I have a feeling that the Insurrectionist in Chief is going to be

[malaise]

convicted. I hope I'm right.
If this happens the Tea Party faction of ReTHUGs is going down with him.

[msfiddlestix]

1. xing fingers

[CaptYossarian]

57. I'm trying to, but the middle ones are sore from being vertical for 5 years.

I'll cross my eyes instead. The UPS guy loves that.

[Solomon]

72. Ha ha. Funny as hell.

I'm thinking what Malaise is thinking. I think the timeline showing he sent the mob after Pence when he knew they had breached the Capitol is hitting home with some folks. Or at least I hope so.

[CaptYossarian]

121. Sorry about the delay.

My computer takes unexpected time off.

As far as Pence is concerned, I wish he had been the lone witness called for the trial. He knows they wanted to hang him on Donald's hinting. All of the managers should have been Republicans.

[MontanaMama]

76. Hmmm.

I’ve been wondering why the knuckle on my right middle finger seems to have some arthritis in it. Thanks Dr. CaptYossarian!

[Akacia]

91. oh my! Thanks for the laugh!

[doc03]

2. I hope you are right nt

[malaise]

7. I also think if that happens MoscowMitch will retire from politics

He looks finished already

[LakeArenal]

94. Can you believe his equally evil wife chucked trump and he hasn't?

[hlthe2b]

3. Well, you might smack me for pointing out that you and Bill Krystal are in agreement.

In this case, I hope you are BOTH right!

Link to tweet

[Glamrock]

17. Well if Bill Krystal thinks he'll be convicted, the answer is obvious.

He won't be.

[Laelth]

30. That's my gut reaction.

Few people cam manage to be WRONG as often as Bill Kristol.

-Laelth

[LiberalFighter]

36. I say he does that to get Democrats to slack off.

[BComplex]

32. That's kind of his record, I must say.

He gets most everything wrong.

[MontanaMama]

75. OMG. This!

You’re correct...dude is always wrong.

[cannabis_flower]

52. I also heard

That Lankford was visibly shaken by some of the testimony. Maybe it has shaken him up enough to vote guilty!

[RVN VET71]

100. Maybe, but maybe not

I think the fact that he was visibly shaken by the presentation, the videos presented by and remarks made by of the managers, will serve only to make him feel a little twinge when he votes to acquit. I pray I’m wrong because the boy’s soul hangs in the balance -- Lankford’s I mean.

[ooky]

4. I think you are right, but not by this Senate. nt

[50 Shades Of Blue]

5. From your lips!!!!!

[calguy]

6. I can't share your feeling

but go ahead .... prove me wrong ... I'd love nothing better than to be wrong on this one.

[madaboutharry]

8. Why do you feel this way, because I feel the opposite.

I think they are all too cowardly to do the right thing.

I am interested in what you are seeing that I am not.

[malaise]

10. Because money talks and the Chamber of Commerce has publicly

chosen Biden. That is 'effin HUGE!

[madaboutharry]

15. Well, that part may be true...it is always about $$$$$

[True Dough]

19. It is a powerful message

If there's one thing that the ReThugs worship, it's money. And watching corporate donors shut down the floodgates is surely sounding major alarm bells within that craven party. Hope you're right, malaise!

[FM123]

20. Huuuuge deal!

The Chamber embraces Biden. And Republicans are livid.
https://www.politico.com/news/2021/02/12/chamber-of-commerce-biden-468820

[malaise]

23. Study every coup in our hemisphere

and tell me the role of the Chambers of Commerce.
Let me make it pellucidly clear that the CsOC are not my friends. I'm just reporting on the facts. America is finished with Trump.

[gab13by13]

51. I could not agree more

and it's not just the COC, there will be a backlash against corporations and people who donate to the traitorous Senators.

Money matters.

[True Blue American]

44. I am so happy Tom Donohue resigned!

A branch off my family name but never claimed him. This shows the tide has turned in Biden’s favor. All the nay sayers better jump on the Biden train or they will be left behind on the tracks!

[malaise]

45. THIS

This shows the tide has turned in Biden’s favor. All the nay sayers better jump on the Biden train or they will be left behind on the tracks!

