The Republican Senate has already presented itself clearly as a sycophantic body intent on covering up Trump's crimes.
While I think Mr. Bolton should testify, I must ask whether it is fair to subject Hunter Biden to their lack of scruples when he has nothing pertinent to say about Mr. Trump's behavior.
2
Democrats made Ukraine and Biden the center of their charges.
Trump made corruption in Ukraine the center of his defense. Hunter Biden is central to both arguments. There's no way he shouldn't be called as a witness.
5
Pretending that Biden has nothing to do with the impeachment is ridiculous. The fact that aid was being held in order to ensure that corruption was being properly investigated is widely accepted as true (except by Trump). There is nothing wrong with this at all even if it were true and even if Trump denies it. Any president can say they want to with hold aid because they have concerns about the country receiving the money. What is not okay is if the only reason aid was being held was to tarnish the Biden’s, Trump political opponent. If Hunter Biden is the key to prove that corruption was happening then he’s a reasonable witness. Bring him before the senate and ask him questions to see if he was part of the corruption happening in a Ukraine (surprise - He was).
29
@Kev Please remember that we have our own intelligence agencies. They already looked into this and found no wrongdoing. Just because you and Trump don't like the answer doesn't mean our American Intelligence services got it wrong.
We all know that asking a foreign government to investigate our own citizens, who have already been cleared of wrongdoing, and who are personal political enemies is wrong. And you do know that this President has power because of his enormous (and largely unsuccessful) tax cuts and fear mongering.
Trump's impeachment was well-earned.
90
@Kev What evidence do you have to suggest that Hunter Biden was part of Ukraine corruption. He has admitted that his last name was a factor in being asked to sit on the Burisma board, but that does not prove that he participated in corruption, as has our president with his "university" and his "charitable foundation," for example. And as long as we are speculating, I'll add one: Trump's tax returns would doubtless reveal a treasure chest of unsavory financial relationships and dealings. The very notion that Donald Trump cares about corruption is absurd on its face. He only cares about "big stuff" as we have heard in the trial, and nothing is big except the Donald and what benefits him personally, politically, and financially.
72
@Kevin: I agree with your central premise, why did Mr Trump go after a very targeted (his political opponent ‘s son) and why is ignoring and/or supporting corruption through Rudy G/ Lev P.
This pattern of obfuscation of issues is well established and much practiced by Mr Trump as a way to provide him cover.
A narrow definition/focus on the impeachment charges is, IMO, the best way to serve justice.
16
Not rocket science. If Bolton testifies, of course Hunter Biden should testify. And the idea that only one should goes against the core of fairness. That and I hope that this trial brings Trump down in flames. Still, if there was a wrongdoing by Hunter Biden, he too should be brought down and we, as Americans, should ensure this kind of activity is punished in some way.
60
@Cynthia Carlisle: Neither Hunter Biden's role in Burisma nor his behavior in it has been found to be illegal.
Please keep in mind that Biden is not on trial here, so he shouldn't be (and can't legally be) "punished" as part of Trump's impeachment trial.
84
@Cynthia Carlisle Hunter Biden is not charged with any crime, he is not a member of any administration, he holds no position in government. Hunter Biden was not present for any of the Trump administration discussions regarding Ukraine. He is not a witness and can contribute nothing to the trial.
One name not called to testy that makes perfect sense is Trump, Donald J.
Until Trump shows up folks who directly spoke with him - aka John Bolton - will have to suffice.
35
@Cynthia Carlisle
Not sure why anyone thinks Hunter Biden is a relevant witness. Apparently, if the Republicans say something absurd long enough, Democrats eventually start saying it too. If we are going to start adding witnesses who are the benefits of nepotism to establish patterns of corruption then we need to also call Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump to determine if Donald Trump actually believed that nepotism was a form a corruption.
35
I have no reason to believe that Hunter Biden's testimony would do anything to change the Republican's narrative in any way whatsoever. It's pretty obvious that the facts are of little concern to them. And exactly how is his testimony relevant? What Trump wants to do is equate his holding back aid with that of the Obama administrations. The key difference between them is that in the latter case, the firing of a corrupt attorney general was consistent with our foreign policy goals, while the former desire to investigate conspiracy theories was solely for the benefit of Donald Trump. How would testimony from Hunter Biden possibly be relevant?
Having Biden testify, having Joe Biden talk lovingly of his son would play beautifully into Trump's hands. How could we criticize his family's conflicts of interest if we accept Biden's? Biden has a temper, and I suspect Trump would like nothing better than to goad him by picking on his son. If Biden really cared about his family, he wouldn't be running for President and exposing his son to incessant criticism. If he really cared about his family he would have told his son to stay far away from a corrupt Ukranian company. He would have used his popularity to endorse a new generation of Democrats.
I think Trump relishes facing Biden.
57
@DebbieR
So don't I. This Biden thing is exactly what Trump wants to happen. I believe Trump is more concerned about Sanders and Warren.
At any rate there will probably no debates with whomever the Democratic nominee is. Trump has already declared that he wasn't treated fairly by the Moderator last time out and now wants to determine who will be the Moderator(s)
6
@Dan,
Witnesses give testimony. Ms. Bondi is a Republican Trump supporter whose campaign received an illegal donation from Trump's purported charity. Let's agree that Hunter Biden capitalized on his name and took a lucrative position on a board. That has nothing to do with the policy pursued by the Obama administration - a desire for Ukraine to run a less corrupt gov't. Many world leaders desired the same thing.
Trump was only interested in pursuing conspiracy theories pushed by Russia, such as the one about the server. As Fiona Hill observed, he didn't go through the state department. He conducted the business through his personal lawyers. Because in fact this wasn't about national security, it was about perpetuating the conspiracy theories that would help Trump get reelected, and deflect from his own huge conflicts of interest. Think about it. He hasn't released his tax returns, he hasn't divested from his family businesses, he's always wanted to build hotels in Russia, and he loves Putin. How much more obvious can it be?
29
@Dan
While it has become a popular Republican talking point, two wrongs do not make a right. Let's say, for the sake of argument, that everything they accuse the Bidens of is true.
It is still an abuse of power to extort a foreign government to investigate a US citizen. The US is perfectly capable of conducting that investigation. (And it is quite telling that all the alleged corruption took place years ago and only became of interest once Biden became a potential political rival.)
It is still illegal to request campaign assistance from a foreign national.
It is still illegal to hold up aid released by Congress without the approval of Congress.
Trump tries over and over to excuse his own misdeeds by pointing out (alleged) misdeeds of others. But that is not how ethics or the law work. Even if someone else does something illegal or unethical, that does not entitle Trump to a get-out-of-jail-free card.
14
Of course Hunter and the Ukraine are just the tip of the iceberg that risk being exposed in sworn testimony. If this is just a single event, then perhaps it is not planned corruption. But has the history of the Hunter/Joe payment plan gets exposed, starting with Amtrak and credit card companies, and continuing to the Ukraine, China, Latvia, Romania, and who knows who many more would be exposed, that is it for Joe, and it would really tarnish the Democratic establishment. It would also naturally lead to similar testimony for how other Biden cohorts benefitted from similar deals.
Its relevance to this trial: The President is the chief executive officer of the U.S. It is his duty to investigate and prevent taxpayer money being transferred to corrupt regimes that then directly or indirectly kick back to American politicians or their surrogates. That investigation is not then impeachable, but rather not to pursue it would be dereliction of duty.
2
I don't want Hunter up there on the witness stand, I want former VP Joe Biden, he's the one who fired the prosecutor and withheld the foreign aid , no matter how you try to rationalize it what VP Biden did looks an awful lot like what Trump is accused of ,
2
What poppycock!
Nothing fails the smell test more than Biden Incorporated.
And the cringe worthy references to "sole surviving son" artfully nudge one to view Joe Biden as some Gold Star Mother who sacrificed another of his progeny in war. The DNC and the party establishment are so eager to coronate Joe Biden because he is both a useful idiot and also happy with his nose in the trough.
Bring on the witnesses.
3
"Just because the Republicans want to batter Hunter Biden is no reason to submit either him or his father as fodder to hostile Republicans."
Hunter was at the core of the investigation. He admitted that he would probably never had the job at Burisma, if he hadn't been Joe Biden's son...influence peddling.
$1.8 billion in U.S. aid to the company disappeared during his tenure on the board.
Both Bidens are culpable.
2
It is high time that the media stopped looking at both sides as being equally interested in getting to the truth in this matter. Trumps Republicans have one goal to get the Impeachment trial over with . Hunter Biden is not a material witness to Trumps phone call. So no he should not be called as a witness .
2
This column starts with a faulty premise: there are things that can actually damage Donald Trump.
Having Hunter Biden - or John Bolton, or anyone else for that matter - will not be bad for Mr. Trump, because he has proven time and time again to be politically bullet-proof. As a political rookie, he dispatched all of his primary challengers with relative ease. Even more, after relentlessly attacking his challengers - and their families - his former adversaries are now his staunchest allies. He dominated the only votes that matter - the electoral college - despite a host of gaffes, professional and personal failures, and overt cruelties that would have ended the career of any other politician or professional.
And he knows this. Mr. Trump himself mused that he could shoot someone on 5th Avenue and not lose a single vote. And he was correct.
There is no political antidote for his poisonous presence in our govenment. Even if there were, the Republicans and his supporters would never take it. We are stuck with him unitl he loses an election, which I doubt he ever will.
1
Just saw the movie "1917." Good movie. Takes place in April of 1917.
Which is to say: the ghastly trench warfare of World War I had been going on two and a half years. Year and a half to go. The slaughter went on nonstop.
Which is to say: both side were dug in. All up and down France. You stir a hair's breadth outside your trench, you get shot. Millions got shot.
Which is where we are right now, New York Times. The Dem's (and I'm one)--the Dem's are dug in. The GOP is dug in. And there it is.
I think Ms. Drew's suggestions are marvelous. Yes. By all means bring in the young Mr. Biden.
And when I think of Mr. Bolton testifying before the Senate--in fact, when I think of BOTH of them appearing before Mr. McConnell and the three-ring circus he has turned this impeachment trial into--
--my mouth waters.
But I doubt if that'll happen.
And if it did, I doubt that it'd make much difference.
'Cause both sides are dug in.
Big time.
A pity. But there it is.
Most of the commentator's speculations are irrelevant since there will be no further witnesses. No Bolton. No Biden. An interesting remark by Manager Zoe Lofgren on "State of the Union" was her answer to Jake Tapper on the decision by the House not to pursue witnesses in the courts on an expedited basis was: We probably made a mistake. They sure did. Needless to say MSNBC, CNN, NYT etc did not replay this clip.
At the very least, Bolton needs to testify in front of the House Oversight Committee.
GOP, be careful for what you wish.
C-SPAN (Video - Jan 23, 2018).
BIDEN admitting to QUID PRO QUO deal with Ukrainian president to fire their state prosecutor, in exchange for $1billion loan.
https://www.c-span.org/video/?c4821753/user-clip-joe-biden-confesses-extortion-bribery-foreign-corrupt-practices-act-felonies
Biden pronounces Kiev, keev.
2
What Republicans don't get it this: We don't think the Bidens are an impeachment topic--the focus is Trump. We are not saying that we "condone" Hunter Biden's tenure on Burisma. We do not. His decision is legal. It is not illegal. It is a practice all too common among Congressional members' families and close associates. If we object to the practice of using insider influence, then we should make it illegal. If Trump wanted the Bidens investigated, he should have used proper channels and not Guliani and 3 Amigos that violated official US policy.
3
Here's the thing: they're the Senate. The GOP is in control. They could hold hearings and subpoena Hunter Biden anytime they like. They have that power. But they don't, because they'd rather play this charade. It's a lovely distraction, that works.
1
If the Bidens did something wrong, let's investigate, and if necessary, punish them. But an agency of the US should investigate, not a foreign government. Either Biden's culpability is unrelated to whether the president committed malfeasance. Even if the Bidens are guilty of wrongdoing, that doesn't justify Mr. Trumps means or methods. Two separate matters.
1
The odd idea that anyone hired or elected to a job must be highly qualified is absurd on the face of it.
A significant portion of Congress would be shut down on that basis.
Or all the government positions that are on the appointment list.
I could be wrong, but it is my impression that the Senate GOP does not need to "strike a deal" with the democrats regarding witnesses. They can call Hunter Biden today if they wanted but know that it's much harder to then give reason for not calling Bolton, a far more relevant and high profile witness.
1
The Republicans don't need to make a "deal". They can call Hunter Biden or anyone they want to testify but they don't want to because then they would have to call Bolton. This deal swapping idea is a farce. There will be no witnesses unless the American people rise up against this corrupt administration and Senate.
We must all vote in November and rid America of all of them.
1
What does Hunter Biden have to lose if he testifies? His name is out there and he is being slandered daily. Talk him into testifying and dare the Republicans to prove their claims. Get in their faces and make them prove their claims. They can't and they know it. I would hope Mr. Biden would want to testify. If the GOP claims nepotism as his only reason for being hired Mr. Biden could ask them is his hiring any different than Jared Kushner or Ivanka Trump being hired. Get in their faces and show the Republicans for the corrupt cultists they really are.
1
Joe Biden should offer to testify under oath and under full media coverage if Donald Trump will do the same. Call out the Republican bluff and test whether or not Joe Biden is presidential material.
5
If, if, if. Bolton is unlikely to toss away his political aspirations just to expose Trump. His revelations are likely to just be more evidence of Trump being an incompetent, venal, paranoid individual. This has not and will not, change the Machiavellian position that the Republican Party has now assumed. Nothing will change in terms of either overall public opinion or the likelihood of Trump being removed from office. We will just have to sit through the charade that is now being played out and hope that the legislative and executive branches can be reclaimed in November by the narrow majority of Americans who are revolted and disgusted by this whole thing.
The lack of self reflection by the president regarding Hunter Biden's sweet board appointment is astounding. How in the world is Ivanka Trump qualified for a job in the West Wing?
4
Biden is the little tit for the much bigger tat...Bolton. And none of it matters. There will be no witnesses! When push comes to vote, the McCain thumb will be MIA. However, several caves across America will be renamed.
The big impeachment question that the house managers and the entire democrat party and mainstream media avoid is:
Did Trump have a legitimate reason to ask Zelensky about the potential corruption in Joe Biden's firing of Ukraine prosecutor Victor Shokin (who had been investigating corruption at Burisma) and Hunter Biden's million dollar salary from Burisma?
NYT thought there was a conflict (until it squelched Kenneth Vogel).
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/05/01/us/politics/biden-son-ukraine.html
The State Department thought there was a conflict.
Many house witnesses thought there was a conflict.
Many Americans think there was a conflict.
Do YOU think there was a conflict, or at least enough of a question to warrant a closer look?
5
It was wrong for Biden to have his son working for Burisma. It's nepotism ... and too commonplace. But the White House lawyers' conduct is despicable - using the facts of Biden's legitimate fight against corruption in Ukraine (part of US policy) to attack him. That, to me, is unforgivable and unconscionable.
1
The GOP is now insisting that Hunter Biden be brought forward to testify in the impeachment public hearings supposedly because it relates to the Ukrainian ‘quid pro quo'' matter. Don jr. should also be brought forward to testify in the same public hearings for the same reason given recent revelations of his involvement with Giuliani's shenanigans there. Besides, trump's attacks on Biden and son fly in the face of his repeated assertions that his own son (Don jr.) is totally exonerated by the Mueller report. How does he know this? AG Barr is still sitting on the real (ie unredacted) Mueller report. It was supposed to have been released to the Congressional Judicial Committee several months ago. All critical parts of the report related to Don jr. have been redacted (ie covered up). Go figure
1
People who are advocating that Hunter Biden should testify in the impeachment hearing apparently do not fully understand the possibility of the bad legal precedent that this could create. John Bolton apparently actually witnessed things that are pertinent to the impeachment trial; Hunter Biden did not.
1
Regardless, there is a higher obligation to ensure the money isn't going to pay bribes, influence peddling or other graft, which is EXACTLY where it was going. Some of it to Hunter Biden.
2
Why push too hard for Bolton to testify? Even if he does there is no guarantee he won't offer up as many tidbits of exonerating acts by Trump as he proffers of inculcating acts? There is only one guaranteed outcome of this Impeachment trial and that is, the craven Republican toadies will acquit hi.
Why give up the argument that his "acquittal" was only procured at the expense of a real trial with witnesses that have actually relevant testimony to give, and therefore is not worth anything, in exchange for a trial - albeit a kangaroo court one - that is sure to present the same result, an "acquittal" that the ever boastful Trump will campaign on?
Democrats have the public solidly in favor of witnesses - 75% in a recent poll - so why not campaign on the fact that it was the Republicans, not the Democrats, who denied them what they wanted? Giving them the patina of fairness by having Bolton testify is not smart.
Another point on Hunter Biden is that he was well qualified for a board position. He holds a JD and was an executive VP in the US before working for Burisma. Probably a bad choice to take that job, but he's NOT running for office, he's private citizen.
1
I have listened to most of the hearings and I have decided that the Senate will not have the votes to impeach. What I hope will happen is that the Senate by a strong bi-partisan vote issue a censure of the President's conduct. Is that possible?
1
When Alan Dershowitz spoke, except for his words being transmitted on audio and video, one could easily have assumed we had suddenly slipped back into the middle ages and were having a debate about the "divine right of kings". If the king wants to do something and the king sees it is in the national interest, it can't rise to the level requiring impeachment.
Dershowitz lost his central argument that Trump had not committed a literal crime because the author of that opinion denounced it, so he had to invent something new. So, he did and in so doing invented something very old and equally odious: you, the people, have no say in what is in "the national interest", only the president gets to decide that. Trump supporters, stand up and cheer!
At its ugly base the law is just a tool for lawyers to try to make it mean what they want it to mean. This is a kind subversion of life, meaning and a broader sense of justice.
It is clear beyond a shadow of doubt that the founders were deathly concerned about the potential for abuse of power. If the power of a president is unlimited, there could never be an impeachment and democracy would rest dead and buried.
3
"has a very distant relationship with the truth." If by distant you're talking light years then is that really any kind of a relationship?
1
If Hunter Biden testifies, and Trump lawyers say it's corruption because of the nepotism, couldn't the House lawyers call up Ivanka, Jared and Trump Jr, get their tax records, and talk about all the corruption re: the money they made in the past three years?
1
It was a huge mistake for Hunter Biden to work for Burisma. It does not nullify Trump's shaking down the Ukraine to investigate by withholding funds due Ukraine.
The right way to investigate the Biden and Burisma was for the President to direct the FBI or some other investigatory body to look into the issue.
Trump is the President of the United States. He is not the head of the "mob", at least I don't think he is.
3
I'm very happy to see this column, and have been disappointed that Joe Biden and Democrats have written this off as an option. That is rather selfish, in my opinion--Biden seeking to protect himself and his son at the expense of the country as a whole. If they have nothing to hide, why not testify? Haven't we said the same thing about Trump?
3
Hunter Biden's presence at Burisma in Ukraine reeks of influence peddling and corruption. The Republicans prefer to soft peddle this now so they can use it n the campaign if Joe Biden is nominated. Do not expect the public to make a distinction between Trump's Ukraine and Biden's Ukraine. This is the issue that will bring Biden down.
4
Hunter and Joe Biden should volunteer to testify in the Senate trial. If the Senate does not accept their offer, they should do a joint interview on FOX. Staying silent until Joe's secures the nomination is a disastrous strategy. If the Bidens cannot defend themselves it is better to know that now than later.
4
The Biden pere et fils should step forward and seize this fraying narrative. It would do both men a world of good. For one thing they could point out that his interrogators need only look at the board roster of their local arts organizations for important names, not to mention an array of skillsets. That's what boards are made of. Both men would emerge with reputations rehabilitated and Biden Sr. would get to beat them like a drum on national television without breaking a sweat.
Afraid? Really? Are all these Republicans unified by fear? Or are some afraid of having a steady flow of freshly laundered pecuniary rewards cut off?
Sure, Hunter Biden for John Bolton. But let's not stop there. I'd like to see Trump testify under oath in exchange for Joe Biden under oath. Trump is incapable of refraining from lying. Then we have the same crime as Clinton.
4
And, Bidens can explain how Trump's plot & Republicans' coverup hurts Ukraine, helps Putin and harms America. That's the real point. Forget future; worry about now. Trump is dangerous. What's next? Again start a war? Stop while there's a chance; before it's too late.
Hunter Biden should volunteer today ASAP to testify before the Senate, if only to help his father's election campaign. Otherwise Biden-Burisma will be the "elephant in the room" not just for Trump but for Joe Biden's primary bid. Right now the question of Hunter's Burisma association has to be a negative for JoeBiden until it is fully explored in public. To say it was "Debunked" will not help Biden. For Hunter Biden to volunteer along with Bolton's claim to be willing to testify would certainly throw a big fat monkey wrench into Trump and McConnell's attempt to cover-up Trump's impeachable offense.
1
"A multitude of investigations of his arrangement with Burisma have turned up no wrongdoing on Hunter’s part — other than inviting the appearance of a conflict of interest, since at the time his father was in charge of Ukraine policy for Barack Obama."
Which investigations? DOJ has yet to spearhead an official investigation. And it's not merely "an appearance", but so far, as the media reporting shows, seems like *actual* conflict of interest. Anyone who chimed in to Pam's presentation demonstrates that Hunter & Biden colluded to utilize the office of the vice presidency in order to enrich themselves. It's not a coincidence that Biden had the prosecutor Shokin fired when his son was raking hundreds of thousands of dollars when he was seated on the board of one of - if not the most corrupt - companies in Ukraine. Biden potentially committed multiple violations of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. Definitely not beyond looking at! Far, way far from concluding "no wrong doing".
3
Just because the Democrats want to batter the duly elected US President is no reason to submit either him or his children as fodder to hostile Democrats--a more relevant and important scenario, i.e. Mueller and now impeachment strictly political nonsense.
3
@CW: Hostile Democrats? If they are, then the Republicans are spineless!
"Party over Patriotism," as it has been in GOP since Gingrich; McConnell continues the fealty.
1
@Ponsobny Britt Fealty? Are you referring to Pelosi’s stern grandma look when her blind follower started clapping when she announced the impeachment proceedings, her mindless minions sat on their hands very quickly, and being the spineless zeros that they are, they quit clapping and tried to act as if it were a “sad day” in America—what a complete political farce. It was such a sad and solemn event when they signed the impeachment articles that Pelosi sadly handed out the signing ink pens to her spineless/mindless minions as keepsakes for their “sad” charade.
1
"Joe Biden’s sole surviving and troubled son came across as a straightforward, unassuming guy" - WHAT?!? That interview was a train wreck.
To say it was a win, is on par with media malfeasance in ignoring that Joe Biden is not all there. Ignoring Biden's infirmity and the implications of Sanders policies (the details) is the problem with living in the bubble.
3
Both Hunter and Joe Biden should testify! Joe Biden can give canned responses to any query, simply deny any wrongdoing, and go into capaign mode.
Hunter Biden can give remorse-filled testimony, ackniwledging that Burismsa hired him on in the hopes that he could peddle inflence. However, he can claim that he was neither competent nor effective at exerting any such influence on U.S. Policy.
It is important to wrest control of the Impeachment Trial proceedings away from McConnell
1
@Outerboro
If the Bidens testify you will have *handed* control to McConnell. You will be giving those animals exactly what they want.
I agree fully that the control of the proceedings needs to be taken away.
The only solution I can see is to vote all of them out. Especially Moscow Mitch.
I have been sending his opponent, Amy McGrath, money each month as a recurring charge on my credit card.
Let's get Adam Schiff on the stand, as Republicans have asked. He will annihilate them and they will regret it.
2
Trump trying to fence-in Biden is a fool's errand. The Women's March, the largest protest in human history, has already built Trump's wall, around him. Nobody has forgotten.
1
Honestly, call their bluff... Biden Hunter Schiff ... by now if I was the whistle blower I'd probably be so disgusted I would testify too
3
Dershowitz just said that anything the president wants to do is OK.
Why would Bolton testifying help at this point?
The Rs have thrown the Constitution into the trashcan, and personally I am afraid for our next election.
1
Biden should testify as this is the only opportunity the dems have to get Bolton as a witness.
The greatest threat to the country (and the next President after Trump) is the spy operation on the White House NSC, that in this case, conspired with others there to find something to hang the President one and launch an impeachment investigation. It is not okay for a CIA employee, ostensibly on the NSC to give policy advice, to covertly try and undermine the President, and his objectives.
In fact, it is illegal, as the charge of the CIA is to spy on foreigners outside U.S. soil, not a duly elected President inside the White House.
3
Our head of state is Queen Elizabeth - a monarch. America's head of state is Trump - a monarch. America has gone full circle within 1 presidential term.
1
1. What deal can democrats make? They literally have no influence over this process in the Senate. If republicans want to call Biden, they can do it at anytime.
2. Democrats in the House can certainly call in Bolton to answer questions. Why are they not doing this?
3. I'm glad J. Biden is continuing to draw all this fire. He's a weak candidate anyway and it's probably best to let him get pummeled, while the rest of the Democratic field ends up looking good in comparison.
