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Trump impeachment hearings focus on Ukraine pressure campaign

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By Patricia Zengerle, Matt Spetalnick and Karen Freifeld

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Embarrassing.

Taylor is their star witness?

it’s great that this is public. Thanks Schiff, Pelosi , Schumer etc.

trump wins again.

-17 ( +10 / -27 )

When the US sends its military into foreign countries and bombs them, then President Trump will be impeached for a phone call?

Not a chance!

-18 ( +5 / -23 )

It takes willfull blindness to continue defending Donny. How much corroborating testimony do you Trumpophiles want?

14 ( +22 / -8 )

The Ukrainian president himself said that there was no quid pro quo, implicit or explicit.

He is contradicting the US's own records of the call?

18 ( +22 / -4 )

The American public is getting really bored with this,

Viewing figured suggest otherwise.

14 ( +20 / -6 )

Bill Taylor and George Kent, like Yovanovitch, are a credit to the Department of State. These are the professionals out there actually serving our country. We can be proud to have them. Shame we can’t have folks of the same caliber in the White House or even in Congress. Trump’s not even fit to hold their water.

The American public is getting really bored with this, they can’t really tell the difference between Russia and the Ukraine 

Maybe so but Bill and George explained it pretty well. Our national interest is to support Ukraine against an aggressive, belligerent Russia. All the more reason for Republicans to stop muddying the waters to defend the Orange turd and start putting country before party, or political expediency.

17 ( +21 / -4 )

The American public is getting really bored with this,

I get bored with people who claim to know what an extremely divided public thinks. It’s just silly partisanship.

15 ( +20 / -5 )

just see this as an extension of the never-ending attempt by the Democrats to reverse the election results.

if the Dems fail at this (appears they already are) they will loose all credibility for many decades to come. What a bunch of clowns.

-18 ( +6 / -24 )

Stop using “quid pro quo”. It’s trumps Ukraine extortion scheme. It is clear and obvious that trump withheld Ukraine military aid on condition that Ukraine publicly announce investigations into Biden and the 2016 election in order to help trump personally and politically, against national interests. Any squishy semantic arguments to try and squirm away from this obviousness is just a dumb useless game. 

Mulvaney, Sondland, Trump all confessed. trump did the crime again, publically calling on Ukraine and China to investigate Biden! Soliciting foreign help in an election is illegal!

9 ( +16 / -7 )

What a bunch of waste of time, I have never seen Democrats this stupid....wait, I take it back, the Republicans were equally as boring back in 1998. Kept falling asleep, if this is the Democrats strategy he’s en help us all for the next few weeks of serious boredom.

Stop using “quid pro quo”. It’s trumps Ukraine extortion scheme. 

So when the Democrat candidates all agree to hold US aid to Israel unless they sit down with the Palestinians to come up with a two state solution, that’s a what....wait for it...extortion, but that’s ok with liberals.

It is clear and obvious that trump withheld Ukraine military aid on condition that Ukraine publicly announce investigations into Biden and the 2016 election in order to help trump personally and politically, against national interests. 

Here is the conundrum for the Democrats, money was dispatched and given, unlike Obama who gave the Ukrainians blankets. Good luck with that.

Any squishy semantic arguments to try and squirm away from this obviousness is just a dumb useless game. 

Seriously, their accusations on these allegations are utterly useless as well as meaningless.

Mulvaney, Sondland, Trump all confessed. trump did the crime again, publically calling on Ukraine and China to investigate Biden! Soliciting foreign help in an election is illegal!

But it’s ok for the Democrats to use a foreign agent to spy on Trump.....interesting all this hypocrisy...this is all just going to help Trump. Keep it up Democrats, please continue to help this President slide into a second term. Lol

-13 ( +4 / -17 )

"Guess what, nobody cares."

most american cares except the trumpophiles.

"the american public is getting really bored with this, they can’t really tell the difference between Russia and the Ukraine and just see this as an extension of the never-ending attempt by the Democrats to reverse the election results."

wrong saying, not american public but trumpophiles.

8 ( +12 / -4 )

Dud. they had to make up a new hearsay phone call to try to create a “bombshell”.

Taylors aide somehow overheard a call where they were somehow able to hear both sides of the conversation clearly. this aide is just telling Taylor about this now???

so add them to the witness list, don’t need Taylor telling us about another call he didn’t hear.

And did the last administration give any significant assistance at ALL? No, they didn’t.

was most alarming to him because it entailed "security assistance to a country at war."

-14 ( +4 / -18 )

You lost when this is the headline:

“Taylor testifies Trump cared more about 'investigations' than Ukraine”

from a man who has never even met Trump. So how would he know this to be able to testify to it honestly?

-13 ( +5 / -18 )

Heh, as the walls come crashing down our local pubs are grasping at more and more desperate excuses.

It’s fun to watch.

3 ( +10 / -7 )

Here is the conundrum for the Democrats, money was dispatched and given, 

Cuz everyone knows that robbing a bank is okay as long as you give the money back when you get caught. This is a lame argument. had congress not heard about Donny's little bribery scheme.

