems in our foreign policy in the Ukraine. The "experts" who testified have a point of view as well, and, for the most part, reasonable people could differ with those points of view.
The Ukraine wanted more that $300 million, and the President was not out of bounds in trying to find out who was getting it and what we were getting for it. We may not like that idea, perhaps because many of us do not like the President, but this is by no means unusual in our politics. Assuming the President wanted to gain an election advantage from our government's action, what politician has not tried to do that? It happens all the time. We sometimes call it "pork barrel," and sometimes it is even more blatant, and we call it buying votes.
Perhaps, the bigger question is: Was giving the Ukraine more than $300 million a wise decision in the first instance? Congress apparently thought it was, even though we have many pressing problems at home that could well use that sort of money. In any case, the Ukraine got the money Congress authorized. So, what's the big deal?
1
Perhaps, from now on there should be a presidential uniform (purple?) to indicate that once the position is won the person who is now wearing this uniform is serving their country not any particular political party (or in Trump's case himself)?
1
One thing that has not been sufficiently discussed is the soft treatment of Morrison, who seemed to be trying to protect Trump as much as he could without perjuring himself. Why did he go to the lawyers right after the July 25th call? He says he feared political blow black, but what was it about the call that made him fearful? How often does he go to the lawyers right after a call? He seemed to be less that forthright in addressing the issue.
1
Mr. Morrison did not tell "the truth, the whole truth". Watch and listen to his testimony carefully. He is clearly attempting to thread the needle between protecting Trump and not lying. Even he knows he failed. Perjury, perjury everywhere. It quite obvious in many awkward, stumbling moments he ultimately chose to protect Trump over telling the truth.
4
This misguided dangerous efforts on the part of the US to spread NATO to Ukraine, something the US solemnly stated it would never do, is the completion of Clinton's aggressive expansion to the east. The ignoring of the illegal coup in Ukraine led by right wing nationalist armed men is where the US would like to claim Ukraine's history began, after 2/2014. Nothing is mentioned of the USs meddling in Ukraine's internal politics in a direct destabilizing way. Now a civil war grips Ukraine, which the current Ukrainian President Zelensky is trying to negotiate a settlement to with the Russians, is seen by Vidman and the other neo cons as a pernicious instance of Russian meddling. The US has no business interfering in these negotiations to end an ethnic conflict the US was integral in starting.
Can't get over GOP and Trumps disrespect for Government employees and in general armed services members. His unnecessary cruelty towards the woman ambassador particularly telling, also. It's interesting the GOP would throw Ukraine to Russia if they thought it would advance a conspiracy theory that won't work beyond their true believers. While Trump can make any foreign policy he chooses, I don't consider blackmailing a foreign country to support conspiracy theories against a political rival or handing that country to Russia a foreign policy as much as an extortion attempt for self enrichment. The difference being who benefits. Our foreign policies should benefit our country, not one person, regardless of rank.
1
Most people instinctively know right from wrong. If you put all the hoopla aside, I trust the American people, in large part, understand that what Trump did was wrong.
1
The vast majority would agree. Trump's "style" is not a conventional or congenial one. He is bombastic and very "impolite".
My only question is when does "inappropriate" become a crime less than a year before an election?
@Si Seulement Voltaire
When, upon investigation, the evidence shows it's a crime. Obviously.
1
Nowhere below does one see that an NSC staffer, Ambassador, or whatever random advisor you'd care to pick has any say in the powers of the president while conducting foreign diplomacy.
The president, whomever that may be, conducts foreign diplomacy in their own fashion.
Never have I heard that the 'opinion' of this gentleman or anyone like him counts for anything as far as the aforementioned is concerned. Nor have I ever heard that "interagency consensus", whatever that even means, determines how the president goes about dealing with foreign leaders.
I learned this in Civics class in the eight grade, which was, for point of reference, right after Latin study. But then again, I attended Jesuit Catholic schools and was properly educated. We didn't spend much time getting in touch with our feelings, or learning yoga, etc.
"Under the Constitution, the president is the federal official that is primarily responsible for the relations of the United States with foreign nations. The president appoints ambassadors, ministers, and consuls (subject to confirmation by the Senate) and receives foreign ambassadors and other public officials."
Etc, etc, etc...
1
Part of our problem is seen in this article, which does not distinguish between Lt. Col. Vindman and "government officials." Members of the military are not government officials, and the difference is not just in name but in function, responsibility, and accountability. This difference was stated well in a Memorial Day address given by Barry Smith.
"I long ago learned while I was a cadet at the Virginia Military Institute that the profession of arms is governed by a stern moral code, which was there summarized into two principles: 'A cadet shall not lie, steal, or cheat nor tolerate anyone who does' and 'A cadet shall obey all lawful orders.' We came to believe that it was not merely a risk to our careers for us to infringe upon these principles but, more importantly, an occasion for shame. We were being trained in a terrible art, to deal out violence and even death. Unless we cultivated virtue -- courage, self-possession, devotion to moral duty -- we would be indistinguishable from brigands or common criminals."
For those many on the Right and Left who look down their noses at both the military and those who serve, let me note that after serving in Viet Nam, Barry served as a Smith College philosophy professor and as a public defender in Northampton, Massachusetts.
Barry's words define the difference between a member of the military, especially an officer, and a government official, as well as the vast, unbridgeable difference between Col. Vindman and President Trump.
1
With both Democrats & Republicans playing to their perspective bases the end result will still be the political stalemate we have now. Col. Vindman didn't have the "Ollie North" moment the Democrats were hoping for and the President continues to sabotage his own defense with tweets and boast's during the daily news cycle.
We're are witnessing a historic low-point in our country's history.
I missed very little of yesterday as I went about my day with earphones. Firstly I was appalled by Devin Nunes and Jim Jordan. Their speeches were the betrayals, the disloyal, disloyal to this country. No question Vindman cares a lot about this country. But he also cares about The Ukraine. There is nothing wrong with that in the light of everything else he said and his life's work and history. Vindman gave me a real boost, as he should for others, about telling the truth. Finally, and there is so much more to say, Adam Schiff is amazing, excellent. He withstands the waves of lies and negativism, the torrents of badmouthing, to talk about "what we have learned" and he tells why it's so important to the impeachment case for those of us too busy to follow the details. I watched Tim Morrison's "deer in the headlights" look, as he listened to Schiff, it was as a little boy being told what is right and what is wrong, what this country is about.
2
To use the well worn but useful metaphor of a bank robbery:
The robber does not walk in and carefully enunciate "I am committing what is legally known as a felony; I am hereby stealing a large amount of money that is not mine in the commission of this crime. "
No. What the robber does is pull out a gun and opening a large bag motions with the gun without having to speak. The bank teller generally gets the idea. The whistleblower who rings the cops is not demonised and the cops don't insist that the bank teller uses the words "bank robbery." The thief's lawyer does not say "but the person who handed over the money never used the phrase "bank robbery". Because the victim never said the term bank robbery, my client is thereby exonerated"
That would not work whether the teller got around to putting the money in the bag or not.
NO BANK ROBBERY. NO BANK ROBBERY. NO BANK ROBBERY.
“Officials testify Trump call was ‘inappropriate’”
Of the hearings continue to only produce headlines as tame and non newsy as this there is no chance Trump gets convinced in the senate.
I am amazed at some of the comments that insult Lt. Col. Vindman — just read one that referred to his “motherland” (a very loaded term in this particular context, IMO). They’re right up there with all the GOP committee members praising the lieutenant colonel for his service and then turning around and attacking him for doing his job — by putting his country first.
He did his sworn duty. Have we ever been able to say the same about Trump?
1
Colonel Vindman and Ms. Williams have embarrassed me. As a young man I dreamed of attending West Point, but I didn't. I have, however, enjoyed the benefits and privileges of living in a country that exists because dedicated professionals serve to uphold the Constitution be it on a battlefield or via diplomacy.
Duty, Honor, Country. I lapsed. You have not. I salute you and thank you for reminding us of our obligations. I am embarrassed but you both make me proud.
39
As the vast majority believe that the Republican party has shown more priority towards their own well being rather than the people’s, I agree that the party continues to avoid addressing the truth for the sake of alter ego and reputation.
26
The Democrats are convinced that the President demanded an investigation into the Biden’s by Ukraine in return for the military aid and the facts so far strongly support that hypothesis. But is it possible that Trump just did not realize he was doing anything improper? Trump makes his demand for investigation in return for aid in a phone call in which a half a dozen or more people are listening in. If he truly knew that his request was improper he would have found a less obvious and more secretive way to make his expectations known to the Ukrainian president. Could Trump have really sent Giuliani to blunder around Ukraine looking into conspiracy theories and trying to stir up an investigation into the Bidens and expect for this to remain secret? The Republicans are running out of ways to explain away Trump’s actions but maybe the simplest explanation is best - monumental ignorance followed by complete incompetence.
14
@Art "But is it possible that Trump just did not realize he was doing anything improper? " Oh it's entirely possible that the man is just too thick to understand that the action was illegal. He does, after all, consider himself - he's told us - to be a stable genius, smarter than his generals and with "great and unmatched wisdom". As with most things, he's wrong about that, spectacularly so, and we should demand of our president at least a realistic understanding of his own limitations and of the value of expertise.
3
@Art Considering the questionable deals that Trump has engineered in the past, I very much doubt that he didn't know just what he was doing.
Regardlessly, he has failed to execute his sworn oath of office and is forfeit of it position. It's time for him to go even if that means a President Pence takes over.
2
Ignorance of the law is no excuse for breaking it. That is one of the oldest legal concepts in the history of law.
3
Part of our problem is seen in this article, which does not distinguish between Lt. Col. Vindman and "government officials." Member of the military are not government officials, and the difference is not just in name but in function, responsibility, and accountability. This difference was stated well in a Memorial Day address given by Barry Smith.
"I long ago learned while I was a cadet at the Virginia Military Institute that the profession of arms is governed by a stern moral code, which was there summarized into two principles: 'A cadet shall not lie, steal, or cheat nor tolerate anyone who does' and 'A cadet shall obey all lawful orders.' We came to believe that it was not merely a risk to our careers for us to infringe upon these principles but, more importantly, an occasion for shame. We were being trained in a terrible art, to deal out violence and even death. Unless we cultivated virtue -- courage, self-possession, devotion to moral duty -- we would be indistinguishable from brigands or common criminals."
For those many on the Right and Left who look down their noses at both the military and those who serve, let me note that after serving in Viet Nam, Barry served as a Smith College philosophy professor and as a public defender in Northampton, Massachusetts.
Barry's words define the difference between a member of the military, especially an officer, and a government official, as well as the vast, unbridgeable difference between Col. Vindman and President Trump.
12
@Steve Fankuchen I agree and also trust most senior officers in the military since they are usually quite sharp in their logic and skills.
Though some military cliques may exist, they do not do so at the expense of their oath or country.
1
@Steve Fankuchen
I always thought that the president is the Commander in Chief of all branches of the military. He is a member of the military, is he not? He is its commander.
1
@Cornflower Rhys
Cornflower Rhys, thank you for engaging. My understanding (and I hope others will correct me if I am wrong) is that while the President is Commander-in-Chief, he or she can not be a member of the Armed Forces when President. I believe Presidents Grant and Eisenhower had to resign their commissions, before attaining office. The idea behind this is to maintain civilian control of the military. One implication, relevant in present circumstances, is that Trump is not subject to the Universal Code of Military Justice.
1
If anyone still thinks our children actually have a future you are crazy.
10
@Mike They will have a future. The quality of that future is in doubt, however. Nature will continue to do its thing, pulling the human species along for the ride.
11
@Mike
If I had kids I’d be doing anything to get them citizenship somewhere else.
It's been stated by many that the American people will decide how far this impeachment will go. I suggest that the recording of the phone call that started it all be retrieved from the super-secret server (surely administrative errors can be corrected) and broadcast. That would likely produce an accurate picture of how the nation views the president's actions.
23
The released version was enough. The context which made the conversation meaningful was all the interactions conducted up to that point. Knowledge of those provides the meaning of all that was said, and that is that an investigation that calls Biden’s honesty into question was what Trump asked of the Ukrainian government in return for releasing the military aid.
8
Incorrect. It was the public announcement of an investigation. That was the ask. That announcement was expected to apply the necessary tarnish to Biden's candidacy. Any actual investigation would be superfluous.
There is no recording. They dont
tape those calls.
This is how we choose to treat our public service men and women - those who have made the utmost commitment and sacrifice for their Country?
How do we come back from this? I fear we have crossed a line that will have dire repercussions for generations. Who will ever want to serve if this is how they are treated?
32
We are less than three years into the Trump presidency and this is what we have come to: the fourth round of impeachment hearings on a president for attempting to obtain negative information from a foreign government on his political rival in exchange for money to fight Russia. The congressional committee is not even dealing with the 14,000 lies by Trump since he took office, or the bribe he paid two women to keep them quiet during the 2016 campaign, or his numerous violations of the emoluments clause, or his obstruction of justice and witness intimidation during the Mueller investigation, etc., etc., etc.
Trump is the person the Republicans have chosen to push all their chips in to defend. This the political party that once upon a time claimed it stood for traditional family values, respect for the military, fiscal responsibility, national security, and the rule of law. On display at these hearings the GOP proved those values have been abandoned. The party of Dwight Eisenhower has been replaced by the party that has chosen as its spokesperson a phony reality TV personality.
66
@Doris2001 I would agree with you here.
Any political party that places its power above that of good governance, guided by ethical standards, has no place in America and should be eradicated at the polls and society.
1
The case is slowly being proven that Trump misused his authority to gain cooperation from the government of the Ukraine in making political opponents appear to have committed crimes.
The Republicans are dismissing and trivializing the evidence and asserting that since the aid withheld was released, no harm done, so no crime. They keep repeating this misrepresentation of the issue to obscure the wrong doing.
But the Democrats are staying focused and it’s not looking good for anyone trying to defend Trump.
While the Republican Senators are not ready to convict if Trump is impeached, that is not a certainty of a majority of Republican voters decide he should go.
30
@Casual Observer It's telling that Trump and his House allies were still supporting conspiracy theories today, evan after Mr. Volker comlpletely dismissed them as nonsense. Clearly, Trump and his surrogates are unwilling to give up on their scheme to smear the BIdens, Clintons, and Obamas whenever a camera is pointed their way, even as evidence of Republican corruption piles up.
1
Has there been a poll measuring how many people actually don’t care or want President Trump to break the law? How about a poll measuring how many people want a dictator? I bet these polls would start to clear up what’s going on. I’d wager that Trump supporters aren’t in denial. We are.
20
@Alex There are now many, many Republican voters who want a dictator; this is clear from things they say but if you asked them point-blank they would indignantly deny it.
1
@Alex
The sense is most of Trump's base take delight in him acting outrageously and no one can lay a glove on him. He acts out all the rage they are powerless to, by themselves, all the vindictive resentment stirred up over decades by the dishonest, malicious media of the right.
1
It is shocking to me how many regular readers of the NYT are commenting here about the impeachment proceedings was unimportant or lacking proof of any wrong doing. How can you read the news everyday from a reputable source, regularly comment and still find that nothing happened here?
I believe that not only did Trump want to find dirt on the Bidens, but that he was put up to it by his big buddy Putin, who has a major stake in bringing down Ukraine, or at the very least making it super unstable. I still believe after reading the Mueller report that there was wrongdoing, that there was Russian coordination, and that poor Ukraine are now used and abused by both the US, who are supposed to be on their side and Russia, who are only on their own side.
The theatrics that the Repubs put on is disgusting and I’m so saddened by their treatment of Lt.Col. Vindman, who is, by all accounts, a Hero. What a contrast to President Bone Spurs! (I also find it remarkable that the Vindmans are being vilified, and it occurred to me that Trump and Stephen Miller, who was covered just yesterday, about his White Supremist leanings, on any other day would Love to have immigrant families just like them: white, reputable, hardworking. Oh the Irony!).
During all of this mess, I always ask myself: what would have happened had this been a Democrat, but I know the answer.
Sad!
31
@Suzanne
A lot of these replies are not from regular subscribers. They are set up by pro Trump people to have you believe this. It is really getting bad.
2
Isn't there are stronger word for what Trump said on the phone call than "inappropriate"? Inappropriate would be him asking a foreign leader to hang a portrait of himself in his office or to fly the Ukraine flag at half mast if Trump loses the election. How about "coercive" or "abusive." Maybe "dangerous."
30
The evidence is now overwhelming that Trump tried to extort Ukraine into creating a phony scandal to damage Joe Biden. In other words, he was trying to cheat his way to reelection. That violates the first and most fundamental principle of American democracy--the right to free and fair elections. By defending or minimizing Trump's actions nearly all Republican officials and most Republican voters betray the very foundation of our democracy. Is that the kind of country they want-- one in which those in power can use any dirty trick they can think up to rig elections? Don't they realize that we will all be losers if America goes down that path?
33
Gratitude to Lt. Colonel Vindman, an American hero.
39
Apart from his impeachable actions which took the form of putting our national security at risk for his own personal gain, Donald Trump has done the equivalent of shooting someone on Fifth Avenue when he attacked Lieutenant Colonel Vindman who took the stand today.
People like Lt. Col Vindman are the real heroes of America, not the current occupant of the oval office who is one of the most despicable and dishonorable examples of an American who has served in office to date . The Republican Congressman who are protecting Donald Trump like guard dogs , are just as odious in that they are protecting someone who has defaced the Constitution and put our National Security and risk. He has literally soiled everything we hold sacred. And here in the meantime is a Lieutenant Colonel who respectably stands in the face of this cesspool of a man .
25
Volker and Morrison were the witnesses requested by republicans. They did NOT exonerate the president. If they are the strongest witnesses in favor of the president then POTUS is in serious trouble.
33
Do any Trump supporters read the NYT? Based on the comments I've read on this and other topics, I'd have to conclude the answer is "No". I've yet to read a "My mind has been changed.", so in that regard, aren't we just talking to each other with people we already agree with?
16
@RonRich Apparently some choose to post illogical rants which ignore the what has happened and why Trump has violated his oath of office, thus his duty to America.
Most people are not so easily fooled, I think.
2
Impeach for high crime treason of helping Russian invasion by withholding Ukraine's military aid , not "inappropriate" request for political investigation
12
Ah, we're now in Orwellian territory, calling crimes 'inappropriate.'
20
@Harry — Speaking as someone who sees such language on a daily basis — words have to be carefully used, especially when there are legal implications. This is where critical thinking and contextual reading come into play, which most can’t or won’t do.
Col. Vindman's replys to Nunes — "“Ranking member, it’s Lieutenant Colonel Vindman, please,” — is my favourite reply to anyone about anything yet this year. Unimpeachable civility, almost austere brevity, withering impact, entirely à propos. G.-B. Shaw could not do better. Also encapsulates the whole zeitgeist of this affair.
37
I think everyone knows this will end in impeachment by the House and then a seemed exoneration through no removal by the Senate; however, it will cast an ill light on the GOP, and hopefully that will result in votes going the other way. Whatever way that is.
I’m sure that the base will complain that too much time was taken up with the impeachment proceedings, but hey, it’s not like anything beneficial to America was getting done under the current Administration anyway.
Bottom line, it’s important to hold onto your values sometimes, despite what immediate gains it may diminish. It will pay off in the end, not necessarily monetarily or in position, but certainly in karma and peace.
25
"inappropriate"? I can hear a huge collective "so what" from the base. It had better start heating up to high crimes pretty quickly or we looking at 4 more years of the debasement of our nation.
14
I am tired of all this. Volker says Biden is a good man, etc. but he let his son take a position in the Ukrainian energy company. As he says "come on now". Like this is acceptable. Trump did do all these things he is accused of but it did not affect anything. Nothing happened of consequence during the couple of months the money was held up and Trump got his point across regarding Biden. Let the American people vote this President out of office. This is the only way to go. A repudiation of a man not fit to be President of the United States. That sends a message not an impeachment.
8
@Richard
Biden could not “let” his son accept a job offer or keep him from taking it. His son is an adult.
Trump committed a crime in front of witnesses. Asking for the favor while holding up the aid was a felony. Merely asking. Saying nothing happened is a ludicrous, juvenile defense.
Come on now yourself.
40
@bob As for the Bidens. You have to be kidding. As for Trump this is the Republican explanation for Trump's actions or figure out some other scenario that they come up with for a" Not guilty." My point is there will be no conviction plus as I said a repudiation of Trump through the election is better than a repudiation through impeachment.
@Richard Trump was caught trying to rig the election and your response is to wait for the election?
i'd like to play poker with you.
“ And after three long days of public testimony, House Republicans appeared to be holding together in Mr. Trump’s corner, either unconvinced his behavior was as the witnesses described or unconvinced that it warranted a remedy as drastic as impeachment.”
I would suggest a simpler motivation: fear. They have tied themselves to Trump and know if he goes down, so does the GOP. His base would destroy them if they didn’t support him. Why else do you think so many of them have chosen to get out while they can? Why do you think they are attempting to derail the hearings?
Ask this question: how would they be acting if a Democratic President had been caught trying to do what Trump did?
23
As an advertising executive I can tell you that looking to TV ratings as a measure of public engagement is pretty misguided. You might want to ask your readers -- outside of diners in Pennsylvania and Michigan -- what they think. This reader is plenty engrossed and is aware that NO Republicans have argued against any of the facts. They may not give them the same weight as Democrats but there is no disputing that the president sought to condition official acts for personal gain.
40
There’s no reason to have this so-called inquiry. Nothing has happened to justify it. If aid was denied to Ukraine and then Putin started a war, we’d have a need to get to the bottom of it, but Trump has given them the aid they need, and it is certainly more than they ever got under Obama. Schiff has accomplished nothing but collateral damage to Biden who is the only one who can beat Trump in the swing states. It makes no sense.
11
But Putin has started a war. There is a war there. And yes the aid got there, but only after someone blew the whistle, right?
I think there is plenty to see here.
