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In light of Barrett’s appt last night, R’s seeming indifference to D’s statements they’ll expand the court, and a conversation I had with a friend that works in a high-profile R Senator’s office I wanted to share some thoughts and concerns. /1
First, I’ve known my friend for over 20 years, went to college/ROTC, and served in the Marines with him. I’ve never heard say anything racist or sexist, but he somehow still supports Trump. One of my few remaining Trump friends. /2
He’s been working for this Senator for several years now and has some insight that I don’t. The main issue I wanted to share is in regards to @projectlincoln and @rvat2020 testimonials that have plastered social media. /3
He knows a few people that have given these testimonials, and says they’ve been paid by these groups to say they’ll vote for Biden, when they have no intention of actually doing so. Because of this, if you’re a liberal, I wouldn’t get /4
your hopes up that there’s as big a wave of former R voters that are turning out for Biden as these ads suggest. There are some, certainly, but take it with a grain of salt and remember who most of these people supported before Trump. /5
Next, Republicans have been indifferent to Dem statements that they will add justices or otherwise reform the courts if they win in Nov. The only reason I can see for this is that R’s already have a plan to prevent this from happening. /6
What options could they have in their back pocket if Dems win the WH and Senate, as the polls seem to indicate will happen? /7
One – Cheat to win the election and the discussion is moot. Squeak out another electoral college win and hang on to the Senate majority due to suppression. /8
Two – Lame duck laws preventing reform or expansion, similar to what Wis R’s did to neuter the incoming Dem governor. /9 https://www.vox.com/policy-and-politics/2018/12/6/18127332/wisconsin-state-republican-power-grab-democracy
Three – Combo of two & mass pardons of Trump and his admin to prevent post-election accountability. They continue beating the drum on “corrupt” Dems, fake news, and work to regain majorities in Congress and the WH. /10
I don’t see any option for a traditional peaceful transfer of power that leaves Trump and other R’s open to a Biden admin investigation that would hold them accountable. I think R’s would burn it all down rather than let that happen. /11
In short, happy Wednesday, and I look forward to the normal number of people liking and sharing my long threads, which is usually virtually no one, but it felt good to type this out anyways. /x
