What Went Down On Day 1 Of The Impeachment Hearings

Thinking about what these hearings are normally like without staff questions — so much more grandstanding, way fewer questions. It’s nice to get the back-and-forth.

I know that impeachment is not a criminal proceeding, but it seems to me that it would be helpful to Democrats’ efforts if they used the text of the Constitution more directly. The Constitution says, “The President, Vice President and all civil officers of the United States, shall be removed from office on impeachment for, and conviction of, treason, bribery, or other high crimes and misdemeanors.” Maybe ask bluntly if this is bribery? I’m not a lawyer but that seems like a good soundbite.

Taylor (as opposed to Kent) is dominating the question time. That makes sense given what Amelia said about Taylor being the Democrats’ star witness.