Good to see him gone as well

[True Blue American]

64. I have disliked Tom for years.

Put him in the basket with Greenspan, Kudlow and all the other trickle downers.

Janet Yellin is one brilliant lady!

Did you see the Biden’s in front of the WhiteHouse this morning admiring the Valentine Day Decorations? In his jeans and leather jacket, Jill in her boots and coffee cup in hand.with the dogs. Joe answering questions. So normal, so middle class

[malaise]

98. Wasn't that lovely

Refreshing and yes Donahue belongs in said basket

[True Blue American]

103. Not feeling so great from my second vaccine

So am taking it easy. Lump on my arm, hurt all over, but not as bad as others. The vaccine seems to be flowing now.

Seeing the Biden’s was really a lift this morning.

[malaise]

106. My Miami sister said the same thing after her second vaccine

but she's OK now - her hubby had no problems. Hope you're OK soon

[Totally Tunsie]

113. Take heart...

I read on the CVS website that side effects mean the vaccine is doing its work!

[True Blue American]

116. Thanks!

I did not have too many side effects, woke up hurting all over, took Aleve,lump under the shot but I am so glad. Just lay around,read, checked in here! good excuse.

[people]

82. The fact that Nikki Haley . . .

now says that maybe we shouldn't have been following T really surprises me. She always has her finger up in the right wing wind to see which way it is blowing. That makes me think there is a chance he will be convicted.

[JT45242]

9. Maybe in a real court but not the Senate

I already got the return letters from both Iowa Senators that they will not be voting to convict

Grassley will never need to run again so he might have done the right thing for once in his life.

Ernst has tied her wagon to that part of the party.

I was hopeful once but the jury tampering meeting last night means it is all over except the formality of the vote. At least they will all be on record as pro-coup voters. It might make a difference in senate elections in the future.

[ProudMNDemocrat]

11. That would be icing on the cake..

If that should happen.

Either way, Trump is finished. Even if he tries to prime Ivanka or Jr. to run in 2024, will be for naught. The stain of the Trump name is forever damaged. The family dirty laundry will be the issue.

Plus, the legal and financial problems will surely get even worse for Trump. That is for certain.

[DonaldsRump]

12. Gosh, I hope so

I do think it's entirely possible that a number of Rs will be out for the final vote. If I am not mistaken, that would reduce the number to convict. In other words, for every 3 Senators who don't vote, that reduces the 2/3rds majority to convict requirement by 1 vote. I probably am off a bit because of rounding.

This way they can say it was the Democrats that did it.

We can dream, can't we?!

[TheRickles]

54. If enough R's have a tummy ache and have to miss school that day, then you could be right!

[OMGWTF]

107. The 11 Senators who didn't show up should be barred from the trial

and with the six Rs who have said they'll vote to convict, we are there.

[Turbineguy]

13. Trump is leaving the rioters

to twist in the wind.

[malaise]

18. So the party will lose a significant part of the base

and even worse - the big donors/ When the Chamber of Commerce leaves and signals its departure, you are royally fucked.

[Skraxx]

14. No, Not in the Senate, But the Impeachment Is Prelude to Federal Indictments

Getting it on record first in the Senate, then the DOJ moves in.

[Cirque du So-What]

16. I admire your optimism

but I cannot believe a sufficient number of repuQ Senators will suddenly develop any sense of decency.

[birdographer]

69. I agree with you

It would be nice, but these are sycophants to the bone. Will not go against trump.

[Grammy23]

21. I wish I could agree with you on this.

However, the signals we’re getting from the Repub side doesn’t bode well for conviction. The prosecuting side has done a masterful job of presenting a case that outlines how tRump incited his mob to do his biding but most of the Repubs have already decided to acquit him. 🙄

We’ll have to hope that the criminal charges that he could be facing will render him incapable of running again. Being locked up for a long sentence tends to have that effect on a presidential campaign. 😉 😵 🤪

[malaise]

25. Criminal charges will follow

That's for sure

[Grammy23]

35. I have my hopes pinned on the criminal trials

to keep him tied up in court for the rest of his miserable life. I think they’ll effectively drain his wallet at the same time. In time his name will be a synonym for dung, feces, crap, poop.

