Article II: Inside Impeachment

Impeachment 2.0 Jan 15, 2021

One week after a violent mob attacked the US Capitol building, the House of Representatives voted to impeach President Trump for “incitement of insurrection.” Donald Trump is the first president in U.S. history to be impeached twice.

Several Republicans joined their Democratic colleagues in arguing that the President is a clear and present danger to the country. But many House Republicans said that voting to impeach a second time will incite further division and violence in America.

Host Steve Kornacki talks with Leigh Ann Caldwell, NBC News Capitol Hill Correspondent, who was in the Capitol building on the day of the riots, about the House vote and what a Senate trial might look like after Joe Biden is sworn in as president next week.

For more live updates on the second impeachment of President Trump visit https://www.nbcnews.com/Trump-impeachment-inquiry.

Further Reading:

Behind the Scenes Feb 08, 2020

In this final episode, Steve Kornacki sits down with NBC News journalists to reflect on what it was like to cover the impeachment of President Donald Trump.

NBC News Correspondent Leigh Ann Caldwell, NBC News producer covering the Senate Frank Thorp, and senior White House reporter for NBC News Shannon Pettypiece open up their reporters’ notebooks to share their favorite moments from this historic event.

For a transcript, please visit https://www.nbcnews.com/articletwo.

Not Guilty Feb 06, 2020

Senators voted to acquit President Trump, finding him not guilty on two articles of impeachment. Senator Mitt Romney, a Republican from Utah, surprised the public by voting to convict President Trump on the first article: abuse of power. He is the first Senator in history to vote against their party in favor of removing the president from office. Otherwise, the votes fell along party lines.

Alex Moe, NBC News Capitol Hill Producer, recaps the final historic hours on the Senate floor and where Trump—and the American public—might go from here.

For a transcript, please visit https://www.nbcnews.com/articletwo.

Further Reading:

Iowa vs Impeachment Feb 04, 2020

Impeachment and the race for 2020 are colliding.

On Monday, House Managers and President Trump’s defense team made their final arguments for and against convicting the President. Meanwhile, the first-in-the-nation Iowa caucuses launched the 2020 election into the primary voting phase.

The Democratic candidates – four of them US Senators – are vying for voters caught between impeachment and November's election. President Trump is trying to craft a re-election message as the impeachment trial concludes.

Jon Allen, Senior Political Analyst for NBC News, joins from the road in Des Moines, Iowa.

Get live updates on impeachment and election coverage at nbcnews.com.

For a transcript, please visit https://www.nbcnews.com/articletwo.

Further Reading

No Witnesses, New Timeline Feb 01, 2020

Following four hours of debate, the Senate rejected a motion to consider more witnesses and documents by a vote of 49 to 51. Senators Susan Collins of Maine and Mitt Romney of Utah were the only two Republicans to join their Democratic colleagues in this vote.

After the failed vote on witnesses, Senators met to game out the trial’s timeline.

Frank Thorp, NBC News producer covering the Senate, explains the Senate’s plans for an end to the trial that will likely result in the President Trump’s acquittal next week.

For a transcript, please visit https://www.nbcnews.com/articletwo.

Can I Get A Witness? Jan 31, 2020

The end of the Senate impeachment trial is drawing near with an unpredictable day ahead. First, the Senate will debate for four hours on whether to call new witnesses to trial. Then, they will take a vote on the witness question. After that, Senators could put forward new motions to extend debate on the Senate floor into the days ahead, or they could move quickly to a final vote on the two articles of impeachment today.

Frank Thorp, NBC News producer covering the Senate, lays out what to expect.

For a transcript, please visit https://www.nbcnews.com/articletwo.

Q & A Jan 30, 2020

On Wednesday, the Senate trial moved into a two-day question and answer period. Senators have 16 hours to ask questions of the impeachment managers and President Trump’s defense team.

Democrats used their time to convince their fellow Senators to call new witnesses in the trial, like former National Security Advisor John Bolton.

Republicans used their time to argue that the President’s conduct is not impeachable and that evidence should not extend beyond what was gathered by the House of Representatives.

