What Went Down On Day 1 Of The Impeachment Hearings

As Taylor is talking, you’re really forced to come face to face with the fact that this guy is still a working ambassador … who’s at the center of an impeachment inquiry.

Kent is wrapped up his closing statement by defending other impeachment witnesses — Vindman, Yovanovitch, and Hill — who have been attacked by Republicans recently. They’re all testifying in the coming days.

I agree with what’s been said about the low salience and impact of foreign policy and security issues. What I’m wondering is what strategic advantage that gives to either side, given that lack of interest. My first thought is that this gives an advantage to impeachment opponents and Trump defenders — the ones in the status quo position. If public testimony doesn’t provide much that resonates with public opinion, that doesn’t benefit those pushing the impeachment inquiry. But on the other hand, it may create cognitive dissonance among Republican lawmakers who care about security issues.