The Senate obviously won’t vote to convict, but I hope people will pay attention and draw their own conclusions. (Sometimes I wish I had a memory eraser a la Men In Black that would just eliminate people’s partisan leanings. I am quite convinced that a simple examination of the facts at hand, without a partisan bias, would lead most Americans to believe this was a pretty bad thing Trump did. This is why we need more news reporting, considerably less punditry.)
22
Once again the “the victim didn’t die so the attempt to take his life wasn’t a crime” defense. Brilliant.
36
You have missed the point! Trump has been a traitor to his own country and tried to use taxpayer money for his own purpose. If he wanted an investigation of the Bidens or the 2016 Russian interference, he should have sought one from the DOJ. He ignored his own intelligence results!!
Republicans don’t seem to be very curious inquirers.
Imagine the inquiry and public conversation if, instead of smearing witnesses and obfuscating facts,
Republicans thought it worth while to help better understand what happened, what it means for the country, and what ought to be done to ensure their Constitutional duties are fulfilled and our democratic institutions are secure - including elections.
20
Foreign aid is conditioned all the time. I will say that what is normal is that field grade Army officers don't get to determine what is normal in foreign policy or what will put relations with a country 'off course.' I have a hunch White House counsel or DOJ informed the president that legislation enacted after Pres Nixon was nearly impeached for impounding funds requires appropriated funds to be released by the end of the fiscal year. Up to that point, pressure on Ukraine or on other nations to step up with aid wasn't unlawful and wasn't necessarily bad policy. If the president's characterization of the phone call is disingenuous, that doesn't make the call or the policy unlawful, LTC Vindman is operating above his pay grade. The fact that his parents were lawful immigrants or that he has made a great career has nothing to do with it. I am mindful of the three rows of awards, the CIB , the parachutists badge and the Infantry crossed rifles. I can cite a five star general who thought he could make foreign policy. He was justly relieved by a president who rose no higher than captain in WWI.
10
Makes some sense Trump is leaning on a Nixon policy designed to avoid impeachment for impounding funds.
Perhaps Trump wouldn’t have needed to make good on his threat to continue impounding the military aid. But then what good is it as policy leverage?
Harder to reckon with is Trump’s using the funds as leverage for personal and not public benefit. I appreciate the Lieutenant Col. and others have raised concerns.
Still seems to me like something Congress - a co-equal branch - should be addressing by calling witnesses like the Lieutenant Col., as they are.
3
Conditioned on the personal, political interests of the president? Please cite an example. And you mischaracterize (intentionally) Vindeman’s testimony. It was the presidents deviation from US policy goals and his naked personal, political agenda that was concerning. Past presidents have heretofore voiced this policy and its goals as a reflection of deliberations and consideration of the advice of his advisors. This guy just wings it based on what he sees are his interests, not necessarily US interests. If your position is that this is appropriate, you are envisioning more an autocrat than an elected American president, at least as that office has been executed by both parties until now. But maybe that’s what you would like the presidency to devolve into. And you just may get your wish it seems.
5
@Jay65
With respect, please read the Federal Bribery Statute. What Trump did was twist Ukraine’s arm for a personal, political favor, just as Schiff said. That’s not only disingenuous, it’s a felony.
You’re wrong about holding back funds too. The president has a short amount of time to deliver appropriated foreign aid, or report to Congress why not. Trump didn’t do that. This wasn’t policy, it was a shakedown.
13
The testimony from the witnesses who were actually on the call and those who were repeating hearsay all concur on one thing: The President wanted an investigation into the events regarding the 2016 election AND the actions of a former Vice President and his son occurring 2016 and prior.
The Democratic spin or retelling of the events described by the witnesses overwhelmingly describe the President’s request as an attempt to use foreign sources to supply dirt on a current political foe.
If it is as the witnesses tell it, then what, exactly, did the President do that is impeachable?
Biden should be investigated with the same zeal Democrats are showing for Trump. The public has a right to know if Biden traded favors to help his son maintain his job. Even more so the $1.5 billion from The Bank of China. If he did nothing wrong then good for him.
I totally support Trump’s quest to understand the issues he raised with Ukraine. I would not support or condone Trump using a foreign nation to influence a future election. Unfortunately, if the investigation showed Biden to be a crook via his son, that would not help Biden 2020 but it Is what it is.
8
@Arthur Taylor
The public has a right to have Congressionally approved funds applied where Congress says, not used as a means of forcing an investigation into something that benefits the GOP candidate, Trump.
7
@Arthur Taylor
It's odd that the Administration apparently did not make a formal request through normal international legal channels for the Ukrainians to help investigate Biden. Why not? Perhaps they had no probable cause to request such cooperation? Better to use the president's private attorney and a couple of Ukrainian-American thugs to twist some arms. Yup, we'll teach the Ukrainians how to deal with corruption.
@Arthur Taylor
A bank robber who tried to rob Wells Fargo, then yells “I tried to rob Wells Fargo” doesn’t get a pass because he tells us about it. Is that what you just suggested?
So a president can do anything, and as long as it doesn’t work and he tells us about it, that conduct is legal?
"Mr. Volker testified that while he was aware Mr. Trump wanted an investigation of Burisma, he did not make the connection at the time between Burisma and the Bidens. He said that he misunderstood that other officials meant the Bidens when they mentioned investigations of Burisma."
Are we supposed to believe a seasoned diplomat would be so oblivious to what is going on?
That would make Volker a complete incompetent in his job (akin to Sondland, I guess) - it beggars belief.
17
When Vindman stated, based on his military experiences, that asking a favor was considered a demand, he should have been dismissed as a witness immediately. His opinions were no longer believable to ordinary people.
7
The Don[ald], so used to running a marginally legal real estate business with rules like a mob and him the boss, has been driven to distraction and rage by the fact that the patriots are testifying for their country.
Those patriots, Vindman, Williams, and the others, do not worship Trump nor have mob loyalty to him and they don't see him as the one to whom they gave their oath of office. Their oath was to the Constitution and not to the un-stable genius who sees himself as the strong man dictator like Trump, Erdogan, or Kim.
Republicans are afraid. They will be ultimately doomed by American demographics of immigrants and millennials. As a result the GOP sold their whole souls totally to Donald Trump with no way out. They can't back away at this point without looking like the total fools that they are and yet they see doom written all over these hearings if not in removal of Trump from office, then in 2020.
I could almost feel sorry for the GOP. It's like a wolf cornered by a herd of horses with no way out.
6
Being inappropriate does not mean being illegal! I do not believe that asking for an inquiry into the Bidens' activity in Ukraine wrong. Wouldn't you rather know about what he did in Ukraine that find some dirty scandal about him later.
Personally i believe some of his and Hunter's action sere less than honorable!
9
The “wrong” part of what Trump did is not in wanting an investigation to happen. Several Representatives welcomed Trump to conduct a thorough investigation through his campaign.
The “wrong” part was in asking Ukraine to do it, as a personal political matter, in exchange for a meeting and military aid provided by the public via the office of the President.
22
@Judy Weller, The issue was attempted extortion.
13
@Judy Weller, I agree. And, I understand that other politicians have children with similar occupations. If true that helps explain some of the more, umm, rabid comments we've heard from some in Congress lately.
3
Whether something is or is not appropriate is almost always an opinion and not a fact. This is no exception. Literally you have people “testifying” about their views of a transcript we can all read and form our own opinions on. Unbelievable how ridiculous people have gotten on the left. For the record, my opinion is the transcript is by no means reflective of a perfect call, but it’s probably also not the assault on our democracy some are making it out to be either. And my opinion is also that this is an attempted power grab in search of a justification. I think this charade is more disgusting and certainly more tired than anything Trump has done.
10
This is far deeper than the single phone call. This was a concerted campaign run through Giuliani on the President's request. We now know that there was coordination between the Trump campaign and WikiLeaks over the leaked stolen emails. Emails that were hacked, not left on a table in an airport, but hacked by a group of some of the best at their trade in the world: Russians. Russians, Israelis, Chinese, and our NSA are the best hackers in the world. Doing a deal with anyone other than the NSA for such information in the United States of America should be treated as what it is: trust in a foreign power over and above trust in the dedicated people of the United States of America.
As a Republican, watching some Californian disciple of Wally George insult a respected officer of our military as "Mr." insults every service man and woman who has ever served. Unfortunately this POTUS has never served anyone but himself. He, and this Nunes fellow, see him as a King who is above the law. Our Constitution was created so that we would never have to endure the reign of a Monarch. These Republicans are therefore traitors to the Constitution of the United States of America by supporting a despot King. Shame on them.
33
I am one of the loyal Democratic Party voters.
Democrats and all Americans - we have to also ask the question after these hearings. Why is VP Biden all quiet re his son, Hunter Biden accepting a Burisma job that pays $50,000 per month without any expertise in Energy Exploration and unable to speak fluent Ukrainian. The optics on this situation is strangely corrupt.
Meanwhile, back at the ranch, this Govt under Trump and his cronies is off the charts in terms of criminal behavior. When is enough enough?
9
These impeachment hearings are an embarrassment to the whole country. I am so surprised that these one-on-one calls are listened to by scores of people. After these hearings no world leader will feel comfortable to speak to a US president candidly.
After listening to the hearings, I can’t imagine why these are being held. There doesn’t seem to be quid pro quo here. As we have seen again and again, Trump often speaks without thinking, but he is not a monster or a criminal that Democrats are trying to pin him to be.
10
@Jukti
Quid: Public announcement that Ukraine is investigating the Bidens.
Quo: Releasing aid that’s been illegally held back, and a WH visit.
If it’s “do me this favor and I’ll give you this aid you desperately need,” that’s bribery. If it’s “do me this favor or I’ll hurt you,” that’s extortion. This one’s bribery.
Trump is always calculating how to manipulate, bully, and hurt people to satisfy his insatiable rage. He is indeed a monster. This time, he committed a felony in front of witnesses, so he’s a criminal. We now know he lied to Mueller, too, so that’s perjury and obstruction.
You’re right. It’ll take many years for the US to repair the trust Trump has destroyed around the world.
1
@Jukti
Quid: announcement of investigation that makes Biden look bad
Quo: release of aid, WH meeting
Since it’s a reward for the coerced favor, it’s bribery. If it was do this for me and I won’t hurt you, that would be extortion. Trump is a monster, but either way he’s definitely, beyond a reasonable doubt, a criminal.
1
You realize, these people are just stating their personal OPINIONS.
That's what this whole thing is about...I don't like President Trump.
You don't impeach on the grounds of personal FEELINGS.
What a farce and a waste of time.
You think Republicans were stalling on legislation and working together at the end of President Obama's tenure?
The Democrat's don't realize haw this is turning voters in the middle states against them, as far as the Presidential election is concerned.
11
The Republicans were doing even more than stalling under Obama. They refused to even carry out their constitutional requirement to review a nominee to the Supreme Court. They also impeached a Democratic President for having an affair.
Here at least the President has admitted to his wrongdoing, which affects foreign policy directly. It always amazes me how fast people forget... everything.
16
@Raz
Listen more carefully. Not opinion and feelings. These witnesses describe professional judgement, which require experience and responsibility. These qualities are entirely foreign to our con man president.
And, yes, Republicans stalled legislation and consensus during the Obama presidency. They perfected stall tactics.
5
Raz, "these people" are stating the facts. If doesn't matter what they feel. It is only the people sitting on the committee who are empowered to determine whether the President's actions are impeachable
Even though an impeachment inquiry is a fact-finding mission, some Republicans are treating the hearings as a trial. The most ridiculous defense they have posited is that no crime was committed because the quid pro quo attempt was not successful, there was no exchange. If a crook demanded money from a bank teller at gun point and the attempted-robbery was foiled, it would still be a crime.
21
@Whole Grains And you know some people are treating it as a trial that has already condemned the president. It's really a shame how our schools have not developed better critical thinking skills in our society in general.
2
Lack of critical thinking skills is how we ended up with Trump occupying the White House.
1
How sad is it that everyone involved with trump finds themselves guilty of something and their careers are either ended or marginalized.
Today, Mr. Volker, a good man, and a good representative of the American State Dept. showed how he had to go to all sorts of contortions to do his job of carrying out trumps ill begotten “policies”...poor soul. Morrison too. They both have been trained to carry out legitimate presidential ideas and wind up tied in knots.
They are not alone..trump leaves trails of promising careers behind him and cares not one wit. He is a genuine destroyer and our nation nation is now in harm’s way because of him!
11
Impeach for high crime treason helping Russian invasion by withholding Ukraine's military aid , not for "inappropriate" request for political investigation.
4
@jim auster That was Obama indeed, who did not give defensive weapons to the Ukrainians while they were invaded by Russia.
Trump gave them the weapons, and the suspension had no effect whatsoever, since the weapons served as a deterrent and nobody knew that they were withheld, till two weeks before they were provided in full.
Your outrage at Obama's accommodation of the Russians is understandable. But late.
6
Let's not forget Ms. Williams. She is a hero as well. Foreign service agents are also heroes. like Marie Yovanovitch mentioned, they keep us safe in a different way than the military but they are just as important.
17
A positive of the hearings is that I see Swalwell and Maloney as two fantastic young potential Presidential candidates down the road if they can and will be patient. I’m super impressed with these two. And I like the other Castro twin much much more than his brother who seems much more obnoxious. If nothing else it’s a great display of great younger Democratic talent that I knew little about before seeing them and researching them today.
14
Even if nothing else comes of this process , when it goes to the Republican controlled Senate, one thing extraordinary is happening . The ordinary person gets to see and hear people who serve the nation with patriotism day in and day out. Their courage and composure while the others try to discredit them and humiliate them is in turn endearing these fine men and women to the world. Class you wouldn't find in the folks who were elected, that are questioning them.Hopefully , once the dust settles, these career diplomats and men and women of the military and the intelligence community will get to go back and serve the country, as before. They have shown their true colors, and so have the GOP and the president.
17
@agentoso The Senate will focus on the Bidens in Ukraine and China, as well as on the whistleblower.
8
[Mr Morrison] reported [the July 25th call] to White House lawyers himself, but only out of concerns it would be politically damaging if leaked.
I hoped that some Democrat would ask him to quote exactly what portions of the call transcript troubled him and why. I watched every minute of the afternoon session waiting for this. A few came close but none pushed to the final point. If they had, he would have had to say that the mention of the Bidens troubled him. Then he could not continue to say that he found nothing wrong with the call. But he was able to evade the trap.
Mr Volker had to admit that he had been hornswaggled, innocently thinking he could turn Giuliani when in fact Giuliani turned him. He seemed very naive in spite of his credentials as a diplomat. Burisma is not the same as Biden.
Sigh!
8
And these were supposed to be GOP-friendly witnesses. Still, the only evidence that might force GOP lawmakers to break ranks -- which means they might have to attempt re-election without support from Trump's band of never thinkers -- is a smoking gun. Sondland might deliver that tomorrow. We'll see.
8
Lots of presidents do inappropriate things like give billions to the Iranians, draw red lines in the sand and never enforce them, use the IRS to punish enemies, tell Russian leaders they will be more flexible after the election or promise Newtown families they will do something about gun control and never do it. It’s not illegal.
11
@TravelingProfessor
Some lies and distortions there, but that’s beside the point. So is whatever point you think you’re making. Committing solicitation of bribery IS illegal. It’s a felony.
Straw man, false equivalence, and changing the subject.
6
@TravelingProfessor Another thing that we have have not seen lately is unexplained suicides of people who might damage the administration. I don't think Epstein was a threat to Trump so we shouldn't consider him...
1
@TravelingProfessor
You really need to stop. Just stop.
4
Col. Vindman is the best example I know of why we should welcome immigrants. We are so proud and grateful.
456
Nobody is against welcoming legal immigrants who by definition followed our laws and waited for acceptance. All others are illegal immigrants (Trespassers) who have regard for our border or our laws. Don’t conflate the two vastly different types of immigrants.
16
@Jim I agree with you that legal immigration is the ideal standard. However the issue is not entirely black and white. The current administration has made even legal immigration harder especially for refugees.
41
@caroline
Legal immigration laws, that most agree need rewriting after 60 years, are in question, NOT legal immigration itself.
Legal immigrants are a part of our national identity and always have been. Not many are against legal immigration.
Let's not confuse legal immigration and illegal, economic migration. OK?
2
The likes of Devin Nunes, who put loyalty to a multi-billionaire reality TV star above loyalty to country, are showing America at its worst.
33
All four witnesses who testified today said they thought.Trump’s asking President Zelensky in the July 25 to “look into” allegations of corruption was “inappropriate.” Ambassador Volker pointed out there are proper channels for such requests.
The Treaty With Ukrainian on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters, which requires the United States and Ukraine to assist each other in the conduct of criminal investigations, is the proper channel. President Trump should have directed the U.S. attorney general to submit a formal request to the Ukraine prosecutor general’s office. Ukraine has invited the attorney general to submit such a request.
The expectation that the Senate will vote to remove the president from office from asking Zelensky directly is delusional. Since both Volker and Tim Morrison testified repeatedly today they witnessed no quid pro quo, bribery, extortion or treason, there may be no impeachment.
6
There was no criminal investigation - the Department of Justice has not given any indication that it was conducting one on Biden and the Ukraine was not. So what criminal investigation was President Trump seeking assistance for?
4
@Eddie
The Justice Department has appointed a prosecutor to investigate alleged Justice Department, FBI and State Department misconduct in the 2016 election; it could also be investigating alleged Ukrainian interference in the 2016 election. It might also be investigating Brusima.
1
@William Case Even through proper channels, instigating a criminal investigation of a political rival is a serious political crime. It’s what dictators like Putin do.
5
I'm just so saddened.
5
"Inappropriate." Meaning what, exactly?
The novelist J.M. Coetzee wrote that "inappropriate" is the epitome of the nebulous adjective. It could mean a hundred different things and so means nothing specific, beyond that the speaker disapproves of something in some sense.
These substitutes convey actual meanings. Which is meant here?
Awkward, clumsy, bad-mannered, crass, deplorable, despicable, disturbed, egregious, embarrassing, gauche, ill-mannered, importuning, improper, in bad taste, in poor form, indecorous, indiscreet, insolent, invasive, louche, maladroit, not cricket, off, offhand, off-key, poorly timed, reprehensible, rude, tacky, uncalled for, uncouth, undignified, unfair, unfeeling, unfitting, unseemly, vexatious, vile, vulgar.
Undoubtedly there are dozens more.
10
@Cyclist Murder and dismemberment are inappropriate.
3
The GOP on the Intel Comm. are so unhinged about a whistleblower that does not have first hand knowledge that was the catalyst for the inquiries.
If the GOP weren't such cowards they would seek to get the testimony of those with first hand knowledge; POTUS, Mulvaney, Bolton, Kupperman, Perry, et al.
But then the GOP does not want the truth, all they seek is power.
20
I understand why my father joined the US Air Force...because he was inspired by people like LTC Vindman. Intelligent and curious about the world, my father felt trapped in small town Alabama. So he ventured to the USAF recruiting office at Brookley Field in Mobile where he met "...a fine, outstanding and inspiring officer" (I imagine like LTC Vindman). My father then enlisted and ultimately died as a serving officer in the US Air Force.
14
What a masterful performance by Adam Schiff! The narrative established in his opening and closing remarks and his questions are devastating for the president.
21
Enough time wasted on impeachment time for Congress to do important work. Trump or any president has the right and OBLIGATION to ask any country getting US aide to investigate corruption. If the target is Joe Biden whose son, Hunter, got a $3M payoff let the chips fall where they will.
7
He doesn't have the right to withhold money approved by Congress in order to investigate debunked theories about a political rival. See? That was easy, wasn't it?
28
Then why didn’t he care about this so-called corruption until now? Also, if you follow his twitter feed you’ll see him actively hawking Don Jr.’s book to his millions of followers. The hypocrisy is breathtaking.
I can barely listen to Devin Nunes and Jim Jordan and several other Republicans. It feels like they are spitting on the flag and laughing. Their comments and questions drip with disrespect. They think they are disrespecting only the Democrats on the panel, but they are really disrespecting the Constitution and the oath they took to uphold it. That oath includes being a check on the executive branch when there is evidence of abuse of presidential power -- or worse -- which there clearly is. If there are any traitors besides Donald Trump in this affair, it is those Republican Congress members.
55
The Republican defense is what exactly?
18
@Kristin
It goes something like this:
1) It's not impeachable because the president released the aid after getting caught.
2) They claim the president is an anti-corruption crusader.
I don't know how they can make those two claims with a straight face. That's why they keep unleashing a mad man like Jim Jordan.
17
What I find inappropriate is the ongoing use of the term ‘inappropriate’. To say something is inappropriate is to suggest there is a different time or place where such behavior *would* be appropriate.
“Abuse of power” is the applicable phrase, as are the terms extortion and bribery.
Trump used the powers of the presidency to act like a mobster: “Nice little military aid package you got there Ukraine. Be a shame if anything happened to it. Just help me with this one little favor and I’ll make sure it’s safe.” The only difference between Trump and a gangster is Trump was looking for election help instead of protection money.
25
I am so sick of watching members of Congress and starting with the president treating people like John McCain and Lieutenant Colonel Vinderman so disrespectfully. These men put their lives on the line so I can complain about my govt. and so that men like Devin Nunes didn’t have to fight. It is truly awful to watch such terrible treatment. And, someone get Jim Jordan into an audiologists. That man does nothing but yell. He must be hard of hearing!
472
@Sherarae As a combat veteran and one of only a few Colonels to have earned a Purple Heart award, I am glad to have Trump as our President with Devin Nunes and Jim Jordan fighting the oppressive Democrats who are still trying to overturn the 2016 election. I find Lieutenant Colonel to be a disgraceful officer who violated his Oath of Commission and his Chain of Command in order to put his own self interest above that of his duty as a Soldier. Really is "inappropriate" the best that the Democrats can come up as a reason to impeach?!?
