re: I still don't understand what the big deal is.

Because Biden said it was a big f-in deal.

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You would give a shite had it been Obama.

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Well..... since you mentioned it.

According to Joe30330, he was sent to the Ukraine to do exactly what Trump is being accused of doing. And yes, I do give a sh*t.

I apologize, not EXACTLY the same. Trump didn't mention any dollar amount, time frames, or consequences like Joe30330 did.

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I don’t think just quid pro quo is impeachable. I believe they would need to find a crime to remove a President from office.

The problem is if he used quid pro quo with Ukraine who else did he use it on. When it first was reported he should have just came out and said yes we did it.

Even though quid pro quo alone is not a crime it should not be used by the President

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Quid pro quo is always fine unless it's done for personal gain, or of course if it simply bad policy. For instance, we've used "quid pro quo" in giving aid in exchange for guarantees of refraining from developing nuclear weapons programs. There are many examples. And yes, the President is the individual who makes the decision to enter or not enter into those arrangements. Not unusual at all.

It's only the allegation of personal gain that makes this case any different, and there's no evidence of the allegations other than speculation and theories. Trump's given a valid reason....some simply don't believe him but then again same people don't have anything other than bad feelings toward him to begin with. Thus, they're biased.

Hell, I'd hope that in most instances where we give aid that there's some sort of conditions involved, something in return even if only promises/pledges/guarantees for some purpose.

Yeah, that's conveniently left out in every instance....the fact that Biden himself could have actually benefited. The suspicions surrounding this matter had already been in the public realm, and a Ukrainian conclusion of all clear would have removed that arrow from EVERYONE'S quiver.

And also yes, reasonable suspicion was plenty enough present to demand, not just politely request, but demand a satisfactory official look into the matter.

Those are certainly legit questions.

Re: the public announcement, my immediate thought was that Trump was concerned that Uk president would simply give him lip service, just say "sure" in order to get the aid, but not seriously intend to follow through. In my mind, requiring that president to commit to it publicly and openly would essentially force him to follow through because he couldn't deny such a statement or "recall" a different conversation if and when Trump came back and asked "what's the deal?"

As for the DOJ investigation question, Ive always argued that the underlying crime or genesis of such a DOJ investigation would be based in some alleged criminal act that would have first occurred in and on Ukrainian soil. DOJ not having jurisdiction over there, it must be first opened by Ukraine, and heck if Ukraine concluded all clear....DOJ is unnecessary. If, however, Ukraine uncovered wrongdoing, then DOJ enters the picture or engages an investigation into whether any wrongdoing first done in Ukraine perhaps also violated U.S. law given the player(s) involved.

It does open up much speculation both on behalf of and against Trump, there's no doubt about it. The Dems need to understand that there's as much in the way of innocent explanation as there is the opposite. In those cases there's just no choice but to refer to the plain meanings of the words involved because both sides' speculative explanations essentially cross each other out.

For instance it's not unreasonable to speculate that Trump was prepared to offer the cooperation of the FBI on their turf if the Ukrainians requested, but during a follow up status check. I'd actually argue that Trump was showing restraint by not knee jerking with an all out DOJ investigation and insisting that Uk allow DOJ free passage in Ukraine prior to at least giving Uk an opportunity with that first, initial look. They may have said dont waste your time and money.