If there is any real justice in this world, the criminal charges will spread to his family (except Mary). This might turn out better than we could have expected with the whole tRump rotten empire crumbling into a heap. A steaming pile of dung, feces, crap, poop. 💩💩💩

[Roisin Ni Fiachra]

22. That would be the right thing to do.

Sadly, Republicans never do the right thing.

Really hope your feeling upstages predictability. Imagine the nationwide parties in the streets!

[malaise]

29. ReTHUGs are never interested in right

The word is expedient - ask the latest rat to jump ship - Nikki

[doc03]

24. If they do watch Lindsey do a 180 in about 30 seconds nt

[malaise]

26. You can bet that Lindsey is reading about the

Chamber of Commerce

[Pepsidog]

90. Trump and/or Putin has so much dirt on Graham, Cruz, Johnson, and others that it's hard to imagine

they would flip back against Trump. These Rs are scared to death of the big orange baby.

[FakeNoose]

27. Pinky promise

It's certainly a possibility ... and I'm praying hard!

[panader0]

28. If trump is not convicted, it could signal the end of the R party, or a division of it.

That may be a good thing. Let trump make his Patriot Party and draw all the crazies with him.
The more moderate Rs will try to return to the old GOP, but with much less power.
Either way, convicted or not, trump is a huge problem for repubs.
Personally, I wanted him convicted by the Senate, then convicted in different civil and criminal
cases and go to jail, go directly to jail. No hairdresser. Die in jail.

[malaise]

34. The splits will be everywhere on the right, not just the ReTHUG party and its various wings

Blood will be shed among the gangs and militias as well since many of their leaders will be heading to prison after being abandoned by dear leader.
This is going to be fun to watch.

[c-rational]

78. Thank you pander0, especially for the last three sentences.

[Zoonart]

31. I think you may have a point.

I also think that these are the tea leaves they are reading:

Dozens of former GOP officials reportedly met last week to discuss mounting a new anti-Trump party


The talk on Friday, which Reuters reported included former elected Republicans and officials from the past four GOP administrations, touched on whether to launch a new center-right party, said Evan McMullin, the former chief policy director for the House Republican Conference, who co-hosted the call.
“Some people at the summit strongly favor starting a new party,” McMullin, who ran as an independent presidential candidate in 2016, told The Washington Post on Wednesday. “They think the GOP is irredeemable. They understand how difficult it is to form a new party, but they understand that there is no other choice.”

https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2021/02/11/gop-meeting-new-party-trump/

[malaise]

37. The money levees have broken

Sink with Trump or swim away

[Zoonart]

41. Yep....

[BComplex]

87. I really hope they do this.

I really don't ever want anyone to elect another republican-teaparty-Qanon-sociopath ever again.

[Cosmocat]

101. Honestly, if it went this way it would be less than 10%

Of the partr.

[Brother Mythos]

33. I hope you're right too!

I, however, am not so optimistic. After all, Republicans are Republicans.

[Wounded Bear]

38. Wishful thinking, but I guess we all gotta have hope...

[llmart]

39. I don't share your optimism.

I do think there will be some "surprise" votes to convict among the Republicans, but it will come down to being very close to make them look like they did the right thing. I'm thinking maybe Mitch knows his time is coming to an end so he'll take the fall and be one of the surprise "yes" votes. There may be some who know they won't be running for reelection so they make also join Mitch.

Either that, or they'll vote "no" but make a huge show of "punishing" Trump with some sort of non-punishing gesture, such as censure and not being able to run again.

I still doubt they'll vote to convict.

[jimlup]

40. I Understand your feeling

but I believe Repuliban immorality and lack of accountability will mean that final vote will be around 56 to 44... Unfortunately, far short of a conviction.

Don't overesstimate the morality of Repulican partisians. They don't answer to that. They answer to their preceived special interests.

[malaise]

42. All true but their greatest love is

MONEY and POWER and the Chamber of Commerce signal is pellucidly clear.

