"But it would be wrong"

The above video offers a brilliant rejoinder to everyone who claims that the Whistleblower complaint is filled with hearsay evidence. The truth: In a court trial, there are all sorts of legitimate exceptions to the hearsay rule.

I would add that a President receives his trial in the Senate, while an impeachment in the House is closer to a grand jury proceeding, where hearsay evidence occurs all the time. I would further add that the IG investigated the complaint personally and confirmed everything.

"China, if you're listening": Follow up.  Trump's secret computer may well contain a chat with Xi even more damning that his talk with Zelensky.

During a phone call with Xi on June 18, Trump raised Biden's political prospects as well as those of Sen. Elizabeth Warren, who by then had started rising in the polls, according to two people familiar with the discussion. In that call, Trump also told Xi he would remain quiet on Hong Kong protests as trade talks progressed.

Oh, I'm sure that when he brought up Biden, he referred to more than "political prospects." Looks like Trump's disgusting trick may actually work.

One Trump ally outside the White House described receiving a message from Chinese government officials asking if Trump was serious when he suggested China open an investigation into Biden. The response: investigating corruption is an easy way to earn goodwill with Trump.

The Chinese did not immediately clarify if they would be launching an investigation -- or if they would make it public if they do.

China, if you're listening: Why don't you publicize the full smarmy details of any incriminating exchanges you have had with Trump? You have no reason to wish him well. He hates you. He won't deal fairly with you. He wants a trade war with you. If a Democrat wins in 2020, you may not get everything you desire, but at least you'll be dealing with a rational person.

An amusing exchange. We're starting to learn a few details about Kurt Volcker's testimony today. We also received this text message exchange, which is bound to make you laugh if you are of a certain age.

Here's the set-up...

In newly disclosed text messages shared with Congress, the top U.S. diplomat in Ukraine writes to a group of other American diplomats that "I think it's crazy to withhold security assistance for help with a political campaign.”

In the Sept. 9 exchange, obtained by ABC News, the concerns are expressed by Bill Taylor, the top U.S. diplomat to Ukraine. Gordon Sondland, the United States Ambassador to the European Union, responds to Taylor, saying that charge is "incorrect."

Sonderland is identified as Republican megadonor and a Guiliani crony who has "contributed over $1 million to the president’s inaugural committee."

"Bill, I believe you are incorrect about President Trump's intentions. The President has been crystal clear: no quid pro quo’s of any kind. The President is trying to evaluate whether Ukraine is truly going to adopt the transparency and reforms that President Zelenskiy promised during his campaign," Sondland says.

Now here's the funny part.

Sondland then suggests to the group take the conversations off line, typing, “I suggest we stop the back and forth by text.” It’s unclear whether the material obtained by ABC News included the full exchange.

My fellow greybeards are probably having a Nixon flashback right now. I'm talking about the time the ol' Trickster got all blabby and animated as he discussed raising hush money. Then, suddenly remembering that the mics were hot, he added: "But it would be wrong."

A rat goes swimming. Rick Perry is resigning as Energy Secretary. This means that our nuclear infrastructure will now be in the hands of an acting director.

According to my sources, upon learning that he was working for the most corrupt administration in history, Perry said "Oops."

Reality check. I'm still predicting a Trump win in 2020. However, it is increasingly likely that he will be impeached -- though not removed.