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Ukraine expert gives first-hand testimony on Trump-Zelenskiy call – live Ukraine expert gives first-hand testimony on Trump-Zelenskiy call – live
(32 minutes later)
Here’s where the day stands so far:
Alexander Vindman, the top Ukraine expert on the national security council, is testifying behind closed doors to impeachment investigators. A draft of Vindman’s opening statement indicated he had serious concerns about Trump’s call with the Ukrainian president, which he listened in on.
The president dismissed Vindman, who has served under administrations of both parties and received a Purple Heart after an IED attack in Iraq, as a “never Trumper.”
A senior House Democrat voiced skepticism about holding a Thursday vote on the impeachment resolution, but Nancy Pelosi said the vote would take place as scheduled.
The blog will have more coming up, so stay tuned.
House Democrats who are participating in the deposition of Alexander Vindman accused Republicans of using their questions to try to unmask the identity of the whistleblower who first filed a complaint about the Ukraine call.
GOP members argue they are not trying to out the whistleblower. The back-and-forth led to a heated exchange between Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell and GOP Rep. Mark Meadows, according to multiple sources. Other members joined in.
Republicans denied this allegation, arguing that they had no means of outing the whistleblower because they don’t know who the person is.
.@DWStweets told reporters that Republicans in Vindman’s deposition are trying to use “front door or back door” tactics to reveal who the whistleblower is. But Rep. Mark Meadows pushes back. “It would be real hard to do that since we don’t know who the whistleblower is”
Senator Mitt Romney slammed attacks on the character of Lt Col Alexander Vindman as “disgusting” and “way off the mark”.Senator Mitt Romney slammed attacks on the character of Lt Col Alexander Vindman as “disgusting” and “way off the mark”.
Sen. Romney responding to GOP attacks on Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman: "It’s absurd, disgusting, and way off the mark. This is a decorated American soldier, and he should be given the respect that his service to our country demands." - via @frankthorpSen. Romney responding to GOP attacks on Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman: "It’s absurd, disgusting, and way off the mark. This is a decorated American soldier, and he should be given the respect that his service to our country demands." - via @frankthorp
Some conservative commentators suggested Vindman, who is testifying about the Ukraine call to impeachment investigators, may not have complete loyalty to the United States because he was born in the Soviet Union and has become an expert on Ukraine.Some conservative commentators suggested Vindman, who is testifying about the Ukraine call to impeachment investigators, may not have complete loyalty to the United States because he was born in the Soviet Union and has become an expert on Ukraine.
However, the national security council official has also served in Iraq and received a Purple Heart after he was injured in an IED attack.However, the national security council official has also served in Iraq and received a Purple Heart after he was injured in an IED attack.
Representative Ted Yoho said this morning that he has chosen not to sit in on depositions in the impeachment inquiry against Trump, even though the Republican lawmaker is entitled to attend as a member of the House foreign affairs committee.Representative Ted Yoho said this morning that he has chosen not to sit in on depositions in the impeachment inquiry against Trump, even though the Republican lawmaker is entitled to attend as a member of the House foreign affairs committee.
“I see this as a side show,” Rep. Ted Yoho says about why he hasn’t attended depositions in the impeachment inquiry, adding that he will be going to today’s testimony from the National Security Council's top Ukraine expert, Army Lt Col. Alexander Vindman https://t.co/7UFSc60Yry pic.twitter.com/GK0vmc5gsN“I see this as a side show,” Rep. Ted Yoho says about why he hasn’t attended depositions in the impeachment inquiry, adding that he will be going to today’s testimony from the National Security Council's top Ukraine expert, Army Lt Col. Alexander Vindman https://t.co/7UFSc60Yry pic.twitter.com/GK0vmc5gsN
The Florida Republican told CNN: “I see this as a side show.” He claimed the inquiry was not valid because Democratic leadership has not held a formal vote to launch it, echoing arguments from the president. The Florida Republican told CNN: “I see this as a sideshow.” He claimed the inquiry was not valid because Democratic leadership has not held a formal vote to launch it, echoing arguments from the president.