1
Joe and hunter should VOLUNTEER hunters testimony as a gesture of patriotism and self sacrifice. while he may not hav e broken any laws hunter has been self serving in all this. and Joe could benefit in clearing the air. but there has to be some sense of rightness beyond political expediency.
We should not dismiss this serious Impeachment Trial, although currently, it seems that the Republicans are on the way to having Trump acquitted. He is not above the law, he cannot claim that everything he does is legal because he does it in interest being re-elected. If we believe that, we might as well throw in the towel. Our democracy is over. He's become a dictator.
The question and answer period of the impeachment trial is a prime reason for witnesses especially when statements like Dershowtz is presented, "Every public official I know believes his election is in the public interest... and if a president does something he which he believes will help him get elected in the public interest, that cannot be the kind of quid pro quo that results in impeachment." (source MSNBC & NYT) If there's ever a reason for witnesses it is this statement.
Our Nation, America, need factual witnesses to right this process. To return this Nation to a Republic as outlined in the Constitution. Witnesses are needed now. We should not wait for the November elections. America has lost it's way and deserves better. We, as a country, cannot should not continue this destructive path. Facts plus witnesses equal the truth.
2
I'm amazed and dismayed that Republicans have been so effective in convincing so much of the public that Hunter Biden's lucrative position on the board of Burisma is anywhere near as consequential and potentially disastrous to this country as Donald's corruption. Hunter was/is not an elected official. He's taken no oath of office. He is not paid by taxpayers to do their will or represent them. Donald, on the other hand, along with his children and his political appointees, are supposed to be accountable to the citizenry. The Republicans are fending off scrutiny of Donald by calling constant attention to a private citizen caught picking his nose. Disgusting and embarrassing, but not a threat to national security.
3
Zero Hunter has paid up for his child and settled it with attorney fees too. I fear his corrupt web of financial scams will not be exposed for some time to come.
4
Let Biden testify. He can prove his innocence by having the U.S, Intelligence back up his story.
1
What are they afraid of Trump? Slander? Rage? Leaking of personal
Secrets? Loss of power/prestige?
1
Yeah, it would help Democrats to have Hunter Biden testify to the fact that he did absolutely nothing as board member on the Ukrainian energy firm; he was on that board because he is the son of Joe Biden, who at the time was the Vice President of the United States. Hunter Biden has done nothing in his existence except benefit from his father. If the sons and daughters of President Trump do the same thing (yet they would have something to offer), the Democrats would be up in arms. Hypocrisy at its best. Thank you.
5
In any other milieu, the son of a major player enriching himself by millions in a business he admittedly knows nothing about but whose father oversees the country policy of his employers would be prima facie evidence of corruption. Only the butter-wouldn’t-melt-in-their-mouths Democrats would try to whitewash such an obvious scheme. We all know that both sides are capable - and guilty of staggering corruption. Time to end this divisive, corrosive charade.
4
@Larry Add the son-in-law of a major player.
Democrats in both the House and Senate should walk out for a week following this naked show of politics. They need to do something dramatic to reinforce the idea that what is being done is not normal.
Senator Lindsay Graham has promised a Senate investigation into the Bidens.
Will this be good or bad for Trump? We'll be able to put it to the test.
Elizabeth Drew seems to hold on to the possibility that Bolton’s testimony would change Republican minds, but it would not. Their minds are shut tight. The Republican senators know Trump is quite as charged, but holding power means more to them. Very few Trump voters will change their minds, either. If Biden were to testify, all that undecided or waivering voter would conclude is that H Biden shouldn’t have had that job, and the right-wing media will keep repeating that Trump was investigating Ukraine corruption. The compromise Bolton for Biden would backfire against the Democrats. The Republicans are holding all the cards.
A multitude of investigations of his arrangement with Burisma have turned up no wrongdoing on Hunter’s part — other than inviting the appearance of a conflict of interest, since at the time his father was in charge of Ukraine policy for Barack Obama.
That quote from Ms Drew, a long time political journalist in DC, perfectly illustrates the problem. For the non-DC public a perceived conflict of interest is the same as an actual conflict of interest. Yes, Trump is worse, but the perception is that Biden means more of the same. If the Democrats nominate him it will be a disaster.
@Jim Linnane
WRONG - there has not been a single investigation. Not yet.
4
Trump is currently doing the very things with his ENTIRE FAMILY that Republicans accuse Biden having "corruptly" done for his son, Hunter. So, let's start with Trump and his entire family testifing to explain to American people why it's acceptable for them to do it, but it corruption if the Bidens' did it. As far as this Independent is concern, I do not donate to any political party, so it is an act of corruption, aka, abuse of power, to use allocated taxpayer monies for any presidents re-election goals!!!
1
Great, fine. Have him testify then, if it would be so bad for Trump. The best possible outcome from this whole process is that it brings down both Trump and "Know Nothing" Biden. I'm not saying Joe is corrupt. But, from my way of thinking, his unwillingness to actually discuss why his massively unqualified son found himself a $600,000 a year job reeks of dishonesty.
Sink them both, and let's elect someone who is actually concerned with representing the interests of the people this country, above all else.
3
Wish Bolton had testified before the House instead of deferring to a judge. But it's all water under the bridge.So plan B with both Hunter and Bolton as witnesses seem a great opportunity for the Democrats. But the wily, dirty Republicans will not let it happen. So for now it's just wishful thinking.
Call Hunter. Show how ordinary and banal he may be. Show how Joe got Hunter that cushy job. Show influence peddling and whatever else they can insinuate. Show just how bad the "optics" are.
But Hunter has nothing to do with the fact that trump tried to bribe Ukraine's president with our money. To violate campaign finance laws. To sway the election using a foreign government.
By the way, if trump wanted to investigate Hunter, why didn't he just order the FBI, the CIA and everybody else in the government with the resources to do so?
No, trump chooses a shabby, poor excuse for a lawyer, guiliani, with his old smart phone and his three-stooges- minus-one goons to do it.
Call guiliani. Might make for some comedy in the proceedings. If you haven't had enough.
1
Actually, Joe Biden should testify. Given his 'Battle Cry' that he is best able to defeat Trump - he should demand to testify before the Senate. This Impeachment is more important than his candidacy, beating Trump's defense will be a great tuneup, and Joe's honesty & transparency in contrast to very public attempts to smear him, and Trump's evasions - will be gold in publicity. Further - it will flush out so much more. Just do it, Joe!
1
The Republican Party has preached to u for decades about law and order. It's just witnesses and other evidence that it rejects.
I don’t see how having Biden testifying could possibly look good for Biden, and saying that it would then not be possible to make it a general election issue is absurd.
All the Republicans have to do is establish that Biden is corrupt. He is.
Pelosi took Impeachment off the table for War Crimes and Torture but found it imperative to Impeach in the middle of the General Election, to protect Biden.
So, I say lets hear from Hunter Biden and let the chips fall at corrupt Pelosi’s feet.
Most Americans will come to the conclusion that the two politicians (Biden and Trump) are corrupt and have family members that are cashing in on their access to power. How does that go away if Biden testifies? It is ridiculous, it shouldn’t in fact go away. If Trump and Biden are corrupt, that should be front and center. Look how utterly horrible this political system, the media and these two parties are that these are our options when we have such massive societal issues.
5
Mr Trump does this a lot. take something he's accused of (say nepotism), profess innocence, accuse someone else of the same and change the topic. Hunter Biden would also put the focus on say Ivanka Trumps Chinese patents, or the Trump organizations and Mr. Kushners business dealings.
1
Not a bad argument but I don’t believe the republicans want Hunter Biden to testify any more than they want to hear from Bolton. If the democrats proposed the Biden for Bolton trade, republicans would demand the whistleblower to kill the whole thing.
People who believe Hunter Biden is corrupt and should be investigated want to know why there is no evidence exonerating him. Maybe they should ask themselves why there have been no formal investigations. Perhaps because no credible investigatory body or organization has found probable cause?
And that is why Rudy was given the task.
1
"President Trump’s attempts to coerce Ukraine into furthering his domestic political agenda are inextricably linked to the revanche of pro-Russian forces inside Ukraine. Those forces seek to curry favor with Trump’s inner circle. The same machine-style tactics that the Party of Regions honed for close to two decades in Ukraine—enlisting corrupt prosecutors to press politically motivated charges, bribing officials, offering sweetheart deals to political allies—have surfaced repeatedly in this network’s outreach to Trump and his surrogates."
- The Oligarchs Who Lost Ukraine and Won Washington, Michael Carpenter, Foreign Affairs, November 26, 2019
Please read and disseminate this enlightening article.
Response to Kev, stating that: "If Hunter Biden is the key to prove that corruption was happening, then he’s a reasonable witness."
The charge of corruption can be leveled at any country, since there is no country in the world that is 100% free of corruption. Corruption is everywhere, because countries are populated by humans and humans are not perfect. Of course, this is not to say that the extent of corruption does not differ from country to country.
Even if the Republican lawyers could prove beyond reasonable doubt that corruption has been involved in Hunter Biden landing a position on Burisma's board of directors, in no way that proves that Ukraine is a totally corrupt country. In fact one could claim, with some justification, that the corruption in Ukraine is well be below the corruption in the USA.
your “opinion” misses the main point about the damage that Hunter Biden’s testimony would do to both his father and the Democrats:
First, he will be portrayed as a spoiled child of a Democratic scion who earns obscene amounts of money by peddling influence. While perhaps not illegal, it stinks and will be reviled by most people. And that assumes he can even reasonably hold up under cross examination.
Second, his inability to justify his position and salary on Burisma’s board would give Trump and the Republicans the fodder to concoct and develope the far fetched but plausible excuse that Hunter Biden’s position (while his father was in charge of US policy toward Ukraine) was so blatant that it had to be investigated.
No good can come from Hunter Biden taking the stand.
1
The Repubs have the votes to call Hunter or Joe Biden whenever they want. This whole notion they have to make some kind of deal for their appearance is disingenuous. So this is clearly an attempt to intimidate the Dems. The problem for the Dems is do you offer up witnesses who are not germane to the case and whose appearance would simply be an extension of the trump/Giuliani project to discredit and opponent by other means?
2
Having the Bidens testify would show the Republicans behaving like Russian mobsters - as unaccountable authoritarians. Indeed it would reveal how Republicans will treat not only political adversaries and whistleblowers but regular citizens and former public servants now private citizens like Obama and Hillary.
Letting a criminal POTUS of their own party off the hook will further reveal the Republican Party for what it truly is. Indeed, we will have confirmation that the trump-Kushner kids will also remain unaccountably immune while they persecute everyone that does not toe the authoritarian line of he party - as Bolton is now experiencing. Who knew, crimes by Republicans are now protected on behalf of national security as Top Secret!
1
A person whose testimony should also be called for and which would be even more damaging than Hunter's: Cofer Black.
He is Romney's chief aid who also profited off of political fame by serving on the Burisma board at the same time as Hunter. Does anyone really think he's going to get up there and say, "yeah, this Bursima place is corrupt and I was profiteering illegally?"
No way.
He's absolutely going to defend the legality of his and Hunter's work there, and it would have so much more weight coming from a Republican operative and aid to a current Senator. Plus it would really put Romney in an uncomfortable position -- he'd be forced to admit that there's nothing illegal about what Hunter did and he could turn the tide in the Senate. We need to hear from Cofer Black. I cannot understand why the Democrats are not hammering on this point.
3
We knew Trump was sleazy. You can not be involved in NYC real estate or casino gambling and not be dirty. He promised to try to clean up the swamp which he was very familiar with. Every member of Congress is guilty of the same corrupt conflict on interest / bribery that the Bidens are guilty of. Their children, wives, extended families and supporters and their families are hired for jobs by institutions they are influencing. They are not hired for their qualifications but for their family connections. That is why both Democrats and Republicans are loath to address the Biden scandal. It leads right back to their doors. Look and Chuck Schumer's family and ask, is his wife really the most qualified person for the jobs she has had? The answer is obviously no so how did she get these diverse high level jobs. The answer is her husband's influence. Look at his children the schools they attended and the jobs they and their spouses have. Are they succeeding based on merit or connections. The same story is repeated with every member of Congress.
4
Well, the Democratic Party establishment has shot itself in the foot once again. The Republicans offered witnesses, but with a trade. Obviously they want Hunter Biden. Well who cares about Hunter Biden? Let him get a taste of the rough and tumble politics his father endured to make Hunter's millions possible instead of blowing it up his nose. No, the DemParty wants to protect Joe B from any negative association because they are so terrified of the Three Horsemen of the social democracy apocalypse: AOC, Liz and Bernie. This trial is war, not a game of beanbag. By trying to protect Hunter Biden, his sleaze rubs off on their whole impeachment rationale. Had they accepted a witness trade this trial would have gone past the State of the Union, which would have destroyed Trump or made him feel a lot of pain. The Reps have found a weakness and are exploiting it. It is over. The Dems have enabled Trump to appear at the SOTU as Trump Triumphant and have only themselves to blame.
1
Could not agree more. i hope the Dems are listening.
Also, if Hunter Biden only got this job because of his name (true) it could be pointed out that Ivanka and Jared only got their jobs (with no experience) because of their name. They are both getting more money and having more influence than Hunter. I don't think the Republicans want to open that can of worms!
I believe the Republicans are bluffing. They don’t really want any Biden to testify because it would destroy their false narrative. If they really wanted their testimony they have the votes to simply call for it. They don’t need the Democrats to agree.
The Democrats should call that bluff.
1
The President's attorneys have tried to turn impeachment proceedings into a criminal trial where the burden of proof for conviction is beyond a reasonable doubt. And yet they throw out bogus theories to justify the President's misfeasance like mistake of fact and mistake of law they know would be rejected in a court of law. If Republican Senators take the easy road here and rely upon legal principles they know or should know are bogus to avoid calling witnesses, then they've perpetrated the biggest sham on the American people since Richard Nixon asserted before the American people that he was not a crook.
1
Ms. Drew,
I have admired your work for many years.
Your advice should be strongly considered by by the House Managers. I wonder whether Republicans really want the Bidens to testify or are sure Democrats won’t agree so feel it’s a safe diversion to draw attention away from their violating the oath they swore at the beginning of this weird trial
If Mitch McConnell succeeds in bringing a closing vote tomorrow, I would hope all of the Democrats would refuse to participate and walk out, citing the dangerous sham that has been perpetrated on the American people. So much is at stake, there is no just way for men and women of conscience to participate in what will be recorded as the most shameful period of this nation’s history. The blame will go entirely to Donald Trump and his Republican party.
@Margo Stone
I correct what I wrote. Of course, the most shameful period of our history was the era of enslavement of black Africans and the ensuing harm to them, which somehow they have endured and continue to work to contribute to societal progress.
This Trump era is second to that but I’m not sure how we survive it.
Love everybody's comments. One thing that nags me--and all of us--I think is this: It seems the republicans seem ok with consistent lies to the American People and also to them.
Integrity just is not in their equation.
As well, he consistently demeans various individuals in government . He enjoys watching the obsequious that he demands.
At a rally with Rand Paul, he actually kept gesturing to him to keep going with the compliments. I was pretty sickening to watch. And now mr. paul is trying to get the whistle blower expose.
Yup, no integrity will be found, I fear for awhile.
(sad faced emoji here!)
Having the President of the United States, who is being impeached, testify in his own defense, would be worse, way worse, than Hunter Biden.
Psst, Mr. President. The ratings would be yuge.
I’m fine with the deal as long as Bolton goes first. We won’t be Charlie Brownned again by the GOP.
Sadly for our democracy, Republicans were lying when they said they wanted any witness testimony. Ignoring the fact that neither Biden is a witness to Trump’s criminal activity, Republicans know full well that actual witness testimony would blow away their “defense” of Trump like a hurricane dispenses with a thin tissue of paper.
I respect Ms. Drew. And I pay importance to her analysis as I have been watching her from PBS McNeil Lehrer Reports.
But really, for Ms. Drew to say this :
"..They’re worried about the circus atmosphere that might present.."
They is Republicans. For heaven's sake, we have gone thru a circus or worse over Kavanaugh - this can't be any worse.
Especially, since we know the outcome as it will not be a nail biter like President Johnson (no, not LBJ).
And if you heard today's Q&A - POTUS lawyers are not going to limit to Hunter Biden - but a whole parade of witnesses.
I think Senators should pay heed to Mr. Dershowitz and put an end to the circus already taking place.
If Democrats think they will make POTUS look bad - one thing these 3 years have shown is voters indifference to what POTUS says, does or does not do.
He is more MAGA, USMCA and tax cuts among other accomplishments.
And regardless of what one may say about slavish attitude of Republicans towards POTUS - Mr. Trump is not a Nixon.
There is no "our nightmare is over" moment here.
If anything, let's get on with the election in November - the good old American fashion way.
And let people be the judge.
Finally, Democrats should remember what Mueller did not deliver - that is a knock out punch.
Ditto with Bolton and Bidens.
Our POTUS is proving to be a Houdini if not a Teflon Reagan.
While it is debatable to whose benefit testimony from Hunter Biden and John Bolton would inure, it is ridiculous to say Biden's testimony is irrelevant to the Democrat's impeachment Article 1.
The Democrats allege that Trump's request that Ukraine investigate the Bidens and Burisma had a "corrupt purpose," i.e. solely to benefit Trump's reelection campaign. There was no doubt a legitimate reason to investigate the facially questionable hiring of the totally unqualified Hunter Biden. It was engineered by the notoriously corrupt oligarch behind Burisma weeks after Joe Biden was made "point man" on Ukraine. One year later, Joe Biden forced out the Ukraine prosecutor who had been investigating Burisma (and by extension Hunter) in the interim after the aforementioned oligarch fled to Russia under a cloud of corruption allegations.
Sounds like a legitimate area of inquiry for the United States - did the former Vice-President act corruptly to protect his son's interests and, by extension, those of a corrupt oligarch?
Consider this - Mike Pence's son is hired tomorrow by the Venezuelan state-owned oil company with no relevant experience and young Pence is paid millions while Vice President Pence is "point man" for dealing with Venezuelan dictator Maduro. Two years hence, President Sanders investigates while Pence plans his 2024 campaign. A "corrupt purpose?" Hardly. Democrats would applaud the investigation with both hands and clap their feet as well.
3
As a Democrat I have no problem with the Biden's being called as witnesses. If anyone Democrat or Republican participated in activities that are construed to be illegal or unethical they should be held accountable.
1
Turns out Hunter Biden got his law degree at Yale, was co-founder of Rosemont Seneca Partners, an international consulting firm, in 2009. He has experience, has been on boards. On the other hand, we have Trumps kids. So quid pro quo: investigate the Bidens, investigate the Trumps. Fair is fair. It's pure brass to point fingers and call corruption from an utterly corrupt position.
@Paul Gasek
And what are you accusing the Trumps of exactly? If it is something more concrete than they've made money off their father's position (which has already been rejected by our court system) than I'm fine with investigating them too.
But from my politically independent position, I see the Trumps employing thousands of people and creating wealth and homes for others. The Bidens have created no wealth and provided nobody a home. They've only worked in government and have become fabulously wealthy on government salaries.
People in private business can engage in corruption of course, but I'd rather vote for a politician who made his money in private business than while in office. Even if they've done nothing wrong it has the appearance of a conflict of interest and is more worthy of a subpoena.
1
@jkemp Trump U ... Trump Foundation ... Trump Taj Mahal ... Created "wealth and homes" with borrowed money that he didn't pay back and then sued the bank that he borrowed the money from. Just a successful businessman right?
I totally agree that Hunter Biden should testify; in fact, he could seize the narrative by stepping forward himself. There's nothing strange about organizations wanting famous names on their boards, as well as diverse skillsets. Just look at the names on your local opera, ballet, or other prestigious arts board. Who else throws such great parties. I wish his dad would stop his "beat him like a drum" repudiation of a potential summons. If he's so tough, let him call the GOP bluff and put them to shame. The whole thing is absurd. Resistance makes it worse.
The article also describes Republicans as, ".... so frightened of him and his base that they have accepted his demand that his bullying phone call with Mr. Zelensky be considered “perfect.'" Some are afraid - who wouldn't be - but for some it's got to be money as well. Millions flowed from Russia into GOP elections, not to mention an aluminum mill for McConnell. As Noam Chomsky has pointed out, the GOP is no longer a party but a organization whose goal is to destroy democracy, regulation and any obstacle in the way of a libertarian inter-faith multinational consortium of right wing opportunists bent on total control.
I think it makes sense for a Bolton for the Bidens witness trade. It's a win-win for the Democrats. They get the public to hear what Bolton has to say regarding the impeachment fiasco. Plus it gives Biden a chance to vindicate himself before the primary start in February. If it found that his behavior was unethical in the lucrative board appointment for his son, it's better to find out now rather than after he is nominated.
Of course it would be interesting to have Hunter Biden testify. But let’s not forget what Republicans do to those they get on the witness stand. And how the public views those victims forever after, once the Alt-News gets them in their clutches.
While I am definitely not a fan of Joe Biden for president (we need someone there now to stand up against the corporate greed, not someone who can “get along with“ Republicans in office), I would hate to see his son or himself tarnished by legalized any-tale-goes courtroom attacks on these decent people.
It’s time we Americans stand up for truth and decency - if such things still exist.
Don Jr. probably was closer to the action and knows more about the subject of the impeachment (why Pops was trying to extort the Ukraine gov't with federal funds for his own political purposes) than Hunter Biden does. Don Jr. also is an expert on the subject of why the Trump administration was so interested in helping Russian orphans. If Hunter testifies, Don Jr, should have to testify, too.
1
Joe Biden's polling numbers seem to be static or sliding, so it might be in his best interest to appear before the Senate to state his case to the American people and to clear the air. Hunter Biden should also testify. Both have nothing to lose at this point. Now, if Joe Biden and Hunter Biden are forced by the Republicans to testify, there is nothing to stop the House to force the testimony of all of Donald Trump's adult children to determine if any have abused their positions to enrich themselves or their families. In this context, Donald Trump should think long and hard before he lets Mitch McConnell call the Bidens as hostile witnesses.
Calling Hunter Biden to the witness stand would give the appearance that he is under investigation, which he is not. Trump is. In other words, it would be a trap. And even if Bolton testified that Trump "did it", it would make Trump look bad for sure, but we can't be sure that enough Republicans would vote to convict. If the process (notice that I didn't call it a trial) ends today without any witnesses or evidence, the Republicans and Trump will be part of a cover-up and the Democrats can use that to their advantage in November. Plus Bolton's book is coming out a couple of months so Republicans will look even more culpable. I'm sure the Democrats have weigh all these factors and more.
We do live in a crazy world. It wasn't enough that Trump could get away with shooting an anonymous person on Fifth Ave. Now, according to his lawyers, he could should a political rival to help him get re-elected -- and still not be impeached.
4
We already know that the only thing fake here, are the impeachment proceedings.
We all knew from before Day One, Trump was going to come out from under this virtually unscathed; which will only embolden his rhetoric, and he is now, "totally exonerated." His base will buy into that, like they've bought into all the other cock-and-bull Trump has fed them.
The only consolation would be for those spineless Senators who would do almost anything to save their own hides, to be seen for their fealty, and are sent packing in November.
Meanwhile, despite his expected claims of exoneration, Trump will still have been impeached. No amount of denying it will change that.
And, for the sake of argument, should Democrats somehow manage to take control, Trump just could ( provided he does something else deemed "criminally stupid") risk being the only POTUS to be impeached....TWICE.
1
Forget Zero Experience Hunter...it’s Adam Schiff who needs to explain why he sought naked pictures from the Russians and said he had irrefutable proof of Russian collusion on national TV.
2
The author must live in Washington.
Nobody else cares.
1
@G which is why you read the column?
The Biden’s should be chomping at the bit to testify. Holding back at all is weird
3
From the NY Times, headline
"Democrat Schumer: Impeachment Witness Trade Involving Hunter Biden 'Off the Table'"
NYT Jan. 24, 2020
Not going to happen. Sorry
1
The democrats are idiots. As a columnist pointed out in the Times last week, they don't need Republican approval to call witnesses. Here again is a strong argument to call witnesses. But democrats won't do it. What explains this cowardice? If they don't call witnesses, they will lose support of moderates like me. Period, full stop.
1
I think you have it backwards. The Dems want witnesses. The Republicans don’t.
It's time for Hunter to take one for the Gipper. And aim it at the Grifter.
2
I don't care if they even fire up the Benghazi hearings again. Knock your blowhard selves out! Bring in Malcolm X, Angela Davis, and the red herring herself, queen of the underworld, Hillary Clinton. Circus up the show in a gauzy gilded smokescreen of subterfuge with caterwauling of demonic tongues coming from every one of the seven circles. Most of us have learned to sift the paid propaganda of our overlords rather well. However, if we start parading privilged children, this trial will last well beyond the last convulsions of the Anthropocene.
1
I think if this is what this newspaper thinks it really means the opposite.
Seems that the anti-Biden people are out in droves this morning! When the Republican president is a corrupt, compulsive liar all his supporters have left is to deflect, blame and lie.
What the Trump Republicans don’t tell America, is that the YouTube video they are spreading all over social media is about VP Joe Biden, working with our State Department and European Union leaders to get rid of the corrupt, prosecutor general, Viktor Shokin!