NBC News Correspondent Leigh Ann Caldwell dissects the strategy from both sides.

Ask host Steve Kornacki a question about the Senate trial: articletwopodcast@gmail.com.

For a transcript, please visit https://www.nbcnews.com/articletwo.

Follow along with the Senate trial proceedings on the NBC News Impeachment Live Blog.

The Bolton Factor Jan 28, 2020

President Trump’s legal team continued its defense in a second day of arguments, but new allegations are overshadowing the case. In the manuscript for his upcoming book, Former National Security Advisor John Bolton alleges that President Trump directed him to withhold aid to Ukraine in exchange for an investigation into Joe Biden.

The revelations are increasing pressure on Senate Republicans who are weighing whether to call witnesses.

Shannon Pettypiece, senior White House reporter for NBC News Digital, explains how Bolton’s allegations could alter the structure and timeline of the impeachment trial.

Have a question about impeachment? Email us at articletwopodcast@gmail.com.

For a transcript, please visit https://www.nbcnews.com/articletwo.

Further Reading

Making History Jan 25, 2020

On Friday, Democratic House managers concluded their opening arguments in the Senate impeachment trial. Three of the seven House managers are women, and two are women of color, a first in US political history.

Kasie Hunt,Capitol Hill Correspondent and Host of Kasie DC, discusses her exclusive TODAY interview with those representatives: Zoe Lofgren, Val Demings and Sylvia Garcia. Kasie also outlines the role they play in the Senate trial and how Senate politics have evolved since the last presidential impeachment.

Watch Kasie’s exclusive interview here:

https://www.msnbc.com/kasie-dc/watch/kasie-hunt-s-exclusive-interview-with-first-ever-female-impeachment-managers-77615173795

Have a question about impeachment? Email us at articletwopodcast@gmail.com.

For a transcript, please visit https://www.nbcnews.com/articletwo.

Making the Case Jan 23, 2020

It’s day one of opening arguments in the impeachment trial of President Trump. Over the course of many hours, House Managers argued their case for the removal of the President and the need for witnesses and documents. They are making these arguments to the American public, but also to the 100 Senators who are acting as jurors in this trial.

Steve Kornacki is joined by Frank Thorp, NBC News producer covering the Senate, to talk about the Republican Senators who may be persuaded to side with the Democrats when it comes to the question of witnesses.

Have a question about the Senate trial or something else impeachment-related? Email our host Steve Kornacki at articletwopodcast@gmail.com.

For a transcript, please visit https://www.nbcnews.com/articletwo.

Further Reading

Bonus: Rewriting the Rules Jan 22, 2020

On Tuesday, the Senate impeachment trial began in earnest, with hours of debate over how it should be run. Steve Kornacki explains the last-minute changes made by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, who amended his own set of rules in response to pressure from moderate Republican Senators.

Have a question about the Senate trial or something else impeachment-related? Email our host Steve Kornacki at articletwopodcast@gmail.com.

For a transcript, please visit https://www.nbcnews.com/articletwo.

Further Reading

Lev Parnas Speaks Jan 17, 2020

The Senate trial is officially underway, with the Chief Justice and members of the Senate sworn in this week.

But in a last-minute addition to the evidence, an associate of Rudy Giuliani gave the House of Representatives documents that shed new light on the Ukrainian pressure campaign. Parnas, who is out on bond on federal campaign finance charges, also spoke publicly this week for the first time about his involvement in the scheme.

Josh Lederman, national political reporter for NBC News, explains what we learned from Parnas, the credibility of his allegations, and how this new information could influence the Senate trial.

Have a question about the Senate trial or something else impeachment-related? Email our host Steve Kornacki at articletwopodcast@gmail.com.

For a transcript, please visit https://www.nbcnews.com/articletwo.

Further Reading

Special Delivery Jan 16, 2020

It’s official. Today, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi named the seven house managers and transmitted two articles of impeachment, abuse of power and obstruction of justice, to the Senate. It is still unclear whether the trial, which is set to begin next week, will include witness testimony.

