Schumer says any witness swapping Bolton for Hunter Biden is "off the table"

[Dennis Donovan]

Link to tweet

Geoff Bennett ✔ @GeoffRBennett

On Senate trial witnesses, Schumer tells reporters the notion of a "trade" of Hunter Biden for John Bolton is "off the table."

3:54 PM - Jan 22, 2020

Good!

[bearsfootball516]

1. Good move. Nothing good would come of it.

Republicans would use it to try to smear Biden, and at the same time, completely blow off Bolton's testimony.

There's absolutely nothing the Democratic Party would gain from it.

[emmaverybo]

2. Good!

[scarletwoman]

3. Bravo! A resounding "NO!" is the only correct response to such a bullshit proposal. (nt)

[coti]

4. Smart! nt

[saidsimplesimon]

5. "off the table", I agree.

Speaking for myself, tabloid "scandal" coverage is a disgraceful waste of paper. Mr. Trump is trying to weaponize all media with a lot of help from his pals, like tiny tsar Putin.

[EleanorR]

6. Excellent nt

[stillcool]

7. that's good..I don't think...

Bolton and the truth are very well acquainted.

[PRETZEL]

8. I know this has been a topic of discussion alot over the whole process

and the more I think of it, the more I agree that any type of witness swapping is a bad idea for the Democrats,

This type of agreement could easily mean that there would be no debate on the relativity of any information that Hunter Biden would be able to provide.

He brings nothing germane to the trial.

[OnDoutside]

9. He also said the bigger point offhandedly, that the GOP could right now change the rules to call the

Bidens. It's a pity he didn't lead with that....that's the big con, that the GOP are only bullshitting with this talk of a deal as it the Bidens were material to the Impeachment trial.

[Hortensis]

10. It would be an abandonment of legal trial principles to

join the Republicans in putting on a faux show for the audience. The Republicans could compel him, but they'd do it on their own.

I'm not nearly so sure as some that this wouldn't backfire badly on the Republicans. Hunter is PROVEN not only innocent of any crime but not a witness to Trump's crimes, and we have very good lawyers who'd establish both; and Hunter is articulate and presents well. Plus Bolton would testify. And BOTH would cause viewership to soar!

BUT, there is no valid legal reason to even allow him in the courtroom, much less subpoena him and compel him to answer political hit questions. It'd be joining the Republicans in wrongdoing. We said no, and I'm sure that was the inevitable answer all along.

To the Republicans never expected anything else. It's like their insisting we were delaying impeaching, then insisting we're rushing it; their refusing to allow key witnesses and evidence, then claiming a trial would be invalid since we didn't present key witnesses and evidence; they have to have Hunter's testimony so much they'll allow Bolton, but we're hiding him to protect Biden and won't allow a "fair" trial with witnesses.

And what would they have said then if we could have called their bluff? We'll get an indication if they compel Hunter to appear.

[Me.]

11. Smart

I still believe Bolton would be a pig in a poke

[ooky]

12. Glad to hear that.

[bluestarone]

13. I'm in the fully agree corner!

[Johonny]

14. Mostly because Hunter Biden is not a witness to any of Trump's crimes and absue of power

but also because the likely out come is Hunter coming and Bolton not appearing anyway...

[bdamomma]

15. Ted Cruz

wants Hunter Biden to testify. Jerks.

They want a political war.

[Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin]

16. He called their bluff

They're afraid of Bolton testifying