And that Hunter Biden was on the board of Burisma from 2014 until the spring of 2019. During the time that the Republicans controlled the House (2010-2019 January), could have started an investigation into Hunter Biden, but....didn’t! Why? Nothing to investigate. Sure Biden was being pay $50k a month, which is high, but that’s Burisma’s problem.
Republicans also controlled the Senate, 2014 until today. No, investigation into the Bidens! Suddenly....a Russian oligarch, Dimitri Firtash creates a lie, to help him gain favor from Trump, because he is in legal trouble in the U.S. Trump loves it, now he can sully Joe Biden whom he is afraid of.
The whole Biden scandal is a lie. But if I were Joe & Hunter Biden, I would testify, call Trump’s and his sycophants bluff!
5
I would love to include Hunter Biden in this process. Though I think he's a distraction from the central issues of impeachment, at this point it is part of transparency. I am not afraid of the truth. If there are witnesses who might add to our understanding of the impeachment, and if there needs to be some give and take between Republicans and Democrats and in order to have Bolton we must give Biden, I say "bring it!"
Though I do not believe that Hunter Biden's work in Ukraine was illegal, I think we also have to be honest about saying that Democrats, like Republicans, work within systems of power that give wealthy people access to more wealth; power begets power. I am certain that if we did a rundown of every adult child of the senators, we would find many more Hunter Bidens - people who have received jobs, speaking fees, etc. that were less about their own merits than about their connections or power.
Let the truth come out, good, bad, and ugly. I'm not afraid of the truth, even though I think that Hunter Biden's name got him the job, not his qualifications. If he did nothing wrong aside from being a part of the system of power, that will come out.
We need transparency. If the truth comes out, even if it's not what we wanted to hear, then the American people win. If we aren't transparent, we all lose.
4
Ms. Drew clearly understands that the impeachment was purely political and only done to attempt to damage Trump's popularity among GOP voters.
Whether there are witnesses or manuscripts or emails is not being discussed to swing 20 GOP senators for removal but only to gain an edge in the upcoming elections.
2
Hunter Biden would make Trump look so ridiculous. He has done nothing wrong - unlike Trump!! Besides, he knows how to speak intelligently.
5
A trial without witnesses is like a sandwich without bread.
The Senate Rs are now part of the coverup.
DUH
1
No one has put forth any reason for Hunter to have been on that board -- other than the obvious. And, he was rumored to have been on the VP's plane ... when it flew to Ukraine. While not what Chelsea gets from the board seats she occupies ... $50k a month looks bad .. because it is.
We all know the reason .... Trump wins
Bolton -- he is a crafty snake .... waiting to bite Adam
1
Meanwhile, back on Planet Earth, even Joe Biden admits that this arrangement Hunter finds himself in really does look questionable.
But we really do love the NY Times' cheerleaders! Who needs cold logic when you can go dance for a progressive with millions in his pocket!?
2
Bring it on. Bring the Biden’s on. Bring the Trump children on. All of Washington D.C.’s corruption, not just Republicans, but Democrats are just as bad, what a bunch of hypocrites; they make me sick.
1
It's Hail Mary pass time.
1
If the NYT thinks that the Republician's effort to expose Hunter Biden's bogus $1M/yr. no show gig with Burisma is fatuitous, y'all have no idea how outraged the average American making $30K/YR. is going to be at this obvious pay2play nepotism. I know I'm appalled at the greed of all these crooked politicians, regardless of party.
3
It’s a stupid idea. Nothing, no evidence, will change republicans’ minds. And the republican propaganda value is priceless.
1
I’ve always assumed it appropriate to call in everyone in government and politics ,that has had a trip to Russia and Ukraine; to express a willingness to cooperate with foreigners in their criminal reigns of terror.
That means all political parties members inclusive of the Biden’s and all of the trumps. The criminality is massive.
Watch some current docs on streaming sites about the inauguration. Bizarre and opportunistic stuff of legal legend. The voters and regressive taxpaying property owners want witnesses questioned by Chief Justice Roberts. Then we want a referendum in each state to occur so we can vote a decision. You can start wars overnight!!!!!!
The congress and executive branch can do this referendum setup in no time. Put a gag order and censure on Trump now . He is a traitor and an oligarch. Putin owns America unless we have our witnesses publicly admit to sidling up to Putin.
Such Evil. And don’t get us started on Palestine and Israel news this week.
Trial and witnesses. Trial to remove a crook from the highest office. Pence is in the coup and YES in the interim Pelosi will oversee America in its healing faze.
So simple and right for voters.
2
Acquit now.
We are all praying, there will be no witnesses called.
Let's move on
4
Narcissist demagogue Trump, his band of cowering Republican sycophants and their angry, white Christian "base" exist by discrediting and demeaning others. It's how 5th grade bullies roll. That's how he/they took down Hillary. Hunter Biden will be the downfall of the Democrats' opportunity to return sanity to this nation as long as he stays silent and his bumbling father remains the leader in the race. His testimony is irrelevant to the issues in what should already be a 100% vote to convict, but essential to this country removing this scourge in its history.
1
The Washington Post had written a lengthy article about former Vice President Joe Biden’s conflict of interest in Ukraine on July 22, 2019 — three days before Trump’s phone call with Ukrainian President Zelensky, when he raised the issue.
Trump could have become aware of the problems with Joe Biden and his son, Hunter Biden — who held a board seat with Ukrainian gas company Burisma — because the media finally covered the story. On July 22, three days before the Ukraine call, the Washington Post published an article.
The Washington Post will not let you read the article unless you are a subscriber.
2
Why supress Bolton's book? Just let AG Barr do an early review.
Wha? Bad? The Left are so desperate they say wacky stuff like this.
3
Here's a reality check. Trump was impeached. Not Hunter Biden not Joe Biden Trump was impeached. Hunter Biden had nothing to do with what Trump did it illegally neither did Joe Biden. This is so ridiculous it makes the Republicans look like a clown show
1
Coulda been, woulda been. This latest piece of hopium only begs the question: Why don't Democrats do the swap? Oh that's right, because principle, family, decorum.
The House refused to call in Bolton and others under the pretense of "it would take too long". Dems "must impeach right away!" "It cannot wait!" "Democracy is at stake!"
Then the House sat on the impeachment papers and didn't send them over to the Senate for a month in funeral procession style after the souvenir pen give away.
Now Dems demand more witnesses! And complain that the Senate is rushing.
Dems look like total fools.
2
What in God’s Green Earth does Hunter Biden have to do with whether our president abused his power or obstructed congress? Donald Trump is on trial here: Mr. Biden is not. That the Times would even publish such a headline is irresponsible and plays into a logical fallacy designed to obscure the real issues. Shame.
2
That there’s a possibility that Alan Dershowitz may be able to change the constitution with his argument fills me with dread
1
@Ma
No worries. I was told that a few highly respected professors of Constitutional Law were rolling on the floor, laughing their heads off, after hearing Alan Dershowit's argument.
Hunter should find himself in jail soon. Claiming that he is too broke to take care of his child while cavorting around in a Porsche is just sick!
3
According to Reuters....
"According to payment records reviewed by Reuters that two former Ukrainian law enforcement officials say are Burisma’s, the company paid about $3.4 million to a company that was controlled by Archer called Rosemont Seneca Bohai LLC between April 2014 and November 2015.
Specifically, the records show 18 months in which two payments of $83,333 per month were paid to Rosemont Seneca Bohai for “consulting services.” The two sources said that one of those monthly payments was intended for Biden and one for Archer."
"Biden never visited Ukraine for company business during that time, according to three of the people."
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-hunter-biden-ukraine/what-hunter-biden-did-on-the-board-of-ukrainian-energy-company-burisma-idUSKBN1WX1P7
Hunter Biden?
Think of all Jared and Ivanka have raked in from taxpayer money. Dershowitz would say it’s for “public interest”...
The new public interest - family ski trips for the kiddos, a family move to DC with all the trimmings, secret service for all, trips to the wall in Israel with mom and pops, first row seats around the world with daddy, private meetings in the name of the American people...
Wow! How about some public interest for us poor folks - like food stamps, healthcare insurance, public school education, protection of public lands and resources, preservation for our future generations, care for our traumatic brain injured soldiers the President terms as a headache or two....
New definition of public interest - trying to cheat in elections to keep the Trumps rolling.
4
This entire article is predicated on the premise that if Hunter Biden is called to testify, then John Bolton will. Us Republicans ain't that dumb!
It is the height of hypocracy for House politicians to use the Impeachment Proceedings to dig up dirt to defeat a President.....while initiating an Impeachment of that President based on the President's own actions to "dig up dirt" to defeat an opponent!!
If Trump is somehow guilty....then they ALL are guilty!!
This entire Impeachment Tribunal has been a collosal waste of time, energy, money.....a drain on the national psyche.
...
I will NOT vote for one single incumbant.......every DNC political hack Congressman/woman and DNC Senator should be removed from office.
We live in the 21st Century....a world that seems completely foreign to most DNC indoctrinated americans, who remain stuck somewhere in 1968.
1
Testify JoeBiden
Testify Hunter Biden
Call their bluff
You owe it to the country to do your patriotic duty.
DEMs pressure them NOW
2
Have you seen the video of John Bolton praising President Trump's Ukraine Call as "Warm And Cordial"?
https://www.realclearpolitics.com/video/2020/01/29/trump_tweets_video_of_bolton_praising_warm_and_cordial_ukraine_call_game_over.html
"Just because the Republicans want to batter Hunter Biden is no reason to submit either him or his father as fodder to hostile Republicans."
Hunter was at the core of the investigation. He admitted that he would probably never had the job at Burisma, if he hadn't been Joe Biden's son...influence peddling.
$1.8 billion in U.S. aid to the company disappeared during his tenure on the board.
Both Bidens are culpable.
36
@Peter Rasmussen
Although legal, Biden got all that money for doing essentially nothing.
The least he can do for his country is volunteer to testify to his innocence.
13
@Peter Rasmussen -- What's this about $1.8 billion going to Burisma? Please provide your evidence.
40
@Peter Rasmussen What investigation? The back room one requested as part of a scheme by the president?
What 1.8 billion dollars? That seems purely fictional.
Why resort to lies and misrepresentations when you have such a strong case?
19
The Republican Senators have shown they will turn their back on the law and say it's OK with them if Trump bends and breaks the law. Calling on either Biden at this point is giving them more of a platform to bash a Democrat. It will change nothing. Look at all the testimony and possible information that we have glimpses of but can't get testimony or evidence for. If this is how Republicans are playing it up to now - nothing here to see no matter what you show us - you are sorely mistaken. This is just another example of Republicans using the system over the Democrats. The law and truth or the good of the country is not important. Staying in power is the only thing they care about and how they do that doesn't seem to matter to this party. We need to vote as many of them out as possible. This is the only clear way. God help us if we do win big and take control and DON'T try to pass system wide changes to our government. Imagine the outcry and passion for rule of law if Obama or any Democratic President or Senate came near to what is being done by the Republicans.
We need to stop trying to reason with this party when there is no more rule of law. We keep trying to compromise and play by the rules and they are out to win at all costs. They are laughing while they do it. Basically we need new leadership..... and systematic change in this country before it is completely lost and completely corrupted.
"Democrats say Hunter Biden, son of former Vice President Joe Biden, is irrelevant to the issues in the articles of impeachment"
Which is an absurd statement in the context of the whole sequence of events surrounding Ukraine. Hunter Biden was influence peddling in a relationship with a notably corrupt company that his father also got roped into with his duties as Vice President. As part of Trump's defense is that he was investigating real corruption involving close family of an elected American official, establishing that such a situation existed is most certainly relevant in contextualizing the whole kerfuffle.
3
Lie.
No Biden needs to testify. It would only lend legitimacy to Trump's crazy claims. With people like Trump it isn't smart to give them more, no matter what, gotta shut the valve off not open it up.
What conflict of interests Hunter Biden may or may not have had in the past pale in comparison to those of Donald, Jr., Ivanka, Eric and Tiffany Trump in the present.
By failing to declare, disclose and divest his personal assets into a blind-trust you can't tell where Trump Organization Mar-a-Lago ends and Trump Administration White House begins. What the domestic and foreign emoluments clause is going on here?
If the Democrats want to really calm our Siberian President down and get him to 'Be Best' they need to ask for testimony from all of his adult kids and their spouses and paramours regarding the Ukrainian scheme.
4
Cronies Capitalism is a global cancer @ it’s full swings and it’s a well known fact to most global citizens. That’s what happens when many decent citizens never actively defended the truths ya raised voices against corrupt crooks in every position,in private ya public sectors for safety of their own jobs & interests. Now cancer of corruption and cronies controlled vulturous capitalism have so deeply rooted that will take years or even decades to root it out.
There will be no testimony without non violent civil resistance
1
a good strategy would be for the democrats to call hunter b. as a witness
Good idea. Sure Joe Biden could use this opportunity to be show he is a victim and may be believable to some. But GOP should also call Joe to say under oath that he did not know about his son joining Burishma as Joe pretends to. By some strange coincidence Devin Archer, Hunter Bidens partner in the board went to visit Joe Biden shortly before Hunter was appointed to the board of Burishma. Even Chris Heinz who did some business with these two saw they were exploiting Joe Bidens appointment to handle the Ukraine matter and warned the State dept about it.
1
It would be bad for Trump but it would be the end of Joe Biden's campaign because it just proves to voters that corruption, nepotism, cronyism & theft are as American as apple pie in DC. Joe Biden, the corporate Democrats, the mainstream media (including the NYT) & many pundits insist there was "nothing illegal" with this kind of behavior on the part of Washington elites. That is the same clique of people whom voters rejected unanimously four years ago preferring a reality TV show host as their president over another business as usual-"politician".
3
Hunter Biden is being used as a distraction created by trump.
3
Calling more witnesses will only prolong something that has nothing to do with justice and all with postering for the next election.
The Senators need to go back to work
Like dealing with the thread of the Corona Virus. I tried to buy a face mask . Just in case
Every single Walgreen here is sold out
That concerns me a lot more
If at least 51 of the 53 Republican Senators want to 'call' Hunter Biden, they don't need any Senate Democrat's 'permission' or agreement -- even if they vote down every witness the Democratic Senate minority wish to 'hear.'
They -- House and Senate Republicans -- only float the notion of a 'witness trade' as another of their intended deceptions in service, solely, of themselves and the rotting head of their liege-lord.
2
The Democrats are just too dumb to govern. Why champion Joe Biden? None of the other candidates have Biden's baggage. He did nothing to curb Ukrainian corruption. His son took the money and it was big money. Time for Biden to retire from public life.
Trump lies as a matter of habit. He can be beaten by someone honest. If running against Biden the choice would be a battle of the bribers and a potential American and maybe a worldwide disaster.
3
Where can we see the “multitude of investigations “ that have cleared the Bidens of any wrongdoing in regard to Ukraine. This “debunking” of Republican claims has been cited over and over again by the media with only vague reference to any source. Show us the goods!
4
Everyone associated with this Ukraine mess has the opportunity to cash in -- Bolton, Parnas, Sondland, Maria Y., the whistleblower, the Bidens, etc. Book deals and speaking deals, and all drip, drip, drip before the election, during the election, and into the next administration. None of this will stop. No one will be silenced. The current GOP is going to be sacrificed on the altar of Trump's narcissistic id as well as its own altar of aggrandizement.
1
Hunter Biden testifying in the Senate will crush Joe Biden in the Democratic Primary. Hunter will be dragged through the mud, and Joe will get all the stink. Trump's lawyers have no shame and their legal strategy is to throw the kitchen sink: they'll go after Hunter's past difficulty with drugs and ask him to prove that his father's position and stature had nothing to do with his lucrative paydays (how can anyone prove a negative?). Democrats are sick and tired of anything that smacks of nepotism and corruption, and they'll take it out on Joe Biden.
1
The notion that Bolton is an ally of the Democrats is delusional. The scorpion’s gonna sting; he can’t help himself.
2
Just to throw our a wild card; How would the America people react if when it came down to the day of voting if every Democrat Senator in the senate got up and walked out in protest of not having witnesses called and damaging documents revealed.
It would not change the outcome and would sure make a media flap. Especially if House Democrats continued to call their own witnesses.
1
MS. Drew hits the right tone. It is common for family of familiar political names to capitalize, witness Don Jr. and Ivanka, etc. Big deal.
If Hunter's appearance gets Bolton on the stand, its more than worth the swap.
It is very simple. Trump must follow recommendations from the House managers. Following recommendations of his own defense team is bad for him. Does this make sense? Ha-ha-ha!
Hunter Biden should enter into evidence a list of every child of every Senator, President, Trump toadie, and Vice President who have been handed jobs and perks because of their parentage when he appears. Since Giuliani is one of his main attackers he could put Andrew Giuliani at the top of the list, citing the job he’s been given at the White House to take pictures with athletes. Was Hunter Biden smart in taking the position at Burisma? No. It was moronic. Illegal? No. And it will never be illegal because all of those in office now whining about Hunter Biden know that their kids, spouses, uncles and brothers are also benefiting by association.
6
There's something meta in this quid pro quo: we let Bolton testify, but only if Hunter testifies too.
2
At this point, I believe that Trump will be acquitted. Whether there are witnesses or not, no matter who they would be, this man will not be removed by his Republican sycophants in the Senate with most likely at least one Democrat joining this ship of fools. I can not believe that this Party of Trump, many prosecutors and attorneys themselves, would sanction any trial without witnesses. Yet indeed and according to the most recent reporting, it is probable that there will be no Hunter, no Joe, no John, and no Mick. This is setting a dangerous precedent reminiscent of the egregious actions taken prior to the rise of an autocrat and even a dictator. Now, some may think this is hyperbole. But our kids' textbooks about world history will trace the way that but few termites were able to devour a home's foundation. They multiply, they destroy.
3
For all those reasons Republicans will vote for NO witnesses. They are already laying the soundbites. They are determined to cover for their corrupt president by any means so they can retain power. Trump really is a great leader for Republicans. He's as corrupt as they are.
2
It is likely a liability for the Bidens that Hunter took the job on the Burisma board. But now its done and cant be denied.
Hunter should take the opportunity to explain what Burisma is doing and why the company is vehemently opposed by Russia and it's US allies in the Trump Republican Party. He could also introduce the other US citizens on the Burisma board, he is by far the only one.
The core business of Burisma is to establish a Ukrainian alternative to dependency on Russian gas. It is investing in Ukrainian gas fields with fracking technology and import liquified gas from the US and maybe Qatar. Burisma has close connections to US energy companies.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burisma_Holdings#History
On the other hand Trump and his shady deputies Manafort and Giuliani were both dealing with Russian leaning oligarchs, to an extend where Giuliani takes large "salaries" for representing oligarchs wanted for prosecution in the US.
It should be relatively easy to direct the spotlight to the Trump organizations dodgy Russian connections in Ukraine.
2
Yes, it would be a good trade.
Have the youthfully photogenic younger Biden testify straightforwardly that his presence on the Burisma board was a patronage appointment.
Then let Bolton unleash the nukes about Trump.
This is a war of attrition.
2
Like the old Ukrainian folk tale of tossing the bride to the wolves so the groom and his family may escape, the problem with sacrificing an innocent for the greater good is that you have sacrificed an innocent.
Protecting from a potential greater evil by performing a certain lesser evil is still performing an evil.
1
No, no. No deal. Hunter Biden should just show up! No subpoena. No nothing. Most of all, no warning. He should just go down the the Capital, knock on the door, and ask to testify. He should call the media to take pictures of him trying to get in.
Let’s say they let him in... Sekulow and company would be totally unprepared. They have no idea what to ask, other than: “Are you corrupt?” They don’t know enough about what he did at Burisma to frame a legitimate question. So they would never allow him to testify. We aren’t prepared! It’s a stunt!
And then he could go home. The Republicans would try to get him to come back, but he’d refuse, saying they had their chance. And the Democrats could laugh all the way to a Joe Biden victory in November.
2
Why are the republicans so hung up on Hunter Biden when they should be investigating Ivanka and Jared. Not only are they sitting in the White House as some sort of advisors, but they have vast interests outside the United States. Isn't this a conflict of interests????? By the way Hunter is not running for office.
2
It would be bad for Trump because it might topple Joe Biden prematurely. Trump wants Biden to get the nomination, so he can force him to drag Hunter from here to November.
Neither Biden nor Bernie Sanders can beat TrumpBut my fellow Democrats seem hellbent to make the race a slow, tedious slog between the two of them. How depressing.
1
I’m sure glad that we are going to ask people to testify!! I’d like to hear from bill smith who lives in Idaho and has absolutely no idea where the European borders are. He should have the same amount of information about mr trumps misconduct that this impeachment is about as mr hunter does.
1
Hunter Biden was there at the behest of the intelligence community, people. Republicans know this.
2
Anyone testifying is bad for Trump - there is no-one that can shed a good light on this at all.
That's why the Republicans are so against any testifying, they don't want the hole they are into get any deeper.
Better to keep attacking the messenger than the message and hope it will go away.
Agreed. Bring him in and have him show how irrelevant he is to the charges; better yet, his appearance would prove how ludicrous trump's, and the "esteemed" Senators' defense really is,especially in contrast to Bolton's testimony.
1
The trouble is there is not traditionally much difference between the right wing Democrats and Republicans. Both have their noses in the trough. The Bidens are part of this picture and the Clintons too (obviously).
On the other hand Trump is in a different league of graft, corruption, selfishness and lies. In this battle of evils, the Bidens almost come out snow white.
Witnessing the failure of US democracy.
1
So we are hanging our hat that a Republican will do the right thing on the stand. In turn the Republicans will do the right thing in the trial?
Bidens Corporate Democrat corruption is no better than the Republicans in your face corruption but please stop telling me that any Republican will do the right thing if money or power is involved
It could be a mistake in and of itself to call Hunter Biden.
He may be a tougher witness than they think.
If he is called he needs to go into offensive mode, not fool around with weak defense or evasive answers. Attack them with every answer.
Do what Republicans have done for Trump;
Turn his own somewhat dubious behavior into the workings agent for fighting corruption himself.
Shouldn't be hard; If a awkward question is asked, give a quick answer then spin what you want until someone shuts you up. You know, like the Trump agents.
This should all be known tactics by now.
1
It would be bad for Biden. Period. Many think something smells there. They want to hear more.
1
@AACNY To what end? I think something smells with Ivanka and Jarad- to the tune of hundreds of millions- and as children of the President a far greater evil.
1
And of course, why not subpoena the defendant himself: Trump?
Because his counsel know that he'll get all emotional, variously denying then defending his actions, spouting all manner of untruths (under oath), contradicting his own counsel, and culminating in his own inept version of "You can't handle the truth!"
Ms Drew
How can you write such a piece in this day and age. You seem to have fallen into the trap that facts matter. They don’t ( please see Fiona hill testimony).
The gop and it’s mindless followers have swore fealty to a man who uses a sharpie on a map to demonstrate his metrolgical prowess.
Wheat her hunter testifies or not won’t change the narrative but it will set a horrible precedent.
One huge lesson this whole impeachment mess brings home is something that I have intuited for a long time, ever since, if memory serves, early college years. It is this: the law is not sufficient to the tasks for which we imagine it must serve. This is one reason the lawyers in the Senate, especially and conclusively that Dershowitz fellow, come off at times, even most times, sounding like high blown fools.
Lawyers are trained to shackle themselves to accepted notions of what the law means. Yet, they can't agree on anything except, darn it, there's a meaning in there somewhere. Truth be told, the law, at its ugly base, is just a tool for lawyers to try to make it mean what they need it to mean. They want to bludgeon it with whatever fractured logic they can devise until it takes the necessary shape. This is a kind subversion. Of what? Life, meaning and philosophy.
Take the Constitutions words of "high crimes and misdemeanors". Turns out, it means anything you want it too, which means it means nothing at all.
Do we have to chain ourselves to the narrowest idea of the word's meanings? Or, can we take it more broadly to serve our current need to rid the nation of a dangerously unqualified president who put his mouth in the Ukrainian cookie jar? We live in the now, not 240 yrs. ago. The law can't save us unless we wish to save ourselves. Otherwise, the law is a kind of carefully codified madness, insanity.
2
Yes! Let us call Hunter Biden as a witness to testify about cuing his father's position for his personal benefit, al long as Jared and Junior and Ivanka do the same.
2
The Republicans don't want "to batter Hunter Biden" as this demonstrably partisan piece of propaganda stipulates. What the Republicans wish to do is demonstrate the degree of corruption that existed between the powers that be in Ukraine and the powers that were in the US. And why? Because the uprooting of corruption in Ukraine is meaningless unless such cleansing extends to American participants in that corruption. And, a fortiori, if the American party to Ukrainian corruption is a candidate for the US Presidency, then said corruption must be extirpated root and branch. The US cannot allow itself to elect a president who is linked to the Ukrainian underworld.
1
For the sake of our country, I urge Mr Hunter Biden and even his father to volunteer to testify. Call the bluff of the corrupt Republican Senators led by McConnell.
A tit for tat? Hunter for Bolton. Joe for Mulvaney. Schiff for Trump. Nadler for McConnell, and so on.
Bring it on!
I would much prefer Mr. Adam Schiff under oath.