Steve Kornacki talks to Alex Moe, NBC News Capitol Hill Producer, about the historic week day in Washington and the Senate’s next move.

Have a question about this stage of impeachment? Ask our host Steve Kornacki: articletwopodcast@gmail.com.

For a transcript, please visit https://www.nbcnews.com/articletwo.

Further Reading

End of an Impasse Jan 14, 2020

After a weeks-long standoff, the House of Representatives appears ready to move forward on impeachment. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is reportedly preparing to appoint impeachment managers and send the articles to the Senate as early as this week.

MSNBC Washington Correspondent Garrett Haake lays out what to expect from a Senate trial and weighs whether the delay tactic used by House Democrats helped their case.

Have a question about this stage of impeachment? Ask our host Steve Kornacki: articletwopodcast@gmail.com.

For a transcript, please visit https://www.nbcnews.com/articletwo.

Further Reading

The Chief Justice Shall Preside Jan 10, 2020

After a weeks-long standoff with Republicans, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi told her Democratic colleagues she plans on holding a vote on the house managers next week before sending the articles of impeachment to the Senate. Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, John Roberts will govern the proceedings.

NBC Justice Correspondent Pete Williams joins Steve Kornacki to talk about the Chief Justice’s role and recalls his time covering former Chief Justice William Rehnquist during the Clinton Senate trial.

Have a question about this stage of impeachment? Ask our host Steve Kornacki: articletwopodcast@gmail.com.

For a transcript, please visit https://www.nbcnews.com/articletwo.

Further Reading:

Pomp, circumstance and silence: How a Senate presidential impeachment trial works

Like It’s 1999 Jan 08, 2020

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell says he has the votes to proceed with a Senate trial, but the House has yet to transmit the articles. So today, while our current impeachment process is on hold, we’re going back in time, to 1999.

Former Florida Congressman Bill McCollum served as one of 13 house managers during Senate impeachment trial of President Bill Clinton. McCollum talks about his role during the trial, the political fallout of being a house manager, and what he thinks about the impeachment proceedings today.

Have a question about this stage of impeachment? Ask our host Steve Kornacki: articletwopodcast@gmail.com.

For a transcript, please visit https://www.nbcnews.com/articletwo.

For live coverage and latest news this week, visit the NBC News Impeachment Live Blog:

Further Reading:

Impeachment and War Jan 06, 2020

The House of Representatives still hasn’t sent the articles of impeachment to the Senate. Now, Congress faces another major decision. After President Trump authorized a strike to kill Iranian General Qassem Soleimani late last week, Democrats are presenting a new resolution to limit the president’s war powers.

Mark Murray, senior political editor, discusses how Congress is balancing impeachment and the threat of a war with Iran.

Have a question about this stage of impeachment? Ask our host Steve Kornacki: articletwopodcast@gmail.com.

For a transcript, please visit https://www.nbcnews.com/articletwo.

Further Reading

The President’s Oath Jan 03, 2020

Every President of the United States must swear to a 35-word oath, promising to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution. Special guest and MSNBC Contributor Chuck Rosenberg joins Steve Kornacki to discuss the founders’ intent behind that oath and what happens when it's put to the test.

Chuck Rosenberg served as a career federal prosecutor and later as United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. He has also served in senior positions at the Department of Justice for two Attorneys General, in the Federal Bureau of Investigation under two directors, and as the head of the Drug Enforcement Administration. Chuck is also the host of an MSNBC podcast, The Oath with Chuck Rosenberg.

For a transcript, please visit https://www.nbcnews.com/articletwo.

Awaiting a Senate Trial Dec 31, 2019

The impeachment process is in limbo as House Speaker Nancy Pelosi continues to delay sending the articles to the Senate. Demcratic leaders say they want to ensure a fair process in the Senate. So what will this trial look like?

Guest host Julia Ainsley, NBC News Correspondent covering the Departments of Justice and Homeland Security, talks to Frank Thorp, NBC News producer and reporter covering the Senate, about the rules governing a Senate trial and what to expect from this next phase in the impeachment process.

