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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsImpeachment Hearings Kick Off - Bill Taylor Provides Explosive New Testimony
https://newsnotpolitics.com/2019/11/13/impeachment-hearings-kick-off-new-information-provided-by-amb-taylor/Democrats impeachment inquiry entered a new phase on Wednesday, as Ambassador William Taylor and Deputy Assistant Secretary of State testified in open session regarding the Ukraine quid pro quo scandal.
In his opening remarks, Ambassador Taylor provided explosive new details of a phone call between EU Ambassador Gordon Sondland and President Donald J. Trump, where the President was overheard asking Sondland about investigations, one day after the infamous July 25 phone call.
Taylor testified to his concerns about an irregular diplomatic channel, comprised of Rudy Giuliani, Energy Secretary Rick Perry and Sondland, which appeared to be promoting the Presidents political interests, an aim that ran counter to official US foreign policy.
Kents testimony touched on his worry that US efforts to promote rule of law in Ukraine would be hampered by the Presidents attempt to compel Ukrainian prosecutors to target Trumps political opponent.
NNP Quote: Following that meeting, in the presence of my staff at a restaurant, Ambassador Sondland called President Trump and told him of his meetings in Kyiv. The member of my staff could hear President Trump on the phone, asking Ambassador Sondland about the investigations. Ambassador Sondland told President Trump that the Ukrainians were ready to move forward. Opening Statement of Ambassador William Taylor
NNP Background: Since Nancy Pelosi announced in September the beginning of an impeachment inquiry into the actions of President Trump regarding the alleged Ukraine quid pro quo, Republicans have refrained from attacking the substance of the allegations, where the evidence is substantial.
Instead, the GOP has concentrated on criticizing the closed-door deposition process. After weeks of Republicans decrying the fact-finding process employed by Democrats in the impeachment investigation, open hearings began in earnest on Wednesday.
To get both perspectives on these events, we analyzed an article from a left-leaning media source and an article from a right-leaning media source below!
https://newsnotpolitics.com/2019/11/13/impeachment-hearings-kick-off-new-information-provided-by-amb-taylor/
VarryOn
(2,343 posts)Took the day off to watch. Frankly, I was disappointed. I was really wanting to see the bombshell moment that would put Republicans and Trump on their heels. I didnt see it. I hope these two arent our best witnesses. Maybe Shiff is playing for a big finish rather than the big start.
The overheard call was good info, to be sure, but "explosive", it wasnt.
I didnt need today to convince me of anything. I've been for impeachment since early in the morning of November 9, 2016.
My expectations were too high, I'm thinking.
On the bright side, Republicans showed themselves to be the assholes they are.
piechartking
(617 posts)I hope that the Dems know what they're doing, and that they are building a case slowly to culminate with something big. I guess we will see. But in the long run, I feel like the truth always comes out sooner or later.