BAKERSFIELD, CA. — People are divided on Capitol Hill and locally as they expressed their thoughts on the first public impeachment hearing that played out for Americans Wednesday.
"I think the whole thing is a show, I think it is a circus, I think liberals are grasping at straw," Bakersfield resident Jason Hester said.
"I think if the evidence shows that's the case, then he should absolutely be impeached," Audra Hester, someone visiting Bakersfield said.
The United States' top diplomat to Ukraine, Bill Taylor, and Senior State Department official, George Kent, took the stand.
Their testimony revealed details about allegations that Trump withheld military aid to Ukraine unless they investigated the Bidens.
Bakersfield College political science professor, Allen Bollar, broke down how the process works.
He said the public hearings are a way for Democrats to try and gather evidence that could lead to impeachment.
"So they are bringing forward testimony and evidence and witnesses that they think can build a case and to convince their own members and to vote for this if it comes to the floor," Bollar said.
If that happens, the House of Representatives need a majority vote to bring charges of impeachment. A more likely move with Democrats controlling the House.
But the next step lands in a Republican controlled Senate, where a two-thirds majority is needed.
"The senators will be like a jury of 100 people and they will vote, ultimately to convict or not convict the President of the charges," Bollar said.
As things continue to play out, Bollar said it is up to you to stay educated and push for your vote to cut through the sound in Congress.
