Pence aide testifying in impeachment inquiry cites Condoleezza Rice as 'personal hero'
Impeachment witnesses Jennifer Williams, a top foreign policy aide to Vice President Mike Pence, and Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman, made it clear in their opening statements before Tuesday's public hearing that their job is to serve the United States, above all else.
The fact that Williams works for the Republican vice president would seemingly be enough to get the point across, but Williams noted that she "swore an oath to uphold and defend the Constitution, administered by a personal hero of mine, former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice," who headed the State Department under former Republican President George W. Bush. She added that she's been a foreign service officer for 14 years and served under two Republicans and one Democratic administration.
Some observers viewed Williams' Rice reference as a way to prove her GOP background and establish credibility before Republican lawmakers during the hearing.
Pence aide Jennifer Williams begins opening statement at impeachment inquiry. Namechecks Chertoff and notes"personal hero" Condoleezza Rice swore her in as FSO. Seems to be not-so-subtly underscoring her GOP connections. #ImpeachmentInquiry
— Aamer Madhani (@AamerISmad) November 19, 2019
Vindman, an Iraq war veteran and Purple Heart recipient, similarly touted his long and decorated career as a U.S. Army officer, dispelling notions of partisanship.
National Security Council official Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman, who was attacked by Trump, delivers his opening statement at the third impeachment hearing: "I have dedicated my entire professional life to the United States of America." https://t.co/xAXyojJvAX pic.twitter.com/a8QpBTJCyu
— ABC News Politics (@ABCPolitics) November 19, 2019
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