2
@Sherarae Jim Jordan is using his "gym voice." This is characteristic of phys. ed. teachers who believe that yelling at you and calling you a "girl" will make you into a macho, macho man.
On the subject of Republican disrespect of the military. They reveal their cynical hypocrisy there---remember how they hammered those who did no go along with the Iraq debacle and used their faux military worship as a club?
5
@Qcell Vinderman swore an oath to uphold and defend our Constitution, not Donald Trump. Even a Commander in Chief can issue illegal orders or commit felonies. The American people should be grateful that there are still military officers capable of determining right from wrong.
5
Watching the hearing today it became painfully clear, the divide is widening, there are two Americas and the mere fact that the nation has put up with this administration for three years is a disgusting inditement of our citizenry.
29
@Bruce Connors I have my elected representatives' office phone numbers in my contacts list on my cell. I call and let them know my opinions on things like this. We all should.
3
@Bruce Connors Yes. An indiCTment indeed !
I wonder if Sondeman is thinking “ that’s the worst million I’ve ever spent”.
24
The GOP sold out everything so Amazon and FedEx didn’t have to pay taxes. That’s the real story.
23
@Steve
Business taxes are ultimately paid by the customers. Low business taxes mean lower prices for goods and services.
yeah unless you’re monopolizing the market so supply/demand doesn’t act as an incentive structure to keep prices reasonable anymore
. . . oh wait
6
Wait for Bolton to testify, and it is likely that he will. Trump will be gone in days.
20
@Chuck Burton
You wrote: "Wait for Bolton to testify, and it is likely that he will. Trump will be gone in days."
From your lips to God's ears!
And then we'll have something to be truly grateful for at Thanksgiving!
10
@Chuck Burton I may be on your side, Chuck, but I don't think either of us ought to put money on it !
2
Army Officers swear an oath to support and defend the constitution against all enemies, foreign and domestic. Thankfully LTC Vindman is a patriot who correctly recognizes Trump’s unlawful foreign policy as the latter and is acting courageously in our defense. Never have I been more proud to have served as an Army Officer nor seen a greater demonstration of Army LDRSHIP (Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless-service, Honor, Integrity, and Personal-courage).
37
The Republicans yammer on and on, but the only thing they do not talk about is what really happened, what the President said and did, why every single person around him was alarmed, in effect anything and everything but the actual issue at hand. They are treating this with deflection, obfuscation, denial, innuendo and outright lies. More and more is the most serious question of all. Why?
35
Congressman Jordan a republican seemed confused. In listening to congressman Jordan, I hope he got some of his questions answered correctly.
1
The white House staff that has testified in the hearings have been thoughtful and considerate of each question no matter who has presented them attesting to their non partisanship attempt to serve the country and giving the hearings the respect they deserve. Contrast this with Trump and the GOP representatives who mindlessly attempt to smear them and disrupt the proceedings with issues that do not address the situation at hand, the impeachment of a president. If the GOP has facts or evidence to refute presidential misbehavior then they should present it rather than resorting to slimy innuendos and personal only attest to their own lack of character.
20
Obama, Clinton and Bush did things I felt were inappropriate, if not wrong headed. But, they were not impeachable offenses. Just like this instance. This is not an impeachable offense. To be sure, it’s not even a close question. The Dems have been calling for Trump’s impeachment since prior to his swearing in. The only thing missing was a basis, and they’ve spent 3 years unsuccessful looking for one. This is so transparent. The Dems are trying to suppress support for Trump by trying to create doubt because they fear they cannot beat him at the polls. However, the exact opposite is occurring.
10
Trump is lucky to have supporters as obtusely fixed in granite as he himself. The country, however, does not partake in such good fortune.
8
You're correct; this hearing is so transparent. This President attempted to use the same strong arm tactics that he's relied on all his life in business, but this time the extortion is going to carry a heavy price tag.
10
@Larry D. Travel west of the Hudson and south of lady Liberty. You’ll find views starkly different from Gotham.
My late aunt, when her personal and financial problems threatened to overwhelm her emotional equilibrium, would say she guessed she had "...just lived too long."
That sentiment has come to me more and more often, applying as it does to the US and its now tenuous hold on all we are supposed to represent.
We have in the highest office in the land a psychologically unstable individual whose self-loathing has been projected on to anyone who crosses him and his criminal ways. This is not going to end well for anyone, trump supporter or otherwise.
21
Sorry folks, this is going badly for Democrats (except inside the echo chamber.) No minds have been changed. But more than that, other than the vehement supporters on both sides, people are simply losing interest.
The fact that CBS actually stopped coverage and went back to normal programming speaks more loudly than any witness did.
Love him or hate him, to impeach a President you need a lot more than a strictly partisan vote - you need overwhelming public support from both sides.
This is not a slam dunk, it is uncomfortably a mixed bag. Was Trump indelicate according to diplomatic norms? Yep. Did he actually provide far more substantive support for Ukraine than Obama, without any investigation being opened? Yep.
And Biden, like it or not, has been damaged by this. As will Warren and Sanders and Harris ... these are hearings, but the Senate will be the trial. They will need to be present, 6 hours a day, 6 days of the week, and (as jurors) need to sit there without saying a word. In the middle of the critical weeks ahead of the first primary voting.
And this will get ugly in the Senate. McConnell will insist that the federal rules of evidence be followed. Most of what has been heard in the House is simply hearsay, and would not be permitted.
Expect McConnell to be as vicious and controlling in the Senate as Schiff has been in the House. And to try to damage the Democrats as badly and the Democrats are trying to damage Trump. This will not end well for Democrats.
14
@JRC
Especially since there will be no impeachment, thus tightening Trump's grip on the 2020 election.
4
@JRC The fact that the hearings are boring for the American public doesn't mean they are a waste of time or that Donald Trump did nothing wrong. It means Americans aren't lawyers or politicians and we have other things to do with 10 hours on a weekday. Not every day in government should be an exciting reality show with our POTUS forever pursuing YUGE ratings. Americans long for the days when we didn't know what was going on in government. Because our elected officials took care of things for us, like we hired them to do.
17
There are plenty of exceptions to the federal rules of evidence
1
The FEC chair: “It is illegal for any person to solicit, accept, or receive anything of value from a foreign national in connection with a U.S. election.” It’s clear Trump has already broken the law.
27
@MBKB What thing of value has Trump received?
2
Hey what is the definition of solicit?
2
I think you missed the word, “solicit.”
3
Forgive my very awkward synopsis. Putin, an exceptionally powerful autocrat, is nefariously seductive. Like Corleone, once he gets his claws in his well chosen prey, he chokes with options you can’t refuse, or you die, literally or figuratively. Trump, seduced...guilty, paranoid, crippled by a colossal and maniacal ego, confused, ignorant, and insecure, plays Putin’s big boy game. Gets in over his head because he’s so easily flattered and very, very greedy. Starts drowning. Giuliani, in love with himself as a self professed Superman with an equally monstrous ego, steps in and insanely starts screwing up left/right, over/under. This hazardous and corrupt game goes haywire and sparks start flying. Desperation develops inside the Trump camp like a nightmare bacteria. Small and large bombs start to explode. Horrified and incredulous inside operatives observe, and decide to talk. Facts pile up! THEN Impeachment Hearings begin. AND, Congressional Republicans, terrified of losing power, run around Trump’s playground like bullies playing hot potato, making fools of themselves. How will this story end?
In the meantime, God bless Lt. Col. Alexander S.Vindman.
35
Thank you, that is a great synopsis. If the story does end well, it will be because of Lt. Col. Vindman and the other men and women of good conscience who are stepping forward to speak the truth. They are courageous and honorable people.
6
I just want to say that you, Mr. Trump, are wasting our time. You brought this whole thing on yourself. It's no one's fault but your own. You don't want to listen to and have no respect for career people who know what they're doing. You bring in your own people who know nothing and you just do what you want. If you'd consulted with any one of the experts and listened to them, this phone call would not have happened. You screwed up. No one else. And now we as a country have to go through this, pay for it, and watch good people who have devoted their working lives to the well being of our country, get bashed by you because you are too self involved and vain to listen to anyone who has this country's best interests at heart.
43
BREAKING NEWS!
EYEWITNESS-TESTIMONY!
****UNITED STATES PRESIDENT ACTS WITHIN HIS AUTHORITY****
(STAY TUNED FOR MORE NEWS-FLASHES)
............zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
9
If this is true, why were every single one of the high level officials at the scene alarmed, outraged and worried about his behavior? Your argument makes zero rational sense. In fact it is not an argument at all. It sounds much more like “sieg heil.” I am sorry, but this country does not operate in that manner.
33
Trump bribed a foreign nation with my tax dollars to get dirt on a political opponent. It might be “within his authority” but unfortunately for him it’s not legal.
35
No, actually not. No authority was given to him to take congressionally allocated money and use it to bribe an elected leader of another country for your own political needs and desires. SORRY USING ALL CAPS DOESN’T MAKE IT O.K. Deflection, deflection, deflection.
29
I love this headline, it employs a word that we buried several years ago, along with the ideals we once aspired to...inappropriate.
There is so much inappropriate behavior in our society now; in Washington right now. Leaders no longer behave like leaders, they no longer treat one another with respect; civil discourse, listening, respect, the dignity and responsibility of elected office...all but dead and buried.
Regardless of your party, your politics, if you cannot recognize that one group of politicians now behave inappropriately more often than not...you're not seeing the reality.
We must find the courage to recognize what is inappropriate - or worse - and speak up and stand up for for respectful, appropriate behavior...if not for ourselves, then for the society we leave behind for our children and grandchildren.
Will we leave them with the deals Americans were once known for: truth, justice, liberty, equality, honor, honesty, integrity, duty, courage?
Or will we squander our way of life, our government, our democracy...out of our fear of acknowledging what is so clearly inappropriate? What is so clearly damaging, destructive, demeaning, divisive...dangerous?
If we choose to harness our indomitable American spirit, we can change course. But only if we are willing to see the truth and reality of who we have become.
7
@Kelly Grace Smith "reality of who we have become." Oh, Grace, we as a nation have been thru this ao many times over the last couple of hundred years, and we have always "become" who we were at the outset.
No history is without bumps along the highway; but, all in all, we've stayed the course and driven pretty well so far.
@kenneth Thank you Kenneth, but I must disagree...the danger we face now is clear and present.
And people will say to me...
"It will all be okay."
"It will balance itself out."
"It will all be fine in the end."
Yes, but...
...at what cost?
3
it could not be more obvious that our contemporary Republicans are willing to do or say anything for the sake of power.
they claim this impeachment is an attempt to thwart the will of the people
but didn't the people, or at least a majority of them, vote in favor of Al Gore and Hillary Clinton?
26
"Mine eyes have seen the glory
Of the coming of the Lord;
He is trampling out the vintage
Where the grapes of wrath are stored;
He hath loosed the fateful lightning
Of His terrible swift sword;
His truth is marching on."
7
@Rupert We all know and respect that song. But I don't quite understand what it has to do with this Ukraine inquiry.
5
"...testified they feared American policy would veer off course?"
What policy?
Set by whom?
Maybe the "witnesses" missed that there was an election in 2016 and their preferred candidate lost. Policy changes with new administrations - that's the way it works.
Mid-level bureaucrats needs to get on board and implement, not obstruct and whine about their careers paths.
3
Policy changes but asking a foreign government to investigate a political opponent is still improper and probably an impeachable office.
11
Only the policy that any elected official tries to further the interests of the nation, not his own political fortunes. Perhaps you missed that part.
12
I see. A Republican “won” an election (with fewer votes) so now he’s entitled to commit any crime he wants. Got it.
1
When Jordan and Nunes have served any time at all in the military, then they may presume to impugn the honor of a soldier or any other person who has served or who serves in the military.
24
Thank you Lt. Col. Vindman for representing and serving this country. Shame on the president for trying to downplay him and his contributions. The tweet from Trump that complained about VIndman wearing his uniform was especially disrespectful.
27
@Louise Sullivan
He complained about the uniform because he didn't know what it was, never having had to wear one.
4
It simply doesn't matter how compelling the evidence, republicans are not going to remove Trump from office when the "case" moves to the senate.
Millions of dollars are being wasted to prove what's patently obvious. Trump is probably guilty of hundreds of crimes. Most of us know it, we don't need to watch endless hearings to convince us of what we already know.
But we also know that today's republicans don't care about democracy or the future of our country. All that matters is their lobbyist checks keep coming in so they can keep their juicy salaries and lavish benefits the working class doesn't have.
It's taken me a long time to accept this depressing, dire situation. I wish everyone else would wake up and smell the rot festering in the white house.
8
I agree with what you’ve said but take heart that at least with this impeachment process we are finding out how corrupt and despicable Trump truly is. It is sure to have an effect on moral Americans and hopefully will cost him the election.
6
@Plumber in LA But it is providing network air time to some Democrats. People can see their representatives in action.
1
I am appalled that the Republicans were allowed to elicit testimony from Tim Morrison, without challenge, that he heard from other people that Lt. Col. Vindman was responsible for leaks, ignored the chain of command, and tried to gain access to areas that were outside his purview, among other things. This testimony from Morrison is a textbook case of "hearsay." These were not elicited as being Morrison's personal opinions so any lawyer would tell you that, no matter his/her political affiliation, this was rank hearsay. The hypocrisy of these people is mind-blowing. That Democrats are not calling them out on this just shows how incompetent they are to challenge corrupt and dishonest Republican attempts to destroy the credibility of the House Intelligence Committee's investigation. Very disappointed in Schiff's nice-guy attitude.
4
I think the lines are drawn. No minds will change. Schiff is simply trying to get the facts into the public record for the sake of the entire nation. Trump is busy vilifying his own White House staff. and tweeting his own political obituary. He will be cut down by impeachment or the next election. If he's really lucky he'll die of a heart attack before either happens.
18
@larry bennett That is still accomplishing something. Schiff and Pelosi are doing the right thing. Sure, the Republicans would walk the plank for Trump, but they are also demonstrating the depths of his depraved behavior through these hearings, how far they will go to defend this awful man, and Schiff and the witnesses are producing more and more damning evidence against him. Whether it changes any minds or not, it is hard to justify one's support of a man who Tweets horrible things about a Lieutenant Colonel who earned a Purple Heart in combat.
How could anyone with intelligence and a conscience look around and not notice that everything this president does serves the interests of the Kremlin and not the people of this country? Or the planet for that matter.
25
The most inappropriate fact at this moment of the impeachment inquiry is that everyone in DC and everyone at the cable news stations, network news stations and New York City and Washington DC newspapers knows the name of the alleged whistleblower. But they will not tell their customers and the people of this country. Given who that alleged whistleblower is and his connections to the Democrats, it is news that should be reported and analyzed. But it is not. Why not?
2
Totally disagree. The whistleblower should be protected and shame on anyone who publishes his name, or even asks for its publication. The right wing media that has already floated this information is despicable.
7
You won’t even use your real name on here. I respect that. I don’t either, but accountability does not start with the little people, it starts with leadership.
2
@MBKB . Protected? Everyone inUkraine and Russia probably knows his name. And everyone in DC and elsewhere who could be a threat. It’s only we the people who can’t know. Given that he is not a whistleblower but much more of a political operative, and given Mr Schiffs changing story concerning his relationship with the leaker—Er, whistleblower, and Schiff’s promise that he would testify—remember that, his unavailability is highly suspect.
2
How to make impeachment present as non-partisan?
1
Boring, Mr Nunes? This is riveting--history in the making--and I haven't missed a minute of viewing yet! Intelligent people will be anything but bored. (So here's looking at you, Mr Nunes).
But I'm wondering: why has no one mentioned Barr? Didn't Trump tell Zelinsky in that phone call of 7/25th that he needs to go talk to Barr, as well as Guiliani? Why let Barr off the hook?
My other thought: Trump is obviously totally manipulable and pliable--as seen in early dementia. (In this case on top of chronic nasty traits). So clearly Guiliani has been pulling his strings, convincing him Zelensky needs to investigate Burisma. So what does G get out of all this effort?
Is it only that he keeps racking up those billable hours? Or is there another, larger payoff for American's Mayor here--and if so, what is it?
12
I sadly fear the creation of a circular firing squad of both true patriots and Trump appointees (not patriots in most cases) with Donald Trump left standing.
2
Burping in public is “inappropriate”. This is not helpful.
3
Spoiler alert: a mock exchange follows--
Representative Nunes: Colonel Vindman, is it not true that you are and always have been a 'Never-Trumper,' a fully invested operative in the Deep State, which is bent on nothing less than destroying the Trump Presidency?
Vindman: Sir, you've stated your view so eloquently I feel compelled to come clean, I am in fact a Deep State actor; I'll confess, my first thought in the morning when I wake up is, 'what can I do today to torpedo this Administration?'
Nunes: I knew it, now we're getting somewhere. The truth will out.
Vindman: And hard on the heels of this first thought is always a second one...
Nunes: That Donald Trump is a leadership genius?
Vindman: No, that the President himself is doing a more than adequate job sabotaging his own administration, his resourcefulness in this regard vastly exceeding anything we in the intelligence community could possibly dream up.
Schiff: The time of the gentleman has expired.
Vindman: And then I have my third thought: am I positioned in bed such that I can reach the snooze button on my alarm without having to change positions and go back to sleep. We deep-staters do need our sleep, it's exhausting just keeping up with the relentless inanities coming out of the Oval Office.
1
I have a problem with the use of the word “debunked” being used to describe conspiracy theories. There have been numerous media reports of Ukraine involvement in the 2016 election. Clinton supporters working with Ukraine officials that openly supported her, or divulged Ukrainian documents that exposed information on Manafort. It was reported in Politico after the election, and in this newspaper. I have not seen any government investigations reported. Every witness has testified that Hunter Biden’s working for Burisma appeared as a conflict of interest. Why is trying to find out why Hunter Biden got millions from Burisma, and his father bragging that he had a corrupt prosecutor fired to receive a billion dollar bailout being ignored? To me, this is not about the coming election, but the corruption that took place before the 2016 election. The appearance of a conflict of interest deserves a government investigation, by the Ukraine or the US, not by the media. Will anyone question the Biden’s under oath, or is it too political to investigate? If it is, what has been done to Trump for the last 3 years was too political to investigate.
5
Inappropriate is different from illegal.
So far, there's no impeachable offense,
just a lot of grumbling by disgruntled folks
most of who have a history of supporting Hillary.
Ho hum.
4
@Grace "most of who have a history of supporting Hillary."
Not only that but most of them watch ball games, quiz shows, and TV movies.
Hmmm.
3
@Grace if there is an impeachable offense it is the declarations of guilt from Nancy Pelosi. She has taken advantage of the situation and assumed the role of judge and jury.
I'd expect to see her next trip to Davos cancelled in retaliation.
The republicans have nothing to defend their puppet master, trump, so they try to discredit loyal, patriotic, Americans who are more interested in our country and Democracy than politics. These Republicans should be ashamed of themselves but remember trump called John McCane, who was held captive for years and tortured after his plane was shot down during the Vietnam war, a coward. These folks have not decency, not moral compass they are common sociopaths.
8
The ghosts of Joe McCarthy and Roy Cohn are still with us.
12
Lt. Col. Alexander S. Vindman is a true hero, made of everything the imposter lacks,...... Character, Bravery, Honor, Truth.........
So, a gutless wonder attacks what he can never be, while the bone spur republicans wallow in nauseous, indecent, cowardice as they genuflect, one by one, before the con artist criminal.
10
Such disrespect for the Military from Republicans is shocking! Republicans have really become the mouthpiece of President Trump, the mouthpiece of a potty mouth liar.
11
On Ms Williams’ testimony, where she claims that withholding $400 million in military assistance to Ukraine would severely impede that country’s ability ‘to stand up to Russian aggression’.
So I went online to check, what that amount could buy on military surplus sites.
Here are some examples: night vision goggles - $12K a pop; a used Humvee ( about 25-30 years old) around $35K.
New ones will probably worth ten times more. And if you include troop carriers, we are talking close to a million.
400 mill wouldn’t get them too far.
What a farce this is.
1
The only farce here is your so-called research. You’re attempting to itemize a military aid package by comparing equipment prices on an army surplus website? I wish I could believe that you’re joking, but I’m afraid this infantile logic is how the average armchair Trumper thinks. Sad.
13
Waldo,
Not a farce and I (and I’m sure the Ukrainians) disagree that 400 Humvees with troop carriers are “not much”.
5
If I rob a bank and get away with a handful of singles, I want you on my jury!
4
if Trump delayed aid to Ukraine to battle corruption, there should be countless examples over the past 3 yrs of Trump delaying U.S. aid to other countries known for corruption, like Turkey, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Afghanistan. Right?
16
The more I see of the deep state the better I like it.
14
Riddle me this compared to today's smear campaign.
Three decades ago, Lieutenant Colonel Oliver North took the Fifth Amendment in a private Senate hearing on the Iran-Contra scandal. North had carried out a scheme to violate the law and funnel arms to anti-communist guerrillas in Nicaragua. Conservatives rallied to North’s defense, insisting the law barely mattered in comparison to the noble intentions North was following. “It is not whether some technical laws were broken, but whether we stop communism in Central America,” argued White House communications director Pat Buchanan. By the following summer, when North — having been granted immunity — testified before Congress and unabashedly defended his illegal acts — he had grown into a conservative folk hero. The frenzy on the right he attracted propelled a career as a right-wing celebrity, politician, and now, the next president of the National Rifle Association.
5
So the star witness who collaborated with the CIA whistleblower who in turn collaborated with Adam Schiff was offered to be the Defense minister of the Ukraine on three separate occasions? And two different supervisors questioned his judgment in the past? Only people in the elitist left wing bubble would believe that anyone is being swayed in these sham impeachment hearings.
3
O my I thought republicans “loves” the Troops. Guess not
4
Are the Republicans not noticing the Russian connection in Trump’s handling of Ukraine? Do they no longer consider Russia an enemy, a threat?
