# The Trump Impeachment Inquiry **URL:** \ **Category:** Politics & Elections\ **Created:** [September 24, 2019, 8:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-impeachment-inquiry/840771 "2019-09-24T20:23:47Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 261
**Author:** ![Max\_S](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/46a35a/32.png) [@Max\_S](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Max_S)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2019, 5:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-impeachment-inquiry/840771/5201 "2019-11-20T17:08:02Z")
> [@steronz](#): > > Before 50 other people say it, don’t you think it’s safe to assume that no investigation exists? They’ve had plenty of opportunity to bring it up… unless you think it’s never occurred to anyone to ask. I think it’s safe to assume so, yes. But I would prefer that they didn’t. Cover all the bases and such. ~Max ---
**Author:** ![Max\_S](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/46a35a/32.png) [@Max\_S](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Max_S)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2019, 5:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-impeachment-inquiry/840771/5202 "2019-11-20T17:11:34Z")
> [@Airbeck](#): > > **Max** - Why do you think they haven’t raised that question yet? They are literally throwing everything against the wall including batshit insane and already debunked conspiracy theories, but they haven’t asked the one important question you think they need to? Do you think it’s because they are dumb? Or maybe because they know damn well there was no legitimate investigation? What is the most logical reason you can think of that they have not asked this yet? We’re talking about the Republicans in the House of Representatives? Both. But a “legitimate” investigation built on false conspiracy-theory pretenses allows the president to shift the blame on the DoJ or CIA or whoever, and is consistent with the evidence I have seen so far and even the broad defense presented by the administration (not Republicans in Congress). ~Max ---
**Author:** ![Fiveyearlurker](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/da6949/32.png) [@Fiveyearlurker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fiveyearlurker)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2019, 5:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-impeachment-inquiry/840771/5203 "2019-11-20T17:17:20Z")
> [@VinylTurnip](#): > > The tweet is misleading; Starr was predicting what Adam Schiff will say. True. But, just saw Starr on Fox stating that Sondland is very problematic, and that he envisions possible scenarios of Republicans initiating resignation discussions. Also, I really, really hope [this](https://twitter.com/samstein/status/1197200696044654593/photo/1) isn’t fake (an image of Trump’s talking points). ---
**Author:** ![Airbeck](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/airbeck/32/6574_2.png) [@Airbeck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Airbeck)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2019, 5:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-impeachment-inquiry/840771/5204 "2019-11-20T17:22:17Z")
> [@Max\_S](#): > > I think it’s safe to assume so, yes. But I would prefer that they didn’t. Cover all the bases and such. > > ~Max So why do you suppose they haven’t asked? Nobody suggested it? They are dumb? They already know the answer and it is not helpful to them? Collective delusion? They have been drugged? What does logic tell you the answer is? ---
**Author:** ![Defensive\_Indifference](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/defensive_indifference/32/6502_2.png) [@Defensive\_Indifference](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Defensive_Indifference)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2019, 5:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-impeachment-inquiry/840771/5205 "2019-11-20T17:23:01Z")
> [@Fiveyearlurker](#): > > True. But, just saw Starr on Fox stating that Sondland is very problematic, and that he envisions possible scenarios of Republicans initiating resignation discussions. > > Also, I really, really hope [this](https://twitter.com/samstein/status/1197200696044654593/photo/1) isn’t fake (an image of Trump’s talking points). Be fair. Those are complicated points, and he wants to stay on message. ---
**Author:** ![Airbeck](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/airbeck/32/6574_2.png) [@Airbeck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Airbeck)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2019, 5:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-impeachment-inquiry/840771/5206 "2019-11-20T17:23:41Z")
> [@Max\_S](#): > > We’re talking about the Republicans in the House of Representatives? Both. > > But a “legitimate” investigation built on false conspiracy-theory pretenses allows the president to shift the blame on the DoJ or CIA or whoever, and is consistent with the evidence I have seen so far and even the broad defense presented by the administration (not Republicans in Congress). > > ~Max Again, and I will stop beating this drum, but an answer would be helpful. Why have they not tried to establish this? Why not? I think you know the answer, it’s ok to admit it. It really is. ---