So when the Democrat candidates all agree to hold US aid to Israel unless they sit down with the Palestinians to come up with a two state solution, that’s a what....wait for it...extortion, but that’s ok with liberals.

lololololol No, the US government offering a in exchange for b is not extortion, don't be silly. The problem is when Donny tries to use public funds for a very personal benefit. Holding up the funds undermined US diplomatic efforts and served ONLY Trump.

they had to make up a new hearsay phone call to try to create a “bombshell”.

Don't worry Mulvaney and Bolton will testify in due time, then it won't be hearsay. Hmmm....I wonder why totally innocent Trump doesn't want Bolton and Mulvaney to testify about how totally innocent he is? ;)

5 ( +9 / -4 )

The removal of Trump from office is only the first step in saving America. The rise of the far right, enabled by the rhetoric coming from the White House, is a serious problem.

There was a small ray of hope when they started turning on each other at Jnr.s book launch the other day but wait until they realize their saviour is done for. More chaos.

4 ( +9 / -5 )

The only way to challenge Donald Trump Presidency is at the ballot box.

Sorry, but this is a wasted journey that could ultimately irrevocably damage Democrats election campaign.

Focus tactics and strategy, not on Trump, but his advisors, they will do his bidding ruthlessly.

3 ( +5 / -2 )

The only way to challenge Donald Trump Presidency is at the ballot box

Sorry, but this is a wasted journey that could ultimately irrevocably damage Democrats election campaign.

I agree 110% Bingo!

-7 ( +5 / -12 )

What? Well, then we really need to look into the Biden’s.

The Biden's aren't being impeached, though.

8 ( +11 / -3 )

Laughable - that's the only way to describe all the Trumpers weak, fact-less posts...

They're following their Brietbart and Hannity scripted talking points to the letter - avoid the clear and precise facts being presented, just whine - loudly....

That's all we saw from the clown club Repubs today - they looked like two-year olds whining about having to eat their vegetables. The only clown missing was Goofy Louie Gohmert.

The mountain of evidence is forcing Repubs to lean toward making the argument that Trump was the victim of a rogue operation being led by Mulvaney and Crazy Rudy, with help from others - the "Throw Everyone Under the Bus" strategy. But that won't work - because those two report to the same boss - Mr QPQ...

This is also called the fratricide strategy, because its all Repub on Repub conflict - its Trump's hand-picked team versus Trump...

And we can't wait for Bolton - who just yesterday said Donnie focuses on personal gain instead of the nation's interest in foreign policy...oh my...

https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/donald-trump/private-speech-bolton-suggests-some-trump-s-foreign-policy-decisions-n1080651

Go Johnny! Let's hear about that drug deal!

7 ( +10 / -3 )

the correct liberal media term is "walls are closing in".

Except they are not. Taylor obviously felt he needed a bombshell for Season 1, Episode 1 so he withheld the other supposed phone call. It fell totally flat. If he didnt withhold it until now, he is incompetent because how can an aide hear a conversation of this importance on July 26 and he doesnt know about it until last week?

On to Friday to hear the lady complain about losing her job. And hearing why she decided to lie under oath about not email a Schiff staffer when she did.

the walls come crashing down

-7 ( +3 / -10 )

The Biden's aren't being impeached, though

Doesn't matter, Trump won’t be removed, but having said that, when this farce is over with and goes to the Senate, Hunter better be prepared. Lol

The removal of Trump from office is only the first step in saving America.

How?

The rise of the far right, enabled by the rhetoric coming from the White House, is a serious problem. 

There was a small ray of hope when they started turning on each other at Jnr.s book launch the other day but wait until they realize their saviour is done for. More chaos.

So we have to be subjected to the socialists and and Anarchists? But that’s not a problem, right?

-5 ( +2 / -7 )

The Kremlin is really shovelling out the incentives this morning.

5 ( +5 / -0 )

What? Well, then we really need to look into the Biden’s.

Utterly irrelevant.

Yes, it is. If you are making threats to a country (let’s say Israel) and you say to them US aid will be withheld if you don’t stop your aggression towards the Palestinians...(at least that’s what they claim) or if you don’t sit at the table and come up with a two-state solution. That’s an extortion.

No its not. Extortion: the practice of obtaining something, especially money, through force or threats.

Again just silly. Using your logic, a basic labor agreement (conditioning work in receipt of money) is extortion. IS that what you think, that agreeing to work for a paycheck is somehow extortion? You're not trying to suggest that any foreign government has a right to taxpayer money, are you? Taxpayers have a right to make see to it that there taxpayer funds are used properly, and that does NOT mean for Trump's personal gain.

5 ( +7 / -2 )

You guys dont have these new extortion and bribery talking points down yet. Should go back to quid pro quo or the very generic "pressure"! that you started with.

the only way this works for you is if you focus and make people clearly understand what happened, who did it, why it is wrong, and then prove it. So far you have failed at that messaging and today didnt help.

"oh wait, there is ANOTHER phone call from July I just found out about!" huh?

-7 ( +4 / -11 )

Schiff whiffed badly on the first day. No smoking gun. No quid pro quo. Nothing said different than what the transcript says -publicly released by Trump - that has already been made public.

Bill Clinton was caught dead to rights lying to the FBI. He beat the rap. There is no way you can remove a President based solely on hearsay evidence. Even the vote to start the impeachment inquiry could only bring about bipartisanship - against the inquiry.