2
I desperately want a Democratic nominee who can defeat Donald Trump. Joe Biden cannot be that nominee. The optics surrounding Hunter Biden and his vastly overpaid activities in Ukraine while Obama-Biden were rearranging the deck chairs there are awful. This is in the court of public opinion, where appearances matter most, regardless of what might be fair, accurate, or legally relevant. Trump has successfully dragged both Bidens down into the swamp along with him. It will only get worse, not better, if Joe Biden is the nominee. Does anybody remember Hillary Clinton and her emails? That was a warmup act. The Democratic Party must wipe the slate clean and nominate a candidate who can draw a bright line contrast between herself and the unprecedented self-dealing we are living through now with the Trump Administration.
1
Did Joe Biden ever watch The American President? For some reason he refuses to engage the Republicans, in an accusation similar to the one Michael Douglas as the president faced: "For the last couple of months, Senator Rumson has suggested that being president of this country was, to a certain extent, about character, and although I have not been willing to engage in his attacks on me, I've been here three years and three days, and I can tell you without hesitation: Being president of this country is *entirely* about character."
Later in this "speech" he says this: "If you want to talk about character and American values, fine. Just tell me where and when, and I'll show up. This is a time for serious people, Bob, and your fifteen minutes are up. My name is Andrew Shepherd, and I *am* the President."
Joe Biden should stand up in a big forum, and deal with this once and for all. If he doesn't, questions will hound him FOREVER or more likely until he loses the election. As unfair as they are to Biden the hearings are a forum to put this issue behind him and the party.
Why doesn't Joe Biden recognize this?
1
@John
Because real life is not an idealistic movie? Because Joe Biden does not in fact have "unimpeachable character and American values"?
The problem with presenting Hunter Biden as a witness is that he isn't a "witness" in this case. They could call Biden and Biden alone as a "witness" without any Democratic support so this too is bologna.
If Republicans want to hear from Hunter Biden, they can subpoena him — they only need a simple majority to call him and they have the numbers.
I think it’s ridiculous to set it up as a “trade,” as if Democrats owe Republicans something to get Bolton to testify. They should force a vote on Bolton on his own merits — it sounds like Dems are close to having the votes! If the Republicans want to hold a vote on Hunter Biden, they should go for it... Dems have nothing to lose there if they lose that vote.
I thought the most interesting part of this article was questioning why would the senators who were full aware of Trump’s dishonesty and penchant for self promotion fall in line with such bozo in the first place. If becoming a US senator is the cat’s meow of political stature (in their minds) you would think that going down in history for doing the right thing, in this case putting country ahead of party as the pinnacle of political achievement not how good do I look on television. It’s not like a US Senator would have a hard time putting food on the table if god forbid they lost an election and had to go back to their day job.
1
Rick Scott is running an anti-Biden ad in Iowa. It features a phony scenario about both Hunter and Joe.
You’d think given Scott’s past he might step away from the subject of corruption, but self- awareness isn’t a big feature with these Republicans, nor is shame.
Yeah. If I were Hunter, I’d volunteer to testify. This isn’t going away. The president tried to get Ukraine to dirty his opponent’s name. Turns out he is successfully doing it here.
1
Here’s a new concept let’s hear the truth and where it leads.
1
I want to hear from Hunter and Joe Biden why Hunter was getting those foreign board jobs while he had no experiences in those fields. I don't care if it's good or bad for Trump.
1
@Asian man
Why is this any of your business? Because FoxNews tells you it is? Do you have the same questions for Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner? I
The Biden matter was investigated and it was determined that there was no wrongdoing.
@Asian man You don't need to hear from Hunter or Joe why. They won't even know why; they can only speculate. You should ask the foreign company why it chose Hunter. They'll possibly (i.e., I'm speculating too) tell you it was because they hoped it would curry favor with the Obama administration which is probably what you want to hear. But unless you can find actual evidence of illegal actions/bribery/etc., it's all smoke and mirrors.
Just stop. Why doesn't the NY Times do some reporting on how many American presidents investigated corruption of American citizens in other countries by personally hiring a private citizen to go to those countries and pressure them into opening an investigation and then withholding allocated funds to those countries unless they go on CNN and announce that they are opening an investigation?
The fact is that if the US wants to investigate what American citizens do abroad, especially in the area of corruption, the FBI and DOJ investigate those crimes, and where necessary, request information from those governments (including Ukraine and even Russia) pursuant to official channels (in the case of Ukraine, by treaty). The US and Ukraine have a treaty for precisely this reason.
On the other hand, the US and Ukraine do not have an extradition treaty. Which means that even if Ukraine investigated both Bidens and found that they both broke Ukraine law, Ukraine has NO mechanism to bring them to trial because the US cannot extradite its citizens without a reciprocal treaty.
So for what end does the President of the United States of America seek the investigation of a former Vice President of the United States of America in a foreign country that cannot bring justice to its citizenry and can only serve to blemish the former VP?
Stop the farce and becoming part of the problem and do some real journalism instead.
I think Hunter Biden would make for a fascinating witness. I'd love to hear him explain why he was suited to be on the Board of Burisma, two months after getting kicked out of the Navy for abusing cocaine. Then I'd like to hear how he got multiple waivers to get into the Navy as an officer at his age, and what the entire point of that exercise was - to get a security clearance maybe? I guess that might come in handy for corrupt Ukrainians looking to cover their backs, or maybe Chinese investors who are just curious. Oh, by all means, bring on Hunter.
2
@TL That's all lovely. Want to suggest an actual crime now?
I've been saying this all along- the Bidens need to come out and start giving interviews and let everything come out in the light. It will make Trump look really bad when they show that there was no corruption on their part.
Having said that however, I think Joe Biden should have quashed son Hunter's grabbing at these kinds of greedy business opportunities. Hunter Biden is guilty of greed, and Joe is guilty of not tamping down his son's greed.
2
As an independent, I must say I find it shocking that Democrats are turning such a blind eye to what quacks rather loudly as corruption: Hunter Biden, with no experience and contributing almost nothing to Burisma, getting a $83,000 a month salary from them while his VP dad was in charge of Ukraine policy--and who bragged publicly about bullying the Ukraine politicians into ditching the prosecutor that was going after Burisma. That looks awfully like quid pro quo.
It's tough to see how it's okay for the Bidens to make considerable money off Biden's power relationship with the Ukraine, which he openly flexed, and what we are impeaching Trump for.
Also, is it the case that as long as you declare yourself running for president, you can engage in such graft?
The Democrats appear to care only about corruption in the other party, but brush off what are glaring problems in their own. Are we to understand that you condone what Biden and his son did? If so, why?
1
I have one question for the President's defense team - if VP Biden, Hunter Biden & Burima are according to them so corrupt , why hasn't Trump used all the resources of the US government- our FBI, CIA, Military Intelligence, Homeland Security, our Allies - to launch an investigation instead of his calling upon the services of personal attorney Rudy Giuliani to probe things in Ukraine? Certainly under the control of Mitch McConnell, the Senate could have conducted hearings a la Benghazi. And by the way. is trump paying Rudy or are we the American taxpayers.
WHAT? Hunter Biden? "Straightforward, unassuming"? If "no investigations turned up wrongdoing" then we either need to change our laws or get better investigators.
2
Hunter Biden could list the sons and daughters of senators and of Trump who have lucrative seats on the boards of sketchy companies with no qualification other than their last name.
4
Oh Stop it. Trumposo will be acquitted because it is in McConnells (the real POTUS) interest to do so. There is no crime, evidence, or testimony that will change that equation.
The last and only hope of preventing the total collapse of the American experiment is for the voting public to show up at the polls and deliver the final verdict.
1
The blatant transparency of the Republicans to end the impeachment proceedings of Trump by Friday without witnesses is more than appalling. Republicans have chosen party over country even after taking an oath of impartiality. Trump could never do anything wrong as long as his Republican enablers stand with him.
The icing on the cake was the Dershowitz comment …….”If the president does something which he believes will help him get elected, in the public interest, that cannot be the kind of quid pro quo that results in impeachment,” The comment says it all…..forget about Democracy in this country.
Excuse me but the last I checked Trump is being impeached so why in the world does either Biden need to testify? The idea that Trump is concerned about corruption in Ukraine is a joke. If Trump Is looking for corruption he has to look no farther than Kushner's real estate deal funded by the UAE
1
This is just wishful thinking. Trump and the GOP can’t be shamed because they have no shame.
And no matter what Bolton says Trump’s supporters will say it’s a deep state conspiracy or fake news.
And it won’t end well for Joe Biden because it won’t end.
1
DO NOT make a deal with the Republicans about witnesses. If they want to call witnesses like the Bidens (They don’t; they’re just making noises about that), they can call them. Last time I looked, they have 53 votes to call their own witnesses whether or not they approve witnesses the Democrats want to call. DO not do a witness bargain: e.g., they GOP get the Bidens and the whistleblower and the Dems get Bolton and Mulvaney. No. Make the GOP go on record to vote for their own witnesses. The Republicans keep saying the Democrats won’t agree to a balance of witnessed. This is a bogus claim. The Democrats do not have the votes. So, as usual, the GOP will take the coward’s route and not approve any witnesses because of their sick fealty to the president (and their own reelection prospects) then loudly and often blame the Democrats for their own cowardice. I’ll give it to the GOP: they are messaging maestros. The Democrats need to take a page from their book.
The problem with demanding Hunter Biden's testimony in something he knows nothing about is a really bad precedent. Then whoever pops into trump's addled brain is fair game. How can Hunter Biden know what trump was "thinking" when he broke the law, abused his power, and extorted a foreign country to interfere in our elections? Today Biden, tomorrow who knows. Where will we draw the line?
@MJ How can H. Biden even know why Burisma offered him a board seat? He could speculate, as could we, but then again speculating about motives is just a witch hunt, according to the GOP anyway.
At the same that Hunter Biden testifies, the House Democrats should begin investigations of nepotism by Trump — violations of ethics laws, waiving of security clearances, hawking of brands in China, governmental positions without any background qualifications, failure to sell assets or put them in an actual blind trust; etc.
They should subpoena Ivanka, Jared, and Donny Jr.; subpoena their tax records; subpoena their White House correspondence; subpoena their contacts with the Saudis, Turks, Chinese, and the Russians; etc.
Let a thousand corrupt acts be exposed!
1
Since there is an obvious rush to acquit, let us hope an enterprising broadcast journalist convinces both Bolton and the Bidens to grant interviews in the next 24 hours, thus getting their views in the public eye and, hopefully, forcing the Republicans' hands in this ridiculous charade. (What is a three-syllable word for a Harvard professor run amok?)
Let Bolton say just enough to necessitate his testimony under oath, not enough to show malice on his part.
Yes, call their bluffs. Besmirch the inevitable acquittal to the full extent possible.
Democrats like to twist themselves into a pretzel. Let Biden fend for himself. Not a single Democrat has simply come out and said, “Let the truth reign. I want every relevant witness to appear.” Just say that and put full pressure on Republicans.
Is Hunter Biden relevant to the case? Let Biden hash that out. The Democratic Party can certainly help him. But help with the argument — don’t just seal off the possibility. When you seal it, then you give permission to the other side to seal Bolton, Mulvaney, and the rest.
"Just because the Republicans want to batter Hunter Biden is no reason to submit either him or his father as fodder to hostile Republicans."
Excuse me but I was suspicious of his high salary long ago. It is not that Republicans want to "batter him" but that he is an integral part of the story.
Please do not let your partisanship override your search for truth. I would love to see SOMEONE here at the New York Times who puts truth above his/her anti-Trump partisanship.
Hunter Biden's testimony isn't relevant because Trump did not ask Zelensky to investigate him. Trump only demanded that Zelensky announce an investigation. He's be happy if the Bidens hung in limbo for a decade ostensibly because the non-existent investigation is ongoing.
I say give them Hunter Biden. Let's start talking about requiring Don Jr, Ivanka, Jared and Devin Nunes testify.
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Hunter Biden providing testimony might break open conversation about how children of other influential people peddle their family names for profit - not just 3 trumps, a kushy, and Chelsea but also Anthony Kennedy’s son and others.
Perhaps this should be a NYT investigative report - Names and faces of who is using family ties for influence and fortune.
Hunter is part of a grand tradition But that doesn’t make him a suitable family connection for a president
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I'm all for a 1-for-1 witness deal. Heck, I'll do 2-for-1. Bolton for Joe and Hunter Biden. Schiff for Jared and Ivanka. Nadler for Don Jr. and Eric. Pelosi for Mulvaney and Mnuchin. Lev Parnas for Barr and Giuliani. Igor Fruman for Lindsay Graham and Mitch McConnell. Then we'll see who has profited more from family or political connections. I seem to recall that Republican senators used to jeer Biden for not using his Delaware seat to enrich himself as they all have.
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A Hunter Biden interrogation would be far more damaging to the Democrats than would Bolton’s testimony against Trump.
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Everybody knows that all politics is corrupt, whether it is autocratic or democratic. By blocking witnesses, Republicans will show that politicians in a America are just as venal and beholden to their sponsors as in any other system. And Putin, grinning like a Cheshire cat and high-fiving MBS, will make a meal of it.
If Hunter Biden is strong enough to face the GOP, it's a good idea.
The Economist did a good job of explaining the situation, but it needs a few paragraphs and doesn't fit into a tweet. It would be good to air it in public because the lies are going fast and furious. They made a big deal out of Benghazi,(since when does the secretary of state get the blame for an embassy attack?) and the e-mails (office tittle tattle).
Better yet....send Joe and Hunter Biden to FOX entertainment to explain it.
Yes, next let’s get Ivanka and Jared up to testify how they have used nepotism to earn millions!
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Even though Hunter Biden's not the one on trial, I can then hold out hope that Ivanka & Jared et al. will then be investigated based on the "Hunter Biden precedent."
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If I was Hunter Biden, I'd volunteer to testify at the Impeachment Trial, where I'd admit without shame that the job in Ukraine looked like a good opportunity for me, blast Trump and the Republicans for spreading lies about my father, boast about his substantial lead in the polls and his forthcoming victory in November.
But spend the bulk of my time praising President Obama's
decency, denouncing Individual-1 as a fool and a knave and a moral degenerate while characterizing Jared and Ivanka's stay in the White House as the worst evidence of flagrant nepotism ever seen in the history of the world.
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I vote for both Trump and Biden to testify side by side under oath.
And hen hunter Biden and Bolton, Mulvaney , Pompeo & Barr side by side under oath.
Hunter Biden is an important witness to the fatuity of the President's claim of Ukraine corruption by the Bidens. Former VP Biden should volunteer to testify to clear the present cloud hovering over his name. It would give him a nice open and honest look. A NYTimes article, "What Joe Biden Actually Did in Ukraine," by Glenn Thrush and Kenneth P. Vogel on November 10 and 11, 2019, indicate Biden would have little to fear if he testified. A NYTimes OpEd by Peter Schweizer on Oct. 9, 2019, pointing out that Hunter Biden's profiting off his father's name to get a job and make money was perfectly legal. Schweizer suggested a change in the law to stop political families from self-dealing. That said, are not the Trump children, like Jared and Ivanka, profiting from their father's name to pull in money, likely much more so that Hunter Biden? And what about Perry getting Ukraine jobs for his buddies, and Giuliani's planned pipeline from Ukraine to Poland. They're not relatives, but they profit based on their close association to the Trump name.
apparently it doesn't have to be a trade. republicans can call biden in if they really wantd, too, dems, cant stop them. I dont understand why dems cant call bolten in. I guess because repubs control the senate?
Totally backwards and upside down. Bolton has nothing to. Biden is ripe for investigation.
Of course Hunter Biden should be called. So should Mulvaney, Bolton, Pompeo, Giuliani, Barr and anyone else who has been tied to this whole Ukraine mess.
The United State Senate owes it to Americans to do their job. Instead they are colluding with the White House in forming a Kangaroo Court. Since when does the Defense get together with the Jury to plan a Trial?
Roberts could, if he is a real non-political Judge, call for the witnesses himself, according to a column in the NYT written by Three Constitutional lawyers which included one Republican.
Why doesn't Justice Roberts "preside" over this Impeachment Trial and do his duty to uphold our Constitution?
He can prove that he is non=political after all.
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Anything bad for trump is good for America. trump’s indicted, anything but a fair trial means Democracy has died in this sham of a Congress. Gang GOP, you will regret this on Election Day.
In understanding corruption in Ukraine, you need to realize that All Roads Lead to Putin.
Russia is a Mafia State, where Boss Putin is not only the richest man in the country, he is by far the richest man in the entire world, with a net worth estimated at $200B, all stolen. Putin has a network of oligarchs who work for him, not only in Russia, but also in Ukraine and other countries of the former Soviet Union. One of these is Mykola Zlochevsky, who owns Burisma, and lives in exile in Monaco. Another is another natural gas executive, Dmytro Firtash, who lives in exile in Vienna and is fighting extradition to the US on bribery charges. Firtash is also linked to Parnas, Fruman, and Giuliani.
Joe Biden, together with Ambassadors Yovanovitch and Taylor, have been actively opposing the corrupt influence of Russian and Ukrainian oligarchs. As such, they were pushing Ukrainian prosecutors Shokin and Lutsenko to investigate these oligarchs. But the oligarchs have been bribing the prosecutors to prevent this, and to smear Americans who oppose them (Biden and Yovanovitch).
Trump and Giuliani are on the side of the corrupt oligarchs, allied with Putin. They definitely do not want investigations into Zlochevsky or Firtash. But they are happy to promote the smear tactics that come from Putin.
Hunter Biden agreed to serve as a front man for Zlochevsky, expressly against his father’s wishes. He had nothing to do with the internal operations of Burisma.
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Remember A Few Good Men?
"O'Malley and Rodriguez, what exactly could they testify to? Probably that they had absolutely no recollection of anything. - Strong witnesses. - And handsome too."
You can call the Biden’s all day and twice on Sunday. If a trade is the deal, so what. All they will do is embarrass the Republicans. It’s already a clown show.
Yes, call witnesses. Bolton's leaked book speaks directly to the impeachment issues. If there must be witness trades to get Bolton, call both fathers, Joe and Donald. Muddy on, cite both favored kids' deals, Hunter's board seat in Ukraine and Ivanka's trademarks in China.
Let's have the President himself testify in exchange for Bolton. Then they can have a "he said, he said," in front of the American people, the Senate, god and everybody.
I think 45 could very well bury himself because he cannot speak with out lying, and you know, perjury is a crime, if any one is looking for one. But no. Truth doesn't count anymore. I forgot.
The scariest thing I've heard in this "trial" is the Trump lawyers stating, out open and for the record, that anything the President does to help his reelection is in the public interest and therefore not an impeachable offense.
I have not heard of any limits to this dangerous concept. Can he have the CIA or NSA monkey with voting machines to switch votes to himself? Can he direct staff and state parties to "stuff" the ballot box?
The last time I heard a concept like this, it was Nixon stating that if the President did it, it's not illegal.
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Agreed. This isn’t the time to follow the lawyerly dictum about not asking a question you don’t already know the answer to.
We need to sort through what happened and why. If, after hearing from Hunter Biden, a functional well-meaning competent Congress capable of passing wise practical laws would tighten up the anti-corruption laws in the interest of propriety and the appearance of propriety, so be it. If it turns out Bolton has sandbagged the Ds, so be it.
(For that matter, if it takes a Trump v Sanders general election to repair representative democracy, that may be a risk we have to take.)
Call the relevant witnesses. If the political price for that is also calling a witness named Biden whose testimony would arguably be irrelevant in a court proceeding, so be it. We need to engage, and repair democracy, so pay the political price and let senators and citizens sort out relevancy for themselves. Besides, isn’t it a truism that when people seem to be fighting about one thing they’re often actually concerned about another broader problem? If calling Hunter Biden lets us address deeper issues, that’s not such a bad thing.
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If Senate Republicans want Hunter Biden to testify all they have to do is subpoena him. Period.
The Senate Republicans have the power to do that anytime they want and that is not dependent on the Democrats at all.
This is great, Elizabeth, but obviously John Bolton is publicly chomping at the bit to testify, even leaking his manuscript to damage Trump. Bolton wants the promotion for his book, he wants to be in the news, he wants to be front and center, and he has an axe to grind with Trump. Valid?
With most political discourse today an unappetizing mixture of hyperbole and cant, I especially look forward to the sober reasoning of Elizabeth Drew.
Let's just call the Republicans' bluff: "Sure, you can hear from Hunter and Joe. And we'll hear from Bolton, Mulvaney and Giuliani." The Art of the Deal!
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Ms. Drew is right. Bring on Hunter and Joe Biden, flaws and all. Hunter's testimony, the truth, will show the American people what a great sham is being perpetrated on this country. (A bonus--it would be a huge positive for the Biden campaign. Perversely, just as Trump plays the victim to great effect, the Bidens would benefit as as being preyed upon by Trump.)
When a "constitutional scholar" tells the world, “If the president does something which he believes will help him get elected, in the public interest that cannot be the kind of quid pro quo that results in impeachment,” we are in peril. I've not heard public officials parse this sentence against the essential truths of the U.S. Constitution.
Bring the Bidens to the Senate.
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Here's the problem.
Trump and his acolytes are so determined that Hunter is the bad guy that no matter what he says and what is brought out, they will never, ever admit that he is anything else. We see Trump tweet and assert at rallies the most bald-faced lies and his supporters never blanch.
If I was Hunter Biden I would welcome the chance to be a witness. Take my lumps and admit again that... "Yes my last name did open some doors and create opportunities that might otherwise not have come my way. Like many sons and daughters of famous fathers including one here in the Senate today - Rand Paul whose father Ron blazed a trail in politics. A recent president elected in 2000 called George W. Bush and our current president whose own children DJT Jr., Eric and Ivanka benefited from their last name. The latter of whom serves in the White House with her husband. Is Jared Kushner any more experienced to draft Middle East Peace Plans than I was to sit on corporate boards?"
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Trump's campaign needs a bad guy to create outrage among his base. HB's testimony will give them the sound bites they need for his ad buy.
Even if you get Bolton, they've got Dershowitz to twist an argument into dozens of sound bites that any Republican could use in a further display of illogical nonsense.
What kind of farce is this bogus 'trial'? Disallowing testimony and evidence simply because it could shed light on what happened....testimony and evidence demanded Congressional subpoena which the defendant ignored.... testimony and evidence that the defendant ordered the Senate not to provide?
The degree of cowardice, shamelessness, immorality, wickedness, irresponsibility, mental deficiency, and dogged incivility of the current bunch of Republican Senators holds no bounds.
And they say they're doing this since their constituency demands it?
What planet, much less nation, does that Republican constituency believe they live in?
Hunter Biden must testify.
Granted, Hunter’s position is probably so that Burisma can have a tie-in to the White House but hey. Who cares? Let the Republican prove it.
From email servers in Ukraine to Vladimir Putin is our best friend, Republicans have been chasing their tails and pedaling non-existent, debunked theories about everything.
Dems, bring on Hunter. Then let’s watch the Republicans squirm.
This is the point when Democrats NEED to call the Republican bluff and have both Hunter Biden and John Bolton testify. Otherwise, Trump will be acquitted and we will have a lawless monster unleashed on the country with no ability for Congress to exert checks and balances. And if Alan Dershowitz ever accomplished anything good in his career, he has annihilated his legacy in one fell swoop by disabling the Constitution. I hope he's prepared to live with the eternal stain on his career.
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Why isn't Trump asked to testify??
He is obviously the first hand witness.
Of course we all know he would be cut to pieces- and commit perjury- he can't help it, he lies all the time.
This is all insanity. I can't believe Trump is President and the Senate Republicans are fully impotent.
We have to vote Trump out, and citizens of the respective states, please replace your R senators.
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I think most of this is really missing the point. Trump isn’t really on trial here. His Republican sycophants wouldn’t allow it because they know he’s guilty.
It’s the traitorous Republicans that are on trial here. Bringing Biden on would just distract from that fact.
Their willingness to allow an obvious criminal to remain in our White House is on trial.
Their willingness to toss out our Constitution in order to maintain power is on trial.
Their willingness to turn our government into an Autocracy is on trial.
Their willingness to corrupt everything our Country stands for is treasonous....and THAT is what is on trial here.
The final verdict won’t come at the end of this current mockery. It will come in November of this year when all good and decent people will come to the polls by the millions to rid ourselves of this horrid man and his horrid Party.
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Republican can call anyone they want. They have the votes. If they want Hunter, they should call him. This pretend tit for tat is just smoke and mirrors. You are right. They are not sure how Hunter will resonate. But, Democrats can punch holes in every theory they put forth.
I never thought republicans would support wholeheartedly such a corrupt and vile person. They have proven their fealty to Trump and will suffer his wrath at some point. His record supports that.
Read the article in the New Yorker about Hunter Biden from July 2019. This whole affair started after this was published. I want to ask all Americans why it’s OK for republicans to be overtly corrupt but democrats have to pass a purity test. Capitalism and our stupid democracy is all about money, influence and power. We decry the crony actions of Putin and his oligarchs as corrupt. But what do you think happens at every single board of directors in every single corporation. Do any of you think only the best are appointed in a fair and open way? I can’t wait for tRump to appoint Barron as his royal successor, all hail tRump.