Want to ask a question about the impeachment? Email host Steve Kornacki at articletwopodcast@gmail.com.

For a transcript, please visit https://www.nbcnews.com/articletwo.

Further Reading

Democratic defector? Sen. Doug Jones could break with his party to back Trump at Senate trial

Rudy's Helpers Dec 23, 2019

President Trump's impeachment hasn’t stopped his personal lawyer, Rudy Giuliani, from trying to defend his client. While impeachment proceedings were underway, Giuliani travelled to Hungary and Ukraine where he met with former Ukranian officials. Giuliani says they can provide information that will exonerate Trump, but much of that information is based on conspiracy theories.

Dan De Luce, national security and global affairs reporter for the investigative unit at NBC News, explains the cast of characters working with Giuliani overseas.

Want to ask a question about the impeachment? Email host Steve Kornacki at articletwopodcast@gmail.com.

For a transcript, please visit https://www.nbcnews.com/articletwo.

Further Reading

Standoff Dec 20, 2019

Lawmakers are home for the holidays, but the House of Representatives has some unfinished business. Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi is delaying next steps in the impeachment process. Pelosi says she won’t name impeachment managers or transmit the articles to the Senate until she knows more about Senator Mitch McConnell’s trial.

Beth Fouhy, guest host and senior politics editor for NBC News and MSNBC, talks with Garrett Haake, MSNBC Washington Correspondent about the Speaker’s strategy and how this standoff affects the impeachment timeline.

Want to ask a question about this phase of impeachment? Email host Steve Kornacki at articletwopodcast@gmail.com.

For a transcript, please visit https://www.nbcnews.com/articletwo.

Further Reading

Trump is Impeached Dec 19, 2019

It was a historic day for Washington and for the country. The House of Representatives voted along party lines to impeach President Donald Trump on two articles, abuse of power and obstruction of Congress. There was not a single Republican defector to vote for impeachment, and just four Democrats broke ranks with their party.

Steve Kornacki analyzes what Wednesday’s vote means for our politics and our country and asks what the future of impeachment holds.

For by-the-minute updates on impeachment, follow along with NBC News’ Live Blog.

For a transcript, please visit https://www.nbcnews.com/articletwo.

Facing the Voters Dec 17, 2019

Just days before the full House vote on impeachment, Representative Elissa Slotkin held a difficult town hall back home in Michigan’s 8th district. Along with thirty other Democrats, Slotkin represents a district where Donald Trump won the majority vote in 2016. Facing a divided electorate, Slotkin will vote yes on both articles of impeachment.

NBC News Correspondent Leigh Ann Caldwell shares how politically vulnerable Democrats are weighing the decision to vote for or against impeachment.

Ask our host Steve Kornacki a question about the impeachment inquiry at articletwopodcast@gmail.com.

For a transcript, please visit https://www.nbcnews.com/articletwo.

Further Reading

Democratic Rep. Slotkin faces rowdy town hall after announcing support for impeachment

The 7-Minute Vote Dec 13, 2019

The House Judiciary Committee passed two articles of impeachment against President Trump Friday morning. The panel met for just seven minutes to cast their votes, after debating late into the evening on Thursday.

Garrett Haake, MSNBC Washington Correspondent, explains how this committee vote propels the two articles of impeachment to a vote before the entire House of Representatives next week.

Have a question about the impeachment inquiry? Ask our host Steve Kornacki: articletwopodcast@gmail.com.

For a transcript, please visit https://www.nbcnews.com/articletwo.

Bonus: Debating the Articles Dec 12, 2019

The House Judiciary Committee met Thursday to consider changes to the two articles of impeachment: abuse of power and contempt of Congress. Steve Kornacki explains how this markup process works and what happens next.

For a transcript, please visit https://www.nbcnews.com/articletwo.

The View from the White House Dec 11, 2019

President Trump is facing two articles of impeachment and he’s mounted a strong defense in response.

At a rally last night in Pennsylvania, President Trump’s tactics were on full display - play to the Republican base by attacking the Democrats and the process. NBC News Senior White House Reporter Shannon Pettypiece offers insight into how the President’s tactics are playing in the White House and whether they are effective with Republican voters.