Dems are trying hard but this is going no where fast. In fact they are only helping Trump. The only way I see him winning reelection is through extreme overreach by Pelosi's extremist arch Progressive wing.

Trump won today - hands down.

-9 ( +3 / -12 )

Utterly irrelevant. 

No, not when it gets to the Senate where the House Democrats need their votes to convict and remove the President. Hunter will be called. Hope he gets a haircut before going on TV.

No its not. Extortion: the practice of obtaining something, especially money, through force or threats. 

When you threaten somebody for something or withholding something from someone that is extortion in its purest form.

ex·tort·ed; ex·tort·ing; ex·torts

transitive verb

: to obtain from a person by force, intimidation, or undue or illegal power : wring; **also : to gainespecially by ingenuity or compelling argument**

Taxpayers have a right to make see to it that there taxpayer funds are used properly, and that does NOT mean for Trump's personal gain.

No one cares anymore and no one cared back then, because if they did he wouldn’t have won the election, he didn’t show them back then and they still voted for him

-5 ( +3 / -8 )

I guess no one actually saw Schiff try to coach the witness in answering a question (again).

“I just want to be clear, ambassador. If you’re able to verify the things that counsel has asked you in the prerequisite to that’s fine,” he said. “Otherwise, in questions from the majority or the minority that may assume facts in evidence before you, you should be cautioned about that.”

end result:

Schiff quickly backed down, replying: “As I said, Mr. Ratcliffe, I’ll allow the question.”

-10 ( +2 / -12 )

Repulican main talking points (or the bright shiny objects):

Hunter Biden

Hunter Biden didn't do anything. Oh, he may have taken advantage of his family name to get ahead in a foreign country. However, it not at all different from Ivanka Trump or Don Jr. and their business ties overseas with the Trump brand name. Most of us don't approve of this way of doing things, but, hey, let he who's without sin cast the first stone, right?

Obama didn't give lethal weapons to Ukraine, but Trump did.

Again, this has nothing to do with using U.S. aid as a means of committing extortion and bribery. Obama wasn't using extortion or bribery to gather dirt on American political opponents, Trump was. More smoke and mirrors.

Who's the whistleblower?!

Why does it matter now? All of the information has been corroborated. Whoever the whistleblower is doesn't matter anymore. Unless, it's to harm the whistleblower for what they did, but in terms of exposing the truth, well, it's too late now.

Pretty flimsy. Let's hear more about and from Giuliani, Bolton and Mulvaney. Stop scurrying in the shadows and come forward if you really have nothing to hide.

5 ( +7 / -2 )

takeda: No its not. Extortion: the practice of obtaining something, especially money, through force or threats.

The fatal flaw with this argument is that Trump did not get anything. There is only the accusation that he tried to get the new Ukranian President to investigate Hunter Biden's sweetheart financial windfall during a trip with Joe on Air Force 2. Joe leveraged his office to benefit his family. That is corruption. Joe doesn't get a free pass just because he is running for president now. Trump didn't get that benefit of the doubt when he was running in 2016.

-9 ( +3 / -12 )

Lets not. You called 15 of your own witnesses and 11 will testify publicly. Are you telling me you cant make your case with your own witnesses?

Let's hear more about and from Giuliani, Bolton and Mulvaney.

-8 ( +3 / -11 )

Damp squib.

-3 ( +0 / -3 )

The Ukrainian president himself said that there was no quid pro quo, implicit or explicit.

Well, what do you expect? The Ukrainian president is a comedian! And in the Ukraine he's not called "Monica" Zelenskiy because Trump never abused his power and status to take advantage of a comedian and neophyte politician to try and make him turn a trick for $400 million, a payment that didn't come out of the unscrupulous tightwad's own pocket.

-4 ( +3 / -7 )

Hunter Biden didn't do anything. Oh, he may have taken advantage of his family name to get ahead in a foreign country.

So once this gets to the Senate, we will find out.

Again, this has nothing to do with using U.S. aid

Yes, it does. Obama withholds aid and gives the Ukrainian blankets, Trump makes a stupid phone call, the Ukrainian gets their aid and the Ukrainian President said, there’s no quid pro quo, we shouldn’t believe him, but when the Mullahs in Iran say something, we need to take their words for it? Come on.."

as a means of committing extortion and bribery. Obama wasn't using extortion or bribery to gather dirt on American political opponents, Trump was. More smoke and mirrors.

Hmmm, well at least we don’t have to worry about him being removed, phew!

-4 ( +3 / -7 )

The Dem party is looking ridiculous. I guess they think they have nothing to lose.

Andnow theyre making statements like, “hearsay can be more important than direct.”

Sad.

-3 ( +5 / -8 )

So incredibly boring. Did you see Shift when he was called out about the "whistleblower"?? What a lying sack of ........potatoes. The Dems are in for a big surprise as not only Americans, but the world is watching and laughing about what a farce this all is. Once again the Democrats will elect Trump for President in 2020.

-2 ( +5 / -7 )

Trump is cursing through his dentures and pretending he don't care.

It's the other way around, Trump cares about the U.S.A. so much more than ANY democratic that was participating at the impeachment hearing.