Pressed by CNN anchor Poppy Harlow on how he could criticize officials’ testimony without being present for it, Yoho said he intended to intended to attend Alexander Vindman’s deposition and had questions to ask the national security council official. Pressed by the CNN anchor Poppy Harlow on how he could criticize officials’ testimony without being present for it, Yoho said he intended to intended to attend Alexander Vindman’s deposition and had questions to ask the national security council official.
However, it is worth noting that, even as Republicans slam the inquiry for not being transparent and accessible to the GOP caucus, some of those members who could attend the depositions are choosing not to participate.However, it is worth noting that, even as Republicans slam the inquiry for not being transparent and accessible to the GOP caucus, some of those members who could attend the depositions are choosing not to participate.
Nancy Pelosi confirmed that the vote on the impeachment resolution was still planned for Thursday, despite her deputy raising doubts about that timeline.Nancy Pelosi confirmed that the vote on the impeachment resolution was still planned for Thursday, despite her deputy raising doubts about that timeline.
Asked @SpeakerPelosi if the vote on the impeachment process resolution will be Thursday: “That is the schedule, yes.”Asked @SpeakerPelosi if the vote on the impeachment process resolution will be Thursday: “That is the schedule, yes.”
House majority leader Steny Hoyer told reporters this morning that he and other Democratic members have not yet seen the text of the resolution and appeared skeptical of plans to hold a vote on it in just two days.House majority leader Steny Hoyer told reporters this morning that he and other Democratic members have not yet seen the text of the resolution and appeared skeptical of plans to hold a vote on it in just two days.
A new poll from New Hampshire shows Bernie Sanders leading the Democratic presidential primary in the early voting state.A new poll from New Hampshire shows Bernie Sanders leading the Democratic presidential primary in the early voting state.
Sanders, who defeated Hillary Clinton in the 2016 New Hampshire primary, is attracting the support of 21 percent of the state’s Democratic voters, according to the CNN poll. Elizabeth Warren is closely behind him with 18 percent, while Joe Biden has slightly slipped to 15 percent. Pete Buttigieg has held steady at 10 percent, and no other candidate attracts double-digit levels of support.Sanders, who defeated Hillary Clinton in the 2016 New Hampshire primary, is attracting the support of 21 percent of the state’s Democratic voters, according to the CNN poll. Elizabeth Warren is closely behind him with 18 percent, while Joe Biden has slightly slipped to 15 percent. Pete Buttigieg has held steady at 10 percent, and no other candidate attracts double-digit levels of support.
However, the most surprising part of the poll might be the three candidates hitting 5 percent: representative Tulsi Gabbard, senator Amy Kobuchar and tech entrepreneur Andrew Yang.However, the most surprising part of the poll might be the three candidates hitting 5 percent: representative Tulsi Gabbard, senator Amy Kobuchar and tech entrepreneur Andrew Yang.
The results give Gabbard another qualifying poll for the November debate, but she still needs two more to make the stage. The poll also indicates the race remains very fluid in the early voting state.The results give Gabbard another qualifying poll for the November debate, but she still needs two more to make the stage. The poll also indicates the race remains very fluid in the early voting state.
Alexander Vindman reportedly told impeachment investigators that he took notes during Trump’s call with the Ukrainian president and made recommendations to the White House memo on the conversation.Alexander Vindman reportedly told impeachment investigators that he took notes during Trump’s call with the Ukrainian president and made recommendations to the White House memo on the conversation.
Source familiar with Vindman’s closed doors deposition says he has testified that he took notes during the July 25th phone call, and made two or so recommended edits to the summarized call transcript that weren’t used in the end (ie using company in place of Burisma)Source familiar with Vindman’s closed doors deposition says he has testified that he took notes during the July 25th phone call, and made two or so recommended edits to the summarized call transcript that weren’t used in the end (ie using company in place of Burisma)
If the national security council official still possesses notes on the call that kicked off the formal inquiry, House Democrats may try to subpoena them.If the national security council official still possesses notes on the call that kicked off the formal inquiry, House Democrats may try to subpoena them.
Steny Hoyer’s suggestion that the impeachment resolution may not be ready for the planned Thursday vote raises the possibility that the proceedings’ entire timeline could be slightly delayed.Steny Hoyer’s suggestion that the impeachment resolution may not be ready for the planned Thursday vote raises the possibility that the proceedings’ entire timeline could be slightly delayed.