[jimlup]

68. Yes that is absolutely true

in fact money and power are their religion despite what they would say about that.

Nevertheless, not enough time has passed since things like the Chamber of Commerce move. They are not fast on the uptake. The only thing they are even slightly good at is propaganda and they think their propaganda position is secure.

I hope you are right Malaise!

[malaise]

83. I hope so too

and more ReTHUGs are jump ship

[StarfishSaver]

43. It could happen

[Solomon]

74. Yes it could.

I think hanging Pence out to dry like that is turning some stomachs.

[berksdem]

46. There is no way

This QOP party will convict Trump. Not a chance...

[malaise]

49. Are you watching Barbara Comstock

Time for post pandemic, post-Trump ReTHUG party
She says thisi iswhat you get when you try to steal an election.
His legacy will be January 6...

[DonaldsRump]

63. They may not convict, but they may not show up to vote

Remember they said the trial was "unconstitutional". It would be a nice ploy for several of the Rs to boycott the vote, which brings down the total number of Senators required to vote to convict.

trump has his defenders, but I doubt every R is one.

[berksdem]

73. Not every R is one

But I think this is a pipe dream honestly. I want to be wrong but I do not see Rs sitting out the vote either. It would be amazing.

[thinkingagain]

47. I truly hope you are right

I kinda hope that just before the voting happens a parade of those involved trying to defend the house and senate and those who had to clean up after etc file through the rooms & line up in front of the senate.
Seeing some of those defenders especially with the injuries should be a reminder that it is not just two political parties but everyday Americans that is involved in this decision.

[HAB911]

48. Hope springs eternal

[world wide wally]

50. I'm not betting on Repukes to do anything that smacks of justice and truth.

But I do hope you are right about this.
Keep in mind that we can even lower our expectations and a simple majority voting to convict is a victory for us.
Besides, Trump is the biggest loser in history and he would never win another election.

[bucolic_frolic]

53. Not a chance

For that to happen 17 GOP Senators would have to see the light, the path to save their party, part with deeply held beliefs and financial ties, and realize they will never win reelection either way. You are asking for an Awakening. When was the last time the GQP was enlightened? They worship the money man because they worship money and nothing else. Unless they are paid they won't embrace reality.

[Traildogbob]

55. Endless cash

Russian oligarchs can easily outspend the Chamber of Commerce. Add in the fools that throw cash at Trump and reQubs with ease.

[jb5150]

56. No, I don't think so ....

You can't assemble 17 spines out of the whole lot of them ..

[karin_sj]

58. I sure hope you're right

[Maeve]

59. I certainly hope you are right

But I have my doubts that there is still that (minuscule) amount of honor/integrity in the GQP

[MineralMan]

60. I think there is an off chance that might happen.

I am not banking on that, though. We shall soon see.

[spanone]

61. I hope you're right too

[Tommymac]

62. I'd say it is about a 30% chance right now. Let's see how inept the defense is...

That may sway a few more.

My hope is that at least 10 Rethug Senator's skip the vote so it may only take 10 to break from the Party Line to convict.

Also, I want to see what signal McConnell sends out after the Defense rests - he is the canary in the coal mine.

I do appreciate your optimism, however - it helps me keep sane.

[Cozmo]

65. As incredible as this sounded to me when I thought about it, I agree. Fingers crossed

[in2herbs]

66. What I don't understand is why the Rs don't take advantage of this opportunity to

convict. In doing so they take trump out the possibility of running for P again so the likes of Rubio, Cruz, and Hawley won't have to run against him for the nomination and they can tell any of their constituents who are angry about their vote that they voted to convict because they support the police who were killed/injured and they support the rule of law. Voting to convict is perfect for their futures, in many ways.

I hope you're right Malaise but . . . .

[Roc2020]

67. Rs are hostage. They won't convict

Because if they do the Mob comes for them and their family. Some like Romney and others are not scared of the mob. Most are.

[Silver1]

70. Oh how I hopeyou are right!!!

And just for brightening up this minute and putting a smile on my face ... I'm giving you a heart!