-2 ( +5 / -7 )

"Ambassador Sondland responded that President Trump cares more about the investigations of Biden, which Giuliani was pressing for," Taylor testified, referring to Trump's personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani.

Boy, I am looking forward to Sondland's testimony, maybe this time he will not change his testimony .

Speaking under oath makes even the worst of crooks honest, no wonder Donny has never given any testimony.

The fatal flaw with this argument is that Trump did not get anything. 

We do accept that he is not the smartest of the cookies, but attempt at extortion, even if that fails, is still a crime.

5 ( +7 / -2 )

Kent and Taylor are the best the democrats got? These two are nothing more than a pair of disgruntled Deep Staters who are upset that President Trump succeeded in rendering them useless by offering only second and third-hand accounts of the July phone call.

For weeks, the MSM promised their low info viewers that these two were going to provide "overwhelming evidence" to prove once and for all the crimes that the President committed; that they were the ones who would throw the 60-yard bomb into the end zone for a touchdown. Instead, they punted.

-9 ( +2 / -11 )

The fatal flaw with this argument is that Trump did not get anything

Ahhh,,, So, it's not robbery unless you actually walk away with money. The fatal flaw this argument is that you don't actually need to get "anything" for the act to be illegal.

https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/18/875

)Whoever, with intent to extort from any person, firm, association, or corporation, any money or other thing of value, transmits in interstate or foreign commerce any communication containing any threat to kidnap any person or any threat to injure the person of another, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than twenty years, or both.

5 ( +7 / -2 )

It is like the democrats want to lose. They are handing Trump victory on a plate. It boggles the mind.

-6 ( +2 / -8 )

This is so embarrassing to be brought up on trumped up charges and then to really stretch a definition of a word "bribery" as what it means over 200 yrs ago...thats' digging deep and really says the Dems have nothing except failure to due their duty in putting together a national budget. They have wasted 2.5 yrs on made up accusations against the President and now this. Enough.

-7 ( +2 / -9 )

What is up with liberals and Russia and Ukraine? Why are they so obsessed with these countries?

We are also obsessed with N. Korea, Turkey, Syria, Iraq, China, Hong Kong etc etc.

But Trumplets cant find these countries even if they use google......

5 ( +8 / -3 )

So we have to be subjected to the socialists and and Anarchists? But that’s not a problem, right?

No, socialists and anarchists are good and cool.

3 ( +5 / -2 )

Appeals court hands Trump another loss, saying Congress can seek his tax returns

No, they will appeal again anschauen it goes to the SC first.

Trump having a bad hair day.

Dunno, Axios was reporting Trump was stoked today.

-7 ( +3 / -10 )

It is like the democrats want to lose.

It sure seems like that if you watch the gospel channel of the racists, Fox.

They are handing Trump victory on a plate.

Donny probably couldn't spell victory if you gave him a dictionary.

It boggles the mind.

Thats what Fox counts on, minds with no thinking ability.

7 ( +9 / -2 )

This is so embarrassing to be brought up on trumped up charges and then to really stretch a definition of a word "bribery" as what it means over 200 yrs ago...

Like the Second Amendment? Something about the right to bear arms?

I'd say the Constitution pretty much covers the kind of shenanigans that Trump has been getting up to. Will be fascinating to see the spin on this play out.

It's all out there, what he's done. The cover up attempts, the backtracking and the lies to make us question what we've seen and heard over the last few months.

The big question now is, will he step down gracefully or continue the gaslighting?

2 ( +5 / -3 )

The big question now is, will he step down gracefully or continue the gaslighting?

In 2024, the floor may go to the Democrats if they change their wicked ways by then.

It sure seems like that if you watch the gospel channel of the racists, Fox

And yet on every other network they drone about race and practice racism themselves including reverse racism.

-3 ( +3 / -6 )

@Serrano

Haha, and guaranteed you would NOT say that had he said there WAS quid pro quo.

You are absolutely correct! Because that joke wouldn't be funny at all, which is why impeachment and not laughter is the only legitimate response.

2 ( +5 / -3 )

The big question now is, will he ( Trump ) step down gracefully or continue the gaslighting?

Neither. The big question now is, after this impeachment inquiry focusing on a phone call to the Ukrainian president who said there was no quid pro quo falls flat like the Mueller Russia collusion delusion investigation, will the Democrats try a third country, or just trot out more Stormys?

-4 ( +4 / -8 )

The Ukrainian president himself said that there was no quid pro quo, implicit or explicit.

He couldn't seriously be expected to say that there was.

Ukraine is a small country threatened by a strong Russian influence both internal and external, desperate for US aide to keep the bear from the door.

The President's job is to put Ukraine First, not to destroy relations with the US administration by publicly admitting to being subject to US gangster tactics.

Like small businesses in the hood find it easier, safer and cheaper in the long run to just pay the protection money instead of going to the police.

(What police? asks Zelensky)

6 ( +8 / -2 )

The only way to challenge Donald Trump Presidency is at the ballot box.

And the more they continue with this type of B/S, the less chance they have at that.

And the participants in the Democratic Party campaign clown car aren't helping either.

