Trump Nightmare Scenario #668
Christ, I hope I’m way off base with this.
Why is Trump so desperate to win?
As demented as he is, he has to see how deeply unpopular he is. In any “normal” election year, he’d have all but lost by now.
But by stirring up controversies around ballots, and now leveraging a play to create a frighteningly regressive Supreme Court, it is not outside the realm of reason that his re-election could be certified.
What happens then?
More of the same chaos?
It seems like there’s not a whole hell of a lot more Trump can do to damage the United States. He’s already built the relationships and partnerships he desires to further line his pockets once he gets out of office.
So what’s his plan?
Enter President Mike Pence
Finally, after years of degradation and humiliation, Mike Pence gets his reward.
Trump resigns within weeks of being sworn in. Pence takes over and immediately pardons him for any federal crimes committed before and during his presidency. This is done in the name of closure and “healing the nation” a la Ford and Nixon.
He even makes sure Trump still gets Secret Service protection because both men know people will be pissed.
But it doesn’t end there.
Pence becomes President but keeps Trump’s loyal people in place. In positions of power. Remember, this is a group of people with ties to Christian groups that, while small in number, are loud in voice. They want to remake the United States into a form of theocracy.
Of the most damaging people Pence keeps is Bill Barr — arguably the most shamelessly corrupt and unAmerican US Attorney General this country has ever seen.
Barr hinders, quashes, and obstructs any future investigations of crimes Trump has or will commit. And he interferes in investigations being held and possibly prosecuted on the state level.
Trump and his family never, ever see the inside of a jail cell or even get to the point of being officially found 100% guilty of anything.
And Pence gets to be President.
A Trump-packed Supreme Court makes sure any case adversely affecting Trump is taken care of.
A grim future
Meanwhile, emboldened Republicans of Mitch McConnell’s ilk will dig in like ticks and begin strengthening and reconsolidating their power despite the deep dislike most of the nation has for them. Gerrymandering and voter suppression go into ridiculous overdrive.
America continues to die on the vine.
Protests are brutally put down. People die.
All the nightmare scenarios your right-wing, conspiracy-minded uncle ranted and raved about come true, only he supports them now.
He’s even joined a militia in hopes of shooting Antifa — or at least a black guy.
President Pence, AG Barr, and the American traitors enabling and supporting the malignant narcissist that is Donald J. Trump circle their wagons and nurse their deep-seated fear of being called to account for their actions.
What to do?
Vote.
Vote as you’ve never voted before. Help your friends and neighbors register while there’s time. Drive people to the polls. Escort them past the rabid Trump supporters blocking the polling places as much as legally allowed.
Cause some good trouble if that’s what it takes.
This is your last chance, America.
I hope I’m fretting about nothing. I hope I’m the conspiracy-whacko this time. I really do.
But jeez… in 2020, is anything too far fetched to consider?
Vote.
I’m sure others have considered the possibility of what I’ve just described — either exactly or similarly. Feel free to share your thoughts.
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