[Peacetrain]

71. I have every finger and toe crossed that I can cross

[wiggs]

77. Impeachment, regardless of outcome, is a good prelude to criminal (and maybe civil) suits

to come in that fewer people may view prosecution as politically motivated.

[IronLionZion]

79. You have more faith in 17 Republican than I do

I hope you're right. Otherwise, we can count on AG Merrick Garland, NY, NJ, or any of the civil lawsuits to take him down.

[liberalla]

80. If they don't convict, they're writing their own obituary. Just a matter of time before they

get plowed under along with drump. It's that old hindsight is 20/20 thing. It will sour very quickly... I think they might be waking up to the downside of letting drump off the hook.

[c-rational]

81. Your ear has always been near the ground malaise - may it be so.

[pandr32]

84. The Tea Party sweep was the worst thing for Republicans

I would love to see them all go down, and of course "the Insurrectionist in Chief".

[TinCup]

85. Bought And Paid For

This jury was bought and paid for a long time ago. The Republicans care not for this Union.

[Jon King]

86. I don't think 17 will risk it, the job is too good...

Most of these Repubs want to stay Senators forever. Salary, benefits, power, perks. Even if in the minority forever, they won't give it up.

Simply not enough to reach 17 of the ones willing to risk losing their seats.

[Pepsidog]

88. That would help a lot to move the country forward and further isolate Trumpers. Look how taking

Twitter away has isolated him. Rs would be nuts to give him a lifeline back into politics.

[cbdo2007]

89. I don't think he will by the Senate. But I think he will by the Fed govt and AG Garland

in an actual court.

Really the Senate trial and impeachment aren't that big of a deal. It really is like taking a vote at a school board meeting where half the people are your friends.

Once Garland is in and they have a real trial with the evidence presented it will be a slam dunk case.

[BobTheSubgenius]

92. Given the facts that have been public knowledge all along,

and the excellent case the managers have made, you could certainly think that. Given the berserk realities of the GOP, I don't see it happening. They've been promising all along that it wasn't going to happen, and I THINK we can finally take their word for something.

[nolabear]

93. From your mouth, girl. So far the defense is utterly laughable.

[PJMcK]

95. This is one reason I adore you, malaise

Not only do I admire your snarkiness and righteous indignation but I especially like your optimism!

I'm with you on this. I have this weird feeling that when the time comes, Trump will get the ass-kicking he deserves.

The difference between you and I, perhaps, is that I'm pretty sure I'll be disappointed.

Thankfully, Trump and his whore are out of the White House.

[marieo1]

96. Criminals

Oh, I hope so.

[Joinfortmill]

97. I'm praying.

[CaptainTruth]

99. I don't believe he'll be convicted by the Senate, but I do hope he's convicted...

...by at least 1 court. Preferably multiple courts on multiple charges.

I still believe GOP Senators are too afraid of losing his base to vote to convict him. For them it's all about power, & that means keeping their seat in Congress at any cost.

[malaise]

102. I'd love that

[CaptainTruth]

109. "I want to see him in prison." Nancy Pelosi June 2019

I'm with Nancy!

[True Blue American]

105. My wish is to see him convicted

And a few others who helped him.

[dianaredwing]

104. Although you are in the minority

I certainly hope you are right and that will lead to more violence I am afraid. However, at least we have someone with the reins who knows how to ride the horse.

[AllaN01Bear]

108. thanks for calling the "tea party" a faction and not a real politica pty.

[Blue Owl]

110. Fingers crossed!

[malaise]

119. Looks like I'm wrong

Fucking McConnell said he's voting to acquit


https://www.democraticunderground.com/100215103791

[airplaneman]

111. I hope your right too but I have a hard time in believing Republicans will be swayed. n/t.

[raccoon]

112. From your keyboard to dog's ears. Nt

[Horse with no Name]

114. I hope you are correct!! n/t

[malaise]

117. My goodness where have you been?

So nice to see you

[Horse with no Name]

118. Lurking mostly

[NurseJackie]

115. Probably only in New York... and if it happens, I'll be happy with that.

[malaise]

120. I was wrong but

57 - 43 is still a majority finding him guilty.

Bring on the criminal charges now