Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman testified on the third day of hearings in the Democrats’ impeachment inquiry that he found it “improper” that President Donald Trump requested that the Ukrainian president investigate the Bidens in the July 25 phone call.
But one of the more compelling moments thus far of Vindman’s appearance before the House Intelligence Committee came in his opening statement, when he talked of his father’s decision to move the family from the former Soviet Union to the United States some 40 years ago.
Reading from a prepared statement, Vindman addressed his late father. “Dad, my sitting here today, in the U.S. Capitol, talking to our elected officials, is proof that you made the right decision to leave the Soviet Union and come here to the United States of America in search of a better life for our family.”
Then, he said, “Do not worry. I will be fine for telling the truth.”
Dressed in his Army uniform, Vindman was a contrast to the State Department veterans who have testified so far.
A recipient of a Purple Heart, he poses a challenge to Republicans who are trying to undermine the testimony as second or third hand. Vindman was a witness to the July 25 call, unlike the whistleblower. Also testifying on Tuesday was Jennifer Williams, special advisor for Europe and Russia for Vice President Mike Pence, who testified that she too, heard the call, and found the request for an investigation “unusual” for discussing a “domestic political matter.”
The risk for the Republicans is in attacking someone some regard as a military hero. Already, when Vindman testified behind closed doors, some commentators on the right have questioned Vindman loyalty, to some backlash. In his opening statement, House Intelligence Chairman Adam Schiff (D-CA) cited comments made by unnamed Fox News personalities.
Vindman didn’t address character attacks on him — but on his colleagues who are testifying.
“I want to state that the vile character attacks on these distinguished and honorable public servants is reprehensible,” Vindman said.
The ranking member of the committee, Devin Nunes (R-CA), did not make reference to Vindman or Williams — but aimed his fire at the media.
Calling them the Democrats’ “puppets,” Nunes claimed that reporters were engaging in the “same preposterous reporting that the media offered for three years on the Russia hoax.” But he singled out for praise the reporting of John Solomon, who wrote about the Bidens and Burisma for The Hill, and Ken Vogel, who has written about their Ukrainian activities for The New York Times.