If the impeachment procedures vote were to slip, as Hoyer suggests it could, it would set the calendar back significantly. The House is scheduled to be away on recess next week, meaning no vote until 1/3 way into November.If the impeachment procedures vote were to slip, as Hoyer suggests it could, it would set the calendar back significantly. The House is scheduled to be away on recess next week, meaning no vote until 1/3 way into November.
However, one Democratic aide said the resolution would be ready for a vote by Thursday because the chairs of the committees leading the inquiry are pushing for it.However, one Democratic aide said the resolution would be ready for a vote by Thursday because the chairs of the committees leading the inquiry are pushing for it.
Steny Hoyer, the House majority leader, voiced skepticism that the resolution authorizing impeachment procedures would be ready for a Thursday vote.Steny Hoyer, the House majority leader, voiced skepticism that the resolution authorizing impeachment procedures would be ready for a Thursday vote.
The Maryland Democrat told reporters on Capitol Hill that he and the rest of the caucus have not yet read the resolution. The text of the proposal was originally set to be revealed today, but Hoyer appeared skeptical of that timeline.The Maryland Democrat told reporters on Capitol Hill that he and the rest of the caucus have not yet read the resolution. The text of the proposal was originally set to be revealed today, but Hoyer appeared skeptical of that timeline.
New from @LeaderHoyer on timing of vote on resolution dealing with impeachment: I have not read it, members haven’t read it, we are going to have to consider whether or not it’s ready to go on ThursdayNew from @LeaderHoyer on timing of vote on resolution dealing with impeachment: I have not read it, members haven’t read it, we are going to have to consider whether or not it’s ready to go on Thursday
The questions over Democrats’ impeachment resolution threatened to take attention away from the testimony of Alexander Vindman, who reportedly intended to tell House investigators that he was concerned after listening to Trump’s call with the Ukrainian president.The questions over Democrats’ impeachment resolution threatened to take attention away from the testimony of Alexander Vindman, who reportedly intended to tell House investigators that he was concerned after listening to Trump’s call with the Ukrainian president.
A current WH official is giving explosive testimony right now about Trump’s Ukraine calland yet Democratic leaders (Hoyer, Jeffries and Clark) spent most of their time with reporters trying to explain the merits of this impeachment resolution coming later this week.A current WH official is giving explosive testimony right now about Trump’s Ukraine calland yet Democratic leaders (Hoyer, Jeffries and Clark) spent most of their time with reporters trying to explain the merits of this impeachment resolution coming later this week.
The Washington Post has uncovered footage of Lt Col Alexander Vindman, whose family emigrated from the Soviet Union when he was a child, appearing alongside his twin brother in Ken Burns’ documentary series America for a segment on the Statue of Liberty.The Washington Post has uncovered footage of Lt Col Alexander Vindman, whose family emigrated from the Soviet Union when he was a child, appearing alongside his twin brother in Ken Burns’ documentary series America for a segment on the Statue of Liberty.
The segment explores the statue’s power as a symbol to immigrants, like the Vindmans, who have adopted America as their home.The segment explores the statue’s power as a symbol to immigrants, like the Vindmans, who have adopted America as their home.
The twins answer at the same time — they came from Russia, from Ukraine. Then "our mother died, so we went to Italy. And then we came here."https://t.co/6h2VqLARbu pic.twitter.com/FVHCDvKf2OThe twins answer at the same time — they came from Russia, from Ukraine. Then "our mother died, so we went to Italy. And then we came here."https://t.co/6h2VqLARbu pic.twitter.com/FVHCDvKf2O
According to a draft of his opening statement, Vindman intended to tell impeachment investigators today: “My family fled the Soviet Union when I was three and a half years old ... In spite of our challenging beginnings, my family worked to build its own American dream.According to a draft of his opening statement, Vindman intended to tell impeachment investigators today: “My family fled the Soviet Union when I was three and a half years old ... In spite of our challenging beginnings, my family worked to build its own American dream.
“I have a deep appreciation for American values and ideals and the power of freedom. I am a patriot, and it is my sacred duty and honor to advance and defend OUR country, irrespective of party or politics.”“I have a deep appreciation for American values and ideals and the power of freedom. I am a patriot, and it is my sacred duty and honor to advance and defend OUR country, irrespective of party or politics.”
