Republicans are in panic mode, concocting absurd Mueller scandal.

[Hortensis]

5. I suspect it is more choosing a nuclear option than panic.

If only it were panic. This is a battle for power between ultraconservative forces and the left, lead by the Democratic Party.

What if they fire Mueller, our highest courts order them to comply with the constitution, and they refuse that order?

What if most conservatives have chosen to believe the current flood of lies that the investigation is an attempt by Democrats to overthrow the government. What if, as usual, another third or so of the people have no idea who to believe and their confusion is far more useful to those threatening to break our democracy than those fighting to protect it?

What if those who do take to the streets are suppressed by police and government troops?

Right now they are laying ground for this. Fox has become a propaganda organ for the Trump administration. Remember that Fox woman who said top FBI agents in the NY office need to be arrested and taken out in handcuffs? She looked like a caricature of a fascist voice for a fascist government, and Fox clearly believes viewers will support that as obedient authoritarian followers.

If this proceeds forward may depend on whether they think they can get away with it. Many of the people on the right, including the billionaires who mostly control congress have no intention of losing.