7
Lt. Col. Vindman, thank you for your service. You, sir, are a true hero.
18
Ok. Losing venues to ask, please tell me why trump doesn't resign? If the guy has one ounce of scruples, and really does want to to do something for the people, he'd quit. Trump is doing nothing, has done nothing but get to be the top "dog" for the last 3 years.
Please resign, go back to New York and give us our government and country back.
9
You answered your own question. He doesn’t have even an ounce of scruples.
1
The Republicans are desperate. If Jesus himself were to testify they wouldn’t believe Him.
8
So many people are mindless about our government— so numb to the wretched corruption of our “elected” politicians — Americans will follow anything or anyone that moves.
When asked today whether Russia and Turkey were corrupt governments Paul Volker said they were. Yet our President meets cheerfully with their authoritarian leaders.
What’s the deal? What’s all transacted then?
7
These republicans are traitors to their oath and our constitution. I just don’t understand how anyone can be so insulated from actual reality that they believe the ever-changing Fox News version.
Even if you ONLY watched that channel, surely you can remember the original explanations and excuses and how far the storyline has changed from early days.
6
It’s not inappropriate. It’s illegal.
Regardless of dt’s intention on proving wild and stupid conspiracy theories, how he went about confirming that “stuff” is illegal.
Plain and simple. No law degree required.
9
“In America, Right Matters.”
That ought to be the headline across the top of all the newspapers tomorrow.
3
If you had to trust someone with your life and could choose between Trump or Lt Col Vindman... the Republicans can all go with Trump. Good luck.
10
Time to hang out the dirty Republican laundry of false patriotism.
5
Republicans should note that Lt. Col. Alexander S. Vindman is what an REAL American patriot looks like. Someone who risks their life service their country. My only disappointment in his testimony was that he should have mentioned that he did NOT receive 5 deferments for "bone spurs."
6
What are the core principles that Republicans believe in? Lying, treason, aiding and abetting Russia at the expense of Ukraine, one of our allies?
They look tremendously foolish defending these principles for treasonous big lying Donny.
6
It’s time for the rest of the country to boycott all sponsors of Fox News for their irresponsible funding of this subversive and traitorous media outlet.
10
The headline reads like it is from the Lampoon. It is an impeachment. Inappropriate? To impeach a president we need mo=re otherwise this is a joke.
1
Let's be honest. Trump had a minor heart attack and Republicans are a cult.
4
In a court of law what we have here are Fact Witnesses. People who testify as to facts. Fact Witnesses do not render opinions as to what was right or wrong. That is for the Trier of Fact to determine.
Then there are the witnesses who change their stories from what they said during closed door meetings and what they are now saying in open hearings. All testimony rendered by so-called witnesses who change their story is meaningless.
52
@MIKEinNYC
Okay. Who changed their story? Be specific and link to sources.
18
@Max Deitenbeck Volker. Pretty sure it’s in his statement.
11
@MIKEinNYC Volker changed his testimony. But he was very slippery about it.
5
Such a simple case.
—"I have a favor to ask you though,”
That is what Trump says immediately after the Ukrainian president said he wanted to buy Javelins.
There are no two ways of interpreting that.
I meet a friend on the street:
—"I'd like to buy that first edition Beatles album from you"
—"I have a favor to ask you though"
I know immediately, everybody would immediately understand that the favor is tied to the purchase.
—"Hey, can you borrow me $20?"
—"I have a favor to ask you though"
Same thing. I would not have to ask if the favor he ask for is connected to the favor I ask.
Still, after weeks of controversy, hours upon hours of testimonies from multiple witnesses and experts the Republicans tell us there's nothing to see here.
It is exhausting. They know that. Trump has already worn us out to the extent that it almost feels pointless to have an opinion. Fatigue. They don't care about the truth, they don't care about the constitution or the country. The Republicans simply want that dysfunctional President to stay in office regardless of what he is doing. As someone who's house is on fire finds out that a neighbor has called 911 and calls 911 himself, just to tell them there's no fire, it's just fake. Presumably, because he has insurance.
I would have pressed Morrison more. Pressed him more of why he skipped the chain of command to secure and hide the transcript of a call he saw nothing wrong with. He was rattled. Trump will reward him with a nice tweet.
284
@Truthseeker
"Pressed him more of why he skipped the chain of command to secure and hide the transcript of a call he saw nothing wrong with. "
That was my feeling too.
34
@Truthseeker He DID have a problem with the call. He suggested restricting access to high level security people because of the obvious political fallout if it was released. He said that moving it to a secret server was a “mistake”. He didn’t move it himself. I believe he was not asked or didn’t explain whether the mistake was inadvertent or intentional.
12
@Truthseeker
“ Hey can you borrow me $20?” I’m having a tough time trying to figure out what that means.
2
Adam Schiff forPresident!
19
@Grandpa
NOT TRUMP 2020!
1
Democrats are awesome. Best people ever.
3
Nice
As I watched the testimony of LTC . Vindeman and how he was treated by Reps. Nunes and Jordan , the thought finally hit me...”as a nation, we’re finished”.
Yes, that sounds dramatic, but, as I realized how much rot there is
In the Congress , in the Executive and, perhaps the Judiciary I’ve come to the sad conclusion that there’s just too much and too many.
How did the likes of Nunes and Jordan ever get to where they are now? They were elected by people who share the same values , fears and hatreds that these men have. Nunes, Jordan and the rest aren’t the problem. It’s the 40%.
48
@Patrick alexander Yes, it’s time to break it up and burn it down.
Ms. Williams was very helpful but in truth, we don't really care what she thinks about the call. We don't need her to editorialize the call for us.
We just want to know what was said during the call, and exactly what she heard.
We are more than capable of making a judgment when the facts are presented to us.
We will decide who to vote for next November.
According to Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman, Mr. Morrison and Mr. Volker:
There was
"No Quid Pro Quo?"
"No Bribery?"
"No Extortion?"
"No Treason"
9
If you read the transcript of the call you saw that there was an attempt at bullying. A quid pro quo. And yes, treason.
Lock him up.
12
I think you’re confusing the testimony from the witnesses with the statements made by Jordan and friends.
10
@P&L
Individual has credibility been accused of committing these 6 crimes;
Bribery
Extortion
Abuse of power
Obstruction of justice
Campaign Finance Felonies
Treason
2
If you secretly seek a foreign power's
Help with an election,
Things might go from bad to worse,
And you'll feel much rejection.
It's possible you might even end up
In the penitentiary.
But -- Congratulations! You've redefined
"Election Tampering" for the twenty-first century!
But how can there be an election
When the tamperer at the top
Cannot be held accountable,
And won't be made to stop?
Does an election even have meaning
Under such a circumstance?
Or is it just pro forma?
Just a meaningless dance?
Once the tampering has begun,
There's no point a race to run.
You know it won't be fair.
If the tamperer's not pushed out
There will not be any doubt
There will never be a fair election
Anywhere.
It's not a matter of party,
But of fairness and public trust,
And whether we have enough honor
To do the thing we must.
But maybe no one cares a bit
If votes are fair and free.
If so, it's time to close up shop
On American democracy.
10
An Object Lesson: Ambassador Volker as the prototype of the no-nothing USA Ambassador.
One more thing. If the President could engage on a phone call on the same issues of the July 25 phone call using an unsecure phone and at a public place, how come it was necessary to place the transcript of the phone call in a 'extra secure server'?
11
When I watched Voker and Morrison, I wondered if these two were as inept and frankly unaware as they sought to portray themselves, or if they are trying to avoid admitting their misconduct in assisting Sondland and others in this travesty?
They seemed to frankly be lying at times, but I would like to give them the benefit of the doubt.
10
The Army should award Lt. Col. Vindman a Purple Heart for the injury he has suffered at the hands (really the digits) of his own commander in chief. In combat, being injured by one’s own side is usually called friendly fire, but in this case, there is never anything friendly about Donald Trump. Doesn’t even know the word.
20
900# gorilla in the room:
What changed the administration's position on releasing the aid (other then getting caught)?
18
@PW
Uh, getting caught. Just like you said!
3
@Petros Kourtakis
The admin's reasoning for w/holding seems to be Euro nations lack of significant funding and/or Ukraine's being corrupt. Did Euro nations increase funding and/or Ukraine convince the Admin that they were no longer corrupt? I'm just not understanding what ultimately led the Admin to release the aid (other then being caught)..
2
Drip by drip, the lifeblood of the GOP drains away. Trump is the final executioner for what was once the Party of Lincoln.
16
The Democrats have behaved with dignity. Schiff should receive a medal for not calling out Nunes. Jordan is hysterical, trying to act like a statesman. He is more like Elmer Fudd Goes To Washington.The republics are behaving like trump. Need I say more?
I just saw Volker and Morrison. Both seem pretty inept. Morrison started looking like a deer in headlights. Neither one is in the same category as Taylor, Kent, Yovanovitch, and Vindman.
The most important show on TV. Our future depends on the outcome.
29
@MLE53
Good points, and yes, Gym Jordan is a hilarious bag of nerves. I would love to see a montage of his theatrics posted on you tube. More fun than cat videos!
5
Is there a "Yellow Heart" -- awarding spinelessness, and thus quite different from a "Purple Heart" or other recognition of valor in defense of the United States -- that might be pinned upon rancid charmers such as Devin Nunes and Jim Jordan, for their craven support of a corrupt and incompetent President?
15
There's a simple explanation for everything that is happening to our country: Donald Trump works for Vladimir Putin. What could be more obvious? Trump barely even tries to conceal the fact. He's constantly sending signals to Moscow that he's doing their bidding. The phone calls in the Ukraine scandal were not even encrypted, obviously so that Russia's FSB and GRU could follow along. There is absolutely no other explanation for this harebrained disinformation campaign so clearly concocted in Moscow. The media, playing the role of naifs, covers this treason as if Trump were just looking for a campaign edge against Joe Biden. Sorry, that is just not plausible. Clearly, the goal was (1) to withhold military aid to Ukraine (2) destroy Ukraine's alliance with the U.S., leaving the former Soviet republic vulnerable to attack, and (3) scapegoat Ukraine for Russia's intervention in our elections and to secure the re-election of Putin's Puppet. This is Klassic Kremlin.
20
I had never connected those dots before. But now that you have done it ... scary.
5
I think it's very revealing of exactly who Trump is that he has pardoned convicted U.S. servicemen for war crimes and is attacking a decorated, honorable, respected Colonel like Vindman for telling the truth about what he has witnessed.
22
I'm exhausted. And after the medical emergency, so is Trump. Let's be normal again and kick the lame Russians out.
10
I don't have grandchildren but I do want to leave this with the next generation, We tried so hard to get the truth out, people with more money prevented that. People with money manipulate the truth. But here is a good thing. The internet and records. Right now the internet is run by billionaires , but eventually you will find out how to sort their tax records, New Zealand Homes, San Francisco, Trans humanism and Peter Thiel. Foot soldiers are just that. Collateral Damage. I am not a fan of the military, but LT CL Vindman deserves much respect for telling the truth. How pathetic we are that we celebrate tv and people on tv. Trump is a liar everuone knows this , why is this so hard? I know. Money$$$$$$
4
“Ranking member, it’s Lieutenant Colonel Vindman, please”
What’s the difference between a patriot, and an empty suit on a power trip?
Only one of them earned their rank.
14
@ubique The empty suit is wearing a flag pin. Made in China and bought in some tourist gift shop.
3
Our loathsome president would rather tear the United States apart than accept that he is unfit to lead. Any decent person would resign.
17
I'm showing my age--and I'm proud of it--but one of my favorite films is Frank Capra's 1941 "Meet John Doe," about a populist American movement suborned by a rich fascist, replete with his own private army.
Adam Schiff's summation was worthy of Capra's high standard. Devin Nunes's comments would have made Goebbels smile.
18
What a painful irony that trump pardons war criminals And that demeans A man like Vindman
18
JIm Jordan is a weasel. No wonder he's so angry.
If you had to be a weasel night and day, you'd be angry, too.
19
@SCZ
TRUTH and funny, too.
4
The real Lt. Col. Alexander Vindmanis certainly appears to be far more honest, open, democratically oriented, compassionate, cooperative, and committed to working with allies toward peaceful solutions (where possible) than the fictional Col. Nathan Jessup (played by Jack Nicholson) in the film "A Few Good Men".
While both of these Colonels were being considered for a position on the National Security Council [NCS], we are probably a heck of a lot safer with Col. Vindmanis, than with an arrogant, Imperialist, and 'Emperor'-like officer in the NCS --- who exhibited narcissistic, sociopathic, and megalomaniac behavior characteristics like th fictional Col. Jessup, the real General LeMay, or the really deceitful Emperor Trump, eh?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FnO3igOkOk
6
the White House OFFICIAL twitter also attacked Vindman. Why is that allowed??
23
Lt. Col. Alexander S. Vindman is the American hero that our children need to watch today. He exemplifies everything that it means to be an American who loves our country. Thank you Lt. Col. Vindman for standing up for truth and what is right.
29
I listened to Devin Nunes comments this morning, along with other minority members comments about Lt. Col. Vindman, not to mention last week when one of our own ambassadors were publicly attacked by our president, and I can't help but remember when republicans used to care passionately about our ambassadors/foreign service members who serve us around the world.
The courage and selflessness these Americans do to keep us safe is all too often forgotten in our day to day lives.
Remember how much they cared about those 4 who died and many others were wounded in Libya in Sept 2012? How they stood up for them, called them heroes? They are of the same breed as these ambassadors/foreign service members that are under attack today.
I always thought and still believe, those who serve our country, whether military, foreign service etc. should be treated with respect and not ever, EVER be brought in and used as a political "toy". They are the true patriots and I stand with each and every one of them and with to say THANK YOU for keeping me and my family safe.
21
It takes a Herculean sense of denial and hypocrisy for a draft dodger to think he can trash talk a decorated and high ranking career Army officer. To any veterans still supporting Trump they are after something far different than protecting the United States from foreign adversaries. Whatever those reasons, few who still believe in honor and decency can comprehend. That is the chasm that separates the political spectrum.
Saddest of all to watch is the Republican team that have no problem impugning someone so clearly doing his job while they haven't done their job in a decade, unless pandering to a vocal minority can be remotely considered public service.
We love our heroes. The election of Donald Trump made it seem as if that had gone out of fashion. Lt. Col. Vindman showed us it has not.
34
@Kathy
Well said, Kathy. I feel for those genuinely loyal-to-country military persons who remain blind of Trump's behavior. It must be a hard realization for some to make. Denial can be a safety net for some who simply can't cope with the reality of such a dire nature.
1
“It was probably an element of shock — that maybe, in certain regards, my worst fear of how our Ukraine policy could play out was playing out, and how this was likely to have significant implications for U.S. national security.”
Vindman seems unaware that is the president that sets national foreign policy.
This remains true even if you believe the president is completely wrong.
1
@Michael Is it too much to ask that the President’s policy be in the national interest? Is helping Putin in our national interest? Is it in our national interest for our president to ask the leader of a foreign country for help in his bid for re-election? Is it in our national interest for the president to smear his own ambassador, a widely respected and experienced diplomat?
5
The problem is that it wasn’t policy, let alone National Policy.
It was a shakedown designed to enrich ONLY trump.
6
@Michael
Then let's hope that Trump doesn't suddenly decide to launch a nuclear attack against a country just because they dare say something negative about him.
Or, let's hope that we have some true patriot brave enough to "break the law" and tackle Trump before he reaches the button.
Sadly, it has come down to this.
3
In what universe is the legality of a president’s behavior supposed be judged by the number of votes he got?
19
For some time I thought it was Trump to which there is no bottom. No, it's the entire Republican party which has no bottom, as demonstrated by their aggressive suggestions that Lt. Col. Vindman's allegiance to a country which his parents fled when he was in diapers replaced his allegiance to the country for which, as a citizen, he has fought and bled. Joe McCarty could've taken lessons from the contemporary Republivvan party. Lincoln surely would turn over in his grave.
19
Does anyone but me find it suspect that trump has not personally tweeted rants since Saturday?
Usually all bluster and no pedal on the brakes but all acceleration?
Total silence.
Very odd.
7
Dear President Trump
Civil Servants and Military personal take an oath to the United States of America and our Constitution not to the President, in case that was unclear.
14
What a circus 🎪 and it is now evident how Bernie Made Off living off the billions many elites gave him....
2
Lt. Col. Alexander S. Vindman is the Col. Oliver North of the current impeachment inquiry. His judgement was questionable according to his bosses. So far none of the democratic witnesses have said that the president did anything illegal, unethical, bullying or bribing. Do we have to hear more or this end.
3
Girish, I kept up with the Iran Contra scandal when it was happening. Oliver North was involved in the scandal. There is no comparison. Also, apparently you have not been watching or listening to the hearings. Illegal, unethical, bullying and bribery have been central themes to the answers by these honorable witnesses.
6
@SR from California. I have been following the entire hearings while doing other things to stay awake but I clearly heard answers of Morrison and Volker to questions by REp. Jim Jordan of Ohio and Rep. Elise Stepanik of NY, twinkling stars of the hearing and they specifically asked the questions I am referring to. Go back and check. Sorry Vindman was a poor judge of the call and was exposed as a patriotic Ukrainian who was offerred a position as the defense minister of Ukraine. End of story. The president did nothing wrong and Bidens did a lot wrong.
1
maloney hammering volker but good. ha ha
1
For the first time in his misbegotten life, Donald Trump is being called to account, and is not getting off the hook by screaming, "I'm innocent."
The facts are piling up, one by one.
No wonder Donald Trump is trying to say nasty things about a man who actually has worn the uniform, has fought and been wounded, and has made a career for himself without the assistance of his rich daddy.
Trump made a clear request from a foreign national for assistance in the 2020 election, which is a plain violation of 52 USC 30121(a)(2).
Trump broke the law. And then he issued a "readout" of the telephone call on July 25, 2019 that admits that violation of the law.
By the time we are done hearing the witnesses, Donald Trump will be toast.
12
This is actually insane to examine! We are letting an insane person rule our country, we're all commenting on some issues that no longer requires our intelligent review. As an ordinary citizen, I cannot imagine how this still causes us to invest our intelligent review,time or money! We are done with this, it's over! We don't need to prove anything, Trump is a criminal. I, for one ordinary citizen, don't care about Trump! Stop! Why examine and re-examine anything that is so crooked about a United States of America President
6
How could NYT reporters Fandos and Shear fail to quote more extensively from Lt. Col, Vindman's opening statement?!
“When my father was 47 years old, he left behind his entire life and the only home he had ever known to start over in the United States so that his three sons could have better, safer lives. His courageous decision inspired a deep sense of gratitude in my brothers and myself and instilled in us a sense of duty and service. All three of us have served or are currently serving in the military. Our collective military service is a special part of our family’s story in America.”
"I also recognize that my simple act of appearing here today, just like the courage of my colleagues who have also truthfully testified before this committee, would not be tolerated in many places around the world. In Russia, my act of expressing my concerns to the chain of command in an official and private channel would have severe personal and professional repercussions and offering public testimony involving the president would surely cost me my life.”
If Donald Trump and Devin Nunes had their way, the United States would be another 'one of those places around the world'.
12
The Republicans are highly suspicious and condemning of Hunter Biden "getting paid a great sum of money and not being qualified to be on the board of Birisma." but, they have no suspicions or condemnation of Gordon Sondland, real estate developer/hotel magnate, with no experience in foreign affairs, being the EU Ambassador and 'special envoy' to twist the arm of Pres. Zelensky Sondland. Sondland, the million dollar Trump campaign donor who calls Trump on his cell phone from a Ukraine restaurant.
13
@Gina
Something tells me Hunter isn't going to vote for Warren. She would move him into a whole new tax bracket.
Daddy is out of the race.
Hunter shouldn't feel guilty about this. He did his father a favor. His father needs to retire.
1
Does any one seriously believe that Vindman has no axe to grind?
Why would both Fiona Hill (no admirer of Trump!) and Morrison, her replacement, be so doubtful of Vindman's judgement if they didn't think he was not willing to play the role to which he was assigned? He may be an expert on certain subjects, and have his own strong ideas on what to do, which may differ markedly from the goals of his superiors -- and Trump is as far up the chain as it gets. His job, however, under our Constitution, is to implement those goals.
You know, you can wear a military uniform and still be subject to doubt about your behavior, as Michael Flynn might attest.
2
@frankly0
I think that most thoughtful and observant Americans believe Col Vindman a lot more than our draft-dodging president and the bloviators like Nunes and Jordan.
Next question?
7
frankly0, trump’s goal is in direct conflict with the Constitution and the oath he took to defend our nation. The oath that Vindman took was to the Constitution, not to the office of the President.
7
Lt. Col. Vindman, Marie Yovanovitch and William Taylor are career professionals who have dedicated their lives to serving their country, and swore an oath to the United States Constitution, not to a thug like Donald Trump.
Apparently they don’t remember (or care) but Devin Nunes and Jim Jordon also swore that same oath, and watching these inexcusable bottom feeders attempt to smear the likes of Lt. Col Vindman and the others is an exercise in the grotesque. Their behavior has been utterly beneath contempt, and Trump and his cult are, at this point, unfit to call themselves Americans.
Vote them out. Every single one of them.
16
vindman doesn't know an order from a favor?
Mmmm.
It's better to stay quiet than to announce his ineptness and let us our enemies know the low quality we have in our military.
My blood pressure skyrockets every time Nunes or Jordan insults the proceedings and, in turn, all Americans. This is nuts.
10
Jim Jordan seems to be auditioning for Hee Haw. Is he the best the Republicans have?
16
Right now on Fox, Tucker Carlson accusing Col. Vindman of being a traitor, a double agent.
Right now, this is happening. In the United States of America.
Heartbreaking.
21
The aggressive Republicans are disgusting - their attempts at demeaning honorable men and women shows their complete lack of morality. They are using Trump’s own tactics and I’m embarrassed that Nunes represents California. This is the same boot licking man that leaked classified info to the WH. I hope his constituents kick him out. Revolted by anyone who tries to make Trump look respectable- a man who does not even recognize his own son.
