Thursday, November 14, 2024

May You Live In Interesting Times

There’s a reason Trump wants to make recess appointments.
Well, first, let's put this in context," she began. "Yesterday morning, the United States Senate gave the back of their hand to Donald Trump. Everybody in the Senate knew that Donald Trump did not want John Thune as leader. Now, why were they able to do that? Because it was secret ballot, but nonetheless they did it." 
"Then a couple of hours later, he drops [Matt] Gaetz and [Tulsi] Gabbard [as cabinet appointees]," she continued. "Now, I made a list last night of 11 names of senators that I think are most likely to say no to both of these appointments, particularly Gaetz." 
"Keep in mind, a few of these names, like Chuck Grassley (R-IA), he is not running again!" she pointed out. "He got re-elected and he is 90! You've got Mitch McConnell, Mitch McConnell is not going to run again. You've got Susan Collins (R-ME) who I can't imagine voting for these people. You've got Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), I can't imagine Lisa voting for these people –– you only need three." 
"So I think Trump was sending a letter to the Senate saying one of two things: either I expect the Senate to ignore the part of the Constitution, which says you must give advice and consent, or, two, you've got to show me that you have no power," she added. "I need you to demonstrate to me that the Senate is not in session ever, because what you do does not matter. I just don't think either one of those are going to sit well with the majority of the United States Senate."
The rule of threes. As in, Trump may think he has a mandate, but the Senate has its traditions; not to mention its constitutional duties. Trump can’t force them into recess, and he can’t force them to accept his appointees. And he only has to lose three Senators per appointment.

Well, it’ll make things interesting.🤨 
"And on that, Jake, I think he was quite clear what he was planning to do in office," said Haberman. "There's this whole sort of, as you know, where we've been talking about this literally serious thing since 2015, 2016, this whole, 'Is he serious?' thing. You should assume he plans on doing what he is saying at this point." 
"He means it," agreed Tapper. 
"So yes," said Haberman. "That's what these picks are designed to do. Whether they all get through, we'll see. Does he end up doing recess appointments, we'll see. I think Matt Gaetz will be a bridge too far for some senators, but we'll find out." 
"We'll see," said Tapper. "I might have to take a wager with you." 
"I'm not betting — no," Haberman added. "I'm saying, that is one that could be too far. It also could not be. It could be — Trump has much more control over this Republican Senate than the one that he left."
Well, if Thune breaks with tradition and goes back to putting the Senate into recess, or if Trump can keep three Senators on-side for absolutely any appointment (he’s not through tweeting about appointees). 

Still gonna be interesting.
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