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Both the Bidens and Bolton testifying would be educational for the American people, damaging to establishment Democrats and Biden’s candidacy, and have negligible impact on Trump. While not illegal, Hunter Biden’s gift banking position reveals how politicians like Joe Biden routinely use their political influence to acquire jobs, campaign donations, perks, personal and business relationships, creating a single corporate and political class that rigs the system for themselves. Both Biden and the Democratic Party leadership have been desperately fighting to keep this quiet.
The position Dershowitz spelled out yesterday already covers whatever Bolton says—when Trump uses his Presidential power to get Ukraine to investigate Biden to help his re-election, he is also acting in the national interest. The Senate trial has pushed Republican politicians to spell out the strategy they’ve been following since the 2016 Republican Convention—their political careers are tied to Trump, so whatever he does must be justified.
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What a waste of thought and ink, along with the other countless editorials parsing the possible ways Trump and his corruption might end with this trial. But the story always ends the same way: republican lie, Trump lies and threatens, and his cult of truly evil supporters cheer and froth. There were never going to be witnesses. Never. The republicans are beyond redemption, and we now have a de facto dictator, while the Democratic candidates are cutting each other to ribbons and arguing about politically ludicrous policies like Medicare for everyone and free college. Our country is done.
For the GOP Hunter has become the hunted.
Like the dog who chases a car, they won't know what to do when they catch it.
Hunter for all his fat salary from Burma, may turn out to be a sympathetic human, not the "corrupt" two-dimensional figure the Republicans have tried to portray him as. As Ms. Drew aptly points out, they're better off having a target than a catch.
Joe Biden should say he will appear if Trump will; such a man-to-man challenge would be difficult for Trump's ego to resist, at least until he underlings restrained him. And if he refuses he looks a coward, and Biden gets a huge boost.
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Biden/Burisma while maybe not illegal is still sleazy business as usual.
Biden as candidate feeds trump’s narrative that both sides are the same.
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Let's face it, Hunter Biden's sweet sinecure came from nothing more than his father being the Vice President and point person on Ukraine in the Obama Administration. Criminal, probably not. Did the Ukrainians get anything out of Vice President Biden for it; probably not, but who knows. But it stinks and its worth looking into. In fact it is worth a very complete and through investigation. Biden is running for President, Trump is going to be acquitted and the Republican candidate. Let it all out now and get it over with.
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Not if Trump augments his team with Denny Crane and Frank Slade, to jointly conduct a withering cross-examination of the Burisma baddie…
Further growing the team, Shirley Schmidt and Diane Lockhart would make C4 putty out of Bolton – he’d likely implode even before a first question, nailed by their dismissive gazes…
Even worse for Schiff, he’d have to rewrite the scripts for the pilot and first few episodes of a series he’s been allegedly peddling…
Which turns on the preposterous notion that – to escape Adam’s vise – Trump issues an executive order, giving California a 3rd US Senate seat, and cutting Vermont’s delegation by one…
When appointing Schiff to his new job, Trump was quoted as saying:
“Hey, the guy deserves it. In 2020, already talked 10X more in The Room than either of the other two – and a lot of what he said makes a lot of sense. Even ran the edict it by Roberts – who said it wasn’t the worst exec order I’d ever issued. That’s high praise, coming from him”
When asked, Leahy was actually quite down with it:
“I haven’t wanted to work with the guy since Hillary was a Goldwater supporter – glad to be rid of him”
I like Biden. He’s not my first choice but I wouldn’t weep were he to become the nominee.
However, I’d gladly toss him aside to get to the truth. Part of the truth is the Obama Administration itself didn’t like the optics of hunter Biden. If Joe refused to listen that’s on him.
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I agree - don't worry about what Hunter Biden did or did not do.... it is irrelevant. Call the Republicans bluff - let them have their circus in return for the amazing treasure trove it could unleash.
Did he capitalize on his name - duh... of course he did. Is that in itself illegal -no- stupid maybe if you like your reputation, or care about your dad, but not illegal... And there's not even any scandal if the ding-dong who hired him because of it never ended up with favors from the elder Biden - the guy just wasted his money.
I know Trump's lawyers have been desperately spinning it to make it seem that way, but Biden hurt the company... he the truth is he didn't help it, his actions were in the open and well publicized and he was following not only official US government policy with his actions, but also the will of the EU... Let Hunter testify if the Republicans want it - don't let that be a lame excuse for not hearing from the people who really matter.
What I really find laughable is that Trumps lawyer keep 'threatening' that if the House managers can call witnesses so can they - *what a lovely gift that would be*... please, please, please, please we so much want to hear from all of the presidents witnesses and see just how willing they are to continue lying when they under oath in front of the Senate.....
Trump will be acquitted whether Bolton testifies or not. The more attention drawn to wayward son Hunter Biden..including his drug habits, out-of-wedlock children, alcoholism and collecting millions based solely on his connection to his father...will destroy Biden's chances and guarantee Bernie's takeover of the Democrat party and Trump's win in 2020.
Why do we not question drumpf's children? Ivanka is such a brilliant business woman she has gottrn over 400 patentes in China since her father took office. The corruption there is so blatant it reeks. Or $140,000,000 million for golf at his own clubs. It makes Hunter's salary look like peanuts. Oh an d part of his wall fell into Mexico due to high winds.
nothin' from nothin' leaves nothin'
Yea let's put the Bidens in trial for corruption, then indict Joe Biden for perjury on the day of inauguration.
Can't wait for the Chinese and Ukrainians to start talking about Joe's dirty deals, and we should have it on display for the world to see. But wait until after the election, so we was spit roast Joe until cooked well done.
Hunter testifying is like taking a hammer to unexplored ordinance- you have no idea if it will explode on you or just be a dud.
Bolton will not testify due to the executive privilege and if he did, he would not say anything to hurt the President.
I think the headline should be "Why Having Hunter Biden Testify Would Be Bad for Joe Biden"
All Hunter Biden would do is remind voters how crooked and self dealing the democrat elites are. Probably would help Bernie more than even Trump.
Right on point Ms. Drew. All relevant witnesses should be called including the President. Then lets see the spineless Republicans slither away from that challenge.
Agreed.
Going by Joe Biden's ordeal this farce, the US Senate is about as collegial as a nest of vipers.
A multitude of investigations, Ms. Drew? Name ONE.
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If Hunter Biden is called to testify then we can be sure that the republican inquisitors will throw in relentless weasel word statements and questions like “Hunter you are corrupt and dishonest”, “Hunter Biden denies he is corrupt”, “Hunter Biden denies link with(enter name of unscrupulous character here)”, “Hunter Biden refuses to disclose financial renumeration” and so on so that Fox News can repeat them out loud in their headlines.
Thank you Elizabeth Drew for this fine analysis. I second it. I will bet anyone a penny that Hunter Biden can sound like a serious and intellectual player, who had some skills and integrity as well as connections to offer Burisma.
David blogs at InconvenientNews.net.
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I'm sold. But she only glancingly noted one other peril for the Republicans in calling Hunter Biden: It opens up a big, fat line of discussion on Trump family nepotism. Exactly what credentials does Jared Kushner have that qualifies him to negotiate Middle East peace, notwithstanding that he (claims to have) read 25 books? How much money has Ivanka made on her Chinese patents? What were Junior and Eric doing in Ukraine a few years ago? And let's see the tax returns.
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Let Hunter testify and show the Pub senators to be what they are, sleazebags more intent on deflecting, covering and obstructing for a lying corrupt president than standing up for America and its integrity.
The Bidens are the new “ Lock Her Up ! “. Completely irrelevant to the issues, but a very bright shiny distraction. Red meat thrown to his Base ,and they respond as expected.
You can’t FIX Stupid. You can only out-VOTE it.
Seriously.
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Well constructed questioning of Hunter Biden would clarify what it was that made Firtash, Manafort, Perry, Parnas, Trump, Giuliani, et al. (not to mention Putin) want to bash him, as well as to bash Amb. Yovanovitch, Amos Hochstein, and so forth.
It would indeed support the case for impeachment.
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Do it Democrats! Call their bluff! Call for Hunter Biden as a witness!
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Politicians are sleazy, Trump, and Biden are egomaniacs. Hunter has a lot of problems and his father pulled strings for him,and Hunter took advantage of the situation. There are no winners when all the elected officials are greedy lying pandering fools. People must be more self reliant, and not depend on them. Wake up, it is all nonsense .
I don't see how Biden testifying will be bad for Trump and good for Democrats. Don't forget there are 2 sons of trez Amigos (3 friends) of 2 famous Democrats, Joe Biden and Kerry. Hunter if he is hunted down will clearly reveal the serious and certain conflict of interest of his father at the least but maybe a criminal angle of Joe Biden could get investigated thoroughly and no longer Biden can hide behind the unfortunate illness of his son Bo this time. We keep hearing that the theory that Biden doing anything wrong is debunked. How was it debunked if there never was a public investigation during the Obama administration?
If Hunter testifies it will at least vindicate the extent to which Trump was justified in drawing attention to the corruption in Ukraine and especially involvement of the Bidens in Burisma. A picture is worth a 1000 words. I refer to the picture of Bidens standing with the Burisma officials with golf clubs. Not the same as standing next to some strangers during campaigning.
Unrelated to Biden should just withdraw his filing for nomination of the Democratic party before he gets beaten like a drum and humiliated by other B listers either Bernie or Butti or Bloom. The Dems having almost lost the race card with all the non whites wiped out of the race and the women hanging by threads. Identity politics is taking a hit. Do they want to be preferred as the non corrupt party or be tainted as an allegedly corrupt party with the Bidens and Clintons as their tops.
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I generally agree. However, Pam Bondi was able to take some of Hunter Biden's remarks and spin them into a vast left wing conspiracy involving John Kerry's stepson.
I don't know if Hunter Biden would or would not embarrass himself, but I think that without his testimony, Burisma will be held over Joe Biden's campaign and become a major issue should he get the nomination. Does everyone remember Benghazi?
Let's get this on the record and make a decision before the Democratic nomination to make sure that if Biden is the nominee, he can withstand the barrage of negative ads that will accompany his run.
The value of having witness testimony at the Senate trial is not in persuading the Trump base or winning over a few Republican Senators in vulnerable states. It is the right of the American people for a full public hearing. In the case of Watergate, once an informed public had all the facts before them, public opinion forced the Republican Senators themselves to call for Nixon’s resignation.
“ A multitude of investigations of his arrangement with Burisma have turned up no wrongdoing on Hunter’s part...”
Yet, you cannot point anyone to those “investigations”.
That you throw a fake “debunked” in front of things does not constitute an investigation.
What do the American people think of a crack addict being paid millions? Nothing there?
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How is this op-ed helpful to the cause? There are no Democrats voting against calling witnesses.
John Bolton and Hunter Biden should both testify. If Bolton takes down his former bosom buddy Trump, it will be awesome day in America. And if Hunter takes down his doting dad Joe, it will be the a nice day against nepotism.
Bernie 2020
John Bolton and Hunter Biden should both testify. If Bolton takes down his former bosom buddy Trump, it will be an awesome day in America. And if Hunter takes down his doting dad Joe, it will be a nice day against nepotism.
Bernie 2020
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Yes, I have been considering the Bolton for Biden witness configuration since Bolton's manuscript was leaked last Sunday. Do it Democrats! Back the GOP into a corner. Checkmate!
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Please run Joe Biden, Please! Joe lost the race within his own party twice and you may have noticed that he has a huge problem with arranging largess for his all his children, not just drug abusing Hunter. If you look up white privilege in the library you will see Joe and Hunter's picture. Yea, let Joe run? Hey, you may also want to ask Elizabeth Warren how she hooked up her daughter in similar fashion. The rich really do just get richer. Right or Left!
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Why stop with Hunter and Bolton? Call their bluff and offer Joe Biden for Rudy.
Republicans have never put much stock in reality. They care much more about how things can be made to appear. How many investigations did Hillary Clinton endure on Benghazi? No one ever found anything, yet Trump called her “crooked Hillary.”
Putting a Biden on the witness stand would turn into a huge distraction. They would do the same thing Trump wanted Ukraine to do. Joe Biden isn’t President. This is about Donald Trump let’s stick to the topic.
A very clear eyed view of things. Respect.
1. The issue us not about Hunter Biden.
2. He is just an example of multiple American Carpetbaggers, from all Parties, who descended on Ukraine to enrich themselves.
3. From this unhealthy brew it seems that the ‘Russiagate’ hoax may have been hatched.
4. Questioning Hunter Biden about how he got an appointment to sit on a Board, for a monthly fee of USD 50,000 may shed some light on the origins of ‘Russiagate’
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It doesn't matter what rational American's know about the Bidens. Trump's base believes the lie that the Bidens are corrupt.
Problem for Trump is that he needs more than his base to win, and he knows that this issue can gain just enough swing voters to carry his victory.
Trump will hammer this "corruption" point in any debate. It will convince just enough people outside his base to carry the election.
Biden needs to prevent that small voting block of voters from swinging into Trump's vote tally.
If Joe Biden wants to be President he should insist his son testify. Call Trump's bluff.
That's how you beat liars and bullies.
"Just because the Republicans want to batter Hunter Biden is no reason to submit either him or his father as fodder to hostile Republicans"
I see.
So that's the only reason to call Hunter Biden...no other reason??
It's amazing how the Left wants every Republican investigated for anything..or nothing. But when it comes to themselves...they are untouchable.
Although its been said before - Its not just that Hunter Biden got his job because of his last name (although that is true)...its HOW he got the position with Burisma..did his dad use his position as Vice President to influence the company, the Ukrainian government, any investigating prosecutors??
This is worthy of investigation and our President has the right - the duty - to investigate any potential signs of wrongdoing.
I know the Dems don't understand this but they are subject to investigation just as much as they believe every single Rep and our President is.
The Dems know this - they show sideways glances to each other when this is brought up because they are suspect of this whole Biden thing as well - but are too scared to find out the truth because that might help our President and destroy this impeachment sham. (and these "multitude of investigations" are false- just a show by the Dems that they did something to address any claims against Biden - but no teeth to them)
And writing that Hunter Biden is Joe's sole surviving son has no bearing on any of this. Just a way to give Biden so sympathy.
3
@DB Since you seem to be clutching your pearls over the supposed nepotism involving the Bidens, I hope you expect the same investigation be done for Ivana Trump and Jared Kushner.
I know Trump supporters don't understand this, but Hunter Biden was already investigated and it was determined that he didn't do anything wrong. But you know this - you just pretend it didn't happen because it didn't turn out the way you hoped it would, especially since you only found out about it three years after it happened and it was being used as a talking point by Trump and Fox News to distract from Trump's conduct in office, some of which was actually determined to be illegal by the GAO.
A fairer trade would be Hunter for Ivanka and Bolton for
Trump.
Just give the GOO the little twerp. All he has to do is say “No, I didn’t talk to dad, and of course I got paid because he’s my father. It’s absolutely no different than the business Eric, Don Jr., Ivanka and Jared do around the world while in the White House. I’ve never even worked in the White House. They have.”
He’ll bleed a little but it won’t be too bad a scab to pull off, and the downside is WAY worse for the GOP.
So do it, Joe. Hunter can hack this. I actually think it’ll help you, too. In the end, if all is as you say-he did nothing wrong and neither did you. This would have been nailed by an Ethics Oversight or McConnell at the time if there was, I’m guessing.
It’s a good thing overall because it’s probably not a bad time to take a hard look at how nepotism profits the other branches of Govt-Congress as well as the Courts.
So send Hunter out there. Prepare him well. He can do it.
And he should.
@B.T.
No, he shouldn't. This would set a bad legal precedent. Hunter Biden isn't guilty of anything and didn't do anything illegal. The impeachment trial is about Donald Trump.
This is a dog a pony show because Trump will be saved by the Senate. Obviously.
I don't understand why so much ink is spilled on this?
Let's focus on beating Trump.
I think the wrong city has been quarantined.
The president had mouths anyone who left his administration. That is what republicans are scared of, being bad mouthed and ridiculed and bullied by the president, publicly. Very few republicans can stomach criticism by the president who only wants praise fawning loyalty..
I really like this fresh perspective. In fact if I were Hunter Biden, I would take the fight to this sitz Lord's imperial cruiser or at least to the floor of the Senate. I hope he challenges those fools directly and rips them apart in sworn testimony in the Senate chamber. Then Bolton can really take him down. I think it will galvanize and burn the torment of Trump from our nation's fabric. Let's get the worms out of it beautiful multicolored quilt.
Hunter would just plead the 5th to accepting his undeserved millions and Bolton would just be a security concern in violation of executive privileges.
Time to move on and get over it!
Burisma was a corrupt organiztion while Hunter Biden was on its Board - the founder, and a colleague of Biden's, Mykola Zlochevsky, is being charged with embezzling over $30 million from the Company. No, it's no coincidence Zlochevsky reached out the the Vice-President's son -it was by design. Oleksandr Onyshchenko, a former member of the Ukranian Parliment said the Burisma founder hired Biden "to protect (the company) at a time when it was facing criminal investigations. Hunter was paid over $3 million dollars for doing essentially nothing, except serve as a political shield and to add credibility to a criminal organization. If you think this and other facts being disclosed at a trial would benefit Democrats, I question and disagree with your opinion.
The GOP would pummel Hunter with questions like "Have you stopped cheating Americans and committing international crimes. Yes or no?"
1
Slow Joe Biden missed the boat. He should have been on FOX, last Sunday with his son Hunter, telling them everything they wanted to know about Ukraine and anything else.
That would have taken the play away from the Dershowitz Carnival Act and put sufficient heat on Senate Republicans to make witnesses necessary and inevitable.
Joe will never be confused with being an opportunist...or even taking advantage of one when one is placed in his lap.
It won’t help the democrats. Unless you believe, as the Times editors seem to think, that Warren has a viable shot at winning the presidency. It will make Biden look scandalized and hypocritical; as if he is either corrupt and complicit in his son’s clear influence peddling, or too weak to stop even his own child from engaging in these acts. Trump will be victorious, and anyone attacking him for his nepotism or criminality, but who supports Biden, will instantly look like a hypocrite.
totally agree. he's a sacrificial stooge. And the thought of not testifying to protect his daddy's run would be hugely hypocritical of the left, despite the fact that there is no point to his testimony. Big deal! Let's air out all the dirty laundry, cause the stink is just terrible.
Other than another pathetic Trump created conspiracy theory, no evidence of wrongdoing or illegal actions by the Biden's have been proven. The Republicans demand to have Hunter "testify" is nothing more than a smear campaign against the Biden's while deflecting from Bolton's first hand knowledge of Trump's corrupt actions as POTUS!
1
Jesus. How could a possibly prime example of corruption be a bad case for Trump?
And isn't it utterly disgusting that the 'liberals' are now so fond of the man who they for decades call 'loon' (which is correct).
Despair, nothing else ... The game is ending ...
This article “suggests,” without directly noting, that an
opportunity for various facts to be transmitted in
this problematic trial would-could make a difference.
For winning-losing political parties.
For democracy?
For truth?
For civility in a divided nation.
Whose legacies and reconstructed,revised, hidden histories and
ongoing WE-THEY traditions continue to violate.
Created, selected, targeted “the other(s).”
People. Principles. Norms. Values. Ethics.
Perhaps.
If the virulent PUA (Personal UnAccountability) virus was not endemic.
Of epidemic proportions!
Infecting all-too-many elected and selected policymakers. At all levels.
If the virulent complacency-complicity virus had not “infected”
all too many folk. All over.
Particularly those ordinary people who, perhaps as a “symptom,” or
consequence manifest willful blindness. Temporary as well as chronic.
Willful deafness; to hearing, attending and listening.
Willful indifference to...
Willful ignorance; as the media’s onslaughtS “drown” US in...
When facts are ravished, and truth is raped by
alt-facted “raptors,” one needs to BE courageous to
choose to attempt to make a needed difference
which might-could-should-would make a difference.
On another note, why is manipulation, lying, forcing, pushing, bullying, and joining a cult ok with republican senators? I'm stunned. What happened to our country? Gosh! I hate waking up to this!
2
So were is Bolton going with that enormous briefcase? Being deported?
I am so sick and tired of hearing about Donald Trump.
1
If Hunter Biden went at this full-bore there might be a chance.The answer to every question would be Ivanka's China deals, Jared's sweetheart loans from the Middle East, and all other things corrupt about Trump and his grifter family. It could be great!
3
What if Hunter Biden delivers a Prince Andrewesque testimony effectively kneecapping his father’s chance to secure the Democratic nomination?
The defense keeps bringing up the July New Yorker article on the Bidens and Burisima. Has no one actually read the article? The New Yorker article, in which Hunter Biden, not Joe Biden, was featured, discusses Hunter's life as Joe Biden's son, and Burisma is mentioned as one part of his life. It's hardly the focus of the article. Just saying...the article was not about the Bidens or Burisma, and neither is the impeachment trial.
I totally agree.
Republicans will get Hunter Biden to admit that he got a lucrative job due to his name, and that did some drugs in his past.
Democrats will get Bolton to admit that he witnessed this Ukraine shakedown, and probably more.
Which do you think hurts the president?
Two thing that never seize to amaze me:
1) how can US senators so openlyshow that they put their own re-election above everything else, without anyone protesting?
2) why dont democrats hammer on Trump's lost popular vote in 2016? Trump has shown repeatedly that that is something that bothers him a lot. As a democrat i would name this everywhere and everytime. It will drive him nuts and he makes misstakes then.
Ms. Drew has it exactly backwards. Bolton's testimony has already been undercut by his Radio Free Europe speech. And, in any event, the concept of mixed motives precluding impeachment has been accepted by the wavering Republican senators. However, Hunter Biden's testimony will be a bust. He'll be a pitiful figure. And, worse, the Dam will thereafter proclaim that the Joe Biden scandal is "old news." Better to let the scandal fester on the campaign trail. Trump knows how to weaponize it maximally.
Even though this idea of trading witnesses was floated for a while by some Republicans, it will never happen. They know perfectly well that their dear leader is guilty. Every day those Republican sycophants and their orchestra of off key defense lawyers are surmising that this president did nothing wrong, even if illegal! They say it repeatedly like a broken record hoping that the people will be stupid enough to believe it. The base may be stupid, the majority is not. It looks like they are going to try every trick in the book to acquit him by tomorrow evening so that he can declare victory at the Super Bowl. One more day in the life of this self impeaching president that will mobilize Democrats for the election.
Let's be clear: Biden told Ukraine that in order to get the loan, they would have to put Hunter on Burisma's board.
John Kerry did likewise
Chelsea Clinton as well.
“I am the state.” Louis XIV. The Sun King.
2
N YT, haven't you learned by now nothing is going to hurt trump.
We can’t wait to hear Hunter Biden explain how he...having zero experience in the gas industry...managed to land a lucrative, 50k per month job sitting on Burisma’s board while his father was VP and Obama administration point man for the Ukraine.
Then we’d like to hear about Joe Biden’s threat to withhold foreign aid to the Ukraine unless a certain prosecutor investigating Burisma was fired. Guess what...the investigator was fired.
Do you remember what happened when Danaerys finally decided to unleash her dragon against Cersei? All of King’s Landing was torched. Bolton is the dragon. The entire Republican Party will be torched when he testifies against Trump. THAT is why the Repubs won’t let it happen. But if it does....
1
For a while now I have thought that the Dems should call the GOP’s bluff.
Let the Dems trade Hunter Binden for John Bolton.
Let the Dems trade Joe Binden for the stable genius.
What the heck, let’s bring in the stable genius’ kids and subpoena documents so that they can let us know how much they and their businesses have profited from the stable genius’ occupation of the Oval Office. Or how much tax payers’ money has been spent protecting them on their business trips.
And I would like to see how those former GOP colleagues of Joe Biden would react to Joe Biden being back in the Senate to testify in this sham trial. I would especially like to see the hypocrite Lindsey Graham face to face with Joe Biden. There is a video out there of Graham saying the following about Joe Biden: “And he's the nicest person I think I've ever met in politics. He is as good a man as God ever created.” Can Graham say the same about the stable genius? Perhaps the 2020 version of Graham can!
SEE:
newsweek.com/lindsey-graham-video-joe-biden-ukraine-corruption-impeachment-trump-1473468
Hunter shouldn’t wait to be called, he should be banging on the door demanding to testify.
That’s how you win this.
1
Here is the question Democrats should be asking
Why do you need Hunter Biden when you have Rudy Giuliani who has all the "dirt"? Rudy is very proud of his work and is airing it out on Lunatic Fringe TV (too loony even for Fox) and you should be too. Bring Rudy in so everyone can see what Donald Trump attempted to extort Ukraine's president to take ownership of.
Bring it on!!! Call both Hunter and Joe to testify in the impeachment hearings. For once, let Republicans be the ones to shoot themselves in their foot. For too long, democrats have been the ones to make stupid political errors so it is about time for republicans to do stupid things (besides their support for Donald Trump, an incompetent president, a crook, and a con man) Perhaps democrats could get testimony from the ways Eric, Donald Jr, Ivanka, and Kushner helped their father violate the emoluments clauses of the Constitution.
All I want to know is what did Hunter do with all the money he made..???
1
The Bidens should say they’re happy to testify and challenge the President to do the same.
Question his manhood, taunt him, make fun of how scared he is, how an innocent man faces his accusers.
It puts the president in the type of situation he fears the most, being made fun of and exposed as an incompetent pinhead.
