The republicans are in lock step with Trump. They pukes are going to try to make this political,

[still_one]

and it is up to us to focus on the evidence that this administration blatantly violated the law, and not get distracted by the republicans tactic of diversion.

[C_U_L8R]

1. There's real evidence, witnesses and coconspirators out there

Seize them all asap.

[madville]

2. That's the downside, party line votes

Will make it just look like a political ploy but there really is no other choice.

I haven't caught an exact explanation yet but what specific laws are they saying were broken during this Ukraine scandal?

[still_one]

4. There are bunch of auxilary issue, but in its basic form it is the Whistle Blower Law, and

the acting director of national intelligence Joseph Maguire refusing to share the complaint with congressional intelligence committees, even after receiving a subpoena, claiming that the law did not require him to do so.

It should be noted that Maguire is a Trump loyalist and appointee, so I would anticipate he will be a hostile witness today.

While many here are jumping up and down believing this is a "slam dunk", it is anything but that.

There are very good reasons why Pelosi was hesitant to start the impeachment process, because it is a very uncertain process.

As for the concern that this will be viewed as only political, Impeachment itself is political, and what is an impeachable offense, is what Congress determines it to be.

In this case, as with the Nixon investigations, laws were broken. It is up to the Democrats to focus on that, and not be distracted by the republicans diversionary tactics.

[bdamomma]

8. I was wondering

if Maguire was a loyalist you answered my question. Thanks

[Bettie]

3. Currently, they are all in lock step

but some of them are going to see that their chances of winning in their districts are not good as this unfolds.

Some of them will defect as this rolls out, then more will come out.

Even narrowly focused, this is just a start. More will come out. For example: the Ukrainian president saying he stayed at Trump's hotel, that ties directly to emoluments and profiting off the office.

[still_one]

5. I remain skeptical and hope your assessment is correct

[Bettie]

6. I hope so too

but I find that relying on their craven desire to hold their seats/power/position gives me significantly more hope than any hope that they will do what is right for the sake of it being the right thing to do.

[WePurrsevere]

9. Republicans were all in lock step with Nixon too, until they weren't.

It was hearing the tapes that finally shifted them, and public opinion, over.

Trump is trying to keep the tape of the conversation locked up just as he's obstructed the release of his taxes and other damning evidence. Innocent people don't act like Trump. Innocent politicians and political parties don't act like McConnell and the GOP. If you've nothing to hide, you don't use tactics to hide info that would prove your innocence.

Unfortunately with Faux News, Russia, etc's blatant propaganda, the internet and social media it's going to be a bigger challenge this time to get the truth out.

[bdamomma]

7. the repigs are only

trying to cover their asses.

[MineralMan]

10. That situation could change very quickly, though.

If they think this will hurt their reelection chances, they'll turn on Trump instantly.

[still_one]

11. I wouldn't count on it. They are going for broke

[MineralMan]

12. OK. Then they'll be broken.

I don't care, frankly.

[still_one]

14. What I am saying is it is unlikely they will convict, and for the most part, the public will remain

remain divided on this purely on political ground

[MineralMan]

15. Well, you're probably right about that, if it comes to that.

I don't think it will get to that point, though.

[still_one]

16. I think you are probably right on that also

[GusBob]

18. Yes MM think about this

Even in the dusty cobwebs of their reptilian brain, the GOPers must realize that if foreign nationals are encouraged or allowed to interfere in elections, they can interfere in either side

which makes themselves either a target for blackmail or a target for dirty tricks, or both

[herding cats]

13. Yeah, we knew this already. Remember, they did send their talking points memo to the Dems?

Nothing surprising or off script here.

[tavernier]

17. Yes but that tune is getting really old too

The public pretty much know that politics is there on both sides, but a blatant attack on our constitution from the office of the president is not OK.

[still_one]

19. I hope that distinction is clear, because it sure isn't clear with most on the republican party

[tavernier]

20. Certainly not the ones in office.

But I know several republicans who hate what Rump has done to this country and DO NOT want him to serve another term.

[still_one]

21. I was referring to the congressional republicans