I’m going to break with the minhag on this thread by not replying to anyone in particular with indignation, scorn or other negative emotions. So here goes:
1) I really miss Eisenhower and the old Republican party. I’m surprised he doesn’t come back and haunt the schlemiels who call themselves Republicans today.
2. Trump is doing some things which are drastically unpopular with his own party, like threatening a trade war. The Republican party has always been the party of business, and businesses hate to lose money. Industry groups are already pleading with him to hold off tariffs. If he does start a trade war it won’t just be that the political knives will come out – it will be more like kalashnikovs and grenade launchers.
3. Midterms are coming up, and the tweetstorms and odd pronouncements are making Republican candidates fearful of losing their seats. Politicians like to stay in office.
4. His foreign policy changes from day to day. It may not matter that this bothers the leaders of other nations, but it does bother the people in Congress who are trying to conduct foreign policy on a day-to-day basis.
At this point it doesn’t really matter what the Democrats think of Trump – his own party is becoming extremely unhappy with him. I would guess that if he springs any more surprises – like firing Mueller – they really will vote to impeach him, and given the balance in the Senate, he could very well be convicted.
I’m not happy with the prospect of Trump being impeached. It’s messy and internationally embarrassing. Unfortunately, he doesn’t seem to learn from experience. And given his age, weight and lack of exercise, and that he’s on statins, I wonder if there aren’t also medical issues. Those are risk factors for strokes, which can impair impulse control and judgment. I would have been happier if his medical exam had included some brain imaging.
We’ve got trouble, as the old song goes, right here in Washington, and whatever the outcome is, we’re going to suffer for it in international credibility. (And also in our ability to defend Israel against its political enemies.)