A Crazy Plan: How U.S. Diplomats Discussed the Pressure on Ukraine

Published: Oct. 7, 2019, 9:50 a.m.

b'The House Democrats leading the impeachment inquiry of President Trump called their first witness: Kurt Volker, a top American diplomat involved in the negotiations with Ukraine. We look at what Mr. Volker\\u2019s testimony \\u2014 and the text messages he turned over to Congress \\u2014 revealed about the inquiry\\u2019s direction. Guest: Julian E. Barnes, who covers national security for The New York Times. For more information on today\\u2019s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily.\\xa0\\n\\nBackground coverage:\\xa0A text exchange appears to show a dispute among American diplomats over whether President Trump was seeking a quid pro quo from Ukraine.A second whistle-blower, said to have firsthand knowledge about the president\\u2019s dealings with Ukraine, has come forward.'