All of this seems to contradict some conservative commentators’ doubts about Vindman’s loyalty to the United States because he was born in the Soviet Union and has become an expert on Ukraine.All of this seems to contradict some conservative commentators’ doubts about Vindman’s loyalty to the United States because he was born in the Soviet Union and has become an expert on Ukraine.
Representative Justin Amash, a congressman who left the Republican party over opposition to Trump, cleverly mocked the president’s typo in a tweet claiming Democrats would suffer electoral losses because of the impeachment inquiry.
Your polls must have been done on Oppidite Day.
Trump is still tweeting away, arguing that the House Democrats leading the impeachment inquiry have a “Death Wish” when it comes to next year’s elections.
However, a number of House Republicans have announced plans to retire or seek higher office in recent months, suggesting that the GOP caucus is the one with doubts about their 2020 prospects.
Nervous Nancy Pelosi is doing everything possible to destroy the Republican Party. Our Polls show that it is going to be just the oppidite. The Do Nothing Dems will lose many seats in 2020. They have a Death Wish, led by a corrupt politician, Adam Schiff!
Kevin McCarthy, the House minority leader, declined to attack the integrity of Lt Col Alexander Vindman but still questioned the official’s reported concerns about Trump’s Ukraine call.
The California Republican told reporters on Capitol Hill: “I thank him for his service ... but he is wrong.”
McCarthy also dismissed any notion that Republicans are flip-flopping by voicing opposition to House Democrats’ resolution to authorize impeachment procedures even though GOP lawmakers have been calling for a formal, chamber-wide vote for weeks.
“You can’t put the genie back in the bottle,” @GOPLeader tells @nancycordes when asked whether Republicans are moving the goalposts by refusing to support a vote on impeachment procedures going forward after calling for one for weeks.
However, at least one House Republican, Liz Cheney of Wyoming, is criticizing the commentators questioning the patriotism of Lt Col Alexnader Vindman as he testifies to impeachment investigators.
.@RepLizCheney this am REBUKES certain TV personalities — cough, cough @IngrahamAngle — who attacked the Purple Heart recipient who is testifying today that he found Trump’s pressure on Ukraine unethical & damaging to nat security “We are better than that,” she says.
Some Republicans and conservative commentators have questioned the patriotism of Lt Col Alexander Vindman amid reports that the national security council official intends to testify he had concerns about Trump’s call with the Ukrainian president.
Brian Kilmeade on Army Lt. Col. Vindman: "We also know he was born in the Soviet Union, emigrated with his family. Young. He tends to feel simpatico with the Ukraine." pic.twitter.com/mfjg9NUXSd
A Washington correspondent for the Economist lashed out against those voicing doubts about Vindman, who served in Iraq and received a Purple Heart after being injured in an IED attack.
A bigoted, ignorant smear. America welcomed us while our former countrymen were slaughtering us in pogroms. Our patriotism is intense because we know what happened to our relatives who didn’t/couldn’t reach these blessed shores. https://t.co/CRBHXrqrmJ
As Alexander Vindman testifies to impeachment investigators about Trump’s call with the Ukrainian president, Republican lawmakers are struggling to answer a question about whether it would be acceptable for a commander-in-chief to ask foreign countries to investigate their political rivals.
Asked Rep. Amodei multiple times if it's OK for Trump to ask foreign countries to investigate his rivals - and he says: "My English teacher says you got a conclusion, so if you want to interview yourself, go ahead." Watch another GOP member struggle to answer a simple question: pic.twitter.com/qYXxKuNkW7
Democrats are already rushing to defend Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman after the president dismissed the national security council official as a “Never Trumper.”
Lt. Colonel Vindman has spent his life in service to the United States.He served our country in the @USArmy, deployed on multiple tours, and earned the Purple Heart after a roadside bomb attack in Iraq.His patriotism and integrity are unquestionable. pic.twitter.com/x5WNnt7oFH
Vindman also reportedly intends to tell impeachment investigators in his opening statement: “For over twenty years as an active duty United States military officer and diplomat, I have served this country in a nonpartisan manner, and have done so with the utmost respect and professionalism for both Republican and Democratic administrations.”
