It all seems so clear now:

[truebluegreen]

1. Trump and his team colluded with the Russians to influence the election

2. GOP insiders (looking at you Mitch and Comey) prevented release of information while it could have done some good on grounds of "political stunt"

3. Trump wins

4. Proof of plot comes out, investigation is called for, investigation ensues

5. Trump inaugurated; uproar and shit storm continues

6. Investigation demonstrates guilt of "high crimes and misdemeanors" (not treason or sedition, which are well-defined in law and not applicable)

7. Trump is impeached, convicted and expelled from office

8. Pence sworn in as grateful nation breathes sigh of relief

9. "Legitimate" GOP government pillages at will, without even the minimal constraints of an approval-seeking shitgibbon

[MANative]

1. Yup. I've been saying basically this same thing to my friends/family for last last two weeks.

[truebluegreen]

3. I'm sure even the Republicans are not

looking forward to trying to deal with Trump. The problem is his supporters and how to peel them away. This awful transition may help with that, and honest-to-God enemy action can do it too. We'll see.

[Wellstone ruled]

2. Could happen in this

manner. What has not been addressed is the total capitulation of the Forth Estate. Should have seen this coming with the discarding of the Fairness Doctrine,and the subsequent Corporate take over of the Fourth Estate. Tons of red flags and yet our Democratic leadership just milked it for their gains.

[truebluegreen]

4. Yes, I am enormously disappointed in the Democratic Party,

going back many years now. They did what their corporate donors wanted and thought the rest of us wouldn't notice. For a long time we didn't. I think this election makes it apparent that at least some are noticing now.

[Wellstone ruled]

7. We lost because our Product

placement and advertising failed to overcome the Comey hit. Face it,we knew it was coming,if one had been paying attention,especially the Campaign Guru's,and called foul when it happened instead of a 48 hours latter,we could have saved our Campaign.

[NCTraveler]

5. The investigations will use a lot of their clout and take time.

Additionally, more than one Republican will be implicated. All things that will damage their ability to move legislation. Not stop them completely, but slow them. What if Pence himself had more knowledge than we know? This is going to have to all play out. Unfortunately, they are calling the shots.

[truebluegreen]

9. I don't think Pence needs to worry.

I have absolutely no confidence in any Republican investigation uncovering any fact that doesn't suit their purpose. I'm sure they can use Pence as they please, which is not true of Trump who will always be a loose cannon.

And even if both were impeached and removed, wouldn't that make Speaker Ryan President? Joy.

[NCTraveler]

13. The time involved for something like that would be huge.

It would consume considerable resources all slowing legislation. I don't see how that scenario wouldn't be huge. For us. It's not simply about who's next in line. There are numerous other extremely important factors.

[truebluegreen]

14. I disagree on the resources and time required.

The Nixon impeachment investigations and proceedings took forever because the truth was important, even to Republicans. These are not those Republicans.

[Kingofalldems]

6. 6-9 won't happen. GOP not impeaching their boy.

Hell, they are also involved.

[JI7]

8. they won't impeach as long as he remains popular with republican voters

[truebluegreen]

10. That is my thought also.

But if he isn't malleable enough, and his popularity tanks--he has already thrown steel workers and coal miners under the bus and he was very popular there--they will find a way.

Edited to add: and at least some of those who voted for him to see the world burn have gotten a closer look at the flames

[Buckeye_Democrat]

11. 10. Putin still celebrates for helping to destroy the USA from within. n/t

[truebluegreen]

12. Yup.

Either way is the End of the World As We Knew It.

[etherealtruth]

17. That's a given

[Jean-Jacques Roussea]

15. Only indisputably incriminating video/audio and a collective epiphany in the next 8 days can save us

[truebluegreen]

16. They won't vote for Hillary.

Maybe some--with all the Democrats--would vote for a sane Republican...if such a creature existed.

[Jean-Jacques Roussea]

18. that's why I added "collective epiphany"

[truebluegreen]

21. Yeah, I hear you.

[Sherman A1]

19. #10 to your list

If Trump's election was compromised so was Pence's... They ran on the same ticket.

[truebluegreen]

20. Good point.

It would be very hard to argue he didn't know and he certainly benefited. Granny-starver* Ryan becomes President.

*h/t Charles Pierce