**Author:** ![Euphonious\_Polemic](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/euphonious_polemic/32/3002_2.png) [@Euphonious\_Polemic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Euphonious_Polemic)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2019, 5:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-impeachment-inquiry/840771/5207 "2019-11-20T17:34:22Z")
> [@Fiveyearlurker](#): > > True. But, just saw Starr on Fox stating that Sondland is very problematic, and that he envisions possible scenarios of Republicans initiating resignation discussions. > > Also, I really, really hope [this](https://twitter.com/samstein/status/1197200696044654593/photo/1) isn’t fake (an image of Trump’s talking points). Jesus. Pretty pathetic. "“I want nothing. I want nothing. I want no quid pro quo. Tell Zellinsky to do the right thing. This is the final word from the Pres. of the U.S.” Written in giant sharpie, filling the page. I agree with you - I hope it is not a fake. I wonder when Trump heads back to Walter Reed for another “check up”? ---
**Author:** ![SmellMyWort](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ea5d25/32.png) [@SmellMyWort](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SmellMyWort)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2019, 5:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-impeachment-inquiry/840771/5208 "2019-11-20T17:35:57Z")
While it’s probably not critical to the investigation, I kind of wish some of these Ukraine experts were asked a little bit more about the types or examples of corruption, that in their opinions, really do need to be investigated in Ukraine. It would be nice to have it confirmed that the Biden and Crowdstrike crap was completely off the radar and low-priority. ---
**Author:** ![Skypist](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/skypist/32/169_2.png) [@Skypist](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skypist)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2019, 5:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-impeachment-inquiry/840771/5209 "2019-11-20T17:36:00Z")
> [@Sage\_Rat](#): > > Someone here, on some issue or another, has tried to make the case that Trump simply has the misfortune of having bad advisors. > > But, of course, that neglects the question of “Well, who choose those advisors? And who only hires the best and is a very stable genius with a perfect memory?” Yeah, he shouldn’t get a pass on that basis. He picked them. He sought out the position of POTUS. You don’t get - or at least shouldn’t get - to take an extremely powerful job like that and insist that you are the boss in all things but then disavow the corrupt and illegal actions that your own advisors committed in your name. Especially since this happened right after he got let off the hook in the Mueller investigation. Come on! He took that as carte blanche to do whatever he wanted. ---
**Author:** ![Aspenglow](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aspenglow/32/76_2.png) [@Aspenglow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aspenglow)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2019, 5:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-impeachment-inquiry/840771/5210 "2019-11-20T17:38:28Z")
> [@Procrustus](#): > > Regarding Trump as a corruption fighter, it’s interesting that **Sondland confirmed that Ukraine didn’t actually have to investigate Biden, they just had to make an announcement that they were.** Trump didn’t need an actual investigation that would go nowhere, he wanted a sound bite that the Bidens were “under investigation.” > [@Max\_S](#): > > Sorry, I mean evidence of absence. It’s my preference that this is at least asked and answered before impeachment but the burden ultimately lies on the administration. > > Specifically I would want to see Republicans asking whether there was a proper investigation before the call. It’s their party in the White House. > > ~Max Is there some reason you don’t find what **Procrustus** shared of Sondland’s sworn testimony highlighted above dispositive on this point? ---
**Author:** ![drad\_dog](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/aeb1de/32.png) [@drad\_dog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/drad_dog)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2019, 5:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-impeachment-inquiry/840771/5211 "2019-11-20T17:39:29Z")
> [@Max\_S](#): > > I think it’s safe to assume so, yes. But I would prefer that they didn’t. Cover all the bases and such. > > ~Max So there is an adversarial system of contesting issues, (I think it’s called democracy) and it’s happening in real time right now, but you won’t recognize it? Placing the onus on what republicans do is just setting out an impossible ask. They aren’t even behaving rationally this year. ---
**Author:** ![Euphonious\_Polemic](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/euphonious_polemic/32/3002_2.png) [@Euphonious\_Polemic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Euphonious_Polemic)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2019, 5:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-impeachment-inquiry/840771/5212 "2019-11-20T17:41:09Z")
“He had to announce the investigations. He didn’t actually have to do them, as I understood it.” - Sondland. It was never about investigating. It was about smearing Biden. That is all. Tomorrow, I suspect we’re going to hear how important the military aid was to Ukraine, and who exactly had the only authority to suspend it. (Hint; it was Trump) ---
