This is not only sobering, it’s coming straight from the horse’s mouth. Republicans are aware that their standard bearer is a hostile and dangerous lunatic. It’s a tragic thing to have to admit to oneself and in Indiana, an anonymous Republican went on record that he would vote against Trump’s gerrymandering efforts but he didn’t want his name used. Why? Because he fears Trump’s violence. Not his political actions, which he would probably take, but the violent actions of Trump’s cult members. Somebody learned a lesson on January 6, 2021, that much is clear. Meidas Touch:
… The Atlantic’s Russell Berman: “I spoke with a Republican member of Indiana’s legislature who opposes Trump’s push for the state to redraw its congressional map to gain two GOP seats and help the party hold its House majority in next year’s midterm elections. Trump, with support from IN’s Gov. Mike Braun, has vowed to back primary challengers against members of the GOP who are, for now, blocking the redistricting plan.”
… “The lawmaker I spoke with asked that I not publish his name. He isn’t worried about Trump’s political wrath; he doesn’t plan to run for reelection. His fear of speaking out is much more personal. He told me: ‘I’d rather my house not get firebombed.’”
… But IN State Sen. Michael Bohacek announced he will block it after Trump called Tim Walz a “retard” in his Thanksgiving post: “I have been an unapologetic advocate for people with intellectual disabilities since the birth of my 2nd daughter. Those of you who may not know me might not know that my daughter has Downs Syndrome. This is not the first time the president has uses those insulting and derogatory references and his choices of words have consequences. I will be voting NO in redistricting. Maybe he can convince voters that his policies and behavior deserve a congressional majority.”
Trump’s behavior was clear during his first term, particularly the last few weeks of it when he went out of his way to incite violence and stay in office. Many of us thought that that would be the point of no return for Trump. But it tragically was not. So it’s not surprisingly that we are now here and witnessing a frustrated, filter-free Trump lash our more than ever at innocent people.
I agree with the retiring lawmaker: the chances of a vengeful Trump sending the mob with the tiki torches into the night to the person’s house are greater than the chances of Trump not doing so. Think about that. Then think of any other president in our history who had the same kind of thing said about him, let alone by a member of his own party.
This is who we’re dealing with, a dangerous lunatic whose physical health is not what it should be for the job that he holds and whose mental health is deteriorating every day, as evidenced at how he screams at reporters. Now a new corner has been turned, when members of his own party are withdrawing from politics saying that they fear everything from an acrimonious primary (as Marge Greene said when announcing her retirement) or actual physical violence from Trump.
Remember the stories just a couple of years ago, right after the right-wing nutjobs on the Supreme Court got so upset and offended that people actually dared to protest outside the restaurants where they were dining and outside some of their residences (albeit a fair distance away from the actual houses).
Now, let’s all just imagine their reactions if Drumpf should decide to make his opinion known on how the Court should rule on certain matters if they don’t want “something” to happen to them or their families.
I bet they’ll all be huddling around regretting their decision to grant immunity to Drumpf on matters that deal with his “official” duties as President. Too bad they can’t do “take-backs.”
I enjoyed your comment as it’s awfully spot-on, except for that last bit. I agree there is some “WTF have we done?” regret with the six Federalist Society GROOMED Justices. However once the enormity of the immunity decision set in with me my thoughts turned to this:
Chief Justice Roberts and The Federalist Society’s driving force (from the start) Leonard Leo had a ‘just in case’ plan they hatched when the decision was made for Roberts to write that opinion and round up the votes for it. Cases being quietly held in the federal system, seemingly languishing waiting for an appellate ruling that can be “activated” on short notice if necessary. Should a DEMOCRAT get back in the WH, just as has always been the case when it comes to the conservative love of the legally and Constitutionally dubious Unitary Executive Theory – but only if a Republican is President! – the sweeping ‘Presidential Immunity’ will get walked back.
I’m sure when he passed around the decision Roberts had no trouble getting Thomas and Alito to sign on but Gorsuch, Barrett and even Kavanaugh? I’m convinced the only way they would have gone along (and Roberts needed all six on board to “sell” it as “legitimate”) he had to assure them there was an “out.” That should a Democrat be sworn in as President they could take up some last minute case that would let them rescind much of the immunity bullshit.
Given that no Democratic President (OUR Party would never nominate someone like Trump that would abuse power in ways that make Nixon seem like a fucking Eagle Scout) they could probably even get away with waiting until their next term started the following October so they wouldn’t look as bad. Of course it would still be embarrassing to reverse their own ruling and in such a short time but there’s not a snowball’s chance in hell they want a Democrat to be able to wield the kind of power they’ve given to Trump.
Sadly, I think you’re spot-on, Denis. Sad but undeniably surely true.
Sadly, this escalation of MAGAt violence should come as no surprise: it’s the logical progression of a dictatorial regime. First targets were the weakest, the immigrants, then the minorities within American society such as LGBQT+, then certain “undesirable” ethnic groups, all based upon skin color … and I don’t recall those GOP politicians objecting to any of it. Now that the threat has reached them in their ivory tower, they’re running scared. Dictators tolerate no dissent, no matter how mild nor where it comes from.