7
Let Col Vindman put on a show. His comments were pompous and a know it all. He layer God and everything was about him. He was a true veteran but he overplayed the role
Were we watching the same hearing. I think you maybe talking about trump every time he speaks in front of the helicopter, except for the veteran part of course.
4
It's a circus alright. Trump is the clown.
10
Is that all there is? Does the NYT even have any awareness about how the rest of the country views these aimless and boring "inquiry" hearings? Ambassador Yovanovitch had her pearl clutching moment saying she felt threatened. Lt. Col. Vindman dressed in his uniform instead of the suit he wears to the White House, and saluted his dead father. Points about Trump's infamous phone call have been asked and answered ad nauseam-- the Ukrainians said they felt no pressure to investigate the Bidens, did not investigate the Bidens and received the U.S. lethal military aid anyway.
There is nothing there. This is simply a pretext for the Democrats' prefabricated impeachment effort that is sure to produce further embarrassments. And, biased media outlets like the NYT will continue to dutifully put out more pretentious, misleading and one-sided coverage, without seeing their credibility erode with the public.
Jennifer Williams is a young woman, early in her career. I admire her courageous decision to honor the subpoena. She demonstrated a powerful devotion to her oath to the US Constitution.
16
Congressman Welch reminds me so much of one of my favorite professors;quietly and earnestly bringing forth "the Lesson."
6
I echo the comments below of the mother of a military officer. Like Colonel Vindman, I too am a lieutenant colonel.
when an officer or anyone of any rank retires from military service, the rank they retired at says with them for life. I visited Mountain Home Air Force Base here in Idaho again this afternoon. As is longstanding tradition, the sergeant at the entrance gate saluted me after first checking my ID card. I make note of this personal experience because it also tells why honor, integrity and professionalism are part of service to one's country. My colleague Colonel Vindman exemplifies these same qualities just as do the men and women I served alongside of throughout my 26 years of service. President Trump, to be exact about this, has no class or integrity. Neither do his valiant allies in the House and Senate. Each and every one of them, with very few exceptions, puts self before service. Shameful is too kind a word.
24
At some point in the impeachment’s hearing the GOP will have to admit they agree with Trump that Russia should become an ally of the US and exercise its power unabated upon its former Republics and Europe.
9
This quote by Lt. Col. Vindman puts the entire situation into crystal clear context:
“The uniform I wear today is that of the United States Army. We do not serve any particular political party; we serve the nation.”
I truly wish every elected official shared a similar sentiment in their hearts as well as in their actions and decisions.
Lt. Col. Vindman is an extraordinary role model, as well as those who testified before him today and in the past few weeks.
20
I believe that Donald Trump set up an extortion racket out of the oval office. That said, a case for such has been severely weakened today by the testimonies of Tim Morrison and Ambassador Volker, in which they indicate that they heard no demand, no bribery, no extortion, nothing illegal, and nothing alarming in the phone call.
Was he trying to bribe/ extort them? No. Next.
1
Time for Trump to settle this thing. If he is innocent he should volunteer to appear before the House committees, under oath, and testify, as should his key staff members. They could then tell the unvarnished truth and point out where others have been mislead. Man up Donald and show us the truth under oath, none of this 'lawyer written answers' to questions. I believe those live hearings are scheduled for the weekend after it rains puppies all over the White House lawn.
7
Don’s life was so much easier when Stormy was the only one to pay off .
13
I think Republicans are most annoyed about Vindman because they think they own the military. Republicans can’t imagine a service member not showing fealty to Trump simply because Trump calls himself a Republican.
Vindman demonstrates that service members serve for their country and not for the Republican Party, a concept which is incomprehensible to Trump and his supporters. They have to attack Vindman because Vindman demonstrates what honor really means. Republicans can’t have that.
16
Timothy Morrison didn't see anything untoward in the July 25th conversation? He saw nothing untoward about asking the president of Ukraine to investigate the Bidens?
It strains credulity. How can anyone think this is okay? Unless you really believe that Joe Biden is hopelessly corrupt. Which Mr. Morrison never came close to saying or suggesting.
I'm trying to be open minded here, but how can I come to any conclusion other than: Mr. Morrison is doing his best to cover for Trump without technically perjuring himself?
18
@Matt Mullen His body language was... less than reassuring. Nor was his constant need to check his notes.
1
Jim Jordan needs to know the whistleblower's identity so that the Republicans can THANK him for busting Trump when he/she did, preventing the act of extortion from being completed. It would be much harder to claim "nothing happened" if Zelensky had made the statement and then the aid had been released. On TV the narcs always wait for the drugs and money to exchange hands before rushing in to make the arrest.
4
Interestingly, none of this matters in regard to impeachment, rather than the election.
Who cares about the opinion of a Lt. Colonel in regards to the president’s strategy? What, is the president supposed too run every decision or call by Col. Vindman first?
I read the NYT, CNN, WSJ and Wapo every day. Interestingly, haven’t seen a word about the public polls on impeachment since the “hearings”began.
Previously, articles about polling results in regard to Trump and the impeachment appeared almost every day. I suspect it is because these hearings have failed to move the needle.
In the beginning, the Steele Dossier was going to “Save us.”
Then it was the Stein recount.
Then the Hamilton electors.
The 25th Amendment.
The Mueller report.
Now the Ukrainian call.
I probably left out several things.
What’s left? Could it possible be the edition ...?
Examiners like Representative Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) remind me of insurance defense lawyers. They were all schooled by the firm of Harass, Vex, and Delay. The problem with these attorneys is you still hear their voices long after their examination is complete. And they can sway a jury.
8
When are the Democrats going to publicly make the connection between Trump and Putin? Everything Trump does seems a favor to Russia, including trying to put Zelenski in a "public box."
These "favors" for Putin would be a very long and impressive list, starting with asking Russia to help with damaging emails stolen and provided to Wiki leaks. The time is right after Roger Stone's conviction.
The Dems MUST start this line of questioning to broaden public knowledge about how dangerous the corrupt Trump is. You gotta go there, among other reasons so that the articles of impeachment include treasonous behavior.
269
It also raises an eyebrow that Trump’s abandonment of Kurds in Syria created a power vacuum for Russia to fill.
55
@Nelly
Who does withholding military aid benefit? who does blaming 2016 collusion on Ukraine benefit? Political chaos in U.S., Ukraine, Brexit, Italy, etc.? Putin plays chess, we play checkers.
33
@Nelly:
Have patience; Dems have to do so deliberately, to forge an irrefutable and objective account. Things are happening at warp speed compared to Nixon. Every day, new info surfaces.
35
I’m really missing Ted Kennedy. What I would give to hear the lion roar right about now.
9
If anyone is unclear about what these hearing are for, please find Adam Schiff's closing statements from today.
17
In a true Democracy, Trump would be going down within days. Or resign in shame and humiliation. His plot to extort Ukraine revealed, he taps some sick strand of hubris to attack the heroes testifying against him. Yet our Democracy is so horribly compromised by a Republican Party that is toxic, poisoned by the cult leader who has amassed so much kompromat on every member that he or she cannot speak against him. We are beyond the crisis stage. If Trump is in office three months from now, then all is lost. Let’s hope for reason. Nothing short of the United States of America is at stake.
23
Why are Republicans being allowed to call witnesses when the White House is ignoring legal subpoenas and requests? New witnesses should be called only when those who have already been subpoenaed or requested testify.
24
Just like Fearless Leader Trump, Devin Nunes may appear somewhat 'professional' when he reads from a script prepared by others -- although like Trump, his reading skills appear to be somewhat limited and his delivery is halting and robotic.
Nunes isn't a lawyer, but he attempts to play one on television. In fact, his educational background consists of a degree in agriculture. Thus his idiotic remark that Lt. Colonel Vindman should invoke the Fifth Amendment or unveil the identity of the "whistleblower' - a matter that by now is utterly irrelevant, by the way, except to those who seek to threaten and harass that person.
Whatever the 'whistleblower' reported has by now been corroborated and expanded upon by many people - and if Trump were not ordering key witnesses not to speak, we'd be hearing a whole lot more.
Hint, Mr. Nunes: a statute protects the 'whistleblower' and both you and Lt. Colonel Vindman are bound to follow it. The Fifth Amendment, which provides protection against self-incrimination, has absolutely no bearing here. I'm sure Donald Trump would like to 'out' the whistleblower and make his life miserable. But neither you, Mr. Nunes, or our reality television President has the right to do so.
Your grasp of the law, Mr. Nunes, is on par with that of Joe the Plumber. You're in way over your head; and you're taking water into your lungs fast.
That, my friend, is called 'drowning.'
20
How many years have Nunes, Jordan, and Trump served in the military?
18
These patriots are the magnificent seven
9
I can only imagine the Republican response to Democrats if they'd regarded the two years and 8 separate investigations into the Benghazi attack with the same dismissive, bile-dripping contempt in the face of serious inquiries - coupled with a blanket stonewalling of subpoenaed witnesses and documents by the Obama administration. As the now popular saying goes, Republicans continue to prove that the bottom has a basement.
21
LTC Vindman is everything President Trump is not. Brave, honest, intelligent, and a true patriot. No wonder Trump and his minions are attacking him.
25
Wow, big disparity between the great public servants from this AM and then the men dancing this afternoon. I think we must all start to hold people to higher standards.
The reality TV madness has done much to undermine holding people to account in the US. We see daily crazy things said, crazy things done, and instead of any type of accountability they become TV famous. This is now what we have as our government as well. A man who has no true right to be in the White House (in my opinion, he did not win the election but was handed the keys by putin) now runs our country as a big, disgusting reality TV show. People do have to face the law though in TV land...and his day is coming.
I am disappointed by Volker because he is not being fully truthful but at least he is now being a bit more transparent. The dirty repubs are trying hard to keep him quiet and to not reveal anything else. Let's see what Sondland says tomorrow after all have def put him at the center of the bullseye.
Morrison is not even a fraction the man that Vindman is and it seems that he is almost jealous of him. I have faith that many realities will be revealed and not getting any better for him. If I were a CEO I would never hire Morrison but want hundreds of Vindman.
10
@KiKi Volker was slippery, even for a diplomat. He disapproves of the Trump’s ask and withholding military aid in his revised testimony. Trump conditioned the aid and a meeting at the WH on a public statement by Zelensky including a promise to investigate Biden and 2016. Volker removed this reference from a draft statement for Zelensky which he gave to Giuliani, who said no dice. So Volker puts the references to Biden and 2016 back into the statement and gave it to the Ukrainians. Volker knew this was wrong but equivocated, i.e., caved to Trump. The Ukrainians refused to make the statement, showing a high level of integrity. After being outed, Trump released the aid
5
Probably a good idea for everyone to listen to this on PBS News Hour:
Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., questioned Kurt Volker, the former U.S. special envoy to Ukraine, and Tim Morrison, a former White House official who served on the National Security Council, on Nov. 19, in a public hearing as part of the impeachment inquiry into President Donald Trump.
2
How did the American people come to take glee (and normalize) the behavior of men like Jim Jordan and Devin Nunes? At this point, I don't see the two as belonging to any political party; they are just malevolent humans who cannot contain their own bitterness.
Would any of us be allowed to speak with such degradation and nastiness while at our places of employment? These two are currently at their jobs. Is this really why they are in Congress? What legislation have they put forth; for their communities; for the nation?
My-Fellow-Americans; if this/if these are the people you really want representing you. I pity you...and part of me hates you (too).
17
Colonel Vindman was one of the only people in a transcribed call that spoke both languages. It’s possible that he heard the translator interpret the language and the tone of the US president as relayed to the Ukranian president to be that of a demand. We need a complete call transcript, including translations. And the other subpoenaed White House documents.
The scrubbed transcripts are full of chaff. The timing of the call is much longer than the transcript. Full disclosure please.
455
@Michael Mooney
This is an excellent point. Too bad this wasn't brought up.
Understanding the interpretation is quite important, and to a large degree this is why experts in both diplomatic languages of the particular moment are used. And likely Vindman too.
49
@Michael Mooney
There is no "complete call trascript" and no recording of the call.
All we are getting is what the White House gave us.
Legally, that document is admissible in a court as a "declaration against interest."
It is certainly admissible in an impeachment trial, where the rules of evidence do not apply.
https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/admission_against_interest
Admission Against Interest
Definition
An out-of-court statement by a party that, when uttered, is against the party's pecuniary, proprietary, or penal interest and that is admissible under both an exclusion (admission by a party-opponent) and an exception (statement against interest) to the rule against hearsay. Such a statement is admissible even if the declarant is available, because an admission by a party-opponent is non-hearsay and, thus, does not require unavailability.
Illustrative caselaw
See, e.g. On Lee v. U.S., 343 U.S. 747 (1952).
8
@Michael Mooney
Tim Morrison failed to hear and catch the word “Burisma” during the July 25th call. Mr. Morrison told he never heard about Burisma until his meeting with Dr. Hill in mid-July during the transition to his new role.
Lt. Col. Vindman mentioned that the word Burisma was brought up by President Zalinski himself. In his previous deposition, he mentioned that the call translation software didn’t catch that word, and he had to include that. Like wise Ms. Williams mentioned that Burisma was mentioned second time at another place during the call and she mad a note of that. However, Mr. Morrison failed to catch both the times. Basically, 2 of the 3 witnesses identified that Burisma was mentioned, but Morrison failed to acknowledge that. As an administrator, he didn’t take the next steps to even verify the veracity of this by checking the actual call (he said he has access to the secure server) other than trusting his own memory.
32
Watching the hearings today saddened me and has left me with a feeling of despair. Lt Colonel Vindman has served his country and put his life on the line, being injured in the line of duty and being awarded a purple heart. The Republicans in the hearings came pretty close to calling this American hero a traitor. This is beyond despicable and could even endanger Lt Colonel Vindman's life. Our president pardons members of the military accused of murder and wars crimes and the president and his sycophants attack and vilify this hero. Absolutely disgusting and I fear they will never be held accountable. What message does that send to our active duty military. What message does it send to our country and the world. How long will it take our country to recover from this shameful presidency? I think most of us know they is no level that Trump and the Republican party will not sink to hold on to power. I feel afraid of how bad this may get.
20
Could you possibly imagine if the now President were a Democrat and the Military Officers testified as he did! Oh man those Republicans would be all red white and blue. Well this has been said many times and correctly. The Republicans are hypocrites in love with power.
24
Vindman might be the White House's expert on Ukraine, but of course Trump doesn't even know him. Apparently Rudy is Trump's expert on this and most other things.
12
I did not watch every minute of Volker's testimony, so maybe I missed something.
While Volker has served in government he is also a paid lobbyist.
He worked for McCain Foundation before Cindy canned him last week earning 300k. His "volunteering" as Ukraine envoy merely pads his resume and gives him access.
He also lobbied for BGR Group that represented Raytheon- the maker of the javelins that he testified were so crucial for Ukraine's defense.
Lastly his lobbying firm was hired by, wait for it, THE UKRAINIAN GOVT.
Did anyone even ask him about all these conflicts?
16
Let’s be generous about today
Absolute disaster for Dem’s
One way or another, this entire thing would end if Trump gave testimony. In the open and under oath. Want the press to be fair Mr. President? Lead the way!
29
“Any signal or sign that U.S. support was wavering would be construed by Russia as potentially an opportunity for them to strengthen their own hand in Ukraine,”
With Trump all road do indeed lead to Putin!
26
Trump and Fox News have been trying to discredit Lt. Col. Vindman and will continue doing so. I applaud Lt. Col. Vindman for his bravery. It is ironic that Trump and Fox News do not even get their facts straight. Vindman was not born in Ukraine as they suggest (and for that reason might have dual loyalty). He was born in the former Soviet Union. Back then internal boundaries between Soviet republics mattered not. His family spoke Russian, as most Jewish families in Ukraine did. He would not have loyalties to a country that did not exist at the time of his immigration. And if we are concerned that he may have some “affinity to Ukraine”, we should be equally concerned that he has affinity to Russia, which will quickly take us to the land of absurd. Most Soviet Jewish immigrants came here in search of political and personal freedom and because of ethnic and religious persecutions. Most of them had to leave all their possessions behind. They came to embrace fully the American way of life and became some of the greatest patriots of their adopted land. Why? Because America gave them freedom. Plain and simple. Lt. Col. Vindman’s family was one of them. More importantly, we tend to pay too much attention to the place of origin of immigrants. Both parties are at fault with the identify politics. Lt. Col. Vindman is not a “Ukrainian-American” or “Russian-American” but an American. Let’s not forget that.
56
@Walter As an immigrant myself, may I say that was a very well stated post. Thank you.
12
Well said.
7
@Walter
check a few books by Anne Applebaum
her historical and social histories of Russia , Ukraine , Siberia and the gulags may change your opinion .
as for the Jewish folks , they couldn't catch a break anywhere
1
Dear NYT:
Despite The Times' efforts to lionize Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman as a man of great integrity and acumen, heroically relating first-person proof of President Trump's "bribery," it has become painfully clear that Vindman, while a patriot, is also a cold war militarist who deeply resented Trump's assuming control of his own Ukrainian foreign policy and eschewing Vindman's "talking points" in favor of a more direct and informal style.
Vindman stands alone in his harsh interpretation of the presidential phone call. Only Vindman heard Trump "pressure" President Volodymyr Zelensky to provide "dirt" on his 2020 political opponent.
Two of the three percipient witnesses to the telephone call -- and other senior officials who read the transcript - rejected the characterization that Trump in any way pressured or threatened the Ukrainian president.
Vice Presidential aide Jennifer Williams denied any pressure was applied, and said only that Trump's call was inappropriate.
Vindman's boss, Morrison, heard Trump make a "request" only and did not see anything wrong at all with the call. No bribery, extortion or quid pro quo.
4
@Jorge
Only Vindman heard Trump’s pressure tactic?
No, all of America heard, Do me a favor, though...
Most of us are not deaf and in denial.
7
Hmm, all of Trump’s own appointees heard nothing wrong on that call? That reminds of of Colonel Schultz’ famous lines in “Hogan’s Heroes”, which we don’t need to repeat here. The majority of the country hears a very clear request for a personal political favor by Trump as a bargaining chip for aid. One wonders what Vinland heard (in either language) that didn’t make it into the edited transcript?
4
@Jorge: Wrong. The pressure was there in the transcript provided by the White house: when you are the President of the US, asking for a "favor, though" is pressure, even if the conversation has not been about how much the US has been doing for the client country. When he specifically mentioned that Ukraine hadn't been doing anything in return for all the aid they had gotten, but that he wanted a favor, though... well, people can pretend not to recognize the pressure... someone can be super-scrupulous, and say, he didn't use the words "quid pro quo"... he just talked about how much we help, and that now we need a favor... no, Vindman is hardly the only one who heard some pressure.
7
Vindman's adherence to the chain of command seems to exclude the Commander in Chief.
3
@OldEngineer "I was just following orders" is a discredited excuse if the soldier sees something unethical or illegal happening.
8
@Ricardito Resister Vindman's actions are not encompassed by "following orders": he may have actively leaked information he was duty-bound to have kept confidential.dress blues and madals notwithstanding.
@OldEngineer You mean the crooked Commander-in-Chief? Yeah. Odd that.
6
“Because this is America”; should be right up there with: “Have you no shame?”
14
If there is any good coming out of these hearings, at least my children can get to see an example of honor and dignity as displayed by Lt. Col. Vindman today. I am so proud of him, he is a true role model.
1037
@wilson
Beautiful and wonderful sentiment and comment.
Your eloquent post was one of the highlights of the day.
A heartfelt thank you.
80
@wilson I am impressed with Lt Col Vindman as well. Wish I could personally express my thanks and respect for his service and patriotism.
52
I have not watched Morrison's testimony in it entirety so I don't know if the following points were brought up.
1. Why was it necessary to put the transcript in a super secret server. Why did people feel so rushed to do so.
2. If the summary released by Trump faithfully transcribes the conversation, why the super secret treatment.
3. And if there was something super sensitive, why was it released.
4. So either the transcript does not tell the whole truth or there is something that is hidden.
5. A telephone conversation that was to establish a possible visit is not the venue to treat sensitive information, The US may have safe phones, but that cannot be certain in Ukraine.
6. Also, if there is something so secret that needs to be protected to such a degree why was the conversation witnessed by so many people.
Conclusion: the only sensitive information that needed to be protected is that there is clear evidence of Trump's demand to
start a Biden investigation before the military aid was released.
18
My parents came to the U.S. 50 years ago fleeing communism in Cuba. I would do the same as Lt. Colonel Vindman! He has grown up hearing stories from his parents about how things went down in their country and why they fled to America so their children can be free. I do not care that my parents were born in Cuba or that my great grandparents were born in Spain. I am an American and I would give my life for this country! The truth can't be covered up.
These Republicans look AWFUL. Don't attack a decorated war veteran.... It just gets worse and worse.
67
The gratuitous adjectives Rep Nunes and the others use to describe the hearings male them appear juvenile. Like the President, they are grown men who have to resort to insults and innuendo instead of facts to please the ever-vigilant Donald Trump.
As for Rep Jordan, I have to mute my TV because his voice is so loud and grating it makes my brain hurt. He sounds as if he's interrogating a terrorist or arrested criminal instead of questioning civil servants at a hearing.
61
@ChristineMcM I had to do the same thing. Praise the invention of the mute button.
8
Imagine if a Democrat addressed the Lt Colonel the way they did. And they have such enormous egos these Republicans they had to bring it up again!
14
It is quite true at this point that the present administration - including Republicans in the House and Senate - are in deep fear that they will all be rightly prosecuted by the next government.
And they will, to the last man.
But they want to start the narrative now that this will be “deeply divisive” for our country, as a way to get out of the noose they’ve put their collective necks in.