Impeachment 2.0 will take 2 days. The Bidens on Day 1, Bolton next to an empty chair with a “Mulvany” name card in front of it. One same article of impeachment, one new one: Simply Bribery.
The Republicans can face Bolton now, or later. They are under this mistaken impression they can avoid him until November. They will not. They are the same confederacy of dunces that planned the Bay of Pigs- victims of massive self-delusional group-think.
Why entertain the Republican pipe dream of having Biden testify! Biden has said he will not testify. Move on and stop wasting time on the ridiculous!
We now must look to what comes after the Senate exoneration of Donald J Trump. Do you expect a Lincolnian healing of National divisions from Trumpists, or a Hannity-like chronic scathing retribution? Buckle-up!
Finally an opinion that I had long had! If the Trumpers want Hunter in exchange - so what. Let the sycophants look ever more foolish on a national stage.
It's all a game folks. It's all been smoke and mirrors. Vidal was right. Chomsky is right. There is no qualitative difference between the Dems and Reps. The Dems won't press for witnesses. The Reps that said they would consider witnesses, wouldn't really, in any case.
Fun and games for these rich folks, the vast majority of whom will stay in power and be as rich or richer by day's end.
The Rule of Law is for the poor and shrinking middle-class.
I think that today, Thursday, 1/30, is the perfect day for Bolton to do a press conference or appear on a national broadcast.
3
What makes you think Hunter would show up if called? He didn't show up in court in Arkansas to testify about his income to his baby mama. He's never shown up in court to testify about any of the numerous times he was caught using cocaine, both by the police and the military. Hunter isn't going to show up anywhere unless dragged physically into court kicking and screaming. And the last thing his father wants is for him to do so.
Romney ran on a mantra: Washington is broken. While I admire his efforts to rally his fellow GOP Senators to allow witnesses and hear from Bolton, I have a sinking feeling that he will be vilified and McConnell will prevail. The GOP fix appears to be in for now, and it is ugly.
Trump’s legal defense is a farce. Their threat to tie up the Senate for months is a shakedown to shut down a real trial. And Dershowitz’ twisted legal arguments are ridiculous and dangerous.
Trump may hold onto his job and keep his base happy as Divider in Chief, but a sham trial will not clear his name or erase the stain of Impeachment on his Presidency. And the division in the country and retribution from this President will only get worse.
Washington is fixed, but America is broken.
4
Biden testifying would also allow the Dems to highlight the hypocrisy concerning Trump's daughter and son-in-law working and profiting off their name.
3
As with Hunter, so with Ivanka, and Jared, and -- yes -- Chelsea. How does any of them merit richly paid sinecures ? Time for some light -- and if possible heat.
I’ll trade you one nepotism poster boy for a professional with insider knowledge. The Republican bluff won’t be called as the Senate votes to move on without any witnesses. Whether the Bidens technically committed ethical violations or not, for the good of the country, Joe should have bowed out a long time ago to make way for new blood. Obviously, his political entitlement outweighs what is good for the public. You want another Hillary? Joe’s your man. For those who like conservative Democrats, Klobuchar is the obvious choice: Republican lite without the baggage. Here’s a hint to the elites: the downtrodden have withstood four decades of trickle-down. You think a measly four more years is going to make it any worse for them? Berning it down is what a lot of them crave, those who don’t need white nationalism as their motivator, that is.
The New York Times has failed to explain to the American public about what "Boards" are on all corporations, how they operate, and how members are reimbursed for their contributions. Thar would be a great place to start. Second would be to identify other family members of those in this administration who also may serve on "boards". (Wives, sisters, cousins, close friends, etc.) It is apparently common among the upper classes, and in businesses to do this. This type of corporate structure has certain advantages that we all need to know about. For example, anone in the McConnell circle that is serving on a "Board"? The Pence family? The Trump family? There has been so little explanation, and so little time left to explain. Please, do. Now.
1
Did Hunter Biden force Trump to take the actions he did? If Trump was so worried about corruption and Hunter Biden, why didn't he go through the FBI? We have the best of the best here in America, our legal channels. right? Instead Trump turns to Rudy Giuliani who has NOTHING to do with our government except being a citizen, just as I am. And who else is involved? Lev and Igor, two mobster friends of Rudy.
For the life of me, I do not understand how Trump has any credibility at all. If he wanted credibility he would have gone through our FBI. That he didn't says everything to me.
Yeah, sure, call Hunter Biden, call Joe Biden. It will blow up for the Republicans. But call John Bolton and we'll get to the truth we need to hear. The Republicans will cover their ears and go la-la-la but the rest of us will hear the truth.
1
i’m so glad someone else is thinking this!
It had occurred to me that the Dems are only trying to make the GOP Senate THINK it doesn’t want Hunter to testify as a way to bait them into a Bolton-Biden standoff, but the Dems would accept that trade in a heartbeat and call the GOP’s bluff!
The point being, if Hunter truly did nothing wrong, then there should be ZERO reason to not allow him to buy the testimony from “Bombshell” Bolton!
1
May be someone with knowledge of the law can explain this to me. I thought this trial was about Trump abusing his power for personal or political gain. How does the victim/target of his actions in this become a potential witness? That Trump went after someone based on conspiracy theory was what was being 'litigated', not the target of that baseless claim. I am thoroughly confused! It was not the target/victim who initiated this investigation of abuse of power. Where do Repubs get off demanding that he and his father testify? If attempt by Trump to force Ukriane to investigate Biden was nit about the upcoming election, why now? Why not demand such an investigation before Biden announced his run? And act to clean up corruption in Ukraine way before aid to Ukraine was even considered by Congress ? Does he also make sure there is no corruption i9n Israel (including by the wife of Bibby) before that nation receives money from the U.S. government? Or when it comes to aid to any other nation?
You miss the point. We all know already what he has to say, it's just that we do not consider it an impeachable offense. So you can keep driving the clown car, but it's not Trump who's hurt.
1
I admit Elizabeth Drew makes a decent argument here, but I'm not sure that it's a winning one, for two main reasons:
One, we have no idea what Bolton is going to say on the stand. Democrats, being reasonable, assume that he will corroborate the Articles of Impeachment, based on the book excerpts. They may also feel he'll reveal other damaging aspects of Trump's behavior. But, given the forum and Republican prodding, he might very well say a lot of other things that muddy the waters or even come off as unhinged and lacking in credibility; it's not certain his overall testimony would be "helpful".
Two, we have no idea what Hunter Biden would look like on the stand. It's a stretch to assume he'll come off like a self-effacing, "aw shucks" kind of guy, especially given the way Republicans are likely to bait him. And if Joe Biden is called, he may not come off that sympathetically either; he may be muddled, or he may even lose his temper (he has before).
And, there is the argument that letting the Republicans continue to stonewall the idea of witnesses makes them come out looking worse in the end, especially in the likelihood that more damning revelations occur once the trial is over.
I'm not saying that there shouldn't be attempts to get Bolton on the stand, but I'm not sure it should be part of a trade-off for a Biden or two.
1
If somehow the stars align and witnesses are called and the Republicans demand Joe Biden to testify?
Well, Biden should simply demand that trump himself testify...live on TV and under oath...first.
2
You are so wrong. Have you not seen what the Republicans can do PR-wise with lies, fear and innuendo? They would take Hunter's use of the word "a" or "the" on the witness stand and wrap an entire conspiracy theory around it. Poor Hunter would be so excoriated that he would need a facelift to avoid a lifetime of persecution. Don't you realize what autocrat supporters will do to preserve their power?
2
Which article of the Constitution assigns the duty of fighting corruption in foreign countries to the president of the United States?
We illiterates are yearning to know.
2
Much of Mr. Biden's support rests on Black America's fondness and long relationship with him.
Once the ads start with, "Joe Biden's son got paid $83,000 a month because of his dad, how much did you get?" Coupled with being cross-examined, which he was not in that interview, and I imagine many of those Black Americans (especially the young ones who don't have the same fondness for him) may take pause.
And in this pause, his lead in battleground States may fall. THAT is why Joe Biden keeps on insisting that his "sole surviving and troubled son" should not testify.
We Black folks don't have the luxury of "finding ourselves" and using Daddy's name to get paid until we do.
If corruption by Biden was suspected, an honest administration would ask the FBI to investigate and abide by the result.
Thank you. I've been thinking this all along. The Dems should make a Bolton for Biden witness deal now.
1
The fact that Hunter Biden was being paid $600K/year by a corrupt Ukrainian company interested in currying favor with the American government during the Obama presidency is extremely awkward for Joe Biden. There are no two ways about that. It appears Joe Biden was an understandably indulgent father of a motherless, messed up son, but I’m surprised Democrats are pushing for witnesses when there is clearly no chance of convicting Trump and it means Biden’s dirty laundry would be more publicly aired. Biden has a shot at beating Trump & Sanders doesn’t. It looks to me like the wise Democratic move would be to stand by their man & let impeachment quickly die it’s inevitable death.
1
If Joe Biden if the democrat nominee, the Hunter story will be his demise on november if it is not addressed thouroughly and transparently.
You cannot beat Trump and his formidable hate machine by having such an obvious weakness. "a vote for Biden is a vote for corruption" will be on air for months, and it will be enough for people not to vote at all.
You have nothing to fear if you have nothing to hide. This is the orwellian new normal we are living. If Hunter does not testify, Joe will be crushed. And the democrats will once again lose the election. And then question why it happened, and then blame Russia, Sanders, the electoral college, Fox News and god knows what else.
Biden will lose the election for the same reason Hillary Clinton lost. Because they are deeply flawded candidates, who fail to energize the base and guarantee turnout. You know, the only thing Trump can do well.
3
Nothing can help the Democrats.
But it would give the nation more information.
The last thing the GOP wants is for Hunter Biden to testify. It's so much easier to smear him when he's just a name that they've inserted into news; not an actual person answering questions soberly and truthfully.
The idea that there would a witness trade never made sense. The GOP has the votes. They could call Biden to testify immediately without there being any consideration whatsoever as to whether Bolton testifies or not.
68
@Jonathan Sanders Sure, Jonathan. Whatever. They would drool at the chance to have him testify. And, more to the point, Joe would also have to actually start answering some questions, instead of punting.
It's not going to happen, Trump will be a free man by this weekend. All the damage has already done to the Bidens with all the talk about the no show jobs with lavish payments his baby mama, and drug issues. Uncle Joe does not seem to be effected by the scandal, no problem. Whoever represents the Dems will be defeated easily by Trump, then what? Another laughable Impeachment? Hardly, but with no re election, second term will be more free wheeling and the prospects of greater wins.
1
@Jonathan Sanders
Witnesses??? Bolton???
“If I had to say something I knew was false to protect American national security, I would do it," Bolton said in an interview with Fox Business in 2010. -Fox News"
"This is someone who's likely to exaggerate the dangerous impulses of the president toward belligerence, his proclivity to act without thinking, and his love of conspiracy theories," Schiff told MSNBC's Rachel Maddow during a March 22, 2018 appearance after Bolton was named national security adviser.
With Democrats now swooning over Bolton, architect of the Iraq War, who endlessly promoted the CIA lies, this impeachment and trial is an embarrassing circus.
And the nauseatingly sanctimonious Schiff piously proclaimed that "right matters", referring, of course, to Trump's offenses, which are likely typical in the transactional, grossly corrupt culture of Washington.
If "right" matters...
What about the "rightness" of GWBush's unprovoked war on Iraq based on CIA lies, responsible for more than a million deaths of men, women and children, and wrecking Iraq, turning the Cradle of Civilization into rubble???
What about the" rightness" of GWBush's approval of torture???
Those offenses deserved the outrage that has overwhelmed Washington for months.
Putting the Bidens on the stand would truly be the ultimate Witch Hunt.
Republicans want to use Trump's impeachment trial to impeach/convict Hunter and Joe Biden of something (they're not sure what, but they just know...)
For the GOP, it seems to be more important to Win than to get it right. Putting the Bidens on the stand is a GOP strategy that they know will help them do that. As Trump has taught us, to a large part of America, it's all about the optics and the spin. Content and reality are lost in the new Republican-FOXNews World, where"facts" are so often incomplete or lies. I hope we dont allow a true Witch Hunt -such a farce- into the Senate.
Bolton should say what he knows, in public and NOW. If he showed up at the Capitol he (and his book) would get plenty of attention. He'd be a patriot.
The Democrats should hammer on the obstruction charge. If Trump and his conversations are so perfect, why does he want to withhold evidence that would prove it? Is it really more effective to deny the pictures of inauguration crowds?
1
In theory having Hunter Biden testify would put an end to Republicans’ claim he and his father were engaged in corruption in Ukraine. But it wouldn’t. Republicans are adept at twisting the truth to suit their false ideas. They would do the same with the testimony from Hunter Biden and John Bolton. Republicans would take bits of their words and reshape them to fit the Republican narrative that Biden was corrupt and Bolton has nothing on Trump.
If Bolton, Mulvaney, Pompeo and Giuliani all testified under oath their combined testimony might be enough to show how guilty Trump is to the voting public. Because that’s all that matters. The rest is theater and for the history boot.
Wouldn't having Hunter Biden as a witness allow the impeachment Managers to compare and contrast his actions at Burisma with those of Ivanka, Jared, Eric and Don Jr?
The three Trump children and the first son-in-law continue to sleazily trade on and profit from the Donald presidency to a degree that is several orders of magnitude greater than Hunter Biden's sordid financial escapade in Ukraine.
The hypocrisy is breathtaking and turnabout should certainly be considered fair play.
3
Why so much lawyering around a "perfect call"?
1
Maybe a Hunter show in the Senate would also highlight the nepotism in trump’s Whitehouse.
I tremble at the thought of this you too-ism. Endless equivocation does not make things fair.
Next time you get pulled over ask the police if their last police stop was of a person of the opposite party.
The republicans are saying “We are the law” and I guess they are correct.
A nation of laws for the wealthy and corporations, all others pay at the window.
1
Hunter Biden is not relevant unless the issue involves nepotism. In that case, Ivanka and Jared should be prepared to testify, also. This is not some prisoner of war exchange!
The real witnesses are John Bolton and Lev Parnas. As to Bolton, much of what he has to say has been revealed in the public domain already, then tweet-debated by Trump. That pretty much eliminates Executive Privilege, confidentiality and national security (the same issues “could” be made up by Hunter, right?). As to Lev, he’s a private citizen Trump “claims not to know” so there’s absolutely NO defense as to why he cannot be called in. If he has valuable tapes, evidence...then now is the time truth comes out. Attack his credibility all you want, but hear what the man has to say.
3
Hunter Biden could say ... "Yes, I got my job because of my father just as Trumps adult kids are in the White House because of THEIR father."
4
It can't be a one-for-one trade because Hunter Biden didn't do anything.
One real danger of calling Hunter Biden to testify would be the precedent of"following the money"...i.e. Sean Hannity and his financial relationship with D. trump...after all Hannity was one of Michael Cohen's only clients other than trump...and what about the financial gifts Elaine Chao received from her shipping magnate parents...Isn't it unseemly that the secretary of transportation receives lavish gifts from parents who potentially have something to gain from their daughter's position...I suspect the list could go on.
1
In order to exonerate Trump, Republicans will need to show that Trump was justified in asking the Ukranians to look into the Bidens. That means Hunter will be asked all about his work at Burisma. He will be asked how it is possible that just 3 weeks after being kicked out of the Navy for cocaine use, he secured a lucrative 1 million per year position on the board of a corrupt company, with a corrupt owner, in the most corrupt nation on the planet (according to Ernst and Young). He will testify that he never once stepped foot in Ukraine, and showed up twice a year for board meetings, which took place outside of Ukraine. According to a Reuters report which names the Ukrainian govt officials interviewed, Hunter was hired only as a ceremonial figure, to ward off investigations. Only he couldnt ward off the massive investigation into Burisma's owner. Shokin (the Ukanian prosecutor demanded fired by Joe Biden) ordered the owner of Burismas home raided, and is in tape indicating he was going to be interviewing all of Burisma's board members, including Hunter. Upon that development, Hunter called the State Dept, and his father swooped in, strong arming the Ukranians by holding back 1 billion in aid.
all this testimony will make it very clear that Trump was within his rights to ask the Ukrainian to look into that whole fiasco, even if it is proven the Bidens did nothing wrong. America will finally hear about this blatant corruption first hand. It will destroy Bidens candidacy.
@InvestAndProsper
Quite a tale you fabricated there. Especially that bit about Hunter calling the State Dept. Of course, you have no credible source for that claim. And you ignore the facts that Shokin was actually NOT investigating Burisma or its owner. And that the dismissal of Shokin allowed for the appointment of a prosecutor who actually go after corruption. Which fully contradicts your entire fantasy.
I'm beginning to wish that President Zelensky had simply played along with Trump's request for a "favor," announced that he was initiating an investigation into the Bidens, waited for the American aid to come through and then proclaim that the inquest had been completed and that Biden Senior and Biden Junior were found to have done absolutely nothing wrong. The Donald would have ranted but a year's worth of assistance would have already been delivered. It is, however, pretty darned disgraceful that some of this "president's" congressional enablers have already spoken out against Joe Biden's "corruption" while presenting no more evidence in support of that conclusion than their lord and master in the Oval Office presented during his years-long accusation that Barack Obama was born in Africa. When you can't impugn someone by revealing an ugly truth I suppose an outright lie might work just as well. Pathetic.
2
@stu freeman
Zelensky was all set to do just that on CNN but the whistleblower blew the whistle. What is mind boggling is how everyone has just accepted as fact that the announcement was all that was necessary to release the aid. Does anyone really believe Donald Trump would wait months if not years for a real investigation that in all likelihood would come up empty? The "investigation" was already taken care of by Rudy Giuliani (it was turned over to Congress by State Dept. IG Linick at the outset and dismissed as irrelevant, and now that the whistle is blown Giuliani in his delusions of being the hero is airing it on Lunatic Fringe TV ... it is too loony even for Hannity). The announcement was necessary but not sufficient. Zelensky would have found to his chagrin that his next task would be to take ownership of Giuliani's "dirt" or else no dice on the $400M.
1
If we're going to start questioning the families of elected officials, why not subpoena McConnel's wife and ask about her links to the Chinese government, how about Trump's wife about her connections to Putin and/ore the Russian mob, Ivanka and her rubbing elbows with heads of state as an unofficial representative of the USA and an official representative of The Trump-Kuschner Organizations,...
Let's go there it could be really interesting and very informative to the average American who is struggling to pay the bills while elected officials ride the gravy train with links all over the place and access to cash and opportunities that most Americans can never dream of. Yeah, let's go there...
3
While Elisabeth Drew is probably correct,for this reason
Republicans who are the majority and set the rules know this as well. Barring unforeseen circumstances then they will vote against witnesses. This makes this editorial academic
Ms. Drew makes many good points. I agree that it is worth the gamble putting Hunter on the stand as a trade off for Mr. Bolton who though conservative and not in line with my politics is frankly brilliant, a summa cum laude BA yale graduate, with a law degree from Yale and experience in four administrations. One thing for certain is that he did not put top secret information in his book that would endanger our country, but there are hidden gems in there that would look good in the democrat's crown. Unlike most other Americans I had an opportunity to debate him after his talk on Iran at my alma mater. Anyone that comes up against him at the podium will have met their match.
1
i would have the biden(s) testify if it meant bolton would testify.
The GOP is going to acquit no matter what, so let's end this phony trial now and call it what it what it is: the worst cover up in US history. Then pin the coverup on every one of the Republican senators who vote to deny Bolton testimony.
1
Democrats have long argued that calling Hunter (or Joe) Biden as a witness is irrelevant to the trial and therefore his testimony would be inadmissible. However, Dershowitz's novel argument that a president who is having foreign countries investigate corruption is not impeachable if the president believes it is in the national interest of the US makes Biden's testimony suddenly relevant under that legal view of the case.
Even though I disagree with Dershowitz's legal theory, this was a brilliant strategy for the Republicans to make a new argument to rebut the Democrat's original position.
Let's look at the worse case scenario for Democrats. Hunter Biden testimony in the DJT impeachment trial may clearly indicate that he has benefited from his father's name to be on the board of Burisma - not exactly a case of nepotism, but close enough - and he has exploited Burisma chairman's interest for access to a US administration by asking for a big salary. But aren't these exactly what Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner have been doing may times over?
So, if Hunter Biden has to appear in the impeachment trial, so should Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner. If Republicans rightfully complain that these two are not relevant to the case being tried, they should be reminded that neither is Hunter Biden.
And just to emphasize how much "access" has been monetized in Trump's administration, the Democrats may also want to call on Rudy Giuliani as well as all those who appeared on Lev Parnas video on "donors" private meeting with Mr. Trump.
4
Was Hunter Biden listening in on the "Do us a favor, though." phone call?
Was he meeting with Giuliani and Parnas?
Was he in the room with Bolton and Pompeo, listening to the discussion about with holding aid to Ukraine?
Is he a known expert on constitutional law in the area of impeachment?
Is he Trump's personal lawyer?
His testimony might--might--be relevant if Trump was being impeached for nepotism, but nepotism is not one of the charges in this trial.
3
Democrats should call this bluff. It’s worth noting that Republicans can call Hunter Biden RIGHT NOW if they want to. Why aren’t they? They don’t want to.
5
The obvious perjury of the republican senators will be very hard to forget by their constituents in the next election cycle if they block witnesses to the fact. Both Bolton and Biden will survive and do a great service to the country by testifying.
1
If Trump was truly concerned about Hunter Biden's "corruption," why didn't he raise the issue in 2017 or 2018? Likewise why didn't the GOP bring it up even earlier? His hiring wasn't a secret.
I say go ahead and let Hunter testify. But part of the testimony should also include a detailed breakdown of the blatant grifting being done by the Trump children RIGHT NOW.
7
I have never understood why democrats would be resistant to letting either of the Bidens testify. it seems pretty clear that hunter is the troubled son that so many families know. it also seems clear that Joe isn't guilty of anything except maybe not being the father his son needed.
Good thoughts, but neither Hunter nor Bolton are going to testify - nor anyone else. Moscow Mitch will wrap this up and acquit by tomorrow evening. Then it's up to us, We the People, to hold Trump and the Senate accountable.
5
I agree that the Bidens should testify, but only if Trump presents proper, documented evidence of actual, criminal corruption.
It’s kinda like a FISA warrant - there needs to be credible evidence before someone can be investigated in this country.
If no evidence is presented, then the Bidens should defy the subpoenas,and promptly sue for defamation.
Hardball.
6
Friday's vote on witnesses will be the ultimate test of how completely the venal personality of Donald Trump has captured the Republican party. Bolton was the government official in the best position to know what happened with the Ukrainian call, and he is clearly contradicting what the president has been saying all along. How in the world could Bolton not be seen as an essential witness? It's all about the Republicans having sold their soul to Trump. They have done so because he has proven to be the missing ingredient to their signature objective: Not the rollback of the Great Society, but the rollback of the New Deal. The less doctrinaire Senators like Ms. Collins, are terrified of losing their power by pointing out that the emperor has no clothes. I'd be glad to have Hunter Biden testify - there is zero indication that he did anything inappropriate for Burisma. So what if didn't have a background in energy - presumably the Ukrainians had that covered. Bringing on Biden was a way for them to open doors and set the tone that they wanted friendly relationships with powerful people in DC. Unless and until Hunter Biden does something criminal in return, it's standard operating procedure. I'd love to have Hunter Biden testify - all we'll see is a man who has struggled to stay sober, and we'll also see his father as a man who has stood with and fiercely defended him every step of the way. By contrast, Bolton's testimony will reveal Trump as a self-serving liar.
7
If Hunter Biden were called to testify all Schiff would have to do would be to rise and ask Judge Roberts to rule that his presence as a potential witness was irrelevant and immaterial; and that would be the end of that.
4
Regardless whether Bolton or Hunter Biden testifies, the end result will be the same...the Senate will not convict to remove President Trump from office. That will have to be decided in November, by the American people. The person that has most to lose is Joe Biden, followed by Hunter Biden. If Hunter were to plead the fifth and refuse to testify, it would damage both of Hunter and his father. If he does testify, it damages both Hunter and his father. It would be a political disaster for Hunter Biden to have to explain why he and his partner took millions of dollars from a corrupt Ukrainian oligarch, from a known corrupt Ukrainian gas company, all the while his father was 'managing' the relationship with Ukraine under the Obama administration.
The better opportunity in this Biden for Bolten swap is the precedent to have family members subpoenaed by the Senate. This could be the door the Dems need to have access to the Trump family of doings in China, middle East, Russia, etc., etc. Hunter's misdeed is more a conflict of interest. Trump has the market on that. Let's Make A Deal!
4
Hunter Biden did the same thing in China. He got himself a lucrative position which requires no knowledge or work -- just banking the money he received.
Everyone is talking about the Bidens and Ukraine. They did the same thing in China. It is just not receiving the publicity it should.
4
I have been thinking for some time that having Hunter Biden testify would be a good thing for the Democrats. I know that there are no depths Trump won't sink to in twisting the truth, and Mitch McConnell will back him up no matter how blatant the lie. So actually having Hunter Biden explain things in his own words will sound better than what the Republicans are saying.
5
The Democrats should have accepted the fact that they would have had to wade through every court in the land to get Trump properly impeached, and they should have sued him for all the documents and witnesses required no matter how long it would have taken.