Vindman, who served in Iraq and received a Purple Heart after being wounded by an IED, plans to tell the congressional committees that Trump’s call with the Ukrainian president made him concerned the White House was jeopardizing US alliances by trying to advance its political interests.
Lt Col Alexander Vindman has arrived on Capitol Hill to testify to the committees leading House Democrats’ impeachment inquiry against Trump.
Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman, the White House National Security Council's top expert on Ukraine, hs arrived for his closed-door joint deposition before the House Intel, Oversight and Foreign Affairs Committees as part of the ongoing impeachment inquiry pic.twitter.com/GXz2tQDRoD
The national security council official reportedly intends to tell impeachment investigators about Trump’s phone call with the Ukrainian president and his concerns about the commander-in-chief seeking an investigation into his political rival, Joe Biden.
Trump has now weighed in on the looming testimony of Alexander Vindman, the national security council official who reportedly intends to tell impeachment investigators that the president’s Ukraine call made him worried the White House was jeopardizing foreign policy to advance its political interests.
Without mentioning Vindman’s name, the president dismissed the official, who has served in Iraq and received a Purple Heart after being wounded in an IED attack, as a “Never Trumper”.
How many more Never Trumpers will be allowed to testify about a perfectly appropriate phone call when all anyone has to do is READ THE TRANSCRIPT! I knew people were listening in on the call (why would I say something inappropriate?), which was fine with me, but why so many?
Supposedly, according to the Corrupt Media, the Ukraine call “concerned” today’s Never Trumper witness. Was he on the same call that I was? Can’t be possible! Please ask him to read the Transcript of the call. Witch Hunt!
It’s notable how Trump keeps moving the goalposts on what constitutes impeachable testimony. He previously said witnesses who testified to an alleged quid pro quo should be discredited because they did not personally hear the call.
Now, faced with someone who did personally hear the call, Trump is saying that the impeachment investigators should instead refer to the White House “transcript” of the call. However, the “transcript” is actually a White House memo summarizing the call that appeared to cut out much of Trump’s conversation with the Ukrainian president.
Vindman will probably ill in many of the gaps left by that memo in his testimony today.
Good morning, live blog readers!
It appears that Donald Trump’s dismissal of House Democrats’ impeachment inquiry as an illegitimate “witch-hunt” based on “hearsay” testimony is unraveling before our eyes.
Lt Col Alexander S. Vindman, a top Ukraine expert on the national security council, reportedly intends to tell the House committees leading the impeachment inquiry that Trump’s call with the leader of Ukraine made him deeply concerned the president was jeopardizing key foreign policy in the hope of triggering an investigation into his political rival, Joe Biden.
Vindman will be the first witness to provide impeachment investigators with a first-hand account of the controversial phone call that kicked off the formal inquiry. According to a draft of his opening statement first obtained by the New York Times, the national security official will tell the House committees this morning: “I did not think it was proper to demand that a foreign government investigate a US citizen, and I was worried about the implications for the US government’s support of Ukraine.”
Vindman’s testimony will be the second major blow to Trump’s impeachment defense in less than 24 hours. Nancy Pelosi announced yesterday that House Democrats would introduce a resolution to formalize impeachment procedures, marking the first chamber-wide vote on the inquiry.
For weeks, Trump and his allies have derided the impeachment investigation by arguing that the inquiry is an illegitimate scam because the House never formally voted to launch the proceedings. Trump has also dismissed all of the testimony of an alleged quid pro quo as baseless hearsay.
It appears that both of those points will be addressed this week. So how will Trump now defend himself against the investigation? And what else will Vindman have to say?
Here’s what else the blog is keeping its eye on:
Trump will have lunch with the secretary of state, Mike Pompeo, and meet the 2019 recipients of the Presidential Award for Extraordinary Efforts to Combat Trafficking. He will later address donors at his Washington hotel.
The treasury secretary, Steven Mnuchin, will continue his Middle East trip with meetings in Israel and Saudi Arabia.
Game six of the World Series will take place in Houston, where the Astros have a chance to win the championship against the Washington Nationals.
The blog will have plenty more coming up, so stay tuned.