Of patriots and partisans

The star witness in Tuesday’s impeachment hearing was Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman, a true hero: Over a 20-year Army career, following tours of duty in Afghanistan and Iraq, the Purple Heart recipient now serves on the National Security Council.

On his substantial honor, Vindman provided crucial context to the July 25 call between President Trump and Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky.

His under-oath opening statement detailed a July 10 visit with Ukrainian officials seeking a firm date for a face-to-face meeting between the presidents.

At the visit, E.U. Ambassador Gordon Sondland pressed the Ukrainians on “specific investigations” to meet with Trump.

Afterwards, Vindman told Sondland that “his statements were inappropriate, that the request to investigate Biden and his son had nothing to do with national security, and that such investigations were not something the NSC was going to get involved in or push,” and alerted NSC’s counsel about the dirty deal, properly going up the chain of command.

When tasked to listen in on the July 25 call, Vindman understood fully the ramifications of Trump telling Zelensky that the U.S “needed a favor” as Ukraine awaited approval of military aid: The president was pushing the same shakedown.

His “reward” for this honesty was being attacked by his commander in chief, while Fox News’ Laura Ingraham, ex-GOP Rep. Sean Duffy and others insinuated that his background made him something akin to double agent.

Questioning patriotism is the last refuge of scoundrels, but don’t worry, the deadender Trumpites will surely find more opportunities.