Ask a question about this stage of the impeachment inquiry by emailing our host Steve Kornacki: articletwopodcast@gmail.com.

For a transcript, please visit https://www.nbcnews.com/articletwo.

Further Reading

Trump chucks Clinton's impeachment playbook

Bonus: The Articles Dec 10, 2019

The House Judiciary Committee officially charged President Donald Trump with high crimes and misdemeanors on Tuesday. Committee Chairman Jerry Nadler announced two articles of impeachment: abuse of power and obstruction of Congress.

NBC News Political Reporter Jon Allen dissects the substance and strategy behind each charge.

Further Reading

For a transcript, please visit https://www.nbcnews.com/articletwo.

Grilling the Lawyers Dec 10, 2019

Lawyers for the Democratic and Republican sides of the Intelligence and Judiciary Committees presented the evidence gathered so far in front of the House Judiciary Committee.

NBC News Correspondent Leigh Ann Caldwell discusses how each side argued their cases for and against impeachment and how they held up under cross-examination.

Have a question about this stage of the impeachment inquiry? Send a question to host Steve Kornacki: articletwopodcast@gmail.com.

For a transcript, please visit https://www.nbcnews.com/articletwo.

The Drafting Board Dec 07, 2019

The House Judiciary Committee is drafting articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump. The Constitution limits grounds of impeachment to treason, bribery, or other high crimes and misdemeanors. Which ones will the Democrats choose to move forward with, and why?

Heidi Przybyla, NBC News Correspondent covering politics and government, explores the potential scope of the charges as Democrats prepare to bring them to the full House for a vote.

Have a question about this stage of the impeachment inquiry? Send a question to host Steve Kornacki: articletwopodcast@gmail.com.

For a transcript, please visit https://www.nbcnews.com/articletwo.

Further Reading

Pelosi announces full speed ahead with articles of impeachment against Trump

Impeachment 101 Dec 05, 2019

Four constitutional law experts testified in the House Judiciary Committee’s first hearing in the inquiry on Wednesday, treating lawmakers and the public to a lesson on impeachment.

Guest Josh Lederman, national political reporter for NBC News, walks through how Democrats and Republicans used their witnesses to argue the constitutional case for and against impeaching President Donald Trump.

Want to ask host Steve Kornacki a question about impeachment? Send an email to articletwopodcast@gmail.com.

For a transcript, please visit https://www.nbcnews.com/articletwo.

Bonus: The Report Dec 03, 2019

The House Intelligence Committee released a 300-page report on Tuesday summarizing the evidence gathered so far in the impeachment inquiry. Host Steve Kornacki explains the conclusions the report draws and new information it presents.

Following a vote on the report Tuesday evening, the document will go to the Judiciary Committee, which holds its first public hearing with expert witnesses on Wednesday.

For a digital version of the report’s preface and executive summary, as well as a link to the full report pdf, click here.

To read the full report, click here.

For a transcript, please visit https://www.nbcnews.com/articletwo.

A Report, A Hearing and Trump’s Response Dec 02, 2019

There are three big developments to watch this week as the impeachment inquiry moves into a new phase. Alex Moe, NBC News Capitol Hill Producer and Reporter, explains what you need to know.

After two weeks of public hearings, the House Intelligence Committee is passing off a report of their findings to the House Judiciary Committee. On Wednesday, the Judiciary Committee takes over with a public hearing of its own, with legal experts as the witnesses. Meanwhile, the White House says President Trump will not participate in Wednesday’s hearing.

Ask host Steve Kornacki a question about the impeachment inquiry: articletwopodcast@gmail.com.

For a transcript, please visit https://www.nbcnews.com/articletwo.

Further Reading

We've Got Mail Nov 27, 2019

Host Steve Kornacki opens up the mailbag to answer your questions about the impeachment inquiry. Julia Ainsley, NBC News Correspondent covering the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security, answers listener voicemails and emails about the aid to Ukraine, the role of the President’s personal lawyer, and whether the public might hear from the president in the inquiry. Plus, Steve answers a question about Republican support for Nixon during Watergate.

