I think I've revised my 25th Amendment view.

I still think that impeachment with a bar to future office-holding is preferable, and that this isn't really the kind of problem 25A is for, but...

@AeonSkoble @knowledgeprob

when I think about Trump's state of mind yesterday... I don't think he planned or intended for the mob to do what he did. I don't think he *opposed* it, or *cared,* but I also don't think he planned or intended it. Because I don't think he thinks in terms of consequences at all.

He just... does stuff. Whatever he feels like, to make himself feel like a winner and a tough guy.

Since, pace @dandrezner , he's never going to grow out of that, it's a genuine incapacity.

If he'd planned the events, 25A wouldn't be appropriate, only impeachment. But if, as I suspect, he's basically incapable of thinking that far ahead and taking consequences seriously, then the 25th also works, in a strange unforeseen way.

If Pence and Cabinet officials are refraining from 25A out of the scruple that they *do* think Trump planned yesterday’s events and is *not* incapable in the way I described, they should of course say so... in a letter to Pelosi recommending immediate impeachment for high crimes.

BUT:

For the Democrats on the House Judiciary Ctte or Sen Schumer to call for invoking the 25th *without* also taking steps toward impeachment is a dereliction of responsibility. If Trump is unfit for office and his removal is urgent, there is no justification for going home.