NEW: Trump’s top envoy to Ukraine voiced the most acute concerns about a quid pro quo for Ukraine aid. He’s behind closed doors with House impeachment investigators today. Story w/ @AndrewDesiderio politico.com/news/2019/10/2…
UPDATE: Taylor is testifying under subpoena after an attempt by the State Department to block his appearance. It’s the same tactic other diplomats have used to speak to impeachment investigators despite objections from their employer.
LIEU just emerged and described Taylor’s testimony as “incredibly damaging to the president.” Wouldn’t provide specifics. He said questioning of the witness has begun.
Lots of Dems, like Lieu, say Taylor’s testimony was explosive. Rep. Espaillat said this was the most important witness so far. Unanimity among Ds on this point so far.
GOP more tight-lipped than Dems. Jordan praises the effectiveness of the GOP counsel, and Zeldin questioned whether Dems who though Taylor was damning actually sat through other depositions.
So far, none have suggested Taylor’s testimony is exculpatory for Trump, even when asked
So far, none have suggested Taylor’s testimony is exculpatory for Trump, even when asked
UPDATE: Malinowski hints that Taylor took contemporaneous notes of what went down re: Ukraine, indicates that career officials (like Taylor) know better than political appointees (like Sondland) to keep records. politico.com/news/2019/10/2…
Taylor’s statement pulls BARR deeper into the mess that DOJ has been trying to extricate him from: 
BIDEN camp responds to Bill Taylor’s testimony:
CICILLINE called Taylor a key witness who should be asked to give public testimony. He also said testimony underscores the importance of John Bolton’s role, and it raises question about why Bolton left the administration when he did.
WH statement says Taylor is part of “a coordinated smear campaign from far-left lawmakers and radical unelected bureaucrats waging war on the Constitution.”
