**White House: Syria is prepping for another chemical attack**

[cheyanne]

5. "potential preparations" are not "preparations". Lets not give Trump any credence at this point.

Trump is in a life and death fight with the Russian investigation. He will not only do anything he can to distract attention from the investigation, he will also create situations where he will be able to project his power for his base: war is the common response for autocrats who need to solidify their power against rebellions and dissent.

Trump's goal is a one-party state. He's attacked the judiciary and media as enemies, but the legislature is more problematic since he is supposed to be the leader of the party. He needs a compliant legislature to give a cover of legitimacy for his power grabs. So he lets them play at passing bills, while he consolidates his power.

The process for the TrumpCare bill is secrecy (even from own party), speed, no negotiation and threats. This is not an anomaly. It will become the "normal" way for Congress to pass Trump's agenda.