Sondland testifies Quid pro quo, then maybe not

GORDON SONDLAND TESTIFIES, EVERYONE KNEW THERE WAS QUID PRO QUO 

THEN THE RIDE ON TRUMPWORLD ROLLER COASTER

In his opening statement at yesterdays impeachment sequel Gordon Sondland, Ambassador to the EU, stated that everyone knew that a public statement was required by Ukrainian president Zelensky concerning investigations of the 2016 election meddling and Burmisa the Ukrainian gas Co. He contended that it not only was needed to have a white house meeting but also release the aid to Ukraine. It appeared to be a shocking admission that you could see by the reaction of the committee members. 

Adam Schiff was visibly moved, it appeared that he did all that he could to restrain himself from having an orgasmic moment on national TV. The Republican members looked very discouraged.

Schiff soon called for a 5 minute recess, not to go to the men's room or consult with his crew, but to rush to the hall outside and hold a press conference in which he could taut his final triumph over Trump.

I admit after the initial interrogation from the lawyers I needed to take care of some serious business and did not watch.  When I returned everything seemed to have changed. It was then that I heard that Sondland admitted under questioning that no one had conveyed this information to him. He could not name anyone who had verbally or written about this connection. He admitted that it was just his perception. Under further questioning he recollected his last phone conversation with the President on this subject. This conversation was verified with emails.

Sondland frustrated by the delay of funds to Ukraine asked the president straight out,"What do you want from Ukraine and Zelensky", Trump answered "I dont want anything, no quid pro quo, just tell Zelensky to do the right thing"  It seems this account let a lot of steam out of the Democrats and encouraged the Republicans. Then there was the fact that there was no public announcement that ever happened, so no "Quid pro Quo" ever happened.

Welcome to the Trumpworld roller coaster that has been running for over 4 years now.

In the evening session, Davis Hale, undersecretary of State for politics, could not really add anything to the debate. 

Laura Cooper, deputy assistant secretary of defense for Ukraine was questioned concerning when Ukraine knew that there was a hold on aid to Ukraine. She stated that she knew that they became aware in early September. That there were calls to her Department from Ukrainians several time concerning the aid, but  neither she or her staff had actually engaged in conversations that indicated that they knew, it seemed they just wanted to know the status.

It appears this evening sessions was delayed to push the hearing into prime time, the best part of the show was watching Laura Cooper deflect the leading questions, and stick to answering only facts and things that she knew first hand. It appears she may have watched earlier sequels and learned to not get involved with feelings, presumptions and hearsay. 

Overall it seems that the witnesses believe there was a condition for a public statement concerning investigations linked to a white house meeting but eventually it did not happen. It does not seem to have ever been a link concerning aid.

Just one other point, it seems that investigations into Burmisa are ongoing, that indictments are expected, and that there is a connection to money-laundering with a U.S. investment co. Some of this has been revealed by official Ukrainian releases and some is considered just leaks at this time.