Well, it will divide the insane minority from the rest of us sensible Americans, and restore the country to one others might trust again some time in the future.
Bu the idea will not save them. So, goodbye.
22
All this may be true...IF this administration allows the election to take place and not challenge the outcome, IF they don’t have Russia and Putins interference.
6
If the republicans at these hearings think by any stretch of the imagination us Americans are ever going to forget their names and how they tried to make excuses for the most corrupt POTUS they are sadly mistaking.
48
Ambassador Volker appears to agree to everyone who questions him. I guess that's how he is threading this needle, playing both sides. He is a master equivocator.
12
@Em, well, not such a master that you and I don't see through it, right?
4
WASHINGTON — The White House attacked its own top Ukraine expert on Tuesday as he offered sworn testimony before the House’s impeachment inquiry that President Trump’s request to Ukraine’s president to investigate Democratic rivals had been “inappropriate” and validated his “worst fear” that American policy toward that country would veer off course.
Of course they did for the past 40 years the GOP eat/brainwash their young!
3
The truth is that it is people like Lieutenant Colonel Vindman, who is loyal to the country and to the truth but not to any particular person, who will "Make America Great Again". My heartfelt congratulations to this courageous gentleman!!!
46
It’s truly sad and upsetting watching these hearings knowing the Democrats' lust sense of duty and patriotism is non-existent.
They lost an election and ignoring voters' wishes and this temper tantrum is the result.
The middle of America that decides elections won't be kind to them in 2020.
2
@Senate27
Democrats are upholding their own constitutional oaths of office, attempting to hold the president accountable for his abuses of office. The "truly sad and upsetting" part is watching Trump's GOP enablers, too willing to throw democracy under the wheels of the bus. Shameful.
25
Trump lost the popular vote in 2016 and has no mandate. On the other hand, Democrats regained the House in 2018 despite significant gerrymandering in some districts.
4
Every society deserves the criminal it gets - so vote for treason and corruption and see what happens to the country.
2
I wrote to my two Senators, Republicans from Indiana requesting that they vote for Impeachment.
They're sticking with the party line, "the Democrats are out to get Trump".
It's upsetting watching the hearings.
Trump got caught. It seems clear.
I'm ashamed of the Republican Party.
86
@LO Then vote them out. We are going to do the same with Lindsey Graham here.
2
@LO Good for you for writing your Republican senators and requesting they vote for impeachment. If you are frustrated by their reply, you might want to seek out fellow constituents who are seeking to have an impact (for instance, possibly a local Indivisible group comprised of concerned people trying to have a voice). Your elected officials work for YOU, and should be responsive to constituents' views, especially if the officials experience a groundswell of voices urging them to take a position of conscience.
Ambassador Volker appears to agree with everyone who is questioning him. I guess that's the way he is "threading the needle" by playing both sides.
2
I just want to send some money to anyone, Democrat or Independent, who is planning to run against GOP Representative Jim Jordan of Ohio. His angry outbursts and insults directed at Foreign Service officials, and Military Officers has been egregious.
He is a disgrace, to his oath to protect the Constitution, and the House of Representatives.
59
Watching these hearings I’m wondering why is it ok for these congressmen and women to be in these roles on these different committees when they have very little technical qualifications. Clearly, politically driven, with no specific technical qualifications. Add to that the clown like atmosphere republican congressmen are injecting to the hearings to minimize the seriousness of this event.
Why is this ok?
10
Yes the smears started in real time again today. As I was listening to the hearings I received an email from the White House (yes - if you send an email complaining about them, they add you to their email list!)
It contained this blurb from the obedient New York Post:
“The scariest aspect of [Alexander] Vindman’s testimony is his insistence that US foreign policy should be made by unelected bureaucrats like himself. He says he and his colleagues have formulated ‘the best, most informed judgment’ about Ukraine, and it was not ‘appropriate for government officials’ like Trump’s ambassadors to act ‘counter’ to it. What arrogance,” Betsy McCaughey writes in the New York Post.
7
I am so sick of trumpworld, where disloyalty is defined as honor and allegiance to the truth and where grown men and women fear the tweets of a person so morally small and so colossally broken that even Shakespeare could not have imagined him.
30
“And after two and a half days of damning public testimony, House Republicans appear to be holding together in Mr. Trump’s corner, either unconvinced his behavior was as the witnesses described or unconvinced that it warrants a remedy as drastic as impeachment.”
NO NYT!!!
They are holding together in Trump’s corner because they are complicit in a disinformation campaign and betraying their oaths of office to American Democracy!
19
Have been watching the hearings since last week and the Republicans sure know how to use words that are ridiculous, stupid and definitely grandstanding. If they looked at themselves on TV they would not be impressed with themselves or should not be if they had any common sense. They are jokes.
19
Watching Republican cowards trying to defend Cadet Bone Spurs by smearing an American war hero, wounded in Iraq, disgusts me to the point of throwing up. I have lost all respect for the Republican Party, which I now regard as a Russian asset, and will never again even think of voting for anyone with the GOP label. They are not just useful idiots, they are complicit accomplices in crimes against our values, our constitution and our national security.
54
When Ollie North showed up in his uniform to defend his actions for Reagan he was regarded as a hero, patriot.
Ollie North was a Lt Col. too same as Lt Col. Vindman.
But this time they don’t want to hear from this patriot. So they attack his loyalty.
From the likes of Nunes and Jordan it’s galling.
55
It may come as a shock to many here, but just because one rises in the ranks of the military does not mean the one possesses the judgement needed to distinguish between political manipulation and criminal behavior. 
4
@David H It may come as a shock to you, but just because one is elected POTUS, it doesn't mean he has the intelligence, maturity, integrity, or the judgement necessary to distinguish between right and wrong, between patriotism and self-serving interests, or between criminal behavior and common, lawful decency.
I'd trust Vindman and the other witnesses all day long. I would never trust trump under any circumstances.
trump, the man who thought Washington's Continental Army "manned the air" and "took over British airports". The man who regularly cheated on every one of his spouses. The man who paid off a porn star to keep quiet, then repeatedly lied about it. The man who was clueless about our nuclear triad. The little boy who calls anyone who disagrees with him childish names.
25
@David H At least you understand the concept of rising in the ranks. Trump on the other hand was elected by the worst segment of our citizenship, the only segment he seems interested in governing, if at all. This is all so ironic considering just this past week Trump was found guilty of using his foundation as his personal piggy bank. I also seem to remember his fraudulent "university" being shut down and millions paid to make it all go away. There is criminal behavior here all right.
5
Whether you agree with the guy or disagree with the guy, I am not sure why he is still working on the same job. Either the Whitehouse remove him or he quit. The status quo is not acceptable.
@Joseph: That's sort of interesting. It seems like nobody wants to throw that element into the mix right in the middle of all this.
This week and last I am reminded of something that makes this country great: immigrants.
I am referring, specifically, to Ambassador Marie Yovanovitch and Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Vindman.
58
I am disgusted at the personal attacks by Republicans against a decorated, career Army Officer. It sickens me that these politicians, who never wore the uniform, have the audacity to question his professionalism and service. Zealous questioning is appropriate, but besmirching this man is beyond the pale. It is interesting that Democrats are getting elected in hard red places. Might we be watching the disintegration of the Republican Party, finally, and in such a deserved fashion?
30
Still no evidence of a minor crime or wrongdoing let alone a high crime. Keep wasting tax payer dollars Dems.
4
@Nana Lots of evidence. Open your eyes. Be brave.
4
Thank you, Lt. Colonel. I think the military should promote you to full Colonel based on your courageous testimony today.
10
Vindman and Yovanovitch are heroes. Professionals. Well spoken under pressure. Honest. Life long exemplary service to our nation. Being judged by those that are not. Their strength and courage is an inspiration. Thank you for giving me hope.
31
I watched Devin Nunes give his opening statement and tears came to eyes. Nunes is good but he lacks the pure charisma of Sarah Huckabee Sanders or Stephen Miller. Still his point was well taken, how unfair the great leader is being treated. Imagine, laws that apply to him. Keep up the good work Republicans, I'm almost convinced, I no longer independent, I'm a Democrat.
29
Short of mind-reading, how would these reporters know that House Republicans are either "unconvinced his behavior was as the witnesses described or unconvinced that it warrants a remedy as drastic as impeachment."
There no likelihood or chance they'd defend Trump regardless of what's he done, and might do?
The reason polls don't change much, is they simply reflect the reach of Fox News (and other conservative outlets) -vs- other main news outlets. Reading Fox News alone you would be very unlikely to actually learn anything new from the testimony, and what does get through of the truth is blanketed by 'spin' (a euphemism for lying). I used to think truth would finally filter down despite propaganda, but honestly, if I only read Fox News, I might also be a Trump defender (that is, if I also didn't have a memory to catch their own inconsistent lies over the years).
11
The more I've watched this hilarious hearing, the more it strikes me that none of this would exist, if Congress, and Washington generally, were not populated largely, in some cases nearly entirely, by lawyers. This all looks like a "moot court" for a bunch of middle-aged law school grads who never got a chance to play prosecutor, defense counsel, do witness depositions and a hundred other lawyer fun and games. You the taxpayer are paying for their fantasy. Enjoy the show.
3
@Matt Andersson: The attitude exhibited in this comment is the definition of indifferent decadence. That’s how great societies end.
21
@Matt Andersson your false equivalency aside. we are "paying for" the damage done to our nation and its reputation by the unhinged actions of Trump and his sycophants.
Were you just as upset with the cost of the fruitless Benghazi hearings? or the endless investigations into Secretary Clinton's emails?
Me thinks Matt protests to much
17
Did you voice similar sentiments after Secy. Hillary Clinton was grilled for 10 hours by Republicans about Benghazi?
23
My Fellow Americans,
We are witnessing the 240 years of the American Experiment disintegrate in real time. We are witnessing an analogue to the Fall of the Roman Empire, accelerated by conspiracy theories, social media, and gossip, unfold in real time.
I have not given up on our nation. I will continue to fight for everything that was once good, decent, and noble about the United States of America.
But I am sincerely disturbed by the one-third of Americans that are willing to throw our nation into the dustbin of history. And to what end?
What is wrong with you people?
This is not a partisan statement.
54
If President Trump believes there is a misunderstanding he can march right up to capital hill and take a seat at the witness table. Trump can clear things up in a half a day by testifying and helping us all understand exactly what was said and done. We don't need any third parties, no impeachment, no fake news, no misunderstanding about personalities or uniforms or loyalties, just take a seat at the table, bring the recordings and let's clear this up quickly. What say ye Trump?
39
@Tom
can he bring Rudy ?
Reporters: would you please ask Jordan why he exhibits such disrespect to the office he serves, by showing up everywhere in shirtsleeves? Does he not own a whole suit?
What is he trying to convey? being a regular "Joe"? It does not work with me.
I find his lack of attire to be a clear expression of lack of respect for the office he holds, a lack of respect to the US Congress as an institution, and a profound lack of respect to the constituents he represents.
Thankfully my congressman (whom I dislike) at least does not embarrass me by how he appears in his official role.
27
@c What do you expect from a wrestling coach that grovels at the feet of a rich kid turned game show host?
11
@c
In my opinion when Jim Jordan wears shirt sleeves everywhere he goes he wants us to believe he is working harder than anyone else. He isn’t fooling me. Loudly spouting ridiculous theories isn’t equivalent to working at all.
4
@c I wondered the same thing especially in light of the comments made about Vindman appearing in dress uniform, or any uniform at all. Jordan’s disrespectful attire accompanied the attempts to denigrate Lt. Colonel Vindman, or put him in what I guess Nunes thought was his place, by calling him Mr.Vindman instead of using his rank, I thought it was a frat boy or bullying attempt to cut a witness down to size. It backfired and made them look even more puny and sleazy than they had previously appeared.
You would think that Gym Jordan would wear a jacket for no other reason than to have a place to hang his flag pin. Those pins won’t fool people into thinking you are some kind of a patriot. It is the only decoration Jordan and most other Republicans will ever wear.
5
Lt. Col. Vindman is 1000 times the patriot that Trump claims to be. One giving selfless public service to our country, the other self-servingly undermining his presidential oath for personal gain. Trump continues to tarnish himself further with juvenile twitter attacks on upstanding diplomats — real patriots testify, Mr. President — you're free to appear before the investigative committees, why so reticent to do so?
28
It seems to me that this situation is precisely what the articals of the constitution regarding impeachment were intended to address.
This is it. They knew that if this kind of thing goes unchecked, that democracy is imperiled.
It is time for congress to do its duty to check the president. If it does not do that, we could lose democracy in this country.
If this behavior was not discovered, it would not be so dangerous to the union. But knowing this behavior took place and refusing to impeach and remove the president is tantamount to spitting on the constitution and democracy in general.
8
@Dave And the Republicans seem to be very happy to spit on our Constitution and our whole accepted way of doing things by leading a rogue administration that looks like some of the worst mafia fiction, but it is all real with people already in prison and more heading there, and the President only hands us more facts to use against himself, not understanding his office one whit.
James Jordan is a loudmouth obfuscator who lies while he smiles and disregards decorum in those High Offices by going shirt-sleeve. Sure makes him look like a low-life loose cannon, does it not, whether he looks like a made for TV actor or what, it does not work where he is at NOW. And he needs put the jacket, AND the decorum back into place, because this impeachment is the real thing, not a joke, not a reprise of 2016, but due to known and bragged about crimes right from the president's mouth and paperwork.
If ya want to be in his cell block after this is done, I can see that, but there is no further upward path for Jordan, Nunes and their ilk.
All they know is how to tear down and personally enrich themselves: they are already rich, so now they are tearing down the ladders where other might get there too.
it seems the hearings' hidden agenda, made clear, however, at various moments, was to enshrine a foreign policy proclaiming Ukraine's borders and aspirations to be crucially in the US national interest. Who decided this? Who voted on it? When?
The witnesses made clear: diplomacy is dead. Compromise with post-Soviet Russia--not to dare speak of rapprochament--is forbidden. Anyone who disagrees, including the President, is to be branded a Russian dupe at best; an "asset"--i.e. traitor--at worst.
Welcome to the New Cold War--without the logic of the original version.
1
@Jonathan Braun Lets try the Georgian incursion by the Russians during Bush/Cheney, eh? That is where things got started there.
2
Russia attacked our ally, Ukraine. Russia attacked our own country by interfering in our presidential 2016 election. Putin is laughing at us. They are not our friends.
4
Morrison seems like he is lying and getting confused at what he heard, what he remembers , BUT he seems to only say, nothing wrong happened. SOMETHING IS WRONG HERE.
6
I've watched nearly all of the impeachment proceedings. It's apparent that leftover Clinton staff, upset because Hillary wasn't elected, are making a feeble attempt to undermine the President, by as they describe it, a "coup". At best they've been able to state that what Trump did was inappropriate, at least in their biased view. At worst they appear to be whining employees who have been circumvented in their reach for power and promotion, which would have been taken for granted if Hillary was elected. There is zero basis for impeachment, even if these staffers have hurt feelings. No quid pro quo, no bribery, nothing. Actual witnesses to the phone call do not share the same opinions as these Clinton leftovers who had their apple carts upset. And, Zelensky, the object of the "wrongdoing", doesn't remember anything wrong being done. No bribes, no quid pro quo, nothing. Schiff, and late-to-the-impeachment-party Pelosi realize that Trump will probably be re-elected, especially with the cast of characters running for the Democratic nomination. So, they thought they could convince the public that Trump should be impeached and they might win running against Pence. With the lack of evidence that Schiff is producing, that won't happen.
3
Literally every sentence in this comment is false.
19
@Chris A.: Hmmm, I guess we watched different hearings then. Can you name even one witness who is “leftover Clinton staff”? I.e., appointed by President Clinton?
13
@Chris A. Hillary Clinton was not elected POTUS, therefore there are no "holdovers". Unless you are claiming people who worked for her husband decades ago?
The abundance of evidence is apparent. The fact that you choose to ignore said evidence speaks directly to you and the paucity of your argument.
12
I'm happy that Lt. Col. Vindman stood up for his service to his country. The petty attack on his service and questioning of his loyalty to the United States of America by the republicans was NASTY to say the least. How dare any member of our government attack the loyalty of any of our service men and woman without any evidence to back up their statements. Shame on all the republicans who have publicly questioned this mans service and loyalty to these United States of America.
12
Re: Tim Morrison's statement: "I had concerns about Lieutenant Colonel Vindman's judgment."
Might Mr. Morrison have found Lieutenant Colonel Vindman's military experience and language ability threatening? Lt. Col. Vindman was Morrison's underling, but might Lt. Col. Vindman have been his superior in accomplishments? We have not heard much about Morrison's language ability or his real military expertise.
4
I hope all military people understand how their Commander-in-Chief is undercutting them at this very moment. Betraying the Kurds who fought beside them, opening his arms to dictators while insulting civil servants, intelligence agencies and decorated soldiers who have sacrificed so much for their country, Trump is spitting on the people who are trying to protect and defend the U.S. I hope that when they go to vote, they remember how Trump treated Lt. Col. Vindman and others who have spoken up against his abuse of power and traitorousness.
17
I am from Taiwan, a country whose current democracy owes a lot to the USA. Had it not been for the aids after WWII, communist China would have taken this land. However, the country that we used to look upon regarding democracy is falling right where it should lead the world. Even without preference to each of the parties, this event is a utterly sad thing to see.
10
@Louis Hang in there with us Louis! Because of the established length of POTUS term we can only rectify disasters like Trump every four years.
T-minus 12 months and counting, unless Republican Senators abandon their cult, or Trumps rapidly failing health steps up first.
2
As the grandson of a Canadian W.W. 1 veteran; and two Great Uncles serving in W.W. 2; it is mind blowing for me to see a decorated member of the U.S. Army; a man apparently hand picked for his knowledge and expertise; is all of a sudden a man not to be trusted? A man who is not really loyal to the U.S.? A man with divided loyalties? A man who does not understand exactly what really went down with Trump and Giulliani`s rogue shenanigans? Are you Serious?!
26
Questioning his “judgement” means his judgement to not play along. Questioning his “loyalty” means why is he not loyal to the man? Questioning his “professionalism” is exactly that, republicans only play dirty so when faced with professionalism they are at a loss as to why anyone would play by the rules? This administration foolishly believed government employees’ oath is to the man in office not the Constitution. Why is it that a party that is owned by a Russian tool so quick to question someone’s loyalty and patriotism? It’s quite clear, both Lt. Col. Alexander S. Vindman and Ms. Williams heard something that made them uncomfortable in their respective roles, they spoke up, they too did not want to be part of the “drug deal.”
6
Jim Jordan (R-OH) not only needs his financial donors to buy him a jacket but those same donors should chip in to buy him a course of treatments for anger management.
28
@Richard
American patriots need to finance his opposition, and get this clown out of office ASAP.
8
@Richard I think the anger is an act. The puny little thing is attempting to be terrifying . He is copying some Stassi interrogator he has seen in a movie somewhere. Instead of terrifying he is coming off as an SNL caricature.
And he is too dumb to realize that appearing in his shirtsleeves in front of an officer in uniform with a chest full of medals makes him look like the mail boy instead of somebody with any power or authority.
3
"KYIV, Ukraine—....
Six months into Mr. Zelensky’s presidency, efforts toward a lasting peace deal are inching forward—though many Ukrainians remain wary of Russia’s motives.
This week Moscow returned three Ukrainian naval ships that it captured in the Kerch Strait in November 2018 following a maritime skirmish between the two countries. That gesture came after France said it would host a long-delayed peace summit including the leaders of Ukraine, Russia, France and Germany on Dec. 9."
So Europeans are making peace while Americans are fighting with other Americans. Are we insane or what?
3
Excuse me... Vindman, et al, were concerned that our Ukraine policy was going off course? I thought the elected administration determined the course that policy takes, not the administration’s representatives.
I would have fired them too.
3
The House of Representatives approved the $391 million in military aid for Ukraine as is their legal prerogative. Trump put the money on hold when he has no legal role or right to do so. The people who were elected to do a job did their job. Trump overreached. The non-partisan people who are paid to be vigilant about these things picked up on Trump’s overreach and, following their job descriptions, brought it to the attention of the people who were elected to make and uphold the law of the land.
Seems to be a lot of people are doing their job properly. So far, the republic is holding but it’s going to be a squeaker. I just wish it weren’t all so real.
5
@MJM . Trump gave Ukraine much needed military aid in calendar years 2017-2019, including javelin missiles.
Obama gave Ukraine blankets..
1
@Chris Whn you change foreign policy, you do it through your diplomats, like Lt Col Vinderman and Ms Yo.
You do NOT do it through your criminal lawyer Giuliani and some ambassador that only got the position for donating $300K and proceeded to act as a back door diplomat, NOT letting the Office of Diplomacy know what the changes are. That is called playing dirty and outside of normal channels, it is the type of thing the Mafia does.
This whole thing is classic Mafia, and the whole Republican Party appears to be a part of La Familia, just by how they are acting. They are all too nervous, too angry, too theatrical to be serious, instead they are just reading their part of the script of 'duh, I dunno', while the Non-Partisan portions of the government bring them up for breaking the very solid laws on who is allowed to contact other nations when when govt money and diplomacy are at stake, and the Repub-Trump admission has left them all high and dry with their lies, and the Democrats were given a Christmas Gift Early, heck, even a Thanksgiving gift of Plenty of insider and outsider information that, what do you know, it all matches up in it's main points, while the Repubs are still trying to get ANYTHING to stick, so they keep throwing stuff at the wall and at the people being questioned Hoping something will stick, but it just makes them look desperate instead.
The Repubs look lower and lower by the day!
2
Any veteran knows that there are times that you come to attention and salute. John McCain’s funeral was one. This is another. Well done, Sir.
15
Putin's Preferred President and Party may well beat the trial in the Senate. How many GOP senators and representatives survive the stench of a senate acquittal to keep their seats is hard to predict in the post truth (Faux) world.
