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Donald Trump Presidency discussion thread III

Quin_Dub

This thread is for the continuing discussion of Donald Trumps's presidency in the US and any related matters.

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pixelburp

Just to be super naive for a second; seems like there's an opportunity here for the GOP to insinuate some semblance of centrism by trying to get a more moderate judge appointed. With the fear and noise over an extreme right-winger parachuted in, which would surely only increase division and push middleground voters away from the GOP in November, would the smarter play be to throw a sop to those moderates, instead of doubling down on the hard-cases? Seems like it'd make the Democrats sound a little hollower if Republicans could point to a uncontroversial appointee, instead of some Gilead wannabe.

Sure, that's possibly what might happen in less partisan times, or a less political binary country, but you never know ...

Captain Obvious

Manic Moran wrote: »

This is precisely the situation which was warned about when the Democrats attempted to block Gorsuch. There is no telling how hard to the right the next nominee shall be, and I don't see how the Ds can stop it. I don't see any percentage in Congress waiting until after the elections. They can do what they want now, and the court seat is going to be far longer term than the next election cycle.

Nothing to do with the Democrats. It's just pure hypocrisy from the GOP.

Hande hoche!

Both parties deserve a good chunk of blame for getting the ball rolling on the "nuclear option" with regard appointees. Chuck Schumer has expressed considerable regret in the past for switches.

Christy42

Manic Moran wrote: »

This is precisely the situation which was warned about when the Democrats attempted to block Gorsuch. There is no telling how hard to the right the next nominee shall be, and I don't see how the Ds can stop it. I don't see any percentage in Congress waiting until after the elections. They can do what they want now, and the court seat is going to be far longer term than the next election cycle.

The Democrats couldn't stop it in any case. Had they let Goruch through then Republicans would change the rules now to get their choice in before the mid terms.

There would be too much pressure to get them in before the mid terms for them not to.

They can indeed do what they want now. Largely because they are hypocrites.

aloyisious

There's a story in the Irish Times about a move by US steel users and Pro-trade republicans in congress going to the US Court of International Trade to have the 1962 statute [section 232] that Mr Trump used to impose steel tariffs ruled unconstitutional. Those opposing the tariffs include US automakers who claim it would increase the cost of cars to US buyers.

The article also covers how President Trump has bowed to business interests within his administration and backed away from imposing new restrictions on Chinese investment in the US, as it might damage the US economy by chasing away foreign businessmen, and this has upset China hawks in the White House. I don't know the source/s of the info in the story or if it is a syndicated report from abroad.

https://www.irishtimes.com/business/economy/backlash-to-trump-tariffs-as-us-users-of-steel-mount-court-challenge-1.3546085

BonnieSituation

EdgeCase wrote: »

It’s a pity the judge couldn’t hold off retiring until after November.

He's Reagan Republican. I'm sure a word might have been had in his ear about when he should go if he had been hinting he was contemplating it.

That being said he's 81 and owes nobody anything at this stage given his ridiculous career so he can go when he likes.

EdgeCase

It’s a pity the judge couldn’t hold off retiring until after November.

Manic Moran

This is precisely the situation which was warned about when the Democrats attempted to block Gorsuch. There is no telling how hard to the right the next nominee shall be, and I don't see how the Ds can stop it. I don't see any percentage in Congress waiting until after the elections. They can do what they want now, and the court seat is going to be far longer term than the next election cycle.

BonnieSituation

spacecoyote wrote: »

https://twitter.com/ChrisMurphyCT/status/1012060376643637254?s=19

https://twitter.com/ddiamond/status/1012035439803461634?s=19

Tons of these kind of things going around Twitter around McConnell setting the precedent with the blockage of prior nominations in election years so will be interesting to see how it plays out

As if the GOP won't railroad this through. Precedent is there for them to ignore.

metaoblivia

Itssoeasy wrote: »

Yeah, this could be interesting. The GOP in the Senate can and will say it's obstruction, but that point falls down when it was they themselves who as you say set the precedent. McConnell may have harmed the chances of Trump getting a conservative Supreme Court Justice confirmed.