It would have been better for the Dems if Trump was forced to campaign under the cloud of an impending impeachment, rather than what he will do now, campaign as a gloating President with all the power in the world...
3
Hunter Biden should volunteer as John Bolton has to be subpoenaed by and to testify before the Senate. If the narrative that emerges is simply that Mr. Biden was the beneficiary of parental connections in accepting a position on the Burisma board, this certainly wouldn't make him unique amongst children of the ruling class and would prevent Republicans from using him further to substantiate Trump's bogus claim to be focused on eliminating corrupting in Ukraine. As Ms. Drew argues, a Biden-for-Bolton deal could be win-win for Democrats, but more effective may be Hunter Biden stepping up and taking one for the Democratic team on his own.
2
Though it strains credulity, I can invent a scenario in which Trump's actions in the past year with regard to initiating an investigation in Ukraine of the Bidens would be harmless, if not laudable. If the Bidens had taken massive advantage of their government position and family name to severely harm Ukraine and thus benefit Russia, an adversary of the U.S., then anything Trump did to expose this would not lead to impeachment. That's not what happened. No one, including the President, has said that's what happened.
3
I live in a small, staunchly Republican, Texas community. Not one Republican I know is closely following the impeachment. My experience with them tells me that short of personally witnessing Trump commit an immoral act with a child, they will not abandon him. If they did, they would still never vote for a Democrat. This is my experience. I can not say that it is true of all Republicans, though I suspect it is true of millions.
7
This may be a watershed moment for our 200 plus year experiment in democracy. I ponder and question the following:
why did hunter Biden sit on a board in Ukraine which is a former Soviet republic basket case. For the easy money.
How many other instances of this kind of cronyism is still taking place. Like in the trump family for instance. Or other family members of Congress
Money will buy you our government. Is this not why so many seem disappointed and disinterested in voting.
Our elections like our stock market have begun to take on a veneer of corruption and authoritarianism.
Freedom of the press is our last lifeline to legitimacy. The courts are being politicized and will become more unfair and uneven.
Trump’s impeachment may not remove this corruption, but it was important and necessary.
Nancy Pelosi should be our next Supreme Court pick. She has earned it the old fashioned way.
4
@William J
"How many other instances of this kind of cronyism is still taking place. Like in the trump family for instance. Or other family members of Congress. " Perhaps you are referring the wife of Moscow Mitch whose wife is a cabinet member?
3
Each side is entitled to call who they want to call. If he acted properly or not, let it come out.
Biden is a big boy, who clearly monetized his last name.
There is a lot of value in that name. It also may come with some downside too.
If the Republican Senate wanted to talk with either Biden, they would. They have the votes. All they have to do is pull the trigger. The bigger question might be, why are they not calling him but merely saber rattling?
3
@Jeff Clubb
Because they feel they don't need to.
It's interesting that the media has the opinion the Hunter Bidens' interview should be considered as if it were sworn testimony and no "hard" questions are now needed.
While I appreciate the opinion, I still believe there is a need for sworn testimony.
2
The optics are bad. The Democrats, in chorus line, chanting 'the Bidens are irrelevant to this trial', convince few but themselves. What is asked of Trump, ' why do innocent actions need such assiduous cover-up?' will apply also to the Democrat chorus line. Not being pro-Trump, one sees that the indiscretion of HunterBiden accepting a high paid job offered for his last name, needs to be openly admitted by him on national TV, so as to better Joe Biden's chances at the polls. Silence leaves questions hanging over his dad's political future.
1
@Angela Koreth
"In a television interview last October Joe Biden’s sole surviving and troubled son came across as a straightforward, unassuming guy: He conceded that he most likely wouldn’t have been asked to join the lucrative board of one of Ukraine’s largest natural gas companies, Burisma, or been offered other opportunities, but for his last name." He has already done as you suggested. "A multitude of investigations of his arrangement with Burisma have turned up no wrongdoing on Hunter’s part." That said, his volunteering to testify would certainly spike the guns of the Republicans.
@Angela Koreth
Even if the Bidens did something unethical, that does not entitle Trump to do something unethical. There are proper channels Trump could have used. Instead he chose to abuse his power and break the law.
Two wrongs do not make a right, and the (alleged) misdeeds of the Bidens do not entitle Trump to commit misdeeds.
How's about the Dems up the ante and dangle Biden for both Bolton and Giuliani? Let the hand grenade do his job.
This isn't about getting Trump impeached. The Republicans have no place to go until Trump is defeated in the election. In for a penny as they say. But the optics of offering Biden are very good, plus it draws out the proceedings (possibly past State of the Union, and definitely long enough for Trump to self-immolate a little more). As the article states it also opens the door for even more revelations, and, most importantly, pushes the Republicans further out on the limb. Knowing they will never leave Trump's side is leverage the Dems should take full advantage of.
Fade up SaltNPepa "Push It"
3
To bring in the Biden simple advances what Trump was trying to do publicly with Ukraine. Assume both were perfect witnesses that is of course not the purpose. The purpose is to give Fox News (and Republicans ad makers) some soundbites to slice and dice as they do so well for their audience.
Besides have not heard a word that the Bidens were aware of Trump's illegal act with Ukraine so don't see how their testimony would help. It would appear to be not relevant.
1
Yes, Democrats should clamor loudly to interview both Hunter Biden and John Bolton. Republicans can either do that, or have Trumps base outraged at them, come election time. One of the chief arguments that House managers made was that by declaring certain witnesses off limits, should imply guilt. By asking for Mr. Biden to testify, Democrats undercut many of the Presidents arguments. Getting Bolton on the record is worth it. Americans deserve to hear the truth.
6
This would be more than a fair trade. Bolton's testimony (and others) is absolutely necessary to document Trump's true motivations in using his office to intimidate an ally to gain a political advantage against Biden.
Hunter Biden will be remembered for taking advantage of his father's name and position for personal profit. If there is more to the story, as the Republicans suggest, they should be given the opportunity to make their case.
Who profits? We do. If removing Trump from office is the goal, Bolton's testimony will likely be insufficient given the rock-solid support of his fellow Republicans. So, Trump remains, claims vindication, and is wounded in advance of the elections.
Joe Biden is also wounded, viewed as damaged goods not because anything was involved in was illegal (the meme of the day). He will be seen as allowing a family member to enrich himself at the expense or with the tacit approval, of his name and position.
Like I said, a fair trade.
5
No mention of how the Trump kids enrich themselves off our tax dollars, self dealing and trough feeding at our expense, with their father being the current White House occupant. Betrays a bias.
@hicountryho
No bias at all, the Trump children are equally guilty. I do not engage in "what aboutisms" choosing to focus on the points under discussion. In this case, that's Hunter Biden.
This is certainly the most compelling argument I have heard for this. I have been standing by my belief that private citizens should not be hauled up before a hostile Senate simply as political pawns. I still think that, if Dems want to make this deal, they discuss it beforehand with the Bidens and make sure they are willing participants.
7
Wonder why Trump waited 2.5 years to question why Hunter was given that job. Wouldn't have anything to do with the fact that it took 2.5 years for Biden to declare his candidacy.
8
Senator Biden is on record demanding Ukraine fire a particular prosecutor. The question is was this prosecutor corrupt or was the demand for removal because he was going to expose corruption in Burisma?
All we know is the assumption the removed prosecutor was corrupt. The notion the removed prosecutor was not corrupt is universally dismissed as a debunked conspiracy theory without explanation.
This point is key in determining whether Trump or Biden or both were dealing with corrupt elements in Ukraine for political gain or nepotistic monetary benefit.
3
@Lane
The fact that many other countries called for the firing of Shoken, and that it was official US policy, point to it being for legitimate reasons.
2
@April You may be correct. Ukraine certainly has political factions though and soft corruption is woven into society. Finding a untainted politician there would likely be an exception.
@April
If Shokin was corrupt, why was he never charged/prosecuted with anything? You don't just fire people for being corrupt and then let them roam free.
And by the way, Shokin's successor, Lutsenko - the guy who Biden calls "solid" at the Council of Foreign Relations interview - was also fired for being corrupt. Unlike Shokin, Lutsenko was actually charged with corruption.
1
The Republicans already HAVE enough votes to get Biden to testify if they go for witnesses. They've been obfuscating the issue by trying to get Democrats "on board."
In the end the Republican Senators have to decide between defending the Constitution and defending tRump.
5
Even if a deal was made, what makes you thinks that once Biden testifies the Republicans would simply renege on the deal and excuse Bolton?
4
The Republicans have the votes to call Hunter Biden. They controlled the House for two years and could have investigated Hunter and Joe Biden at any time. I am against a witness swap because it perpetuates the false equivalencies between the facts of the case at hand and the smoke and mirrors of President Trump’s defense. Democrats should not legitimize or in any way condone the disinformation apparatus of the Fox News Universe.
8
The GOP want Hunter to testify because it will be embarrassing to his father who is running for President.
4
THE IMPERIAL PRESIDENCY: I believe that an imperial presidency in the United States is allowable and, must be accompanied by making available all documents and witnesses that Congress demands. Otherwise, high corruption will fester and, the nation will disintegrate from within.
For that reason, the activities of President Trump must be tried by making witnesses testify before the Senate regardless of how the Senators will vote. An imperial presidency can be very good for the nation, or very bad. When we use our intelligence agencies to evaluate how Trump has been doing, they are unanimous that Trump's policies are falling short of Americans expectations.
1
@James O. Mboya
Are you referring to the "17" security agencies who swore Trump was colluding with Russia?
1
@Mike Clarke
That claim was already debunked several times over.
I find it appalling that the President of the USA who has profited greatly from his father's wealth and has given key jobs to his own children to network with some of the worlds richest and most powerful people continues to call Hunter Biden and Joe Biden corrupt.
The US is perfectly capable of investigating corruption when there is sufficient evidence of it.
This ask by the President wasn't actually for investigations. The ask was for a public statement to the US public through US media outlets of an investigation. The only beneficiary Putin and Trump.
7
@HL
Biden proudly boasted that he had a prosecutor from another country fired. Why would he want said prosecutor fired?
Biden testifying under oath would be great for the senate trial and his own campaign. The issues with Hunter would be thorny and provide a small distraction for Trump's republican defenders but at least Biden would have a large platform to set the record straight about his own involvement in Ukraine. That testimony would finally help us understand that Biden was implementing US foreign policy established on a bi-partisan basis! Let's get al of this into the open and move forward!
3
@Eric
By forcing a country to fire a prosecutor looking into corruption?
@Mike Clarke Yes! That specific position was our official foreign policy as approved at the time by democrats and republicans in congress! The position was also endorsed by our western allies (e.g., German and France) as well as the International Monetary Fund! This is what people need to understand!
1
This is all nonsense because it assumes that it is some equal exchange. Republicans don’t need Democrats to agree to call Hunter or Joe Biden to testify or Bolton for that matter as they hold the cards. The can easily call Biden only or do anything else they want to do. And that is just what they are doing. The will gladly let just a few Republican Senators vote for witnesses, move quickly to dismissal and Trump tweets total vindication and they move on to important things like the super bowl while setting the precedent that a sitting president can do anything he or she wants to do in a re-election year. This strategy works in short term but well might hurt Trump in the election and will greatly increase the power of Democrats when they will eventually take control if not in 2020 soon thereafter.
2
I find this a despicable idea, that Republicans can be allowed, encouraged by a journalist, who by-the-way stands to gain from the newsworthy moments the Bidens may be forced to endure, to call witnesses irrelevant to the Impeachment charges.
The media has always been pushing, first for an impeachment inquiry, then for impeachment charges, then for charges to be transmitted so a trial could begin, and now for the Democrats to truss up some innocent sacrifices to be delivered, all without once, ever revealing their own self-interest in televising or writing about this spectacle.
This is wrong! You have a responsibility here to be mindful of your role in the context of a drama where the very question of right and wrong is being debated so seriously and the repercussions of this trial will echo loudly in our times and those to follow.
Being so flippant about other citizens' rights and careers, not to mention an impeachment Trial in the Senate of the United States is not something we out here in flyover country take lightly.
Let Republican Senators call the Bidens. They can if they want to. But don't give them an endorsement beforehand to turn the Impeachment Trial into a circus.
4
@Dennis
This is the Opinion section. It's separate from the News section.
@Dennis
Thank you, Dennis. I don’t think that people who advocate for Hunter Biden’s testifying as a way to help with the Trump impeachment fully understand what a bad legal precedent this could set.
There is no evidence that either VP Joe Biden or his son used government ties to illegally benefit one another, yet the Republicans mention this fabrication over and over again without a scintilla of proof. It is also widely touted how Hunter Biden has enriched himself in the years since his father was in government – why any of this is germane as regards the case against POTUS is beyond me. He is being accused, not VP Biden, who served honourably as VP for 8 years after 36 years in the Senate. Why does it matter what his son is up to now? He was not hired to work for the government during his father’s tenure, unlike Trump’s children and in laws. The whole thing is just a diversion to keep the myopic focused on anything but Trump. Why is there no outcry about the fact they continue to rake in millions while WORKING at the White House? Ivanka’s husband Jared Kushner owns a stake in the real estate investment firm CADRE, which has received $90m in foreign funding from an opaque offshore vehicle. This firm launched a fund to take advantage of large tax breaks to invest in downtrodden areas designated ‘Opportunity Zones’, a Trump administration program pushed by Ivanka and CADRE shareholder Jared Kushner. Now this might be something worth investigating.
4
@Jazzie
Then why did Biden force Ukraine to fire a prosecutor who was investigating corruption.
This era of high dudgeon, of faux self-serving and too obvious shamelessly hypocritical political outrage claiming fealty to the Constitution while twisting and abusing it at every turn to benefit themselves, is the defining hallmark of the McConnell era. He is every bit the opportunistic transactionalist that Trump models all too well. And let's all be honest, shall we? Parents and family elders, friends and others in all forms of networks, often open doors for children, friends, school chums, and the like. This is true in all occupations and at all levels. All of us have seen it and many resent it. We are pleased when these folks can actually perform well and resigned to deal with them when they can't. So clear away the distracting drama and confront Trump's congressional stooges head on. Doing so is confronting Trump, and isn't that what we want, what we need? Let's stop playing the genteel polite game. Let's get real. As Ms. Drew suggests, Joe Biden and his son can take it and likely use it to their and our advantage. To win now, to win in November, to reduce and better define Republican cultists for who they are, empty bullies and posturing peacocks, confront them directly.
I emailed my two Democratic Senators last week suggesting they let either Biden testify. With a little coaching they can make the Trump/ GOP defense further look like the sham it is and Bolton could be a gold mine.
At this point, it's not about removing Trump from office but rather getting the whole story out for as long as possible and keeping it in the headlines. For those educated swing voters who care to pay attention, the stronger the case the better. It's already caught Trump bold-faced lying on almost a daily basis (Parnas, Bolton) in defense and it looks bad.
1
At this point it would turn the tides if Hunter Biden would offer to testify in order for the nation to be saved from further damage Trump will most likely commit in all policies foreign and domestic. Should Trump be acquited and does not succeed being elected with election interference he will most likely commit he will embroil the nation in investigations and the courts that would prolong his term well past an inaugaration. Be assured that victim card may have Republican support.
Why would any GOP outliers want to see witnesses if they know the vote to acquit is a given? McConnell will have his vote and that will be it. Sad.
I agree with every point here but there is one point that is not stated. Hunter Biden's testimony could work out well for Democrats. However, it would be very bad for Joe Biden. Perhaps Hunter Biden has already stated that Burisma only hired him because of his last name. This is a half truth. The other half is what his last name did for them and in this case, his last name granted access and influence in The White House. There is simply no other explanation. And that means that Joe Biden had to have the interests of Burisma in mind while he was Vice President.
This is not an isolated incident. I became aware of how the people around Biden seem to benefit from his power. About 15 years ago I read an interview with Joe Biden in, of all things, a car magazine. He was talking about his love of cars and some of the expensive high-performance cars he's driven. This surprised me because I always heard that narrative about how he is a blue collar guy, always takes the train to work, etc. Further in the interview he explained that his brother has the cars he was talking about. 2 seconds with wikipedia and I saw how just about all of his relatives have been extremely successful as lawyers and lobbyists. Through family members, Biden has been cashing in on his power for decades. It would make no sense for so many companies to hire Biden's relatives in various capacities other than the idea that they knew they would get preferential treatment from a powerful senator and VP.
1
Here's what I don't get. The Republicans have enough votes (53) to call Hunter Biden as witness, they don't need to make a deal with Dems. Call their bluff, demand that they submit a request for testimony from Hunter Biden, let them pass it...then see if they will commit political suicide by refusing to hear from Bolton.
2
I agree that that subjecting Hunter Biden to a pitiful interrogation over his job could backfire on the "president". Although there hasn't been a single accusation of illegal activity, only Trump's innuendos, I think this type of corruption inquiry SHOULD extend far beyond Hunter Biden.
In fact, an inquiry into the questionable idea of Trump's severely unqualified children being involved the State and Foreign affairs SIMPLY because they are related to Trump raises eyebrows around the world. It's well known that Jared's folks "donated" several million dollars JUST to get him admitted into Harvard. I believe that IS enough reason to investigate those circumstances as well as why BOTH Jared and Ivanka were given WH security clearance when NEITHER could pass the standard tests for that clearance. Seems fishy to me! Maybe they were using their relationship with the "president" to bypass WH security rules. Besides look at all the $80million they got last year just "working" for the "president" in their "advisory" roles. Can you say "insider trading"?
2
@Tom Jones
You are correct, unqualified people should not be given positions due to nepotism. Such as a seat on the board of a company, where you have zero knowledge about the product.
Call the GOP bluff.
The Bidens should make it clear that they want to testify, just as John Bolton has.
3
Lets Jo Biden defend and clear himself this question will be actual on campaign trail, lets Hunter Biden testify if subpoenaed. There is no need for the Democratic party to be hostage in defending Bidens, like it has been with Hilary Clinton's famous server, and the end result is obvious, Trump as president. DNC don't repeat the same mistake second time.
1
On Tuesday I was all for making phone calls to exhort both the Republican senator from Alabama and all the so-called on-the-fence Republican senators that the American people needed additional documents and witnesses for a fair trial.
On Wednesday, after hearing Dershowitz's Nixonian declaration that "if the president does it, it's not illegal," and Bondi's latest efforts to turn this impeachment trial against Trump into a kangaroo-court/smear-campaign against Biden, and Sekulow's declaration that he would call a near-infinite list of irrelevant and borderline-relevant witnesses for the purpose of obfuscation and retribution, I've changed my mind.
NO additional documents. NO additional witnesses.
VOTE TO CONVICT AND REMOVE.
These are the only decisions a senator can make — whatever his or her party affiliation — in order to defend our constitutional system from this unprecedented assault by the New Totalitarian Party.
The first call should be to Lamar Alexander, the so-called "institutionalist," who cannot be pleased by the debasement of the Senate being led by his good friend Mitch McConnell.
3
While we know that Bolton has a great deal to say that would bring Trump's blood to a boil, we also know that his view of foreign policy, and pretty much everything else, is the diametric opposite of Democratic belief and practice. While at this moment it appears that he can do more for, than to, the Democrats, we should not forget that his well-documented disposition is that of a prickly, poisonous creature.
If recent polling is to be accepted and given a highly probable Sanders victory next week, Biden is no longer and will not ever again be a target. That renders any hoped-for political advantage gained via any embarrassing testimony of his or his son essentially pointless. Hence, there is nothing to be "traded" and this absurd piece of political theater shall end shortly.
Struggling Ukraine, rampant corruption driven by Russian interference and its own leaders since 1991, between 2010 and 2014 one-fifth of its national output stolen by corrupt officials, and Hunter Biden is the sole focus of Donald Trump's curiosity? In spite of Dept of Defense comprehensive report in Spring 2019 that Ukraine's institutions, military and officials had met benchmarks for reform and transparency. In spite of generally accepted facts surrounding Joe Biden's work to oust a lazy prosecutor who Wasn't Investigating Burisma. (Two Ivy League degrees, business and law) Hunter connects Burisma to US legal and corporate firms able to bolster its compliance to Western standards for transparency.
And we're asked to believe that Donald, of the on-going Russian money laundering investigations, hundreds of million in cash real estate transactions flagged, bankrupt and can't get a legit loan in the US, son-in-law ditto, this Donald who used $900,000,000 in real estate investments lost by other investors to avoid tax on same amount in income personally, this Donald cares about my tax dollars? The six-figures in federal tax I pay every year? He's my watch-dog? Susan Collins must think I'm nuts. Lisa Oil Money Murkowski too?
3
@winchestereast Well said!
Hunter Biden should volunteer, and condition his appearance on a two for one. Hunter for Bolton and Mulvaney. Call the Repubs bluff by swinging for the fences.
I agree with much of what Ms. Drew offers. I fully grasp why the Dems and the Bidens are not in wholly agreement. Any grade schooler can see the Biden aspect is wholly irrelevant, and that point needs to be better and more loudly hammered by the Dems both during this trial and every public appearance. Again, this issue is a messaging problem for the Dems, as they consistently fail to yell and point to parts in need of serious attention.
If I'm Hunter, I'm right now in serious training with some savvy lawyers for an appearance. If I'm part of candidate Biden advisors, Im in his face about this, and getting him wholly on point about how to counter the Trumplodite lawyers claims, and keep running at Trump. Running right at Trump is what he promised, so do it! During this trial, is the perfect time for him to go on the attack. Go after this absurd Dershowitz defense that Trump is the Sun King! "I am the State!"
Its also time for the Bidens to come completely clean. And if they can not, then get out of the race.
Its always a worry the Dems obsession with decorum, that they fail to get in the ring and counter punch with as much energy and determination to win as their opponent. Especially with Trump and his enablers in Congress and Fox faux-News are all WWE, while the Dems fumble with the Queensbury rule book.
Hunter Biden is the son of a man who very well may be the next president.
He owes it to all of us to clear his name and that of his father.
If he doesn't this cloud will not only forever hang over the two of them but will provide ammunition for the Republicans against the Dems.
1
Because of his drug offenses many believe Hunter Biden to be a lightweight but a quick scan of his vitae suggests otherwise. I suspect he would hold his own in front of the Senate and contrast favorably against the Trump progeny.
1
This is exactly the kind of capitulation to extremists conservative demands that has plagued the Democrats for the last 25+ years.
When Republicans conducted a 7 year bogus investigation of Clinton starting with Whitewater, Filegate, travelgate, and finally Moniagate, liberals just accepted it as part of hard ball politics.
When the Senate held Benghazi investigations and concluded each one with finding nothing, Democrats said nothing when the Senate would start another one. Eight Benghazi investigations later and they now had enough smoke to convince many voters that there had to be somewhere a fire.
Now the suggestion is to allow Republicans some quid pro quo and turn the Trump impeachment into the dual Trump/Biden impeachment.
Democrats: stop trying to work with Republicans. They never will, they are in it to win. Not to govern, not to play fair, and most definitely, not to reach across the aisle and work with the other side.
1
It's indicative of the corrupt depths to which the Republican party has sunk that the Senate impeachment trial could become, in part, the sham investigation on the Bidens that Trump was seeking all along, and for which he's being impeached in the first place.
2
The entire modus operandi of getting Hunter Biden to testify is to find a way to disparage Joe Biden in some way or form. In other words, the Republicans in the Senate that want Hunter Biden to testify want to do Trump's dirty work for him.
Personally, I'd take the witness trade of John Bolton for Hunter Biden any day.
"It’s odd that after three years of a Trump administration, Republicans didn’t foresee the danger in putting their political careers in the hands of a man who’s out solely for himself and has a very distant relationship with the truth."
No, it's not odd. They wanted to be in power no matter what the cost. I think that the cost is now clear: their credibility and the country's unity. McConnell is Trump's biggest fan in public. Trump is McConnell's revenge for Obama, for Bork, and for any number of other things that happened. What neither man understands is that if one turns on the other both can ruin the country and citizens ability to trust elections, government decisions, etc.
If it wasn't so serious this whole thing could be a scene out of "Through the Looking Glass". And Trump would be the Mad Hatter.
2
I’ve been surprised to hear my independent friends say, “I never would have voted for Trump. But the Democrats have been torturing him and us for three years now. I hope he wins in a landslide.”
2
There is a reason why Republicans are so adamantly against calling witnesses. We're back to the Mulvaney moment, "get used to it."
1
I disagree. What's John Bolton going to say that's anything earth shattering? Despite the efforts lately to make book promoter/war monger Bolton a heroic or sympathetic figure, probably won't fly. Hunter Biden won't tell us anything new either, but his testimony will perhaps lay bare for the American people the gross venality of our political class and an intimate glimpse into how elected office and public trust brings fabulous wealth, despite "doing nothing wrong." All of the warts on Trump can't help but recede a little.
1
The Republican senators'
1 for 1 witness offer
doesn't come close to adequate.
This is the fate of the nation we are looking at.
Do they want to take up serious a negotiation.
To sort out the truth?
Find out whose foul corruption allegations
can be proven?
Biden for Bolton
doesn't
cut it.
If you want Biden
play the Trump card.
Choose the Chosen one.
Ask him to show us the rumors
his people crisscrossed the globe to gather.
People are saying, nobody know more
about how to win this fight than Trump.