**Author:** ![Fiveyearlurker](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/da6949/32.png) [@Fiveyearlurker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fiveyearlurker)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2019, 5:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-impeachment-inquiry/840771/5213 "2019-11-20T17:43:31Z")
> [@Euphonious\_Polemic](#): > > Jesus. Pretty pathetic. > > "“I want nothing. I want nothing. I want no quid pro quo. Tell Zellinsky to do the right thing. This is the final word from the Pres. of the U.S.” > > Written in giant sharpie, filling the page. > > I agree with you - I hope it is not a fake. > > I wonder when Trump heads back to Walter Reed for another “check up”? Also, you would think he could spell “Zelensky” by now. ---
**Author:** ![Celidin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/cc9497/32.png) [@Celidin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Celidin)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2019, 5:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-impeachment-inquiry/840771/5214 "2019-11-20T17:45:21Z")
> [@Euphonious\_Polemic](#): > > Jesus. Pretty pathetic. > > "“I want nothing. I want nothing. I want no quid pro quo. Tell Zellinsky to do the right thing. This is the final word from the Pres. of the U.S.” > > Written in giant sharpie, filling the page. > > I agree with you - I hope it is not a fake. Its not. Other reporters - including Hallie Jackson - posted similar (if much less clear) photos from their phones. [https://twitter.com/HallieJackson/status/1197192955670540289](https://twitter.com/HallieJackson/status/1197192955670540289) (Somewhere in that thread she says it was from her iphone) ---
**Author:** ![Ukulele\_Ike](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/df788c/32.png) [@Ukulele\_Ike](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ukulele_Ike)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2019, 5:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-impeachment-inquiry/840771/5215 "2019-11-20T17:50:54Z")
> [@Happy\_Lendervedder](#): > > Wanted to third. Aspenglow is my favorite. Well, _I_ love **Aspenglow** for his naturally wavy hair. ---
**Author:** ![MulderMuffin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/muldermuffin/32/2862_2.png) [@MulderMuffin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MulderMuffin)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2019, 5:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-impeachment-inquiry/840771/5216 "2019-11-20T17:52:35Z")
> [@Fiveyearlurker](#): > > Also, you would think he could spell “Zelensky” by now. I’m not even 100% sure how to spell Zelensky. I’ve seen it spelled with two “y”,s for example. But, yeah, he’s an idiot. No question. ---
**Author:** ![Euphonious\_Polemic](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/euphonious_polemic/32/3002_2.png) [@Euphonious\_Polemic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Euphonious_Polemic)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2019, 5:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-impeachment-inquiry/840771/5217 "2019-11-20T17:55:43Z")
Well, looks like Team Trump is pivoting back to “There was no quid pro quo”, also known as “Everyone else is lying under oath, but you should trust me and my people who I refuse to let testify under oath.” ---
**Author:** ![Aspenglow](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aspenglow/32/76_2.png) [@Aspenglow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aspenglow)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2019, 5:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-impeachment-inquiry/840771/5218 "2019-11-20T17:58:22Z")
> [@Ukulele\_Ike](#): > > Well, _I_ love **Aspenglow** for his naturally wavy hair. Her. And of course you do. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![MulderMuffin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/muldermuffin/32/2862_2.png) [@MulderMuffin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MulderMuffin)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2019, 6:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-impeachment-inquiry/840771/5219 "2019-11-20T18:05:39Z")
We’re four hours in today, and we’re haven’t even gotten to member questions. I have things to do today, but I can’t stop watching. The morning sessions are usually done by now. I wouldn’t even mind if they weren’t asking the same four questions over and over and over (exaggerating, but not by much). If I started a drinking game to take a shot every time Nunes brought up the whistleblower, my liver would have moved to Paraguay by now in protest. Heck, I’M ready to move to Paraguay in protest. ---
**Author:** ![JohnT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnt/32/15048_2.png) [@JohnT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JohnT)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2019, 6:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-impeachment-inquiry/840771/5220 "2019-11-20T18:06:17Z")
> [@Celidin](#): > > Its not. Other reporters - including Hallie Jackson - posted similar (if much less clear) photos from their phones. > > [https://twitter.com/HallieJackson/status/1197192955670540289](https://twitter.com/HallieJackson/status/1197192955670540289) (Somewhere in that thread she says it was from her iphone) Check closely. Note that underneath are printed out… tweets. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-impeachment-inquiry/840771.md?page=260) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-impeachment-inquiry/840771.md?page=262)