Want to ask host Steve Kornacki a question about impeachment? Send an email to articletwopodcast@gmail.com.

For a transcript, please visit https://www.nbcnews.com/articletwo.

Mike Pompeo’s State Department Nov 25, 2019

Mike Pompeo was tapped to rebuild the State Department after Rex Tillerson’s firing in 2018, but is now being drawn closer to events at the center of the impeachment inquiry.

Last week EU Ambassador Gordon Sondland testified that Secretary of State Pompeo was “looped in” on the Ukrainian pressure campaign. Pompeo was also one of the people on the July 25th phone call between President Trump and Ukrainian President Zelenskiy.

Dan De Luce, national security and global affairs reporter for the investigative unit at NBC News, explains Pompeo's evolution from State Department savior to a figure who was directly involved in the shadow foreign policy channel in Ukraine.

Ask our host Steve Kornacki a question about impeachment: articletwopodcast@gmail.com.

For a transcript, please visit https://www.nbcnews.com/articletwo.

Further Reading

The Groundwork Nov 22, 2019

After two weeks of public hearings, lawmakers are determining next steps in the impeachment inquiry. Democrats are moving towards formalizing articles of impeachment, which would likely pass, barring a few exceptions. Meanwhile, Republicans are planning for the possibility of a trial in the Senate.

Political Reporter for NBC News Jonathan Allen walks through how the politics of impeachment are changing as the inquiry moves to the next phase.

Ask our host Steve Kornacki a question about impeachment: articletwopodcast@gmail.com.

For a transcript, please visit https://www.nbcnews.com/articletwo.

Further Reading

As Democrats move toward a pre-Christmas vote, they still find a wall of Republican loyalists at President Donald Trump’s side.

Bonus: The Witnesses: Hill and Holmes Nov 22, 2019

In what is expected to be the final day of open testimony, Fiona Hill, the former top Russia expert for the White House, and David Holmes, senior diplomat at the US Embassy in Ukraine, discussed their concerns about the involvement of Rudy Giuliani, Gordon Sondland and the President himself in US foreign policy toward Ukraine. Dr. Hill also made a point to criticize the false narrative embraced by Republicans that Ukraine, not Russia, interfered in the 2016 election.

Garrett Haake, MSNBC Washington Correspondent, talks about what else we learned from Hill and Holmes, and what’s next in the inquiry.

Ask our host Steve Kornacki a question about impeachment: articletwopodcast@gmail.com.

For a transcript, please visit https://www.nbcnews.com/articletwo.

Further Reading

What we learned from Fiona Hill and David Holmes’ impeachment testimony

The Witnesses: Gordon Sondland Nov 21, 2019

Gordon Sondland, U.S. Ambassador to the European Union and donor to President Trump, confirmed the existence of a quid pro quo on Wednesday. Sondland is the only witness so far who spoke directly to the President about the issues at the center of the probe. Over many hours of testimony, Sondland revealed the extent to which Trump’s inner circle was involved and outlined the President's direct involvement in the pressure campaign.

Kelly O’Donnell, White House Correspondent for NBC News, discusses how Democrats and Republicans each tried to use Sondland’s testimony to fuel their arguments around impeachment.

Ask host Steve Kornacki a question about the impeachment inquiry: articletwopodcast@gmail.com.

For a transcript, please visit https://www.nbcnews.com/articletwo.

Bonus: The Witnesses: Williams and Vindman Nov 20, 2019

On the third day of public hearings, two witnesses sat side-by-side in one of the most intense House sessions to date. Jennifer Williams, special advisor to Vice President Mike Pence, and Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman, the top Ukraine expert on the National Security Council, were both on the now famous July 25th phone call. NBC News Correspondent Leigh Ann Caldwell reports on Williams’ and Vindman’s responses to what they heard.

Two more witnesses – Kurt Volker and Tim Morrison – testified Tuesday afternoon. Stay tuned for Wednesday’s episode to learn about their testimony.