-2 ( +3 / -5 )

Ahhh,,, So, it's not robbery unless you actually walk away with money. The fatal flaw this argument is that you don't actually need to get "anything" for the act to be illegal.

Ok but that’s not what you were saying Trump did. To prove Trump was attempting to blackmail or bribe the President of Ukraine it would help if the Ukrainian leader would back up this prosecutorial theory. Right now there isn’t even any proof that the Ukrainian president was aware he was being bribed.

All Schiff has now is the claim that hearsay evidence is even better than first hand knowledge. It’s farcical.

-9 ( +2 / -11 )

He couldn't seriously be expected to say that there was.

Yes, he could, he’s the President, why could he not? But I forget, Democrats WANT to believe their own narrative no matter how screwed up it is and it really is.

Ukraine is a small country threatened by a strong Russian influence both internal and external, desperate for US aide to keep the bear from the door.

The President's job is to put Ukraine First, not to destroy relations with the US administration by publicly admitting to being subject to US gangster tactics.

Obama did a bang up job by denying them aid, allowing for Russia to annex Crimea, but he did send blankets, that’s very comforting to know.

Like small businesses in the hood find it easier, safer and cheaper in the long run to just pay the protection money instead of going to the police.

I get it, I really do, but this is a lot more complex. Seriously, for the life of me, I don’t even think the Democrats know what they are impeaching this President on. They never truly made it definitively clear.

-10 ( +2 / -12 )

@cleo: The President's job is to put Ukraine First, not to destroy relations with the US administration by publicly admitting to being subject to US gangster tactics.

No, according to the Left a President’s job is not to put their own country first. The Democrats have been telling the world for the last three years that Trump’s America First way of thinking is out of step with the world community? Now you are saying he was right all along?

Otherwise you are just calling Zelenskiy a liar. So far no Dem has even attempted to make that rather critical argument.

-10 ( +2 / -12 )

The Ukrainian president himself said that there was no quid pro quo, implicit or explicit.

He couldn't seriously be expected to say that there was.

Of course not. That would be disagreeing with Trump, and no one ever does that. LOL.

Ukraine is a small country threatened by a strong Russian influence both internal and external, desperate for US aide to keep the bear from the door.

The President's job is to put Ukraine First, not to destroy relations with the US administration by publicly admitting to being subject to US gangster tactics.

Of course there's no chance that he's actually telling the truth. No chance of that at all. LOL.

And there was no gangster tactics in that phone call. Read the transcript, for chrissakes.

And Trump's job is to put America first. Some people still don't get that.

-13 ( +0 / -13 )

Love how over last 3 years we’ve been told all these things that Trump did.

Can never been proven then we see the backtracking to “well he tried to do it, that’s the same thing really!” Then that doesn’t work either and then on to the next narrative.

-10 ( +0 / -10 )

When this impeachment inquiry is over, the Democrats are going to say "Foiled again!"

-13 ( +0 / -13 )

it was such a horrible day all liberals can talk about here is Fox News, Trump taxes and a halfhearted “will he step down now?”

ummm no he won’t.

-12 ( +0 / -12 )

Right now there isn’t even any proof that the Ukrainian president was aware he was being bribed.

Well, this is just awkward: https://nypost.com/2019/10/23/ukraine-president-knew-trump-wanted-biden-probe-back-in-may-report/

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky was worried about how to deal with pressure from the Trump administration to investigate Joe Biden in early May — about two weeks before he was inaugurated, a new report said Wednesday.

https://www.salon.com/2019/11/11/giuliani-henchman-flips-on-trump-says-he-threatened-ukraine-to-investigate-biden-or-lose-aid/

Parnas claims that he told a representative of new Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in May that he had to announce an investigation into former Vice President Joe Biden and his son, Hunter, or the administration would freeze military aid allocated by Congress and Vice President Mike Pence would not attend his swearing-in, Bondy told The Times.

All Schiff has now is the claim that hearsay evidence is even better than first hand knowledge. It’s farcical.

Perhaps Donny would allow his staff to testify or do so himself? Be careful what you wish for.

6 ( +6 / -0 )

Both Taylor and George Kent testified about their concerns about pressure by Trump and allies to get Ukraine to investigate Democratic political rival Joe Biden in a dramatic hearing that pitted Democratic and Republican lawmakers against each other.

While the hearing turned contentious at times - including sniping between lawmakers - the low-key testimony given by the two witnesses may have fallen short of giving the Democrats the ammunition they need to advance their argument that Trump has committed misdeeds worthy of ousting him from office.

Hooray! Taylor and Kent publically admitted that they had no first hand knowledge of any quid pro quo. Just as they had told Schiff's private Kommittee hearings.

I understand that Schiff will not allow committee members to discuss Biden or Biden, but the Biden name must have been brought up at least two dozen times today.

-11 ( +0 / -11 )

the Democrats are going to say "Foiled again!"

of course they'll be foiled when the Rethuglicans block them in the senate,doesnt matter how much proof

they produce itll always be a baseless conspiracy theory thats their excuse to save their butts. The American voter will be Trumps jury. Still a year away still more shite to pile onto that mountain

Dump Trump 2020

5 ( +5 / -0 )

zichi - The Supreme Court may not accept the Trump tax returns case. Out of 7,000 petitions only about 150 are accepted for review.

