Republicans Just Watch as Donald Trump Goes Wild

[babylonsister]

http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2017/03/07/republicans-just-watch-as-donald-trump-goes-wild.html

Bowing Down
Republicans Just Watch as Donald Trump Goes Wild
As Trump throws wild, flimsy shots at American institutions, who other than Ben Sasse will stand up to him?
Michael Tomasky
03.07.17 1:00 AM ET

snip//

But it’s time now to focus not only on Trump and his psyche (although just quickly, before I turn away from that topic, I have to note that the most plausible theory I heard all weekend about why Trump did what he did was the hypothesis that he was miffed that the Obamas got that joint $65 million book advance; that’s just so Trump in every way).

But let’s talk about the Republicans.

When will they stand up to this guy? With one lone exception that I saw, most Republicans’ responses over the weekend were pathetically weak. Let’s start with this especially lame one, from Arkansas Senator Tom Cotton. After saying he knew of no evidence to support Trump’s claim, it must have struck him that someone in the White House might get mad at him, because he added: “It doesn’t mean that none of these things have happened, just means I haven’t seen them yet.” Ah. Thanks for that, Tom.

Others sounded less pliant but substantively were little better. Lindsey Graham has built up a lot of cred in this department, and understandably so, because he’s been a pretty tough Trump critic at times. But this, at a town hall over the weekend, where he obviously didn’t want to face a chorus of catcalls, was from weaseltown: “I’m very worried that our president is suggesting the former president has done something illegal. I’d be very worried if in fact the Obama administration was able to obtain a warrant lawfully about Trump campaign activity with foreign governments. It’s my job as United States senator to get to the bottom of this.”

No, it’s your job to say that unless he has evidence that he is ready adduce yesterday, a president of the United States has no business saying anything like this.

snip//

The only statement by a Republican that was even somewhat informed by principle was the one issued by Nebraska Senator Ben Sasse. He used far sharper rhetoric than any of his colleagues to put the onus on Trump to deliver some proof: “The president today made some very serious allegations, and the informed citizens that a republic requires deserve more attention.” He demanded that if there was a court order authorizing a wiretap of Trump, the president obtain and copy of it and show it to the public or at least to the Senate.

Sasse is getting plaudits for saying what he said, and yes, comparatively speaking, he was a veritable Cincinnatus here. But it’s pretty pathetic that his statement stood out. What Trump did here was unbelievable. What will he say next about somebody, on the basis of no evidence? Obama is a former president who has millions of people who adore him and will have his back. But what will happen when Trump—the president of the United States, the most powerful man in the world—says something unsubstantiated about a judge, or a civil-liberties or immigration lawyer, or a journalist, or who knows, any citizen who gets on his bad side?

This is what despots do. In the olden days, when a despot said X committed a crime, poor X was usually led away to the stockade. That can’t happen here today. We think. Or can it? If Republicans don’t take a stand—not in defense of Obama, but in defense of our civic institutions and norms—we may yet find out.

[BeyondGeography]

1. The book advance...got it

It's just stupid enough to be true.

[babylonsister]

2. dt hates the Obamas with

a white-hot passion. I think it's jealousy, knowing he will never be able to eclipse Obama's popularity or intelligence. Must drive dt nuts. So yea, the book deal could be what's driving his rage. And dt is all about the benjamins; that's a lot of money.

[BeyondGeography]

3. First the inaugural crowd size then the approval ratings now the book deal

Did I forget the comparative TV ratings for their first speech to Congress? That too.

And when Obama shows up in Trump's hometown, where he lost 80-90 percent of the vote depending on the borough, it's a lovefest. It's all just too much for ManBaby to bear.

[Bernardo de La Paz]

5. In the end, tRump's underlings (Bannon, Priebus) will get bigger book deals than tRump. . . . nt

[Bernardo de La Paz]

4. Republicons are trapped. He's still useful, but every day he damages their brand more.

Some of them like McCONnell are really trapped, being involved in covering up and possibly during the election itself.

Never let people forget that the GOP is welded to tRump. They own him and vice versa. They made that bargain before the election when all this unfolding 45 days for 45 were obvious and predictable. They have stuck with it. He is their tar baby.

[BSdetect]

7. Absolutely

So they will double down on voter id, suppressio and so forth

And of course general election fraud.

Its their forte.

And now with added help.

[spanone]

6. trump's book deal will be a coloring book...

[wiggs]

8. What if Trump can't produce the FISA warrant evidence because it would show and

describe why the FISA warrant was issued? Suspicion of collusion, national security at risk, etc

I personally don't believe there's a FISA tap because of Clapper denial...but I do believe there are tons of reasons why IC would want to listen to Trump and Russian associates' calls.