6
To smear Lt. Col. Vindman in order protect an indefensible con-man shows how low Jim Jordan and his fellow Republican travelers are willing to go.
If a few good Republicans don't reclaim their honor, our republic hangs in the balance.
9
@Mark Keller Time to vote all those Republicans out of office, for the good of our country
2
My poor dad had the misfortune to be commanding the only USAF AFB in Holland when Lockheed disgraced our nation bribing Prince Bernhardt, the consort of Queen Juliana, with a million for selecting the Starfighter over the French Mirage. My brother tells me the French built a better mouse trap, but Dad has no dog in this fight. He flew the McDonald F4.
Queen Juliana was so miffed we had dirtied her Prince she said we could not use the tarmac on Sundays. Vindman is going to love this one...
Dad took us kids out to the flight line and taught us how to use the emergency brake on the Fiat. Dutch police came screaming out to discover who was smoking rubber. The US Commander showing his counterparts he does not trust them either.
This bribery sparked the FCPA. So glad to be on the right side of history. So sad to see what has become of the GOP.
4
"...he was aware of no quid pro quo between the two nations…”
Oh, please. Ukraine was desperate for that aid. Lives were at stake. This was in no way, shape or form a freely entered trade “between” equals. This was extortion, orders of magnitude more serious. A squeeze. A shakedown. An offer Mr. Zelensky could not refuse.
For the umpteenth time, STOP sugarcoating what Trump did!!
9
Ukrainians are being labeled as corrupt ..but they sure resisted trump's pressure to engage in his corruption! They are not THAT corrupt.
8
@paul
most likely they had no " goods " for " services "
mud for $
1
I am sorry to think this way, but I am wondering why the Republicans are singling out Lt. Col. Vindman for vilification. And it occurs to me that one likely reason could be anti-Semitism.
10
Volker lies. Another thrown under the Donald’s bus.
4
Trump didn't really care to "get dirt" from the Ukrainians about the Bidens. All he wanted was for the Ukrainian president to publicly announce (for American ears) that an investigation into the Bidens would be initiated. Such an announcement would have an effect similar to Comey's announcement of an investigation into Hillary Clinton's email server.
12
@Roy Hobbs
Thank you.
Once again, the NYT and nearly everyone else mischaracterizes what was going on. Sugarcoats it. Soft-pedals it. Makes it appear almost innocent.
Trump did not ask for an investigation, because he knew there was nothing to investigate.
He asked for an *announcement* of an investigation. On the teevee. Like Comey’s. To the same end.
The more I read, watch, and listen to this Rube Goldberg mishmash, the more I am convinced the NYT and other media want Trump to prevail.
Sickening.
2
"...that President Trump’s request to Ukraine’s president to investigate Democratic rivals had been “inappropriate” and validated his “worst fear” that American policy toward that country would veer off course."
Vindman's job was to advise, not to set policy.
Period.
The president sets policy and when he sets it, it isn't veering off course. It is, what is is. His policy.
Vindman didn;t like the new policy direction.
Tough. He's not paid to like it.
The evidence that this is nothing more than an abuse of the impeachment process to disrupt and undermine the president's policy decisions is now overwhelming.
Witholding aid in order to ensure the re-instatement of an investigation into the awarding of a 2 day per year, $1,000,000 salary job with a corrupt Ukranian gas company to the son of a sitting vice president who, one month earlier, was appointed "point man" in the Ukraine, is not only legal, it is an obligation of the Executive Branch.
Particularly when the investigation was halted because of pressure brought by the vice president, and quietly swept under the rug by the administration in power at the time.
That this newspaper has failed its readers so badly by ignoring this clear influence peddling story, will go down in history as the reason that it lost all credibility.
@Objectivist: Vindman takes his oath to the Constitution seriously, Trump, not so much. Vindman serves the Constitution, not a wayward president, period. Get over it.
8
@Objectivist
You have to give up that screen name.
By your completely twisted analysis, the established policy of the Trump administration, which is documented and engages dozens of people every day in its advancement, can be undercut on a whim in order to boost a political campaign ?? No process? No consultation? No reasoned consideration of pros and cons by top advisors before taking a change of course?
Just some half-baked conspiracy theories that NO ONE in the know accepts for a moment, but which if coming fom the mouth of Pres. Z. would give our President's media mill the ability to smear a Democratic opponent.
That would make our President the King of these United States, not chief executive.
Your telling of the Biden story is as twisted as your concept of the Constitution. By removing Shokin, Joe B. made it more likely, not less, that Burisma's activities would be investigated if warranted, despite the presence of Hunter on the board. If that didn't happen, why isn't it explained by there being nothing to prosecute?
3
Watching Volker and Morrison squirm, alter testimony etc. as they try to avoid perjuring themselves was smile raising. Morrison was told by Bolton "Talk to the lawyers" and didn't know what that meant. Volker was "outside the loop" while every other player knew exactly what was going on. Was "Ambassador" Volker brain dead? LOL.
Then we get Nunes, Stewart and Jordan who spend all their time smearing decorated US officers and long time State Department officials, along with the media, and talking about TV ratings.
7
It is interesting that given the loud bleatings from Trump, his loyal disciples, and Fox “News” they make Trump appear to be a crook after all.
Lastly it is abhorrent the Republicans who can still defend Trump and not cringe would attack the character and loyalty of a decorated military professional. But then, we in the military don’t pledge loyalty to a president as a third world despot would demand.
Hmm. Trump and despot.
2
Next up: Trump attacks himself for bribing Ukraine and colluding with Putin.
3
We've been hearing from a few good mean and women and I'm waiting for someone to say to Nunes "you can't handle the truth!"
2
@YReader Aww, that would be good and mean. Sorry, couldn’t resist. I don’t know how the witnesses sit there and behave themselves in front of people like Nunes and Jordan.
@Bashh - LOL. Yes, I saw my typo after I hit the submit button :)
It is so disappointing to see that 40 percent of the US population would support trump or the Republicans. There is no response to Trump’s crimes. So, the only thing they do is attack the messenger. Who, in this case is a series of people worthy of great admiration.
Pathetic.
4
Attacking Colonel Vindman is an example of the kind of cannibalism that hateful, exclusionary, fascist regimes exhibit. They will destroy anyone, no matter how formerly loyal that person was to the regime, if that once loyal individual steps out of line. It is a purity test that even the most pure cannot pass. Eventually everyone is eliminated, whether a steadfast enemy of the regime or one of its most loyal supporters. In short, hate consumes and extinguishes itself. Ideologies based on hate and exclusion of the “other” are structurally destined to extinction.
1
I wonder if Jordan, beleives he is a patriot, or just a Bunny praising the White house, Pinnochio. There is no one as deaf as those Who won't listen!
1
In precisely the same way that slaves knew their masters in the South, the Ukrainians will knew that the aid was in jeopardy until it actually arrived. And they knew that far earlier than our stupid, public assessments of that awareness.
Any country that relies on American help in warding off aggression will be well advised to recognize that any American promises are highly conditional as long as this grifter is in the White House.
2
To quote another “great” Republican President “You’re either with us or against us.”
Now it’s “You’re either for Trump or else.”
The GOP has always been a bunch of con artists and thugs; with Trump they don’t even try to hide it. Their only answer to the impeachment hearings is a Gish Gallop.
https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2019/11/12/1898873/-What-to-Remember-about-Republicans-as-the-Impeachment-Hearings-Begin-These-are-not-Rational-People
As a once solid Republican from Reagan through Romney, today's Republican Party of Nunes, Jordan, Gaetz, Gohmert and Meadows is a disgraceful clown car. These deplorable fools wouldn't stand a chance of winning any election in most cities. Given his track record, would you want a man like Jim Jordan coaching your children's team?
6
Very much looking forward to seeing where Mr. Morrison lands. So many job opportunities for the willing & ambitious. Good luck to all.
1
Lying for Donald ain’t no good.
2
NYT writers: Why did it take you 10 paragraphs to get to the substance of the lede and the headline?
Lately, many NYT news stories have been written feature-style, and it's really annoying, with all of the background presented at the top of the article. The most important facts of any news story should be presented in the first 2-3 paragraphs, followed by contextual background details.
1
Trump is going to win again. The impeachment trial is a desperate scam.
4
@Monnie If it is a scam, it is one begun, executed, and orchestrated by Donald Trump .
61
@Monnie Don't be too sure about that at all.
30
@Monnie
If that is the case the nation loses. A liar who is ignorant of the world, a criminal who will betray his country, his friends, his family and himself, Donald Trump is just not a president.
45
The President makes Ukraine policy not Mister Vindman.
4
I believe it's Lieutenant Colonel Vindman.
119
@KR
Making policy isn't quite the same thing as seeking an investigation into a political rival.
86
@KR
Bribery is not policy! It is an impeachable offense!
98
I am the mother of a Military Officer. I have had a front row seat to the sacrifices my son and all the men and women in the military make to support our constitution, protect our country, to protect each and every American. I am appalled how Lt. Col. Vindman has been attacked by the President and Republicans. How any active military or vet can continue to support Trump or Republicans after today is not only hypocritical, but despicable.
1578
@Nora
The Military can join the line of departments/people who have been attacked in never-thought-we'd-see-the-day fashion by Trump and his backup singers...a line which includes the FBI, the State Department, the intelligence community, judges, Trump's own cabinet...and on and on.
109
@Nora As a veteran myself, I agree with you Nora. And yet, many veterans still do.
76
@Nora
I am also the mother of an active duty Navy man and I've often wondered how anyone in the military can support Trump. He's literally putting them in danger every day he is in office, and he blatantly uses them as props whenever he needs them.
He can't be gone soon enough for me!
116
As a veteran, it is especially disgusting to watch the total disrespect the Republican Party has for the military. It’s pretty clear “Support the Troops” only lasts as long as it benefits their bottom line.
1396
@Randall
Agreed.
As they support and enable one who avoided military service repeatedly and whose foundation misused millions intended for veterans charities. Appalling and un-American.
83
@Randall. Trump and the GOP love using vets and the military for props
47
@Randall
"Support the Troops" is Republican-speak for "Thank goodness only the poor and working classes have to enlist since there aren't enough jobs -not my kids"
35
How difficult would it be to choose between the testimony of a decorated soldier versus that of an elected official who thinks running the country is little more than a comical TV show?
Yet by the looks of the commentary on Fox News and the White House, it would seem like that our armed forces are filled with liars while the TV host is the paragon of truthfulness.
I am just dumbstruck by the fact that Trump is not getting booted out by the sheer volume of nasty comments he keeps making about the men and women who serve in our military.
Hmm...
1840
@Plato
What a spot on comment!
You truly nailed it my dear!
165
@Marge Keller MY thoughts also, well said! It is simply mind blowing, watching this from north of the border, and see people still siding with Trump over these decorated veterans.
The world watches on, in disbelief. What a mockery of democracy everywhere.
299
@Plato
It’s difficult to give the benefit of the doubt to a guy whose charity was shut down due to fraudulent activities and whose “university” settled fraud claims out of court to the tune of $25 million.
347
I am watching from Canada. The integrity and discipline of the witnesses appears to be exceptional. The democrats' line of questioning is appropriate for the purposes of the investigations. The republicans' line of questioning is clearly intended to discredit the witnesses rather than explore the allegations. The duplicity is fascinating and it's sad that one of the former leading countries of the free world has been reduced to this. I am impressed and appalled by the audacity of the republican party and curious to see the public's response. I am most saddened at how difficult it must be for such patriotic public servants to continue to find motivation to serve the country in the face of the corruption flooding out of the white house. May the truth prevail.
194
Col. Vindman represents the best argument for valuing immigration to this country. Here we have an immigrant whose honor and devotion to his adopted country is beyond reproach...as well as beyond the capabilities of its own President.
76
I'm disappointed that "the investigations" are bundled in both the questions and answers.
"The investigations" are two, and only one matters to Trump's campaign. The other has absolutely no value to Trump. In fact, it's the opposite of what his campaign promotes.
The campaign benefits from smearing the Bidens. It gains nothing from having Ukraine involved in hacking the Democrats in 2016. It promote the opposite idea, that Ukraine was malevolent against Trump.
The conspiracy theory Giuliani and Trump proposed to the Ukrainians is that Ukraine, not Russia, hacked the Democrats and released their emails. How could that help Trump's reelection?
Only one administration gains from this conspiracy, Putin's. Trump held up aid to try to give Putin a present. Though he failed, he may think Putin will be grateful for the effort.
Putin promotes the Ukraine conspiracy as a way to get out of very painful sanctions. There's nothing mysterious there.
The mystery is Trump's obsequiousness towards him.
11
@Brian Uh- its pretty clear - deflect attention from Russia's 2016 election meddling to the phony charge that Ukraine did the meddling. Said deflection makes it easier for Russia to meddle on Trump's behalf again in 2020.
1
@Brian
Yes, it's complicated!
From what I understand, the Administration is pushing the 2016 Ukrainian interference theory to refute the idea that the Russians intervened to help Trump in 2016. Twisted, but that's apparently the reality.
Are non-military people really required to address military officers by their rank or title?
A title is a title is a title. It signifies respect for a position, acknowledgement of achievement in a profession. Do you call your internist Andy?
4
@Aaron Adams The respect they get is earned; no one in Trump family has served for last 150 years
6
@Aaron Adams in a formal hearing you are expected to address individuals with their formal title. Such as Representative Schiff, Representative Nunes, Lt Col Vindman. Although even writing Representative Nunes makes me want to throw up after what he did today.
6
Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman's comments contrasting his country of origin with America are at the heart of these proceedings. Namely that you can go up the chain of command to report wrong doing without fear of reprisal that may include the loss of your own life. Anyone supporting Trump's actions surrounding these proceedings is supporting fundamentally un-American values.
34
What in the world are the Republicans up to? They really appear to have lost all dignity and decorum, not to mention loyalty to the country. My guess is that ratings are low because a majority of Trump supporters are afraid to face the truth.
37
Vindman widely exaggerated what he had heard on the phone call when he leaked it to the whistleblower, never imagining that President Trump would release the actual transcript.
Remember when the story first broke Adam Schiff was running around telling us how there were instances (eight times!) of quid pro quo and bullying and intimidation in the phone call?
Btw, Vindman confirmed today that the transcript is accurate (so much for the conspiracy theory that it is redacted of various nefarious things.)
2
@JQGALT What is in the transcript is more than enough to impeach. The extortion is right there for all to read "do us a favor though" when pressed to release the aid just like any other mobster.
5
@JQGALT
What was released was a call summary, not a transcript and as such is an edited version.
New talking points are in order if Trump's supporters really want to defend the man.
5
Republicans cling to a narrative that Trump was doing his duty in seeking assurances of anti-corruption efforts in Ukraine before releasing the aid that he himself "paused".
But there's clear evidence that this criteria had already been met by Mr. Trump's own Dept. of Defense and Congress. I think that evidence would be helpful to the public's full understanding.
Before aid to a foreign government is appropriated by Congress the Dept. of Defense is required to evaluate if conditions on the ground in that country warrant the aid.
In early 2019 the DOD, via Undersecretary John Rood, provided this evaluation to Congress. Here's a link to the document.
https://assets.documentcloud.org/documents/6430088/Pentagon-Letter-On-Ukraine-Aid.pdf
Briefly quoting here;
"On behalf of the Secretary of Defense, and in coordination with the Secretary of State, I have certified that the Government of Ukraine has taken substantial actions to make defense institutional reforms for the purposes of reducing corruption..."
A president would have had plenty of time to insert his or her influence on this process if there were concerns, including directing the DOD to raise the bar with specific requirements (i.e. investigations) for that country to meet before aid was established.
Mr. Trump did none of that. Instead at the precipice of the previously approved aid being released he stops it, launches a covert op to influence Zelensky to commit to...well we all know the rest of the story.
13
@Winston Towne
"defense institutional reforms" were not the only consideration, as is clear from the transcript.
Re-opening an investigation into influence peddling involving family members of sitting US officials is a valid reason for any president to apply pressure to Ukraine.
@Objectivist Nice try, but no - not when the only interest in any corruption targets only the President's political opponent, and no concerns at all are shown toward the myriad sources of corruption elsewhere. And Biden was no longer a sitting official in 2019. What about the influence peddling of family members of someone who is currently a sitting U.S. official - Donald Trump? Surely if Republicans are really so concerned about corruption Biden and his son may have committed years ago, they should be even more concerned about corruption Trump and his children and his son in law are committing right now?
3
@Objectivist
1) The "investigation" you are apparently referencing is the one previously in Ukraine regarding Burisma. That was an investigation by Ukraine of Ukrainian citizens and their business practices
2) Mr. Trump has denied that any "pressure" was applied to Mr. Zelensky for any purpose.
3) Republican's defense of Mr. Trump is that he did not apply any "pressure" to Mr. Zelensky
4) The U.S. government does not request foreign countries to investigate U.S. citizens. That is the function of the DOJ in coordination with intelligence agencies as needed.
I didn’t know the republican house representatives have become the President’s lawyers! The impeachment inquiry is to ask questions designed to find facts and not attack witnesses. If they don’t become convinced, they can vote Nay. They are neither professional nor savvy.
26
I mean what do you expect poor house Republicans to do ? On one side is Trump, who wont tolerate even a slight deviation from absolute loyalty and on the other hand they have the facts of Ukraine scandal that are being confirmed by one witness after another. If they don't put up this show then Trump and Republican establishment will send some other Trump lackey to primary challenge them. So they can either be Justin Amash or keep their jobs.
Its really surreal to see that Republicans have completely engrossed themselves in conspiracy theories instead of accepting the truth and the reality. With a dismal performance in there hearings and 20+ members retiring, Rs can forget taking control of the house anytime soon.
16
Consider the character of the 2 men- Vindman vs. Trump. There is really no comparison.
Vindman is an American patriot who has devoted his entire career to serving his country, faithfully obeying stringent codes of personal conduct required in the military. He is a widely recognized expert on the Ukraine. He followed the departmental rules, policies, & procedures upon hearing of a dangerous effort to subvert American policy in the Ukraine. He has no history of dishonesty and no reason to lie now.
Trump has devoted his entire life to promoting the interests of Donald Trump, callously violating the rights of others on a regular basis, and never showing any remorse for it. He has never sought opportunities for public service. He has shown contempt for the rules that most others must obey. He is a serial liar, whose tally of lies according to the Washington Post is now over 13,000.
He has consistently reversed longstanding American foreign policies, shredding precious alliances while promoting the interests of Putin worldwide. Given the extensive Russian help he received in 2016 (and longs to again receive in 2020), he has ample reason to lie about his attempted extortion of Ukraine's President.
It's no coincidence that Trump's attorneys absolutely refuse to ever let him testify in person because they know he's a sure bet to commit perjury. Apparently, he even lied in his written answers to Mueller's questions.
Who's telling the truth?
30
Republicans on the Committee have no shame, and will stop at nothing to protect Trump's lawlessness. They need to pay a heavy price at the hands of voters next year. Unlike the President, they won't have the advantage of an Electoral College to help keep their jobs.
16
Rep. Jim Jordan give ample witness to the fact that intelligence, loyalty to Country, and basic good sense are not pre-requisites to holding public office. Doing whatever is necessary to get the most votes in an election, is, even if it denigrates solid, patriotic employees of the federal government and stands tall with a president who, by the hour, shows his unfitness to serve as POTUS.
22
It makes me wonder if the republicans have always been the transactional party that would sell out their country for a buck.
23
@Brad
Wonder? They always have been. They used to go to great lengths to hide it and project respectability, but now they don't care any more.
2
@Brad Yep
To assign any evidentiary validity in the now-sinking, nearly sunk effort to create a crime to pin on our President via the testimony of Lt. Col. Vindman has produces the clearest picture yet of this whole farce.
1
That is convoluted way to refuse to look at the facts.
In which dimension of alternative reality does one has to escape nowadays to still support trump?
3
@J Brian In other words - the mountain of credible evidence - including the actions of this President during the hearings themselves- that shows abuse of power and impeachable offenses means nothing to you.
3
Thank god for Devin Nunes. Someone has to provide comic relief to these proceedings.
11
@Roy Hobbs
Former House Speaker John Boehner was quoted as saying he did not much care for Devin Nunes. "He was always trying to bum a smoke from me."
1
@Roy Hobbs He IS funny. I nearly fell off my treadmill this morning I was laughing so hard.
Trump cares about two things when it comes to Ukraine: Getting dirt on Biden and helping Putin advance the strategic objectives of Russia. That is why he refused to believe that the new regime wanted to clean up corruption. Trump did not want to send any more weapons to Ukraine that could be used against Russians.
14
Where do you go to post the deep shock, outrage, disgust, revulsion, and shame that duly elected representatives (GOP) in our congress are belittling a lifetime military man who served his country overseas multiple times, was actually injured in that duty and continued to do it with the utmost professionalism while they provided no military service at all. It is one of the most deeply offensive things I have ever seen in my entire life. The representative's should be sanctioned by the house and shunned by society. It is mind boggling.
31
Listen to decency and truth and then vote your conscience and common sense, and your vote come November 2020 will surely be for Democratic candidates—across the board. Especially for the next President of the United States.
17
It's particularly galling to hear Trump criticize Col. Vindman for wearing his uniform to testify before Congress. As Commander in Chief, Trump should know that all military personnel are required to wear dress uniform when appearing before Congress. And as someone who did not wear the uniform himself--not out of principled opposition to the Vietnam War but out of sheer selfishness and cowardice--he should know to keep his mouth shut.
And since Republicans are apparently concerned with men's fashion, maybe they can pool resources and get Rep. Jordan a nice full suit for Christmas.
34
Today’s testimony has sealed it for me: I can’t understand how ANYONE who believes in facts and corroborated testimony could still think that Trump did nothing wrong. All these efforts by Repubs to use the hearings to smear Biden (and please their master) are just pathetic and obvious.