Neither Taylor, or Kent, mentioned Trump's tax returns during the "Trump impeachment hearings focus on Ukraine pressure campaign".

-9 ( +0 / -9 )

I understand that Schiff will not allow committee members to discuss Biden or Biden, but the Biden name must have been brought up at least two dozen times today.

of course it did that's the conspiracy the rethuglicans are running with. problem with that is agreeing with questioning that doesn't have any proven facts is a lie, which is why with all their questioning on the subject they couldnt get any of the witness to agree with them lol

2 ( +3 / -1 )

Liberals act like we have a responsibility to help you prove YOUR allegations. We dont. If you cant prove it, why did you bring it? If you need Bolton and Mulvaney to testify wait until the court decides if your subpoena is valid. Instead, you just said never mind because you are in such a hurry. Why the hurry?

You took the offense, so all we have to do is play defense and not let you score. You didnt score today.

-5 ( +1 / -6 )

It is like the democrats want to lose. They are handing Trump victory on a plate. It boggles the mind.

lol keep telling yourself that to calm the nerves, what history has taught us is the more people vote the higher the chance of a Democrat POTUS. 2020 is shaping up to see a record turnout, people are sick and tired of how the white house has been turned into a circus. over confidence or the illusion of it failed the democrats in 2016 seems like it may be reversed in 2020. 

Dump Trump 2020

1 ( +3 / -2 )

Zichi,

Trump will come out of this Democrats disgrace just fine. Its the Democrat party that history will not be kind to. Pelosi knew it, she only caved when AOC etc went public with open rebellion within the Dem ranks. Its shocking - shockingly inept.

0 ( +3 / -3 )

I find it highly ironic that this misconduct that the swamp accuses Trump of is exactly what Biden in 2016 no only did, but bragged about. On video! If you want a textbook example of hypocrisy, look no further.

-4 ( +3 / -7 )

WilliB, its ok for sleepy joe to do it - hes a Dem.

-3 ( +1 / -4 )

Lincolnman:

And we can't wait for Bolton - who just yesterday said Donnie focuses on personal gain instead of the nation's interest in foreign policy...oh my...

https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/donald-trump/private-speech-bolton-suggests-some-trump-s-foreign-policy-decisions-n1080651

I recall that not so long ago the echo chamber was very much against that old warmonger Bolton... much to my agreement. But now suddenly he seems very popular... go figure!

And looking at the sites you post as reference here, like www.nbcnews, www.cnn, www.vox, www.ap (dare I guess that nyt, bbc, huffpost, daily beast, msnbc, guardian, are also in there...) I can only recommend to you to try to take look outside the fake media bubble sometimes. There is a whole world of information out there that these propaganda peddlers hide from you.

-5 ( +1 / -6 )

The republicans picking apart Schiff's "star witnesses" on live TV was so good that a democrat committee member was reduced to say on the record that "hearsay can be much better evidence than direct" evidence.

Today, the left was shown to have ordered a nothing burger with extra egg on the face. Hold the substance.

-4 ( +2 / -6 )

Yes, he could, he’s the President, why could he not?

Please read to the end of a post before hitting the keyboard. I explained why not.

But I forget, Democrats 

Don't you at least have to be American to be a Democrat?

Sorry, not guilty on both counts.

Obama did a bang up job by denying them aid

What Obama did or did not do isn't relevant. (Not being a Democrat, I'm not particularly in love with Obama, either. Your whataboutism doesn't work.)

Trump’s America First way of thinking is out of step with the world community? Now you are saying he was right all along?

You seriously think Zelensky's keep your head down, hold your breath and hope the storm blows over style of Ukraine Firstism is anything at all like Trump's cozy up to the bad guys, insult your allies and loudly demand more money from them America Firstism?

Otherwise you are just calling Zelenskiy a liar.

Like the owner of the little corner store lies when he tells the police he's had no problems with the local tough guys. Can't really blame him. Read the transcript, he sucks up to Trump like he was the Godfather.

That would be disagreeing with Trump, and no one ever does that

See above

there was no gangster tactics in that phone call. Read the transcript

Yes, read the transcript. Zelensky sucks up to Trump like he was the Godfather.

In the meantime, Trump slags off the US's European allies (they won't help you....) and then comes the 'favor'. No need to apply pressure, the meaning was clear:

If you want the money to buy those Javelins, you need to help us against the Democrats. My personal assistant Rudy will tell you what to do.

He also then, while speaking to a foreign leader, slags off US officials (Mueller, Ivanovich) which, while not impeachable, is certainly classless and not putting America First.

2 ( +5 / -3 )

I find it highly ironic that this misconduct that the swamp accuses Trump of is exactly what Biden in 2016 no only did, but bragged about. On video! If you want a textbook example of hypocrisy, look no further.

lololololl No, here is the whole story. He was talking about the slide back into corruption, and he was talking about how he, along with numerous other international groups, pushed for a corrupt Ukrainian prosecutor to be fired. Here is the whole video, skip to minute 50 for the relevant part: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yKM0Ar6VG64

If you want a textbook example of rightwing bull, look no further.

0 ( +3 / -3 )

One of the funniest parts from the hearing!

