Stephen Castor, just now, before the House Judiciary Committee, as part of his defense of Trump's actions, stated that it is not clear to him that Joe Biden was perceived by Trump to be a rival for the 2020 Presidency nomination.   It was clear to everyone that he was lying- so much so that this absurdity was followed by a torrent of procedural protests by Republicans seated on the Committee.  

The entire defense is based on farcically playing dumb, denying the obvious, casting aspersions, and obstruction.   This display is emblematic of why the Republicans are suffering the highest number of retirements in 50 years.   It is a National embarrassment.

Castor was presented this transcript from Trump's call to the Ukrainian President:

Trump: "There's a lot of talk bout Biden's son, that Biden stopped the prosecution and lot of people want to find out about that so whatever you can do with the Attorney General would be great.   Biden went around bragging that he stopped the prosecution, so if you can look into it..."

He was then asked "President Trump was asking Ukrainina President Zelinski to have the Ukrainian officials look into Joe Biden, correct? Is that correct, yes or no?"

"I don't think the record supports that."

"It doesn't say 'can you look into that'?"

"I don't think it supports that.   I think it's ambiguous."

Just incredible.   This is how low they have sunk.