Ask host Steve Kornacki a question about the impeachment inquiry: articletwopodcast@gmail.com.

For a transcript, please visit https://www.nbcnews.com/articletwo.

Dug In Nov 18, 2019

Televised hearings will continue this week in the impeachment inquiry against President Donald Trump. But as the drama unfolds in Washington, the rest of the country is watching from the sidelines. NBC News political reporter Vaughn Hillyard talked to voters in Wisconsin and Georgia to find out what people outside of the Beltway really think about impeachment.

Want to ask host Steve Kornacki a question about impeachment? Send an email to articletwopodcast@gmail.com.

For a transcript, please visit https://www.nbcnews.com/articletwo.

Bonus: Tom Brokaw Remembers Watergate Nov 16, 2019

In this special episode, host Steve Kornacki interviews Tom Brokaw, who went to Washington as NBC News White House Correspondent in the summer of 1973, a year before Richard Nixon resigned the presidency. Brokaw discusses his time covering the fall of President Nixon and the parallels to today, as the nation watches the impeachment inquiry of President Donald Trump unfold.

Tom Brokaw is a Senior Correspondent for NBC and the author of a new book, The Fall of Richard Nixon: A Reporter Remembers Watergate.

Key Figures

H.R. “Bob” Haldeman - White House Chief of Staff, 1969 - 1973
John Erlichman - White House Domestic Affairs Advisor, 1969 - 1973
John Mitchell - US Attorney General, 1969 - 1972
Howard Baker - Republican Senator from Tennessee
Pat Buchanan – Special Assistant to President Nixon
Al Haig - White House Chief of Staff, 1973 - 1974

For a transcript, please visit https://www.nbcnews.com/articletwo.

The Witnesses: Marie Yovanovitch Nov 16, 2019

Former Ambassador to Ukraine Marie Yovanovitch testified Friday in the second round of public hearings. Yovanovitch spoke to her career in foreign service, which ended abruptly when President Trump recalled her from her post in May. During the hearing, the President criticized Yovanovitch’s service, prompting House Intelligence Committee Chair to suggest there was possible witness intimidation at play. Guest Josh Lederman, national political reporter for NBC News, recounts Friday’s testimony and describes the case each party is making to voters at this stage in the inquiry.

Ask host Steve Kornacki your impeachment question by sending an email to articletwopodcast@gmail.com.

For a transcript, please visit https://www.nbcnews.com/articletwo.

The Witnesses: Kent and Taylor Nov 14, 2019

The House Intelligence Committee held the first open hearings in the impeachment inquiry on Wednesday. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State George Kent and the top diplomat in Ukraine Bill Taylor appeared before Congress for more than five hours of questioning. Geoff Bennett, White House Correspondent for NBC News, recaps what the public learned from the televised hearings, and how Democrats and Republicans argued their message to voters on impeachment.

Questions about this stage of the impeachment inquiry? Email us at articletwopodcast@gmail.com.

For a transcript, please visit https://www.nbcnews.com/articletwo.

Battle Lines Nov 11, 2019

Three witnesses will testify before the House Intelligence Committee this week, in the first nationally televised hearings of the impeachment inquiry. Democratic and Republican lawmakers are approaching the hearings with distinct strategies on how best to capture the attention of the American public. MSNBC Washington Correspondent Garrett Haake discusses what to look for in this week’s hearings and whether public testimony could be a game-changer for the course of the inquiry.

Questions about this stage in the impeachment inquiry? Email us at articletwopodcast@gmail.com.

For live coverage and latest news this week, visit the NBC News Impeachment Live Blog.

For a transcript, please visit https://www.nbcnews.com/articletwo.

What About Pence? Nov 08, 2019

As President Trump’s second-in-command, Vice President Mike Pence could become a key figure in the impeachment inquiry. The first staffer from his office, special advisor Jennifer Williams, testified before Congress on Thursday. Pence has spoken with the Ukranian president Volodymyr Zelensky over the phone multiple times and met with him in early September. But Pence continues to avoid specific questions about his knowledge of events surrounding the hold up of aid to Ukraine. NBC Political Reporter Vaughn Hillyard walks through what we know about Pence's involvement in the events at the center of the impeachment inquiry.