Rep. Jim Jordan (R): We need to hear from the one who started it all.

Rep. Peter Welch (D): "I'd be glad to have the person who started it all come in and

testify. President Trump is welcome to take a seat right here."

Give it up for Jim Jordan! LOL! (sarcasm)

2 ( +5 / -3 )

the low-key testimony given by the two witnesses may have fallen short of giving the Democrats the ammunition they need to advance their argument that Trump has committed misdeeds worthy of ousting him from office.

an understatement. The whole thing was just another clown show, just like the Dem debates. Coming to the show unprepared and incompetent, only to be destroyed by Jordan, who played with the ambassador like a buffon that he was. I expect more of the same. Bug eyes can gripe all he wants and CNN tell us to stay away from shiny objects, but I see it for what it is.

-2 ( +2 / -4 )

Another day of Trumper whining and hyperbole - nothing of substance, no facts....

But there is a lot of something else - blatant falsehoods - we understand, if you have nothing else....

Lets look at two by Trumpers here;

Obama did a bang up job by denying them aid, allowing for Russia to annex Crimea, but he did send blankets, that’s very comforting to know.

100% false. Given their hate and disdain for our military, it figures they wouldn't know the difference between a blanket and an up-armored Humvee with a TOW 2B...

By March 2015, the US had committed more than $120 million in security assistance for Ukraine and had pledged an additional $75 million worth of equipment including UAVs, counter-mortar radars, night vision devices and medical supplies, according to the Pentagon's Defense Security Cooperation Agency. That assistance also included some 230 armored Humvee vehicles.

https://edition.cnn.com/2019/09/26/politics/donald-trump-barack-obama-ukraine-military-aid-sheets-pillows-fact-check/index.html

Kent and Taylor are the best the democrats got? These two are nothing more than a pair of disgruntled Deep Staters

Really? Then Trump must like Deep-Staters since he and Pompeo appointed them both to their current positions...Kent in Sept 2018 and Taylor in June 2019...

Trumpers need to open their eyes, its not Nancy, Schiff, or Shummer that are taking down Trump - it's his "own guys"; Taylor, Kent, Sondland, Crazy Rudy, Mulvaney, Pompeo, Barr, and all the others.

And again, go Bolton!

2 ( +2 / -0 )

Trumpers need to open their eyes, its not Nancy, Schiff, or Shummer that are taking down Trump - it's his "own guys"; Taylor, Kent, Sondland, Crazy Rudy, Mulvaney, Pompeo, Barr, and all the others.

And again, go Bolton!

Thanks for telling us how to think, but we good. We can see it for what it is now and what it was then. Sore butt hurt losers, pathetic. Bolton will disappoint also. Sorry, I dont have any tissue for you.

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

takeda shingen:

lololololl No, here is the whole story. He was talking about the slide back into corruption, and he was talking about how he, along with numerous other international groups, pushed for a corrupt Ukrainian prosecutor to be fired. Here is the whole video, skip to minute 50 for the relevant part: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yKM0Ar6VG64

No, he pushed for a prosecutor to be fired that was looking into the corruption at Berisma, the oligarch run gas company, that the famous gas + Ukraine expert Hunter Biden had a board seat on, to the tune of 80,000 USD per month (more than any other board member), for doing nothing except, well, lending his name.

And the e-mails pushing the Obama administration to interfere in the investigation, mentioning Hunter Biden by name have been disclosed (much to the consternation of the swamp).

You do know what this is called outside the fake media propaganda bubble? Of course you do... it is called a protection racket.

-7 ( +0 / -7 )

Bolton isn’t even showing up. You didn’t bother to subpoena him and then wait 2-3 weeks for a judge to tell you your subpoena is invalid for your sham investigation.

-4 ( +1 / -5 )

cleo - He also then, while speaking to a foreign leader, slags off US officials (Mueller, Ivanovich) which, while not impeachable.....

Yes, it's not impeachable. Neither is the third and fourth person hearsay presented by bugeye Schiff's lead off witnesses.

-5 ( +0 / -5 )

No, he pushed for a prosecutor to be fired that was looking into the corruption at Berisma, the oligarch run gas company, that the famous gas + Ukraine expert Hunter Biden had a board seat on, to the tune of 80,000 USD per month (more than any other board member), for doing nothing except, well, lending his name

Lolololol suuureee, I'll take the lack of a link as proof you righties are full of it as usual. Moving the chains as per usual.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

@Blacklabel

Dud. they had to make up a new hearsay phone call to try to create a “bombshell”.

Sondland has already verified the call happened. It is a firsthand since he was the one talking to the president. Are trying to say Sondland didn't hear the president correctly on a cellphone call in a restaurant? First of all, it is not very professional or smart for diplomat to get a call from the president on a cellphone in restaurant. It shows that Pres. Trump was trying to avoid there being any transcripts for shady dealings. It also shows the president's incompetence because it is a security risk in a known Russian hotspot.

Sondland, Taylor said, told Trump in that conversation that “the Ukrainians were ready to move forward” on the investigations. 

The great thing about Taylor is that he is a real professional with an excellent career serving this country, and he has laid in detail everything that has happened. Bill Taylor was instrumental in connecting all the pieces!

