General Discussion

Layzeebeaver

(2,292 posts)

12. Not sure I agree with the OP article

Tue Nov 12, 2019, 09:52 AM

Nov 2019

Assume for a moment that a small group of republicans vote in favour of a secret ballot. Those republicans would immediately come under scrutiny by their constituents if trump was ultimately impeached. There is no tangible benefit to them.

It’s a pipe dream in my opinion.

Oh and then there’s the constitution (see a previous post above) to follow as well... one fifth (likely all democrats) would immediately follow-up with the whole “ writin’ it in the book” thing and the further value of a secret ballot falls off the cliff.

I’m not sure of the sequence of events that would occur, but the result is likely the same. No benefit to republicans.

I predict, they will keep the vote public and use that to keep themselves all in lockstep support of the orange fungus.

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There's a Surprisingly Plausible Path to Removing Trump From Office [View all] Dennis Donovan Nov 2019 OP

That's interesting, but the GOP is now a full blown cult so it would never happen. Vinca Nov 2019 #1

Our nation is in the initial grip of Fascism. The new Fuhrer has taken up residence as we slept. olegramps Nov 2019 #14

I often share your pessimism (n/t) PJMcK Nov 2019 #36

Most of the Republican Senators would love to have a secret vote. Teach-only-love Nov 2019 #23

I agree, but isn't it a sad day when elected officials don't have the character to honor the truth. olegramps Nov 2019 #47

Great idea, but how to get it to the powers that be. patricia92243 Nov 2019 #2

If McConnell has a trial at all... Thomas Hurt Nov 2019 #3

republican senators need to see protests. we can't accept the 'let the voters decide' bullshit certainot Nov 2019 #35

good to have dreams, but this will never happen beachbumbob Nov 2019 #4

Nope. Article I, Section 5 of the US Constitution: onenote Nov 2019 #5

Thank goodness Democrats are not going to vote for secrecy. crickets Nov 2019 #13

It would be so nice if writers bringing forth notions like this just did a cursory reading Maru Kitteh Nov 2019 #37

The GOP has changed so much over the years. Today, they have no conscience and I think really do not RKP5637 Nov 2019 #6

"prisoner's dilemma" brooklynite Nov 2019 #7

Primaried? I'm not sure it wouldn't be fatal, with the armed crazies. Nt lostnfound Nov 2019 #8

That only applies to the ones running for office again. whopis01 Nov 2019 #17

The other path is for 35 republicans not be "present" to vote and let the democrats be uponit7771 Nov 2019 #9

technically, yes, but not sure that lets them escape republican primary wrath.... unblock Nov 2019 #11

this presumes every democrat would go for it unblock Nov 2019 #10

Not sure I agree with the OP article Layzeebeaver Nov 2019 #12

I think that's why the author suggested it would be the ones not up for re-election ... Pacifist Patriot Nov 2019 #25

Yup. That's about it. Layzeebeaver Nov 2019 #39

Hmmm. Lacking 3 retiring Repub senators, it could still happen Hortensis Nov 2019 #15

twenty members can force the vote to be public, so this will never happen. onenote Nov 2019 #18

Why? WE wouldn't require it. Republican senators would benefit. Hortensis Nov 2019 #27

First, Democrats won't support secrecy. Second, Republicans who want to protect Trump onenote Nov 2019 #31

Of course we would! In a heartbeat. We allowed Nixon to resign Hortensis Nov 2019 #38

There are 53 Republican Senators onenote Nov 2019 #40

Okay, there's validity to that certainly. Hortensis Nov 2019 #42

Bookmarked orangecrush Nov 2019 #16

Most interesting. calimary Nov 2019 #19

Bitchy Mitchy is like Mrs. Baylock from The Omen sandensea Nov 2019 #20

So the party that leaks wants to vote in private? bucolic_frolic Nov 2019 #21

No. The assumption of the article in the OP is that the Democrats want to make it a secret vote onenote Nov 2019 #41

Wishful thinking at best. Firestorm49 Nov 2019 #22

Interesting, but it would be very dangerous to remove a sitting president by secret ballot StarfishSaver Nov 2019 #24

I wonder if Glover typed the last eight words with a straight face. Pacifist Patriot Nov 2019 #26

Yeah, that would go over real well Baked Potato Nov 2019 #28

How About if Chief Justice Roberts Declares the Voting Secret? Bob Munck Nov 2019 #29

He has no such authority. onenote Nov 2019 #32

Article I Section 5 Paragraph 3 Bob Munck Nov 2019 #43

The specific provision about recording votes overrides any more general authority to keep the onenote Nov 2019 #44

I think having them on record is important to taking back the Senate tinrobot Nov 2019 #30

This thing of so many R senators would vote to convict if it was a secret ballot is complete Horse$h Cosmocat Nov 2019 #33

Presently, I remain unconvinced. BadGimp Nov 2019 #34

If it were up to me, Qutzupalotl Nov 2019 #45

Be careful what you wish for (seriously) Mike Niendorff Nov 2019 #46