The way I see it, GOP is now trying to figure out how to save their party.

[LiberalLovinLug]

21. They can fall back to a Mittens style conservative, or go full fascist

1. Admit Trump's behaviour was impeachable. Feign shock and disapproval at new revelations. Start to promote other candidates. All of which, like the three that announced they want to primary him recently, promise a new fresh, more compassionate conservative administration.

...with the belief that, like they dissed Cheney and Bush after they left power, they can do that with Donald. And when Donald predictably comes back at them with Tweets etc..this time they will instead of groveling, exaggerate how upset you are by it. Start to create a new narrative about how you had no idea of the depth of his crimes, and how you will right the ship. Get public support from former Never Trumpers, like David Frum, and Ana Navarro, Steve Smith etc. to bring back moderates.

RISK: That Trump cultists will not forgive that. Now that they have tasted being so close to all their fantasies coming true, at least in their imagination. And cause too much division in the party.


2. Hold fast to Trump. Continue to break the law, blocking testimony, refusing to obey subpoenas despite Dem's impeachment powers. Use Fox News and other media to propel their propaganda how they are refusing because this is some kind of anti-democratic coup against the US government. Act even angrier than Democrats, they are very good at feigning outrage. Call on Trump's hard core followers to rise up. The key is how many in top military positions would support them.

....with the belief that, this is the only way they can retain power. Plus for some, the only way to stay out of jail. For some, its what they've always dreamed of, Mitch's "permanent Republican majority" utopia come to life. Some, will just go along to get along, like they are doing now. But like frogs in a warming caldrum, they will accept more and more extreme RW policies. Like reversing the investigations against Trump, to kangaroo prosecutions against prominent Democrats. Use Fox News and RW media to convince enough that this is all necessary to protect the country. And all downhill from there.

RISK: That they haven't thought of everything, and battened down all avenues back to a liberal democracy, and there are enough Americans that say "NO", and actually get off the couch.