Everything has been verified by other parties with firsthand knowledge! The U.S. Embassy staffer who overheard the call, political counselor David Holmes, is scheduled to testify Friday before House impeachment investigators in a closed session.

The impromptu Sondland-Trump conversation took place a day after an official call July 25 between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, in which Trump had pressed for investigations. Zelensky at that time was eager to secure a White House visit. The Trump-Zelensky call and the pressure on the authorities in Kyiv to conduct investigations that could aid Trump’s 2020 campaign are at the heart of the impeachment hearings.

Zelensky’s staff planned for him to make an announcement on Sept. 13 in an interview with the CNN network’s Fareed Zakaria. However, two days before the scheduled interview, news of the military aid delay leaked and Congress was furious. The Trump administration was forced to release the aid and the spot was canceled, according to the report.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

There is a whole world of information out there that these propaganda peddlers hide from you.

Why not recommend some?

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Deflection:

Trumpworld’s New Talking Point: The House Impeachment Hearings Are ‘Boring’

1 ( +2 / -1 )

Trumpers need to open their eyes, its not Nancy, Schiff, or Shummer that are taking down Trump - it's his "own guys"; Taylor, Kent, Sondland, Crazy Rudy, Mulvaney, Pompeo, Barr, and all the others. And again, go Bolton!

Thanks for telling us how to think,

My pleasure...

but we good.

OK, but might want to work on your grammar...

We can see it for what it is now and what it was then.

That sounds like an old Monkee's song...

Sore butt hurt losers, pathetic. Bolton will disappoint also.

Thanks for telling us how to think...

Sorry, I dont have any tissue for you.

Save it for yourself - you'll need it by then end of next week...along with some extra strength Motrin...

You do know what this is called outside the fake media propaganda bubble? Of course you do... it is called a protection racket.

Are you referring to the Trump's Ukraine shakedown? If so, this should read;

*You do know what this is called outside the alt-right, fake media Russia propaganda bubble? Of course you do... it is called an extortion racket. - *it's what all crime families do...

1 ( +3 / -2 )

This timeline from Taylor and the other diplomat as well as the report from the whistleblower has been well reported on and verified. All witnesses have verified the whistleblower's report. Trump supporters have no facts to back up any weak defense you attempt to make. Trump attempted to extort a foreign leader for political gain using taxpayer money. That's a fact, just as the timeline stated here.

The Republican/Trumpies position on this is “Trump didn’t do anything wrong, the Deep State is out to get him, and the Democrats do it too. Even if Trump did it do it, it wasn’t illegal and even if it was illegal, so what?

0 ( +2 / -2 )

takeda shingen:

Lolololol suuureee, I'll take the lack of a link as proof you righties are full of it as usual. Moving the chains as per usual.

Not sure what "Lolololol suuureee" is supposed to mean, but that Hunter Biden was used as protection by Berisma is not a secret any more. Even the WSJ, which is very much an establishment paper, reported on it:

https://www.wsj.com/articles/firm-hired-by-ukraines-burisma-tried-to-use-hunter-biden-as-leverage-documents-show-11573009615

"WASHINGTON—A consulting firm hired by Burisma Group mentioned that former U.S. Vice President Joe Biden’s son served on the Ukrainian gas company’s board so the firm could leverage a meeting with the State Department, according to documents and a former U.S. official. "

....nothing to see here, eh? Pay 80,000 USD/month for Hunter Bidens expertise on the gas business and Ukraine? Right...

I am an old leftie, by the way. But todays "left" has really left me behind. This clamouring for censorship and state control is what the old fascist were about, not the left.

-3 ( +1 / -4 )

The attorney hired by the GOP was at a loss for words. Finally, his arguments boiled down to asking the Ambassador for Ukraine, "but, it could have been worse, could it not?" To which the ambassador was left speechless, and almost laughed out loud.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

It’s first hand for the people talking. Taylor said his aide told him he heard the person talking. so Taylor provided Third hand hearsay

It is a firsthand since he was the one talking to the president.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

Have they? Only 2 of the 15 have testified. So why is the new guy testifying closed door on Friday? Back to that cause public didn’t go so well.

All witnesses have verified the whistleblower's report. 

0 ( +2 / -2 )

Save it for yourself - you'll need it by then end of next week...along with some extra strength Motrin...

...so far havent needed any tissues for tears as past acts have all ended in failures and colossal waste of tax money.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

Two things I am being asked to believe that there is no way that are true:

an side heard both sides of a phone conversation on a cell phone in a restaurant.then didn’t tell his boss until 3 months that he heard it.

schiff staff know who the whistleblower is and he sent them to Ukraine to talk to Taylor but Schiff doesn’t know who the whistleblower is.

1 ( +3 / -2 )

It’s first hand for the people talking. Taylor said his aide told him he heard the person talking. so Taylor provided Third hand hearsay . . .

False. Ambassador Taylor's testimony is based on conversations which he had with Ambassador Gordon Sondland, who had direct knowledge of both the phone call and the meetings related to it afterwards. Because of Taylor's closed door testimony, Sondland all of the sudden had to "revise" his testimony that he (Sondland) didn't know anything about the call or meetings to avoid perjury charges since Taylor's testimony helped "refresh" his memory.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

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