Watching former U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Marie Yovanovitch testify before the House impeachment hearing, one thing became crystal clear: She is a highly competent, dedicated career diplomat who has put her entire life in service the United States, serving in the State Department for 33 years. Even as the president of the United States smeared her in real time during her testimony, and Republicans were asking questions meant to subtly call her judgment and motives into question, Yovanovitch responded with dignity and professionalism. It became evident that she is an extremely valuable asset to the State Department and this nation.
The audience at the hearing apparently agreed, because at the conclusion of her testimony, as Republicans continued to grandstand and shout over House Intelligence Committee Chair Adam Schiff’s closing gavel, huge applause broke out in the chamber as Yovanovitch stood up from the hot seat and started to leave the room.
Here are a few clips showing just how thunderous the applause was in the hearing room.
From the back of the room.
Here’s a clip showing how disruptive Republicans continued to be as the hearing was adjourned.
Tonight, let’s toast Marie Yovanovitch and all the patriots (and their families) who serve so devotedly as members of our diplomatic corps, shall we?