More to the point, I’m sick of hearing commentators link all this ugliness solely to the President and Republicans in Congress. Approximately 90% of Republicans NATIONWIDE approve of Trump’s actions. To quote an old Pogo cartoon, “we have met the enemy, and he is us.”
19
We have Lt. Col. Vindman being challenged on his patriotism over thrice denying a Ukrainian offer to be Defense Minister and the fact that he was a toddler when immigrating to the US.
Yet the same group of people go apoplectic when Trump’s loyalties are questioned when his business career is replete with fawning over Putin in order to build a tower, host beauty pageants, disproportionately accepting Russian investments in his businesses, or asks for Russia’s help on national TV to find dirt on his political rival.
Got it...
19
@historyRepeated I still don't get how a Ukrainian trying, and failing, to corrupt Lt.Col. Vindman is somehow supposed to taint Vindman. Am I right that Gym Jordan is none too bright?
2
"how this was likely to have significant implications for U.S. national security.”
Exactly how is American security harmed by anything which happens in Ukraine or does not happen in Ukraine? Note that Vindman was born in Ukraine and while his military valor is unquestionable, it can be argued that he is not entirely unbiased on an issue involving Ukraine. In particular, he is bound to see Ukraine as more important to America than it should be.
This is not at all to deny that Trump's call to Zelensky was inappropriate. But as some Republican pointed out, the part about Biden occupies five lines in the six page transcript of that phone call.
So the NYT is going after Trump and Trump has been foolish enough to give them some ammunition. Both the Democrats and the Republicans will huff and puff, and the house they will blow down is America.
1
@Ludwig Simple. Russia is an adversary of ours. Some would say enemy. If Russia takes back Ukraine (once part of their "empire," formerly known as the Soviet Union) that strengthens them. To the extent their interests are opposed to ours, that weakens us.
4
@Ludwig Because undermining Ukraine enables Russias's agenda there, and ultimately around the world. You really don't think that a U.S. President who is sabotaging our own (his own!) stated foreign policy in ways that align with Russia's agenda is not a danger to our national security? Not to mention enabling more Russian interference in the 2020 election?
2
"Because this is America, and here right matters." Lt. Col. Vindman.
God bless this man! It made my heart warm to hear that there are still people at these levels that not only still believe in standing for whats right, but actually practice it. The coward republicans questioning him would only wish they had his backbone.
23
Timothy Morrison "questioned" Colonel Vindman's judgement, boasted a White House tweet.
Morrison was a political advisor for most of his career, having a National Security Council appointment for a grand total of 16 months.
Lt. Colonel Vindman performed active military service, and later had 11 years of foreign service, and NSC experience.
On what basis can Morrison even judge Vindman's judgement??!!
22
Disparaged decorated combat vets:
Bush (father), McCain, Khan, Mueller, Vindman, …
I draw the line here (as follows):
I have absolutely NO respect for anybody who disparages decorated combat vets:
Trump
I have absolutely NO respect for any GOP politician who remains silent or adds insult to injury:
Entire congressional house and senate.
I have absolutely NO respect for any member of the fourth estate who remains silent or adds insult to injury:
FOX, Breitbart, all hate-radio
Last but not least, I have absolutely NO respect for any trump supporter.
20
I am very concerned that “The White House” is now being used as the conduit for tweets Trump is not posting. It is clear that Trump has been emphatically warned against tweeting about the brave Lt. Col. Vindman and is now using “The White House” as his mouthpiece. I find it deploring that LCV has found himself in this position.
6
How in the world does Devin Nunes represent citizens of progressive California? I guess Bakersfield and Fresno, big cities in his district, must represent the Alabama and West Virginia of California.
The man is such a Trump toady, I can only believe he is killing his political career as we watch.
Or is District 21 of CA (71% Hispanic) voting system somehow so dysfunctional that such a Trump sycophant could retain a position that has to be contrary to the populace.
10
We all know what Jim Jordan thinks of whistle blowers.
He was told repeatedly of the inappropriate sexual acts of his colleague when he was a wrestling coach at Ohio State. He blindly stood by the perpetrator, and continued to allow people to be harmed through his willful inaction.
31
Just a day or two after intervening on behalf of three US military members found guilty of committing war crimes and, in effect, pardoning them, Trump lowers the bar even further than anyone thought possible. As Representative Denny Heck observed, Trump’s smearing of Lt. Col. Vindman, a Purple Heart Veteran with decades of honorable, dedicated service, sets a new depth and nadir for despicable, shameless and reprehensible behavior. On the one hand, under Trump, people who have sullied and besmirched their service, flag and country are awarded a get-out-of-jail-free card while Vindman, who has done nothing but honor them, incurs corporal bone spurs’ unjustified wrath merely for telling the truth and defending his country and the Constitution against all enemies foreign and domestic. Speaking of which, we should all remember that Lt. Col Vindman said that the conspiracy -theory fairy tale that Trump, Guiliani, Nunes, Jordan, Faux News and the rest of their minions are foisting upon the American people is a “Russian narrative”. The stakes here could not be greater! Whose side are you on? America’s or Putin’s and the Kremlin’s?
13
The draft dodger & The war hero.
16
"You'll find out the whistleblower is someone from the deep state and had interactions with Schiff and it's going to stink to high heaven". Lindsey Graham
This is the Republican response to an act of coercion and bribery by the president of the United States. It would be laughable if it wasn't so serious. Watching them all try to smear and bully witnesses, act as if this was just a game, drag the country through the mud and support the idea that if it isn't illegal its ok makes me sick.
17
“Talk to Rudy.”
Is that our new foreign policy procedure?
11
Bullied Ukraine - perhaps tangled with the wrong victim this time.
1
Trump has been caught in over ten thousand lies, often on video. Vindman has been caught in zero lies. Gee, who should we believe?
16
"I could stand in the middle of 5th Avenue and shoot somebody and I wouldn’t lose voters," said Donald Trump on 23 January 2016.
Now he, of the bone spurs deferment, Jim Jordan, former wrestling coach and (alleged) concealer of university sexual abuse, Devin Nunes, dairy heir and classified information courier for the White House, and other Republicans who systematically sabotage opportunity for their constituents dare attack an honest, patriotic, decorated Army officer and career public servant.
We’re getting closer to DJT’s boast every day.
10
It's interesting that this article points to the evident lack of public attention being paid to this impeachment inquiry compared to that given to the Watergate hearings, or the Clinton impeachment.
I wonder if that's because the public's attention span has been affected by the fast-paced life of the Internet and social media, so that some of us no longer have the patience for lengthy, detailed, and formal public sessions.
And too, maybe we've become so entrenched in our making up our minds about who is right and wrong, and how we feel about the president and impeachment. Are we closed off about this impeachment inquiry before we know all of the information coming available?
In either case, our democracy depends on all of us being well informed and thoughtful about public issues. We become vulnerable to being manipulated when lack of interest on the part of citizens results in our not watching, listening, thinking and talking about this historic event.
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@Cate
The alleged attention paid to those other impeachment hearings is overblown
Besides, one glance at Twitter and you'll see that there's plenty of attention being paid to it that the networks aren't picking up
1
@Cate I am afraid that the facts mean nothing everyone has made up their mind and its our team versus yours.Its like a sports event with each side scoring goals.
HA!Our team has scored questioning the witness loyalty. Whoops, they scored with the phone call but our team will comeback especially with our hit man Gym Jordon, a wrestler type! Man what a great game and are winning! I hope coach Trump weighs in again that was such a good move.
3
@Cate I think the ratings are low because there are way more sources for information than during Nixon's impeachment and probably more importantly because the sane know it's obvious Trump is guilty and the insane have supported him no matter how much he lies.
1
Kurt Volker says that he was worried what effect that the phone call of the 25th might have on the political divisions in the US.
Nobody pressed him on what effect that he feared it might have.
Considering he didn’t think that there was anything of note in the call, I’m not sure it makes any sense.
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@Grove
Volker is dancing as fast as he can.
4
Listening to Kurt Volker suggests that he's the perfect person to offer a tea party for Donald Trump and the Ukrainian President, that it would would be an excellent get together idea. He may believe that Putin's interest in Ukraine was to root out corruption.
I wonder if Kurt Volker wishes he could have been the parent that Donald Trump needed to avoid the cyber bullying and witness intimidation. What a diplomat.
9
It's sad that the individuals bathed in the bright lights of committee examination and media scrutiny are precisely the ones who have no wish to do so. They are professionals intent on doing assigned tasks, proud to serve their country in negotiation or in war, loyal to the United States above all, and guided by principle. On the other hand you have those who are instrumental in forming policies, who act with executive authority to frame these and strive mightily for media exposure, yet refuse to answer questions and rebuff any attempt to be examined. Under the cover of the President's nocturnal emissions of unilateral, unsupported attacks that reek of self-serving bias and transient gratification, they stand silent and scurry toward the shadows. Those who serve their country, even if in a fashion that is contrary to one's particular political view, deserve respect. Many Presidents have so done. Those who serve only themselves do not, They deserve only derision.
37
In this particular case patriotism is the first thing the speaker claims rather than the last according to Samuel Johnson.
1
The republicans position is that the president can do whatever he wants as long as his name isn’t Barack Obama.
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@Vivien Hessel Or a Democrat.
8
And there Rudy Giuliana goes unscathed while these true American Patriots get vilified by these so called members of the House of Representatives. I like to see Rudys behind sitting in that witness chair. Then the tv ratings will go through the roof. The Mayor would not be grace under fire but a singing canary who knows his next chair that he will be sitting in will be in a jail cell for selling out his country to the Putin.
70
It becomes increasingly clear with each testimony and examination by Republicans (well really, Trumpites, not Republicans) that they have nothing to offer by way of defense of Trump, absolutely nothing. Instead, they continue to flail about, stretching credulity and manufacturing Fox news soundbites that do nothing to refute the charges. They amount to nothing but personal attacks on witnesses. Time to go, Trump, and take your cult followers with you when you head off to jail.
70
@Chris Hunter These tactics will work with Trump supporters.
1
@Chris Hunter
There is no longer a Republican Party. They are all Trumpists.
If, God forbid, he is re-elected, he will probably officially change the name to Trump Party. After all Trump has always put his name on everything he owns and he obviously owns these puny folks.
5
And if only Vindman was elected to be in charge of foreign policy, his opinion might actually, you know, matter. But he wasn't, he isn't, and it doesn't. That's why he gets called an 'advisor' and nothing more.
5
@HMI
Well of course this isn’t about foreign policy. It’s about witnessing a crime. So his opinion, you know, does matter.
11
He was not elected, but was appointed to that role due to his expertise. He is not giving opinions, he is testifying.
12
@HMI Vindman wasn't an 'advisor' for implementing crime. He was, as he stated, an advisor for implementing American foreign policy. Trump, Giuliani, Perry et al were engaged in activities that did not reflect American security interests or policy. They appear to have been attempting to use $391,000,000 designated for aid to buy energy deals for Rudy and Rick, election aid for Trump. Little gift to Vlad, involve new Ukraine leader in corruption, weaken the Western leaning reformers.
2
So based on these hearings I assume the GOP wouldn't have had a problem if Obama had held up aid to Israel until it had investigated the corruption committed by Trump family members in connection with their so-called foundation.
71
@Kristine I think the problem at the heart of everything is that many of the GOP Trumpsters genuinely believe everyone does this kind of thing, because their own moral compasses are faulty and they'll justify almost any means to an end.
In their guilty minds, Obama did do that, and got away with it, and we all somehow never found out about it.
9
@Kristine
Exactly. Why don't Democrats and journalists ever pose that question to the Republican sycophants?
2
@Kristine,
Brilliant analogy!
Lt. Col. Vindman is an American hero. He has put his career, and maybe more, on the line to stand up for the Constitution. He is brave, honest, faithful and self-sacrificing. These are qualities completely lacking in Trump who is a draft dodger, a serial liar, a coward and concerned only for himself. And yet, Jordan and Stefanik and most of the Republican Party are intent on defending Trump and debasing Vindman. What has this country become when a major political party puts itself in the service of a criminal autocrat and abandons all allegiance to our Constitutional system of checks and balances? I am ashamed and afraid.
128
So here we have a president who has been credibly accused by many women of sexual assault, who lies whenever he opens his mouth, who cannot be bothered to learn anything, who cares only about himself and has apparently broken many laws.
And still the Republicans and a large fraction of the population of the US supports him.
I no longer feel this is my country.
135
@Erik Frederiksen It’s the opposite, trumpchens don’t belong here anymore- this is our country.
17
@Erik Frederiksen but this IS your country, and you SHOULD feel like it is so. This sense of disconnection felt by many rational Americans is the intended outcome - if you feel powerless and disconnected then you won't stand up and demand recognition. Remember that MORE Americans than not REJECT the actions of this POTUS - and so long as we believe we are powerless to demand justice, we will be. So please - keep raising your voice, voting, and acting with honor. Power comes from unity.
11
Vindman, Taylor, Yovanovitch...or Jordan, Nunes, Trump. I know which side I believe. But beyond that, which group would you rather go into battle with?
The GOP has become a cowardly, criminal stain on our American democracy. Their current leadership must be washed away as soon as possible.
108
Or whom would go into battle FOR?
6
The Times could save time and effort by placing in memory the statement that "the White House denies all allegations" and pasting it into every impeachment story.
7
Thank you for airing the Circus... These desperate Democrats sure made me laugh!
4
@honestjohn And the Republican clowns, as always, provide the greatest guffaws!
Now, if we could just shoot Nunes, Jordan, Stefanik and all the others on that side of the table out of a big cannon, conveniently missing the safety net, that would be a fitting end to the sideshow they’ve sadly tried to perpetrate.
4
@Honest John , desperate? In what way? Diplomats questioning the actions of a clearly self-serving despot is laughable? Shouldn't each of the representatives be acting in the support and defense of the Constitution and American interests? How is any of that laughable?
8
Laugh all you want…to defeat in November.
2
Watching Morrison's testimony now, I must say the man appears nervous and shifty. For all I know, that's his usual manner, but I'd swear he's selling an incomplete or overly edited story.
42
At the very least mad and not wanting to testify in public.
6
@Mford
You should read his statement. He was so intimidated by Colonel Vindman that, he shut him out to, the detriment of the department. No wonder we read of the request by the Ukrainian government to ask him to be Minister of Defense, it’s obvious he was jealous.
The few questions he answered were so hedged about it was ridiculous. Mind you, he’s not stupid, could see the Trump ship taking on water, wanted to get off before it sank.
5
@Marcus Aurelius
More than I think of silly children calling people childish names.
2
President Trump will put up his stellar military career against Lt. Col. Vindman's any day -- even though Trump has none and Vindman is a decorated combat veteran.
80
@Jim Steinberg, likewise once Vindman gets elected and served as POTUS can he then lecture someone who did about their job. His taking offense does not for me rise to the level of high crimes and misdemeanors, like I even know what such an obtuse term as that means to begin with, which is why it had to be dumbed down to “bribery,” for the moment anyway. If that won’t stick I’m sure MSNBC’s legal authorities can find something else until they do that will, at least to their base’s delight and rating value.
@John Doe I am having trouble understanding your meaning - Are you saying that only someone who has been POTUS can criticize the POTUS? Try reading the founding fathers on what they though "high crimes and misdemeanors" means (in fact try reading the Constitution itself). They were pretty clear about it, and Trump's behavior would serve well as exhibit A.
9
I've been a registered Independent since 1980. During the 80s and 90s I voted for a number of Republicans who were worthy public servants. Then began the hijacking of a once-noble party by Newt Gingrich, and this week we have witnessed the depths to which the party has fallen.
To my last vote on earth, I will never vote for another Republican. Is that what you are shooting for, RNC? To turn away every last person with a sense of decency?
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@A teacher
I'm afraid the GOP no longer understands the concept of "decency."
10
@A teacher When I reached 18, I too started to vote for state Republican who were fiscally conservative in the early 1990s. Since GWB and especially now that the GOP has become the Trump Party, there is no way I will vote for any Republican in local, state or nationwide office until they clean house of all the Trump kiss-ups. I hope they like not getting votes from anyone younger than 45 in cities/suburbs. They chose to cling to a man who will throw them under the bus once they have served him. Good riddance to all of them. I hope they like losing Virginia for the next decade.
23
@A teacher
Thank you for recognizing decency when you see it -- and turning your back on the GOP.
Hoping for a Blue Tsunami in 2020.
1
Jim Jordan, who fancies himself a latter-day Clarence Darrow, said during a rant after the Vindman/Williams testimony that Americans had elected Trump to shake things up and that Democrats were undercutting him and the will of the electorate.
I seem to recall another President elected to shake things up. His name was Barack Obama and, from day one, he faced a monumental wall of obstruction from Republicans. From shouting “You Lie!” during a State of the Union address . . . to the despicable birther scam . . . to Mitch McConnell’s blatant theft of a Supreme Court seat, Republicans did everything in their power to subvert and delegitimize Obama, a president chosen by the electorate not once, but twice.
Where, oh where, was Jordan’s respect for the will of the electorate during the Obama presidency?
953
Trump is too incompetent to “shake things up”. All he has done is made a mess.
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@MorningInSeattle No, he is not able to do the "shaking up" himself. That's why he needs a staff of more competent people.
5
@angus
Absolutely. Why, I remember when Obama did an end-run around his own State Dept. [not to mention the Senate] to negotiate a private agreement with Iran, shipped them palettes of cash, and the Republicans initiated impeachment hearings.
Oh, wait. My mistake. Never mind.
7
Devin Nunes and his circus comments are amusing considering the Republicans are the ones who are looking and acting like clowns.
257
@Pen Vs. Sword
Correction: They are not "acting."
18
When Republicans were questioning the loyalty of Vindman (to the United States), it makes their own treasonous behavior all the more obvious.
195
I agree. I think it is disgusting the Republicans are attacking Vindman. Their view is Trump is always right, as long as they keep their seats!
15
One has to wonder what these GOP hypocrites think of The First Lady’s loyalties.
If a decorated hero who was brought as a toddler is suspect, surely Melania Trump must be.
290
@Josh Wilson Oh, .... don't you see the difference ? (Whatever her name is ....) Trump was a soft-core cheesecake model for girly ("art") magazines. I don't pay any attention to her, so for all I know she still is.... in magazines for seniors, that is. Colonel Vindman never modeled for any mostly-nude cheesecake photos. Especially not in his underwear. Perhaps if he had, Donald would be more fond of the colonel. Maybe just a little TOO fond. But Colonel Vindman didn't. He squandered his opportunity to fit in and have a close personal buddy-buddy ... thing ... with our "president", so there are no connections between the cases of the patriotic Colonel Vindman and (whatever her name is...) Trump.
And you shouldn't ask any more of these embarrassing questions.
7
@Josh Wilson Especially since she was illegally admitted with a "genius" visa.
18
Of course Jim Jordan, the man who failed to protect the wrestlers at Ohio State, is attacking the genuine patriots testifying in the impeachment inquiry. Of course the White House is assailing all these professionals who are behaving with courage and integrity. The contrast is stark and if it's not decisive, then the system is completely broken. All respect to those brave men and women who are risking everything for their country.
91
@Susan Yes, Jordan is pathetic. Sometimes he is described as an attack dog but for me he is more like a Pekinese yapping incessantly from his master’s lap.
Donald Trump criticizing publicly Lt. Colonel Vindman, displays what a foolish man Trump is.
Not wasting my writing on any further words about Trump’s foolishness.
40
Can we start a fund to get a jacket for poor Jim Jordan? This is the people's business; watching him taunt and bully heroes in his underwear is downright obscene.
94
@Allison Gym Jordan is a disgrace, no freebies and funds for him please. Donate to his opponent if you got funds.
15
@Allison
Jordan doesn't wear a jacket because it's his vulgar and patently obvious way of showing contempt for the inquiry.
12
@Allison Sure, go ahead, if that's all it takes to get you to actually listen to what the man has to say.
“White House Attacks Its Ukraine Expert as He Says Trump Call Was ‘Inappropriate”
Based on this headline, not much breaking news was discussed in his testimony
1
@Kevin Right, only the President giving aid and comfort to our enemies - ho hum.
@Kevin That's why the Times published a full story...for those not too lazy or closed-minded to read it.
Apparently Loyalty today to Republicans means loyalty to the man, not the office.
Disgraceful and embarrassing to share a country with these shameless sycophants.
71
The White House commentary is hopelessly irrelevant. It lends no useful information, just Trump's typical silly immature whining.
20
Trumplicans attacking Vindman was low-just what we expect from them now.Trumplicans called Volker as a witness; he just shredded them. Vote out GOP to save America. Ray Sipe
48
Yeah, so what ?
Fox will edit comments to make its points, and remove them entirely from context: that's the only way that the Right can claim anything at all was accomplished by the Republican's handling the questions.
As for Jordan: he fell flat on his face in trying to snake around to get comments into the record ( and taped) claiming that Vindman was judged badly by his superiors. Vindman was collected, prepared and clear.
48
The Democrats are conducting these hearings in a most responsible and methodical manner. Those who aren't tuning in are sadly for them missing history in the making. Whether or not they'll tune in when carefully drafted articles of impeachment supported by reams of sworn testimony are presented in front of the senate, time will tell. You can lead a horse to water...
49
@Leigh
Schiff as the face, and Pelosi, behind the scenes, deserve credit for keeping the proceedings on target, and for deft handling of GOP attempts to wrest control away from the Chair. I feared a sideshow; it has managed to like a sober review of the President's improper acts.
43
I would love to watch but I have a demanding job during the day and it’s the busiest time of year. The timing is not great.
Thank you "deep state" for putting the country's interests ahead of an individual!
43
This is fairly simple and straightforward it's called follow the money.
The question is simple: Who benefits most from blocking military aid to the Ukraine in order to force them into investigating a political opponent of Trump?
The answer is just as simple and just as obvious: Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin. Another way of putting it is called treason.
112
@zb And if only the aid had, in fact, been blocked, you might have a point. But it wasn't, and so you don't.
@HMI So attempted treason is not a crime?