The reins on hate have been unleashed. Moral compasses, if they existed, have been buried.

[nuxvomica]

16. I think it hinges on whether the DFP (disgraced former pres) is convicted of something

His influence is based on the magical notion that he can get away with anything and people ascribe that to inherent virtue, like he is in a state of grace with the creator, despite how disgusting he actually is. The DFP achieves this by always pushing the moral or legal envelope and stepping back just a little when he sees imminent peril. He has gotten away with things all his life but recent reports that he will run again "if he is healthy" is another trial balloon to set the stage for a health-related-issues defense. This is the last fallback position so I think the DFP sees the possibility of conviction in the near future and is preparing a strategy to get away with it. If the strategy fails, the whole house of cards falls with him and the luster of impunity, his only real asset, disappears. His followers will lose their glassy-eyed aspect and rictus smiles because the magic has gone out of their lives.