Republicans are fairly transparent about setting up rules meant for the other side. They have no intention of following this rule themselves and have the power to push a candidate through. They'll hold off until fall to try and ride the wave of support from their base, who are thrilled by this. But make no mistake - this is going to anger and rile up the Democrat base as well.

November will be interesting.

Itssoeasy

spacecoyote wrote: »

https://twitter.com/ChrisMurphyCT/status/1012060376643637254?s=19

https://twitter.com/ddiamond/status/1012035439803461634?s=19

Tons of these kind of things going around Twitter around McConnell setting the precedent with the blockage of prior nominations in election years so will be interesting to see how it plays out

Yeah, this could be interesting. The GOP in the Senate can and will say it's obstruction, but that point falls down when it was they themselves who as you say set the precedent. McConnell may have harmed the chances of Trump getting a conservative Supreme Court Justice confirmed.

spacecoyote

https://twitter.com/ChrisMurphyCT/status/1012060376643637254?s=19

https://twitter.com/ddiamond/status/1012035439803461634?s=19

Tons of these kind of things going around Twitter around McConnell setting the precedent with the blockage of prior nominations in election years so will be interesting to see how it plays out

Manic Moran

Nox wrote: »

Manic Moran said … Saying more attention to space has become more and more important, note how Obama in his last defense bill started to emphasise space operations.

Yeah … to monitor 'global warming'.

http://www.latimes.com/nation/la-na-missile-defense-signing-20161223-story.html
President Obama has signed legislation that, by striking a single word from longstanding U.S. nuclear defense policy, could heighten tensions with Russia and China and launch the country on an expensive effort to build space-based defense systems.

In the meantime, an upset in New York as a 28-year old Bernie Sanders follower just beat out Crowly, a 10-term veteran tipped as a future Speaker of the House in the Democratic primary. She had no support from the Democratic party. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-44625617

The irony is that this seems that the leadership of the Democratic party is getting it from both sides. Conor Lamb won by positioning himself (in a swing state) as being against Pelosi and the more liberal wing. Ocasio-Cortez won (in a coastal very D State) by being even more to the left than Pelosi et al.

Itssoeasy

Nox wrote: »

Manic Moran said … Saying more attention to space has become more and more important, note how Obama in his last defense bill started to emphasise space operations.

Yeah … to monitor 'global warming'.

And you don't think global Warming is an issue that NASA should be involved in the monitoring of ?

Hande hoche!

Will be interesting to see what Jeff Flake does with regards his recent statements on judicial appointments.

Nox

Manic Moran said … Saying more attention to space has become more and more important, note how Obama in his last defense bill started to emphasise space operations.

Yeah … to monitor 'global warming'.

Itssoeasy

Just been reading the last few pages and the discussion about the so called Anti Trump posters which I'd probably be described as one by the pro Trump posters.

My issue with Trump is that his policies and agenda as President isn't built on any foundation of a moral compass or any direction. From reading back in history about former US Presidents you can see some type of moral compass and belief system. They were Republican or Democrat for easily identifiable reasons. They all weren't perfect by any means, but they had a vision for the country. Trump's vision for the United States starts and ends with how can it benefit him.

The one personality trait you appear to need to be US President is a thick skin as it's a very powerful job but a very stressful job. I mean look at Obama and his hair colour in 2008 to 2016. Trump hasn't got a thick skin and is very reactionary to a perceived personal slight against him.

There was the case of the gold star family who he attacked. If you compare it to Bush 43 and the mother of the soldier who camped outside his home in Texas. Bush was being personally called out and didn't attack the mother.

I'm sure there are policies and laws that US presidents have made where people didn't like them but could they say that the president of the day didn't do it for genuinely held beliefs ? Not to the degree that Trump does it. Trump doesn't have any genuine held beliefs and he is not a conservative in any shape or form.

Gbear

I think this Supreme Court pick, more than anything else, could really split the country.

Trying to row back on abortion or gay marriage would create a huge rift across the country and in liberal states I could see massive pushback against this kind of regression. Maybe not quite secession but civil disobedience or states just ignoring federal law.

People aren't going to take having their rights removed lying down.

Leroy42

More winning!