Questions about this stage in the impeachment inquiry? Email us at articletwopodcast@gmail.com.

For a transcript, please visit https://www.nbcnews.com/articletwo.

The Best Defense Nov 06, 2019

President Trump maintains that he did nothing wrong even as more detailed evidence against him emerges. Without a unified defense to rally around, Republican lawmakers are arguing a few different cases for why Trump should not be removed from office. Jon Allen, political reporter for NBC News digital, lays out the rationale behind the different Republican arguments against impeachment. Plus, a look at how Republican strategy could shift if impeachment reaches the Senate.

Questions about the impeachment inquiry? Email us at articletwopodcast@gmail.com.

For a transcript, please visit https://www.nbcnews.com/articletwo.

The First Transcripts Nov 04, 2019

The House of Representatives released transcripts from two witness depositions on Monday officially moving the impeachment inquiry into a public phase. The transcripts, which are hundreds of pages long, detail the accounts of former Ambassador to Ukraine Marie Yovanovitch and Senior Adviser to the Secretary of State Ambassador Michael McKinley. Geoff Bennett, White House Correspondent for NBC News, discusses the full testimony and what their release means for where the inquiry is headed next. More transcripts are expected to be made public tomorrow.

Questions about the impeachment inquiry? Email us at articletwopodcast@gmail.com.

For a transcript, please visit https://www.nbcnews.com/articletwo.

Party Lines Nov 01, 2019

After another momentous week in the impeachment inquiry, Kristen Welker, White House Correspondent for NBC News, recaps events in Washington. Witnesses from the White House and State Department provided corroborating evidence against the president. But on Thursday, a House vote to move the inquiry forward fell completely along party lines. As Democrats move the inquiry into a public phase, will the evidence be enough to overcome political partisanship?

Questions about the impeachment inquiry? Email us at articletwopodcast@gmail.com.

For a transcript, please visit https://www.nbcnews.com/articletwo.

Further Reading:

With The Gavel Comes The Power Oct 30, 2019

The House of Representatives will vote tomorrow on a resolution proposing next steps in the impeachment process - the first time the House will take a vote on the inquiry so far. The resolution formalizes the continuing inquiry, outlines the role of the White House, and opens the next phase to the public. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi insists it is not designed to authorize the inquiry, since the Constitution doesn't require a formal vote. Kelly O’Donnell, White House Correspondent for NBC News, reviews the resolution text and the political calculations of Democrats and Republicans moving forward with the inquiry.

Questions about the impeachment inquiry? Email us at articletwopodcast@gmail.com.

For a transcript, please visit https://www.nbcnews.com/articletwo.

Further Reading:

Bonus: Vindman's Testimony Oct 29, 2019

Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman, the top Ukraine expert on the National Security Council, testified about two incidents he reported, including what he heard on the July 25 phone call. Rebecca Shabad, Congressional Reporter for NBC News Digital, details Vindman’s testimony and whether it undermines the prior testimony of Gordon Sondland.

Questions about the impeachment inquiry? Email us at articletwopodcast@gmail.com.

For a transcript, please visit https://www.nbcnews.com/articletwo.

Further Reading

Top Democrats alarmed over Vindman's testimony on Trump-Ukraine call

No Show Oct 28, 2019

On Monday, Charles Kupperman, President Trump's former deputy national security adviser, failed to appear for his deposition in the House impeachment inquiry. After receiving a Congressional subpoena on Friday, Kupperman was told not to show up by White House lawyers who invoked “constitutional immunity.” That same day, Kupperman filed a lawsuit asking a federal judge to determine whether he is required to testify. Garrett Haake, MSNBC Washington Correspondent, discusses the options Congress has when a witness defies a subpoena and how Kupperman’s response could affect the potential testimony of John Bolton.

Questions about the impeachment inquiry? Email us at articletwopodcast@gmail.com.

For a transcript, please visit https://www.nbcnews.com/articletwo.

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