Democrats handled the impeachment hearing like pros. Republicans, less so

[arenean]

It was clear that Trump used his power to advance personal interests - and that Republicans have no idea how to defend him

Democrats on the House Intelligence Committee faced a nearly impossible task as public hearings in the impeachment inquiry began today: they had to present the multi-character, multi-part story of how the White House and the president’s unofficial associates made American military aid to Ukraine conditioned upon political assistance by the Ukrainian government with Donald Trump’s 2020 reelection bid. They had to do this clearly and convincingly, and they had to do it while managing the theatrics and combating the misinformation issued by Republicans. The odds were stacked against them.

But with the help of procedural interventions in the impeachment inquiry that limited opportunities for Republican grandstanding, and a damning set of facts presented by the diplomat witnesses, Ambassador William Taylor and Deputy Assistant Secretary George Kent, Democrats largely succeeded in presenting a clear and morally stark narrative of the President’s actions. By the end of the hearing it was clear that there is little doubt that Donald Trump used his power as president to advance his personal interests in ways that are legally dubious and ethically abhorrent, and that Republicans have little sense of how to defend him.

Full story in The Guardian: https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2019/nov/13/democrats-handled-the-impeachment-hearing-like-pros-republicans-less-so

[duforsure]

1. Democrats did an excellent job!

But the republicans made an ass of themselves and trump. republicans now pushing it wasn't to the level of impeachment, threatening our national security, threatening our Democracy, lying to Congress or refusing to appear by a judges orders, they are claiming isn't to the level of criminal acts. Extortion and bribery to them now isn't enough of criminals acts to do anything to trump. Wait until the tables are turned on them and a Democrat , like Hillary , was accused of things she never did so they could promote bad publicity against her because she opposed him in the election putin helped trump win. The republican path if it doesn't change fast will only help them self destruct the republican party. trump could care less as he's not or has never been a republican, he]s a fascist dictator wanna be, and will bypass them soon too, and all judges. They know he's a traitor to our country, and protecting him now shows they are too.

[True Blue American]

2. Who hired that

Cheek puffing, looking angry, Nixon look alike Attorney? His questions were dumber than Auctioneer Jordan.

[Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin]

3. Yeah but Gym Jordan and Nunes screamed a lot.

They had to look good for the Fux Noise crowd.

[Hermit-The-Prog]

4. GOP talking points are taking lots of time on broadcast newscasts

I suppose the horse race mentality is good for ratings.

[onetexan]

5. Thats their whole shtick: talk fast, clang loudly & cause as much disarray & confusion as possible

To distract and make light of the hearings as possible for them to be viewed as not credible and a partisan ploy. The buffoons could not, however, overcome the damning testimonies from yesterday's witnesses whose records for the most part are impeccable.

Listening to these idiots try to distort, discredit, belittle and confuse Taylor & Kent was disgusting, esp'ly Jim Jordan. The 2 held their own as the facts they presented spoke for themselves.

Forgot to add how marvelously rep. Schiff &Dems did in their opening statement & in their targetted questioning of the witnesses to make sure all the facts were laid bare to the American public. I was apprehensive but couldnt have asked for more. Hopefully the rest of the week will go well for Dems as well &Repugs' tactics held to a minimum, & that it will be clear to sensible Americans that this illegitimate POTUS committed high crimes &misdemeanors.

[C_U_L8R]

6. Dems ask questions. Pukes make statements.

Clearly, only one side is interested in revealing the truth. We all see it.

[NCjack]

7. The Repukes showed all they have. Next hearing, we will see Repukes spanked on TV.