On impeachment, Jim Jordan goes for the takedown

The Christian Science Monitor ^ | November 19, 2019 | Jessica Mendoza Staff writer

[Jagermonster]

Why We Wrote ThisThe Ohio congressman has been given a prominent role in the public hearings – a nod to his bare-knuckle style and appeal to the GOP base. The move also reflects the extent to which theatrics are part of the process.

He made his name in Congress as an uncompromising brawler. A college wrestling champion, he cut his teeth on the House Committee on Oversight and Reform, grilling witnesses in high-profile hearings. He later co-founded the hard-line House Freedom Caucus that helped drive former Republican Speaker John Boehner into early retirement.

Now Rep. Jim Jordan has emerged as the GOP’s point man in the public phase of the impeachment inquiry into President Donald Trump.

Unlike his colleagues, the Ohio congressman regularly shows up to the hearings sans jacket, in just shirtsleeves and tie. He interrupts, corrects, and claps back. On Friday, during the testimony of former Ukraine Ambassador Marie Yovanovitch, Rep. Adam Schiff, the House Intelligence Committee’s Democratic chair, tried to cut Mr. Jordan off after the latter had reached his five-minute limit for questioning. “My indulgence is wearing out,” Mr. Schiff said.

“Our indulgence wore out with you a long time ago, Mr. Chairman,” Mr. Jordan retorted.

Observers say the Ohio congressman is particularly skilled at building – in clear, easy-to-understand sound bites – an impeachment counternarrative. Where Democrats allege that Mr. Trump improperly used his office to try to get a foreign government to investigate a political rival, Mr. Jordan and other Republicans argue that the president’s opponents are trying to connect unrelated events, based largely on hearsay, to undo the result of the 2016 election.

“The Democrats have never accepted the will of the

[combat_boots]

We should clone Jordan.

[octex]

Just wait until this farce is turned over to Nadler and the Justice Committee. Louie Ghomert (R-TX) is on that committee and should kick ass about all the lies from the Dems!

[Albion Wilde]

Today, surprisingly, my former congressman Mike Turner of Dayton wiped out Sondman. I didn’t know Mike had it in him. Interesting that more of these guys (and gals, like Debbie Lesko) seem to be growing spines.

I haven't been able to bear to watch. My country, alas! Glad to hear some of the GOP have awakened from their long sleep at the wheel. Hope it is in time.

[Albion Wilde]

I can’t wait until after the next election when they’re the Majority!

Yeah, baby!

[isthisnickcool]

There is the God factor too.

God has his hand on Trump’s shoulder.

[isthisnickcool]

https://binged.it/35kLRDC

[LS]

(I’m pinging the group) Actually, it’s as though Trump has caused them all to get spines. Like that point in the movie where everyone is trembling in the trench, then the hero sergeant says, “What are you waiting for? You wanna live forever?” And they all charge out of the trench.

Andy Biggs, my congressman from AZ has always been good. But I had concerns about Debbie Lesko in AZ 9 (?). She has been terrific. Chris Steward (UT) another I had no concerns over, but Mike Turner? I need to reevaluate him. He has always VOTED the right way, but I never thought his heart was in it. The last few days, it was.

So this is what this tells me: Trump has instilled a level of confidence and power in these GOPers who are left. I think it’s even getting to the Senate with both Grassley and Graham ready to (I know, I know, “about to,” “prepared to”) call witnesses, including Biteme’s kid. But there was an interesting comment today from Sen. Rob Portman of OH: in a lunch meeting that included Minion and Tom Collins, Portman said he “advised” Trump, “don’t focus too much on impeachment. Let your allies in the House and Senate handle it.”

Now, I know: there are two ways to take this: “That snake, trying to get Trump to back off so the Senate will do nothing.” I don’t think so. I’ve interacted with Portman. He isn’t a fighter. He usually seeks to avoid confrontation. But now he seems ready. Honestly, if a voter were today, I don’t think Trump would lose ONE Republican, including Minion, and would likely pick up Manchin . . . possibly Enema. Something about Portman’s phrase was “We have a plan in the senate. We will handle this.”

Now, of course I want to believe that, but also, I think we are now sufficiently close to an election that the Senate Rs HAVE NO OTHER CHOICE. If they abandon Trump in any way, they will never work in politics again. This isn’t hyperbole. It’s reality, and they know it. So I think they are girding up to just annihilate the D witnesses.

Based on how the House has destroyed these D witnesses, some of the guys in the Senate, like Hawley, Cotton, Scott, Cruz, Rand Paul, will eviscerate these people.

Just my take.

[Jamestown1630]

Amazing what a man with a real pair can do to inspire others who don’t have one.

[LS]

That’s why they are called “leaders.”

(”An army of lambs led by a lion is more to be feared than an army of lions led by a lamb”)

[Jamestown1630]

Excellent quote.

[Guenevere]

I like your ‘take’.....and agree!

[Hot Tabasco]

I am extra proud of my daughter who passed the bar exam on 1st try,

Congratulations to her, she can now join the ranks of the largest section in the Yellow Pages...........LOL!

[laplata]

I like your take on this and agree.

[CincyRichieRich]

I appreciate your input, I however, know Portman is a squish and has said never-Trump comments as recently as a week ago or so...I don’t trust him and don’t think he is much better than Romney.

Graham I believe, like McCain, made $$ off of many military dealings and has skeletons to be exposed if Trump goes untouched...that to me, is why he isn’t fighting anymore for PDJT...no witnesses...just limp wrist.

[laplata]

Yes!

[LS]

Like I said, the Portman I used to know was a squish. But it is November. Less than 1 year til elections, and I think he knows he cannot be perceived now as opposing Trump or letting him down in any way.

[hsmomx3]

Thanks for pinging me.

Lesko represents my district(8) and I know she stands with Trump.

I haven’t heard a peep from our two senators, Sinema and McSally at all.

[LS]

Nor I. I did an event with Lesko a couple of months ago. She is a true Trumper now.

[entropy12]

LOL so true, but she has a decent job already.

[entropy12]

Good post Larry, thanks for posting!