In Washington Wednesday, the House of Representatives started the public phase of the impeachment hearings. William B. Taylor Jr. was the key witness in the impeachment hearings and even though he was restrained, concise and controlled in his testimony— expressed clear concern over findings of what he and many Americans see as the definite corruption of a sitting president.

Taylor is a combat Vietnam veteran and diplomat who broke down, almost systematically— what he saw as the absolute corruption of foreign policy for a political advantage on the part of President Trump.

But Republicans, at least in outward appearance did not seemed moved, although there is speculation that if a secret vote were taken, many Republicans would be moved toward voting to impeach. The partisan wall appears to remain intact for Republicans.

But is America watching?

It depends on who you ask, but the resounding answer is likely split—like everything else… “yes, and no.”

It may be that the mere Trump conversation blah, blah, blah, is so saturated that people have already made up their minds—and there’s no further convincing necessary—Trump supporters stand by him no matter, and those who say he must go, have likely felt that way for a long time.

It’s the people who may have initially voted for Trump and whose minds are changed that are possibly sitting in their living rooms right now watching and listening to the proceedings.

It’s also the new voters and many young voters that appear more engaged in the hearings‑even if they’re not watching the back-to-back coverage…they are aware of the proceedings via video clips and snips of news from their favorite apps—conversations and even the humorous satirists that make up some of the popular political cable shows.

The impeachment hearings matter.

For the country—Wednesday marked only the fourth time in history that the House has taken steps toward possibly removing an American president if an indictment ensues.

Even though the Trump presidency has been marked with indignation, scandal and exhibition almost from day one…impeachment hearings are not really in the same league as Tweets and public barbs. But many Americans may not realize this.

Aside from the claims from those most loyal to president Trump that “fake news” is responsible for fueling everything—there is testimony, under oath and according to U.S. law and policy for these types of hearings.

The over five hours of testimony, even if it’s long and arduous, difficult listening, laid out what witnesses saw of efforts to pressure a foreign power to provide damaging information on Democratic rivals.

Taylor’s often saddened voice depicts a president who, in his testimony describes something that he has never seen before on the part of president for a personal advantage.

Taylor, when asked what he thought Congress should do with his testimony, declined to comment and put the ball back in their court.