Wednesday’s public hearing didn’t quite give us any new information, but rather confirmed paths already laid.
The two witnesses, William Taylor – former U.S. Ukraine ambassador and George Kent – American diplomat were sworn in at 10:30 a.m.
Below is the hour by our highlights of the hearing.
10:08
House Intelligence Committee Adam Schiff starts the hearing wit his opening statement claiming the goal of the hearing is to look at whether or not President Trump tried to ‘exploit’ Ukraine during military conflict.
The goal of Schiff’s opener is to lay down the evidence and key points the hearing will likely focus on from the Democrats.
10:22
Rep Devin Nunes delivers his opening statement for the Republicans. He denounces the inquiry as a “publicly orchestrated media smear campaign” and goes on to continue the talking point that the inquiry is for Democrat political gain.
Nunes drills the Democrats for holding secret closed-door hearings which left out the GOP.
10:40
George Kent delivers his opening statement. He uses his time to undermine President Trump’s lawyer Rudy Giuliani and mentions that in 2015 he obtained knowledge of a conflict of interest after Hunter Biden joined the Burisma gas executive board.
10:52
In Bill Taylor’s opener, he begins with a history lesson about American – Russian – Ukrainian diplomatic affairs. He says he gained knowledge of an interaction in which Ukrainian President Zelensky claimed he “did not want to be used as a political instrument for a political campaign.” Taylor also confirms that military and financial aid was indeed withheld without explanation.
We also confirmed from Taylor’s opening statement that Vice President Mike Pence talked to Zelensky prior to the Trump – Ukraine phone call.
Taylor testifies about Trump asking the U.S. Ambassador to the EU Gordon Sondland about “the investigations”
He continues by saying “Ambassador Sondland told President Trump that the Ukrainians were ready to move forward.”
11:30
Schiff begins questioning by asking “The president must have been speaking loudly enough for your staff member to overhear this?”
Taylor replies, “He was.”
Schiff continues.
“And I think you said that after the call when your staff asked ambassador Sondland what President Trump thought of Ukraine, his response was that President Trump cares more about the investigations of Biden, is that correct?”
“And Burisma. yes, sir” Taylor replies.
12:42
Devin Nunes begins questioning for the GOP.
“What it actually shows is a pleasant exchange between two leaders. Democrats aren’t trying to find facts, they’re trying to invent a narrative,” Nunes says.
Some questions Nunes askes result in retaliation by chairman Schiff, and time is wasted for the round of questioning.
12:55
Steve Castor begins his round of questioning.
George Kent seems to be optimistic about President Zelenksky’s motivation to get rid of corruption in Ukraine.
“Now ambassador Taylor,” Castor starts. “I want to turn the discussion of the irregular channel you described. In fairness, this irregular channel of diplomacy, it’s not as outlandish as it could be, is that correct?”
Taylor responds with “It’s not as outlandish as it could be. I agree Mr. Castor.”
2:02
Rep. John Ratcliffe begins his questioning. He recites that “Biden stopped the prosecution” referring to Biden’s pressure on Ukraine to fire a lead investigative prosecutor.
He continues by mentioning a press conference held on October 10th where President Zelensky stated he did not know about the withhold of aid by the U.S. “No conditions, no threats, not pressure or blackmail,” Zelenksy says in the press release.
“Do you have evidence Zelensky is lying?” fires Ratcliffe.
“I have no reason to doubt what he said,” Taylor responds
“Where is the impeachable offense?
Nobody speaks for a moment.
“Shout it out. Anyone?
Taylor stutters and struggles to answer before finally answering “I’m not here to decide about impeachment.”
Ratcliffe claims the two witnesses are “second-hand information” because neither of them has had any contact with President Trump. He goes on to claim Schiff is lying and has “no evidence”
3:10
Rep. Jim Jordan rips the Democrat testimony and spends is five minutes defending President Trump. He calls for the whistleblower testimony, triggering a response from Vermont Rep. Peter Welch. “I’d be glad to have the person who started it all come in and testify. President Trump is welcome to take a seat right there,” Pointing to the witness stand.
This exchange stirs a peal of laughter in the audience.
Neither Jordan or Welch use their time to question but rather to sum up the cases made by both parties during the hearing.
3:36
The hearing ends and the witnesses are dismissed.For more impeachment highlights and live coverage of the Impeachment hearings check back to Bearing News.
