What Went Down On Day 1 Of The Impeachment Hearings

Schiff’s opening statement is setting the stage by talking about the yearslong conflict between Ukraine and Russia. This is the backdrop that Democrats want to establish — a beleaguered ally whose much-needed military aid from the U.S. was suddenly in question because of Trump’s actions. Kent and Taylor both spoke vividly about the consequences of withholding aid to Ukraine in their closed-door depositions, and we’re likely to hear more about those stakes from them today.

Case in point: Schiff’s opening statement (as prepared) contains the phrase “quid pro quo” just once.

I think you’re seeing already a switch in Democratic strategy: a move away from the “quid pro quo” language. Reportedly, Democrats think people don’t get all that Latin stuff, and will focus more on “bribery,” “extortion,” “abuse of power,” etc.