Quarantine Diaries: Day 308
By washing his hands of the 25th Amendment, Mike Pence appears to be standing by Trump. So at least somewhat saves face with Trumpists. But beneath the surface, we should never forget that Pence’s wife loathes Trump. With a passion.
Let’s game out a possible scenario: Pence might want the Senate to convict Trump instead.
The House will vote to impeach Trump a second time. Probably fast. Today.
And then on to a Senate trial.
McConnell gets to punish Trump for losing both Georgia Senate seats. Several Republicans who might want run for President in 2024 get to deny Trump a chance to be eligible for a second term. Pence gets to be President for a few days. And not pardon Trump.
Win-win-win all around.
A boy can dream.
Still, I’d rather see Trump defect to Russia. It would tie up so many loose ends.
Coronavirus News, Analysis, and Opinion:
One of the most chilling, disgraceful episodes of the events of last Wednesday came in the ‘undisclosed, secure location’ members of Congress were taken to after they were evacuated from the House and Senate Chambers.
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Cryptocurrency, Investing, Money, Economy, and Debt:
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Politics:
"I was 1 of 12 trapped in the House gallery." — Rep. Norma Torres (D-CA) describes her harrowing experience in the Capitol on January 6th.
— The Recount (@therecount) January 12, 2021
Take two minutes and watch this from Torres. pic.twitter.com/Fx61uzzbrX
Mitch McConnell seems to have removed his lips from Trump’s butt.
…Biden telephoned Mr. McConnell to ask whether it was possible to set up a dual track that would allow the Senate to confirm Mr. Biden’s cabinet nominees and hold a Senate trial at the same time, according to officials briefed on the conversation who disclosed it on condition of anonymity. Far from avoiding the topic of impeaching Mr. Trump, Mr. McConnell said it was a question for the Senate parliamentarian, and promised Mr. Biden a quick answer.
NY Judge’s Son Pictured at Capitol Riot in Fur Pelts, Police Gear Is Arrested
GOPers Cheney, Katko Get Behind Impeachment: ‘There Has Never Been A Greater Betrayal’
Pompeo Cancels Europe Trip After EU Officials Too ‘Embarrassed’ to Meet With Him
…Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had effectively been disinvited from his final overseas meetings. The State Department leader was supposed to meet with European leaders in Luxembourg and Brussels on a trip this week, but ultimately the EU leaders refused his requests for appointments.
Key takeaways from the stunning Justice Department news conference on the US Capitol breach
Michigan plans to charge ex-Gov. Rick Snyder in Flint water scandal
Trump Shows No Contrition for Inciting Capitol Riots
A dog in this condition would be put to sleep. It would be a piece of mercy.
Trump business backlash part of ‘cancel culture,’ son says
Asked directly in his interview if he felt his father incited the crowd, Eric Trump paused and then the line went dead.
GOP aide resigns while lashing 'congressional enablers of this mob'
In a scathing resignation letter…
FBI Report Warned of Violence and ‘War’ at Capitol
An internal document contradicts a senior official’s declaration the bureau had no intelligence indicating anyone at last week’s pro-Trump protest planned to do harm.
Orwell Would Be Horrified by the Right Wing’s Use of Orwellian
Trump didn't suffer from "paralysis": He failed to stop the Capitol siege because he loved the show
Serendipity:
Jimi Hendrix’s Brother, Niece Found in Contempt of Court for Violating Trademarks
I agree that the House will vote to impeach. So far a conviction seems unlikely. The trial won't begin until after Donald Trump leaves office so even if convicted the consequences are limited to a sort of censure and a bar from federal office (which, if I recall correctly a future Senate can remove.)
I understand and respect Mike Pence's reasoning, even if I don't completely agree with it.
I wouldn't be so sure about that. McConnell has been dropping lots of hints.
Last I had heard Sen. McConnell circulated a memo indicating it was all but impossible under existing rules to commence trial prior to the inauguration.
The rules would require the Senate to convene immediately to consider articles articles of impeachment at 1pm the day after the message is received, thus after the inauguration.
If you've heard otherwise and my info is dated, please let me know.
I do see that there's been a counterpoint to that memo, but I haven't read where McConnell seems persuaded.
https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/533861-schumer-calls-on-mcconnell-to-allow-trump-impeachment-trial-immediately
Yeah, the 2004 rule is what I was thinking about. The Hill article says that the majority leader and the minority leader can do so in an emergency.FWIW, I think that I saw a story a few days ago that said or rather than and but maybe it was mistaken. But that would come in handy in an emergency situation where for example the majority leader was dead or incapacitated.
Well the Wall Street Journal is now saying McConnell won’t reconvene the Senate early. So maybe it is and.