Come on. You know he won't resist.
Could he every find a bigger stage.
What would Putin do?
Let Trump be Trump.
Invite them both to the well.
It is the tribunal's duty
to evaluate their testimony and take their measure.
Let us all see who is believable.
The longer this impeachment trial goes on the worse the Democrats will look. “Impeachment” has become a joke of a word and the Democrats are tied to it. What is even worse is the fact that they are pushing it so close to an election and they haven’t provided a sliver of proof.
Yes, making Hunter Biden would be bad for Trump but only because it would make Biden supporters even more mad at Trump. But it would be far worse for both Hunter and Joe Biden, neither of whom would recover, socially or financially. It could also place the Obamas and Clintons at risk. Moreover, it could place the entire Democratic Party at risk of dissolution, making the Wasserman 2016 DNC debacle a mere preview of what’s to come.
1
Hunter Biden was there for the gravitas of his name mainly to show a LACK of corruption. There was no quid pro quo for any assistance other than fair treatment and encouraging the new Ukraine to align with the US, not with Russia, as Trump has been trying to expedite, for Putin.
2
I respectfully, but firmly, disagree. Bolton's book is an absolute Godsend to the Dems. It gives them the maximum benefit of what Bolton has to say without giving him a forum to expound. Remember, he too is an unguided missile, not as much as Trump, but still...Whatever useful stuff he has to say he can, and WILL, say in public as the Trumpsters squalid and futile attempt to squelch publication unfolds. It is a delusion of Dems to think if just ONE more person stands up and denounces the president the scales will suddenly drop from the eyes of Republican senators and/or Trump's base. Giving Repubs the opportunity to change the subject and start battering Hunter Biden is just tossing red meat out to Trumpsters. If the evidence already in the public record isn't enough to convince the, and the electoral college, then we are truly doomed. Rest your case and get out on the campaign trail and make your closing argument to voters who matter, not to Republican Senators who don't.
The Biden maneuver is just that: a maneuver.
If Hunter Biden is called, no one who matters to the GOP will listen to his testimony and it will give GOP Senators something to grandstand about. They'll accuse, gnash their teeth, not let Biden answer questions that are ridiculous; hound him and pander to their base audience. And they will cement the impression that Trump had a real reason, other than political dirt and sabotage, to use his office to blackmail Ukraine.
The Democrats will be able to enter onto the record and into history books Bolton's testimony that will show that the proceeding is a farce, and that the Senate sacrificed checks and balances, expanded Presidential power to deny Congress the right to investigate, all for political expediency. All of which is clear to history, and the Democrat's base support.
Not much will change, except that Hunter Biden gets to be the sacrificial lamb. It's unlikely that it will change the outcome - even as polls turn against the GOP, they will stick to their base 30%.
1
"They are so frightened of him and his base..." If the "him" refers to Vladimir Putin, then I'll buy the argument. There is a cabal of Republicans that has been bought off by Putin, and now they're stuck.
Illegal bribes between parties that are both subject to the same legal system create a balance of power. Either side could accuse the other of wrongdoing, and then both would eventually be brought to justice. This dynamic sets up a code of silence.
But Putin has no fear of retribution from the US judicial system. If knowledge of the (possibly) billions in bribes he has paid to Republicans in order to secure their otherwise inexplicable allegiance to a dope like Trump were to be made public, dozens of Republicans would go to jail. So Putin keeps upping the ante, forcing Republicans to adopt absurd arguments to protect his partner in the White House.
The idea that Senate Republicans would dismiss the wishes of the 75% of Americans who want to hear from John Bolton tells us all we need to know. They don't fear losing the next election because they're already set for life. They fear Putin because with a single phone call to the NYTimes he can send them all to a lifetime in prison.
2
Since Donald Trump's latest strategy is the usual wear-'em-down with a prolonged legal battle if witnesses are called, my newest fantasy is that Republican Senators will vote for no witnesses, saying they don't need them, and then vote to convict and remove him if for no other reason than to save themselves from him cleanly, swiftly, and definitively and get him off all their backs. It would be a great January (or February) surprise.
By the way, I wonder whether Alan Dershowitz would try to justify adultery as acting in the best interest of a marriage and one's spouse. "I was doing it for your own good, honey, and to save our marriage. You like when I am happy."
1
It's fine with me. If Biden has nothing to hide, and I assume he doesn't, he should testify. In return, we get Bolton.
Yes! and it would be disastrous for Biden.
corruption on both sides, let's clean it out
1
Donald Trump is on trial, no one else. If Hunter Biden can be dragged in on the Republican's debunked fantasies, where does it end? Who else will they want as distractions from what this impeachment is actually about -- Hillary Clinton? President Obama? All Democratic candidates who outpoll Trump?
For that matter, why isn't Trump being called -- the Republicans keep claiming they want "first hand testimony"? But we know the answer to that.
1
I am left wondering what it was about Richard Nixon that allowed him to believe the same nonsense about privilege, but not to go to the absurd extent to defend that illegal act we're seeing play out today?
Could it be as simple as the direct baseness of the crime, Nixon's being breaking and entering, Trump's being bribery with public money?
Because, as direct as it is, both had the exact same motivation and purpose, election fraud, as I see it.
Anyone else agree?
And why can't we just call what Trump did bribery?
1
Listening to Alan Dershowitz argue that Trump is justified in seeking foreign interference in the US elections because Trump considered his re-election to be in the national interest brought back memories of Venezuela, my country of birth. My fellow countrymen bought into the idea that presidents really wanted the best for Venezuela even as the evidence piled up they were corrupt and were only looking for their own interests. And look where Venezuela stands today, impoverished and in the grip of a ruthless dictator. God helps us.
Surreal listening to supporters and defenders of Donald Trump expressing deep concern about corrupt people running for office. REMINDER: Donald Trump was ordered, during the 2016 campaign, to pay $25 million for defrauding people via a scam university; was ordered to shut down his slush fund corrupt charitable organization due to its massive amount of illegalities; started firing illegal immigrants from Trump properties, workers who were provided bogus papers by the Trump organization so Trump could pay them $4/hr.....Trumpers and Republicans don't care about corruption in a candidate...or lying, or sexual impropriety, or Christian, moral and family values, or character counting, or deficits, or government spending...as much as they say they do. They're pretty selective about their outrage over such things, in fact.
1
There are similarities between the GOP Biden thing and the GOP Hillary's Seven Benghazi things. Lots of noise. Nothing there, by GOP's own investigations. By held solely to damage a political rival. But, if it means witnesses, the Bidens should testify so the rest of the story can come out. Of course, like Hillary, zero evidence will do nothing to stop the GOP from lying about them.
1
The absolute height of delusion this morning with commenters insisting the Republicans are in deep trouble with the electorate if a Bolton for Biden(s) witness swap is made but that innocent as the driven snow Hunter Biden comes out unscathed and that the Joe Biden campaign takes no kind of hit with independent voters. This is fantasy if you come out of your bubble and think about it for a minute. Both sides may (and already do, quite frankly) look bad here for many reasons. However it will change the acquittal of President Trump not one iota. And that, at the end of the day, is why Democrats fume.
2
Joe should take "one for the team" and fade out of focus.
Hunter should come forward to explain that while everything was above board with the Burisma gig, it plays into the hands, of small hands.
Take away Agolf's ammo and let another Democrat take the helm.
Too much to risk! Perhaps another shot at being VP?
Hunter Biden is a problem. There is no way not to view his arrangement in the Ukraine as a quid pro quo or at least the attempt at one. Why would someone like that be offered such a position? The Democrats have to look at the rot in their own party before seeking the trust of the American voter...which, as one, I must say that Mike Bloomberg is looking pretty good these days...the Senators Warren, Sanders and Klobachar are all uninspiring or are unelectable...the center-left needs its own billionaire and Mike's the guy...let's get him in to clean up the mess then we can start talking about a New New Deal...
Thank you, Elizabeth Drew! I have been reading your work since at least the early 80's and have always been impressed with your logic and fine writing. (I had to look up "fatuity" as I hadn't seen that word in many years!) I am so glad to see a political journalist still so even keeled and informative; we are bombarded with "analysis" by silly neophytes like Ben Shapiro and I sometimes despair our intellectual-political life.
1
If hunter Biden is SUSPECTED OF BEING “guilty” of something then hate the FBI investigate. Withholding aid to Ukraine was using the office of the president to blatantly go after a political opponents family. This as t should be abuse of power, hands down. Game over, bye bye Mr trump.
But to me it’s a separate issue.
I don’t think anyone in Washington DC wants to open the can of worms of how family members are profiting from connections made by a member of a family serving in an elected position.
2
I think the Republicans were aware of the danger of Trump and they knew what he was like - volatile, vile, uncouth and all the rest - but the lure of power and getting their agendas passed was too great.
They thought they could control him and contain his behaviour but they soon lost their hold, and once they realised they had, it was too late.
The Republicans overstepped, and now they are paying for it, and unfortunately so is America and the rest of the world.
Somewhere along the line Hunter Biden could answer some question with "I don't know, as I never received a Top Secret security clearance as a result of being related to the Vice President".
1
The problem is, Hunter Biden would be torn to shreds by the Republicans, who would accuse him of everything from profiteering from his family name, to illegally conspiring with Bigfoot and the Abominable Snowman. It’s really hard to totally escape from accusations, however ridiculous, once they have been pinned on a person; and some of Trump’s followers have shown that they are willing to believe practically anything, as long as Trump said it or endorsed it. Either way, Hunter would come out of the experience with his reputation as full of holes as Swiss cheese (regardless of the fact that he’s innocent).
Maybe if there were a really sharp lawyer by Hunter’s side as he testified, he might not be too badly damaged by the procedure. But trading Hunter Biden as a witness for John Bolton’s testimony strikes me as a bad idea—kind of like human sacrifice.
@Concerned Citizen
None of this is illegal.
I wonder why Republican Senators haven't already called Hunter Biden to testify? Could be because the bulk of them also have family members out there making a buck off their names and positions?
One proviso. If the Bidens, Joe or Hunter, are compelled to testify, it is absolutely necessary that it happen AFTER Democratic choices testify without limitations on executive privilege. Why? Republicans are very certain to get Biden testimony (irrelevant to the impeachment trial at best) and then claim, "Oh, oops" President Trump has declared top secret classification and blanket immunity for testimony from aides. We'll just have to go to the courts.
Why does that matter? Because very few people pay any attention to actual testimony. Trump will claim proof of corruption regardless of anything the Biden's say -- for which there is absolutely no evidence, except that Putin whispered in Trump's ear that it was so. Without actual completed testimony from Mr. Bolton and others BEFORE the Bidens are brought to the stand, Trump and Republicans will claim legal victory and then let the lawsuits over allowable testimony from Trump aides continue for a decade or more.
Moreover, if I were Hunter Biden I'd pull a Jeff Sessions, "Ah just caint recaall."
1
I'm just sorry Joe Biden is running his exhausted campaign with this terrible mess with his son Hunter front and center. It's just going to get worse if he wins any primaries.
Trump will never let go of trying to criminalize the Bidens. Remember him saying to Hillary during their debate: "If I were president, you'd be in jail." Or Trump accusing Obama of illegally wiretapping him?
Nominating Biden is giving Trump a platter on which to hand this country a seriously damaged Democratic nominee with a
severely ethically challenged son who's fighting a paternity judgement. Nice.
I wish John Bolton would say "I owe my country" and appear for questioning before the House or one of the Sunday news programs and tell us what he knows. "60 Minutes"? The G.O.P. Senate doesn't care about the truth.
The American people care about the truth.
Forget about Trump's threats and whether Joe and Hunter Biden 'deserve this' and just tell us what we need to know about our president, Mr. Bolton.
Looking from the outside in it appears the US is not a democracy at all.
Even the USSR rigged courts had witnesses.
How can the US claim to be the City upon a hill and yet debase itself.
Yeats wrote
“Things fall apart; the centre cannot hold;
Mere anarchy is loosed upon the world,”
There surely is madness afoot.
What’s all this talk about a trade? Unless I’m mistaken, the Republicans can simply subpoena Hunter Biden, if they want him to testify. But of course they don’t. Hunter Biden is nothing more than “Trump Lite” on the sleaze scale. Trump’s kids make more illegitimate dough everyday than Hunter will in a lifetime! And his grilling by the President’s lawyers will only reinforce Joe as a sympathetic character.
Like so much else with Trump, this is just another distraction. He doesn’t want ANY witnesses, because witnesses are sworn & tend to tell the truth. In Trumpland, truth = bad.
I sometimes wish Democrats were better at Jiu-Jitsu.
2
And conversely, Ms. Drew, having Hunter Biden testify would likely be bad for Joe Biden and the Democrats. President Obama was widely known to be concerned about Hunter’s association with Burisma in Ukraine and reportedly spoke to Joe about it when the latter was V.P. Impropriety or not, it just doesn’t look good from the outside(read: American voters).
1
The Biden's have so far navigated this controversy by claiming that "no one has made any accusation" and "there is no proof of wrongdoing". Drew is presupposing that a Hunter and/or Joe Biden testimony will not change these claims. Drew is of course wrong - once Hunter starts talking, the accusations will have merit and proof of wrongdoing may be found.
In what world can a man who has been kicked out of the Navy for drug use, fathered a baby with an ex-stripper and knows nothing about the energy business be offered a $83K/month do-nothing job sitting on the board of an Ukrainian gas company. Only in the world where Joe Biden can provide something in return.
2
I fail to understand why the Bidens wouldn’t want to testify. Doesn’t it look just as bad for them — that they have something to hide — as it does for Republicans who don’t want any witnesses from their side?
1
If it starts to appear that Joe Biden will not be the nominee, I hope he drops out sooner than later. Knowing that Trump got himself impeached over someone who's no longer in the running would be so sweet!
Hunter Biden is a Yale trained lawyer and investment banker. The reason why he was qualified to be on Burisma's board was because he was a Yale trained lawyer and highly trained investment banker. His ties to the White House of course were valuable too, but functionally, as an expert in corporate governance he had a very substantially role trying to professionalize a large Ukrainian energy company in a society that was just learning the intricacies of Western capitalism including its mandatory legal and accounting practices. Biden didn't need to know Ukrainian or anything about natural gas production to do this. In fact, Burisma must be loaded down with Ukrainian speakers and production engineers. They needed his particular skills and experience and connections. His compensation looks fine to me considering what high level investment bankers earn (don't ask). Further, Biden's later role in China also looks pretty vanilla to me. He found Chinese investors interested in investing in the United States and else where outside of China. That was right in his wheelhouse. Today, Hunder Biden in Vice Chairman of a multi-billion dollar railroad corporation. His background in the industry? Not a particularly relevant or interesting question even if his last name wasn't Biden.
The GOP Senate will acquit Trump and history will judge them as callous cronies.
This is all pending there is a future for the US after the constitutional assualt by this president and his followers.
Does anyone know who the other board members were? Couldn’t find it with google.
I would direct those with the time and interest to the long form journalism piece on Hunter Biden published in the July 1, 2019 edition of the New Yorker Magazine. The timing of the article is important given the laydown of initial concerns about Hunter Biden and the possible appearance of corruption it might have cast on his father. The article makes no specific allegation against VP Biden but does point out that he was warned on at least one occassion and perhaps several times by senior rrepresentatives of President Obama's office about the appearance of corruption Hunter's presence on offical VP trips might create. A very interesting article in a magazine I generally trust for having done its homwork.
1
This Trumped (cap. intentional) up fake scandal concerning the Bidens has more influence when less is actually known. Dems should not fear a Hunter Biden or even a Joe Biden testimony. Especially if such testimony forced a reciprocal testimony from Bolton, et al. Admittedly, it enforces Trump's delusions, but those delusions are already accepted, swallowed and incorporated into the average Trump cult member. This is simply a rewrite of the "Hillary email-Benghazi" fake scandals. It should be countered as forcefully as possible.
Unfortunately, this calling card is now void. Could have been useful in the opening gambit. But Mitch and Company have found a way to close this trial now, no witnesses. Yes, it is a sham trial if ever there was one. But as the entire presidency and the entire Republican out approach to government has been a sham, this is nothing new.
1
I'm still waiting for the tongue in cheek counter proposal. If you call Hunter, we'll call Don jr.,Eric and Ivanka and ask them about making money off of their name.
I don't know much about Hunter Biden and if he deserved his position. And I don't know if his position inevitably leads to a corrupt "pay to play" type of scenario, but there are legal channels to investigate that. However, the idea that he should be called upon a stand and painted as a villain in order to condone Trump's illicit behavior is absurd and an insult to the American people. If Trump staged a break in to dig up dirt on an opponent-- for instance--, does a court help search around for the dirt in order to justify the breaking in?
The Republicans continue to tunnel deeper and deeper into absurdity for this man. Dershowitz's statement reveals it: "If a president does something which he believes will help him get elected in the public interest, that cannot be the kind of quid pro quo that results in impeachment." So, Trump is now above the law, he and the Republicans can help smear and slander Biden's name with clandestine investigations by private attorneys and foreign goons, holding up approved aid. Imagine if Obama did this? There should be permanent ramifications for the Republicans as a result of this, but unfortunately that's not the nation we live in.
If trading on your father's connections to get a job were a crime, most of the Senate would be guilty. For that matter, let's talk about Ivanka and Jared.
I'm dying for the Democratic nominee to beat Trump.
Anyone who's nervous about the Hunter Biden issue and its impact on Joe Biden's campaign should read the current story in POLITICO about a former Biden staffer turned lobbyist who in 2005 paid Joe Biden's younger brother James for an over-priced land parcel in the Virgin Islands, then helped James obtain a private mortgage on the remaining property.
Joe Biden claims not to know anything about what his brother and his old friend the lobbyist were doing in the Virgin Islands, although Joe Biden has vacationed on this island three times since his brother did this land deal with the lobbyist.
The only Joe Biden relative who doesn't look shady is his wife.
1
These Congressional Republicans cannot see beyond their noses or they have deliberately turned a blind eye to Trump after the Access Hollywood tape. All they care about is judges and justices and controlling the daily lives of US citizens for generations after their deaths. They all have a form of Trump mania. And I mean all. Romney cannot live down his 47% comment and his fawning dinner interview with Trump for the job of Secretary of State no matter what he does in this trial.
The Democrats are totally blowing this. Asserting that the Biden's are irrelevant to these proceedings is playing right into the Republican's hands. As we all know you cannot have a crime without victim(s). If, for example, the victim of a rape refuses to testify against the accused then that case is generally thrown out. No different here. In as much as the Biden's are the targets of Trump's indiscretion they are the victims in this. Yet the Democrats refuse to hear from them in return for hearing from a material witness, John Bolton. So, we are not going to hear from the eye witness who was in the Whitehouse or from the victims, the Biden's, who don't have the guts to come forward. This thing is doomed and will be over on Friday. And, in addition to getting off "Scott free", Trump will be able to play the Biden card at his leisure should Biden somehow become the nominee. Which I seriously doubt.
Why has it not struck anyone as sickening that this US president has spend his time, our money, put our national security at risk, ally lives at risk..to target American citizens to the point of coercing a foreign country into helping him to that end. This is not the first time that Trump has targeted American citizens, including private ones, with his wrath, weak ego, usual need for revenge, and political scheming for his own benefit. He sent our Attorney General around the world to try to get dirt on our FBI; he said, 'She is going to go through some things" and fired the US Ambassador to Ukraine when he was told she bad-mouthed him. Yet, he defends Putin, MBS, Kim. Imagine Republicans if Obama had used his offie and our money and his time to go after Americans, esp. overseas, if Obama had asked agencies to destroy private businesses because he had a personal ego explosion with that businesses owner/CEO/founder. We know why Republicans aren't calling Biden. It was also bunk and a bluff. There is nothing there, and they know it, like how they know there is a lot there with Trump. yet, as usual, Trump and Republicans/McConnell will get away with their bunk, bluffs, and lies. The real problem is that too many Americans now accept and even support it.
1
if anything a sitting president does to get reelected is legal the our elected officials better start right this second writing laws to counter this. I want Bernie to start telling the American people what his plan is to make every norm that Trump has ruined and twisted to corruption a law.
Please stop perpetuating the myth that Republicans are frightened of Trump and what he will do. They're frightened of the Democrats becoming the majority. They're frightened of taxes and regulations.
They are grateful to Trump, for selling their elitist economic agenda to the middle and working classes. It turns out that this entitled and greedy self-promoter had a talent for passing himself off as a man of the people, and has been able to deliver the goods. They know that he knows where his bread is buttered.
True, the man has no scruples, but they can live with that. They are not afraid of him. They are afraid for their party. They are like addicts who are unwilling to admit they have a problem. They have not yet hit bottom.
Yes, yes, yes...Not that I approve of Hunter's judgment in this matter..but, I have listened to him being interviewed and he handles himself well. I would trade an admission of poor judgement for testimony revealing treasonous conduct.
1
If Hunter testifies , public may hear that Burisma was a legitimate company providing energy sources that helped Ukraine throw off dependence on Russian gas supplies. We may also learn that Burisma did nothing corrupt (except undermine Russian gangsters) and that when it was audited and found to owe taxes, it promptly paid. So where is the huge Burisma scandal? (Maybe the FOX News investigative staff on Fox and friends know and are not telling.)
And why did George Bush apoint Hunter to the Board of Amtrak?And how does his Yale Law school, Dept of Commerce and big firm legal experience along with his partnerships in his own lobbying firms compare to Trump's three grifters?
If Hunter Biden testifies, I hope he starts every response with "Just as Ivanka, Don Jr., and Eric Trump get invited to participate in businesses because of their father's name, I did too..."
I don't think so. Hunter Biden as a witness is a no-loss proposition for Trump. I don't see why would the Senate Republicans not agree to witnesses and then call just him. The corrupt nature of his employment in Ukraine is so obvious that the more attention is drawn to it and more he speaks about it the worse will it look. Since nothing is known about the history and details of that sorrily misconceived affair - remember that there was no investigation - we could be in for hours and hours of listening about all the unsavoury details. How did he stumble into this job? How much was he paid? What exactly did he do to earn that money? How much did he know about the corruption and the corruption investigation? How much did he tell his dad? on and on it goes. He either tells the truth and makes it look even worse or he lies and sets himself up for a perjury trap. Either way the Biden candidacy will be finished and Trumps reasoning behind demanding an investigation vindicated. There is just no good side to it for the Democrats.
1
Absolutely agree, Ms. Drew. Let Hunter tell us what we already know. And front up as a man.
Bolton is trickier, but he’s an ax-grinder. He’ll create the circus the corrupt Republicans want to avoid.
Either way, the truth must be reaffirmed. Trump has broken the law and must be held accountable.
Anyone who saw the full Hunter Biden interview on the tube would take exception to the characterization of this helping the Democrats. Hunter was a long-term drug addict. I do not know about his status now. He received a commission as a US Naval Officer without any particular qualifications or experience. I wonder how he got it with such a non-qualifying resume, particularly his addiction status. Papa Joe or fear of Papa Joe? Do not worry for the individuals under his command. He was discharged within weeks for failing drug tests.
In TV interview, he stated that he had no experience or knowledge of the energy field. Yet, he was appointed to the executive board of Burisma, the major energy company in Ukraine, that was under investigation for corruption. Hundreds of thousands or millions of dollars of compensation. Wonder how he got the job-Papa Joe? Biden on the board of corrupt company over which he was the Obama point man for Ukraine and eliminating corruption.
Hunter had other jobs. He was appointed to the Board of Amtrak. Wonder how? ChooChoo Joe? But he also made big money in China, with Papa Joe as the Obama point man for China.
Worthy of investigation? Of course? Potential criminality? Possibile? Related to Trump's motivation for delaying funds to Ukraine? Clearly. Enough to block vote on calling for further witness testimony?
Democrats are hoping that the Chief Justice vote would break the tie. Sorry, but the Constitution says the VP breaks ties in Senate vote.
1
This article makes rational sense in a logical country. That is no longer our country.
All bets are off...for everything. We know the fundamental points Bolton has to offer. An ethical GOP would have halted this circus the moment it learned any of dozens of "shocking" revelations, but it would have called for immediate conviction upon Bolton's revelation. Our problem is that the rot is so deep that nothing shocks us anymore.
Likewise, in a sane nation the notion of calling Biden, who has nothing to do with this and is a patent stratagem for distracting from the real culprit, would be laughed out of court. But just watch. In our nation, in this moment, it would become another Swift boat debacle where the innocent are besmirched and the liars win the day.
I challenge anyone to imagine Obama surviving the sheer number and magnitude of corrupt and illegal incidents DJT has been caught red-handed doing and will happily call them liars if they pretend that it wouldn't have been game over.
So...I have no idea how it would play. If there's a way for this GOP to twist, subvert, lie, and machinate in ways that harm the country, it will. And they'll still find a way to whine that it was Obama's fault and to make liberals look guilty for standing up for justice.
Had we started holding them in check for their rank lying years ago, we wouldn't be here now. Kavanaugh certainly would not be installed and Citizens United wouldn't be crippling us.
No accountability brought us here.
Hunter Biden testifying will only give credence to the lie that is being perpetuated by Trump and the GOP that the Bidens did something wrong and are corrupt. He is not involved in the criminal activity committed by Trump to interfere in the next election.