With Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., set to move his partisan impeachment inquisition from the basement of the U.S. Capitol into the light of day, the chairman of the House Intelligence Committee is determined to maintain tight-fisted control over the public proceedings.
In going public with the “impeachment sham,” as Republicans refer to the effort to take out President Donald Trump, Schiff issued a list of guidelines that will be used to maintain a tight grip on proceedings and attempt to limit who Republicans can call to testify.
(For what it’s worth, Rep. Devin Nunes, R-Calif., has said their first witness may be Schiff himself.)
Politico reporter Kyle Cheney shared Schiff’s restrictions online.
“BREAKING: SCHIFF details questions that witnesses must speak to in order to be considered relevant to impeachment hearings,” he tweeted. “This is meant to guide which GOP witnesses they’re willing to call.”
BREAKING: SCHIFF details questions that witnesses must speak to in order to be considered relevant to impeachment hearings.
This is meant to guide which GOP witnesses they’re willing to call. The questions: pic.twitter.com/lzVxZcbUcj
— Kyle Cheney (@kyledcheney) November 7, 2019
In a follow-up tweet, he noted: “SCHIFF’s questions are crucial because it shows how narrowly Democrats intend to keep the lens of their public impeachment hearings — it’s an early attempt to prevent a free-for-all and keep the focus on Trump’s actions.”
SCHIFF’s questions are crucial because it shows how narrowly Democrats intend to keep the lens of their public impeachment hearings — it’s an early attempt to prevent a free-for-all and keep the focus on Trump’s actions.
— Kyle Cheney (@kyledcheney) November 7, 2019
Apparently, as far as liberals are concerned, due process is not all it’s cracked up to be.
The restrictions above were included in a letter Schiff sent Wednesday to Nunes, the ranking member on the House Intel panel, requesting the names of all witnesses the GOP wants to call, according to The Epoch Times.
Nunes reportedly has 72 hours to submit witness requests, with Schiff saying each request “must be accompanied by a detailed written justification of the relevance to the inquiry of the testimony of each requested witness.”
The Democratic lawmaker leading his party’s efforts to impeach Trump reserves the right to reject any witness, the matter would go to the full committee – which means nothing, given that Democrats control the panel.
These were the rules established by the impeachment process resolution passed last week by House Democrats. No Republicans voted for the measure.
Rep. Mark Meadows, R-N.C., a member of the House Oversight Committee, took to Twitter to respond to the “absurdity of these restrictions.”
Setting aside the absurdity of these restrictions—note that the Democrats won’t even be able to stay within their own parameters. The first two witnesses they’re calling have never even talked to POTUS. They have zero firsthand knowledge. How can they speak to his motive?” Meadows tweeted.
Setting aside the absurdity of these restrictions—note that the Democrats won’t even be able to stay within their own parameters.
The first two witnesses they’re calling have never even talked to POTUS. They have zero firsthand knowledge. How can they speak to his motive? https://t.co/sptDSPqCYb
— Mark Meadows (@RepMarkMeadows) November 7, 2019
One thing’s certain, the Democrat’s show trial is going to be a contentious, one-sided affair, with Republicans forced to battle for any sense of fair play.
We’re not in Kansas anymore, Toto.
Here’s a sampling of online responses to the latest impeachment development:
Same #schiff different day. ? #FullOfSchiff #SchiffShow
— Holly (@HollyHillio) November 7, 2019
It doesn’t have to be legal or logical, it just has to fit their narrative. It’s a total Soviet style political hit job.
— I am Liam ???? (@LiamIvy7) November 7, 2019
Hearsay is apparently only a thing in our courts.
— Robert Boyette (@boyetter2013) November 7, 2019
They can speak to his motive because the NYT and MSNBC already told them what it is
— Walt Rines (@waltrines) November 7, 2019
It’s all about ?Feelings?
— Momx4 (@Momx4x6) November 7, 2019
Democrats have decided this is a hill worth dying on and Senate Republicans had better muster the fortitude to respond accordingly! A no-holds-barred defense of the country & historical precedent is required.
Civil order and the future of the republic are at stake.
— Doug Stilts (@DougStilts) November 7, 2019
So basically no cross examination is allowed. That seems fair ????
— CHill (@Finsane_) November 7, 2019
Objection! Leading the witnesses! Schiff you are out of order!
— Devin Caster (@devincaster) November 7, 2019
So Republicans can’t argue and call witnesses to show this was a legitimate request for a corruption investigation and actually less quid pro quo than Joe Biden’s demand? #WTF #Democrats
— Howard Notelling (@BluegrassPundit) November 7, 2019
Seems a little strange for the majority to have control over who the minority can call as a witness. Although I suppose the Republicans will be allowed to subpoena witnesses during the Senate trial.
— Dr. AssuredlyAThrowAway (@AATAconspiracy) November 7, 2019
The questions are phrased in a way that only people who can answer them yes are relevant. So the GOP won’t be able to call witnesses unless they want to call any that confirm Trump did what he’s accused of.
— David Lasdon (@WTPDavid) November 7, 2019
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