GOP immigration bill goes down in flames in rebuff to Trump

https://www.politico.com/story/2018/06/27/trump-house-republicans-immigration-bill-678816

Whilst of course Trump will be out declaring what a great job he is doing in terms of the SCOTUS news, in reality that is all down to timing, he has no control over that. This is a serious set-back as yet again, despite his pleas and threats, Trump cannot get any legislation through the house.

Of course Obama suffered the same, the difference being that his party did not control the votes.

Leroy42

no way they delay. This is about getting and maintaining control of SCOTUS for the next generation.

A new judge will be in place before the mid-terms

Inquitus

Quin_Dub wrote: »

It makes for an interesting tactical decision for both Trump/GOP and the Democrats..

Do the GOP delay the selection and hearings for the SCOTUS seat until after the mid-terms so they can use it to get votes or do they push to get it done ASAP.

The inverse applies to the Dems , do they fight really hard to delay and fillibuster the hell out of a vote in hopes that they win the majority in November and then force a moderate choice on Trump or do they just let it happen so that it's no longer an electoral tool for the GOP?

Personally I think they should delay as much as possible, this is a highly important SCOTUS pick and even if getting a Senate majority is not likely I still think they should fight to the last and hope, much like the GOP did with Garland even when they thought they would lose the election for POTUS!

Quin_Dub

Inquitus wrote: »

Agreed, it had quite an impact on getting the evangelical vote out for Trump in the 2016 election, it will definitely drive up Trump's required turnout in November.

It makes for an interesting tactical decision for both Trump/GOP and the Democrats..

Do the GOP delay the selection and hearings for the SCOTUS seat until after the mid-terms so they can use it to get votes or do they push to get it done ASAP.

The inverse applies to the Dems , do they fight really hard to delay and fillibuster the hell out of a vote in hopes that they win the majority in November and then force a moderate choice on Trump or do they just let it happen so that it's no longer an electoral tool for the GOP?

Inquitus

Quin_Dub wrote: »

Well - That will bring any evangelicals that whose support was waivering recently back on side fairly sharpish..

An open surpreme court pick more than anything else , will swing votes back to the GOP in November..

The timing of this has huge ramifications.

Agreed, it had quite an impact on getting the evangelical vote out for Trump in the 2016 election, it will definitely drive up Trump's required turnout in November.

Gwen Cooper

aloyisious wrote: »

If he had a "space force", and a base for it in space, could Don theoretically keep people up there who offended against his sense of being? Visualize's US space-force craft hovering over the US/Mexican border looking for illegals and invaders. In space there is no law - "beam them up, Jeff". I think Don is affecting my sense of what's possible.

I like that idea. It could become the new Australia - we will deport criminals up there and they build a new space colony where everyone will want to go on holidays in a few years.

StringerBell

The timing of it is no coincidence either imo

Quin_Dub

Inquitus wrote: »

Trump to get another Supreme Court pick - https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-44634176

Hande hoche! wrote: »

Can see that giving him a boost among more conservative minded voters. Will nearly have as many justices picked as Obama in a quarter of the time.

Well - That will bring any evangelicals that whose support was waivering recently back on side fairly sharpish..

An open surpreme court pick more than anything else , will swing votes back to the GOP in November..

The timing of this has huge ramifications.

aloyisious

If he had a "space force", and a base for it in space, could Don theoretically keep people up there who offended against his sense of being? Visualize's US space-force craft hovering over the US/Mexican border looking for illegals and invaders. In space there is no law - "beam them up, Jeff". I think Don is affecting my sense of what's possible.

Hande hoche!

Can see that giving him a boost among more conservative minded voters. Will nearly have as many justices picked as Obama in a quarter of the time.

Inquitus

Trump to get another Supreme Court pick - https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-44634176

Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy is to retire, giving President Donald Trump the chance to reshape the top US court for decades to come.

Though a conservative, he has been a swing vote on many decisions including the 5-4 rulings that decided same-sex marriage and upheld Roe v Wade.

Republicans could confirm a conservative replacement as long as they maintain a simple majority.

Justice Kennedy will officially retire on 31 July, per his letter to Mr Trump.

everlast75

Manic Moran wrote: »

As I've said before, though, I don't see why the other side should be excused from it just because the one does.

"There are very fine people, on both sides"