I've come to the conclusion

[PCIntern]

that the whole Trump-power-over-Republicans is a combination of blackmail and not-so-thinly-veiled threats to families.

For the first, there is virtually no one in public life who has not performed an act or behaved in a manner which would be detrimental to the career, marriage, or legacy. Quite frankly, I and everyone else I know would be susceptible if enough research were executed and if someone or someone’s would actually care if it were exposed.

As far as the second goes it might be something like: you sure have a beautiful/handsome daughter/son there and you won’t be around forever to protect her/him from…who knows what? Or: a lot of those roads where your wife/husband/kid routinely drives have dangerous spots. Lots of accidents….

You really think that this would be beneath them? The Russians claim the two, count ’em two oligarchs shot their families and killer themselves. Yeah. Sure. That’s what billionaires do….like,say, Jeffrey Epstein.

I will end with the fact that after watching Mission:Impossible, The Bourne Films, Tom Clancy books and derivative films, and even Columbo(!) and all those sinister tv shows, most of America does not believe that plots and conspiracies actually exist. It’s all about “lone nuts”. Cognitive Dissonance, man…Cognitive Dissonance.

[bucolic_frolic]

2. The OP implies a private spying endeavor of long duration

Upscale hotel records would be useful to such an operation. Perhaps casino transactions as well.

[PCIntern]

3. KGB and FSB are experts...

[BSdetect]

4. Corruption begins at the lowest levels and spreads rapidly.

There are various ways you could be co-opted into joining some corrupt group within a "security" organization.

I've known two such people who refused and who were transferred to some very undesirable locations.

One spoke of how there were threats of planting drugs to discredit him.

It is really difficult to provide evidence against these corrupt people.

Remember Serpico?

[Cracklin Charlie]

5. It always has been.

It’s the only explanation.

[stopdiggin]

6. I'm not sure the basic premise

that members of the GOP (high or low) have to be 'suborned' or coerced into support is a valid one. And my evidence is the vast (and seemingly inexhaustible) trove of goobers at the grassroots level, that are enthusiastic devotees and supporters of TFG. Nobody has the time (or interest) in providing a dossier, or leverage, against all of these nutcases that are flooding school board meetings - and running for county clerk and sheriff. They're there of their own accord - and with their own warped version of 'duty' and truth. Therefore - with that overwhelming evidence of willing, and quite voluntary, 'kool-aid drinkers' - I think the only thing really necessary to explain a kowtow to the former guy on a national level - is a healthy degree of self interest (and a desire to get reelected and stay in the game). No need looking for spooks or 'protection' gambits. It's not nearly that complicated.
---- ----

[leftyladyfrommo]

7. Look what happens when Trumpers turn their attack

dogs loose.

People's houses are swarmed and graffiti damages their property. They get death threats and letters outlining horrible torture.

Look at Dr. Fauci? He and his whole family have to have round the clock security.

These people are awful and they are dangerous. They would bomb cars and houses if they got jazzed up enough.

[Kid Berwyn]

8. Trump and Nixon were pen pals.

Rupert Murdoch wanted the world to know….

Excerpt…

“I think that you are one of this country’s great men, and it was an honor to spend an evening with you,” Trump wrote to Nixon after the two were spotted together at the 21 Club in Midtown Manhattan.

The real estate developer was writing to thank the former president for forwarding him a photograph of the two.

In another letter, dated October of that year, the future president wrote to the former chief executive, “One of my great ambitions is to have the Nixons as residents in Trump Tower.”

Nixon and his wife, Pat, eventually toured the Fifth Avenue property. In his letter back, he wrote that while Pat “was impressed as I was” with the building, they felt “at this time she should not undertake the ordeal of a move,” given her stroke that August.

Source: https://nypost.com/2020/09/24/trump-nixon-letters-reveal-previously-unknown-relationship/

Always Be Closing.

[Meadowoak]

10. trump can write?

[Toorich]

9. Who among us ...

.... hasn't gone to a cocaine fueled orgy, been videoed in flagrante delicto
with a teen or two, and accepted a few thousand dollars, in cash, from
a Russian or Chinese oligarch?
Just asking for a Republican friend.

[randr]

11. He works just like the old JEH

Blackmail is the game. He has Epstein's little black book and more. Remember all the agents that scoured Epstein's properties? Nothing of note was ever reported to be found? I'd start looking up those agents and find out who among them has started living high on the hog.

[Pluvious]

12. Good points. Remember that Trump's thug threatened harm to Stormy Daniel's young child

… to her face

These people play dirty

Just ask Jeffry Epstein

[hurple]

13. We know...

Trump is in Russia's pocket.
Russia always tries to get kompromat on visiting dignitaries
Most, if not all, repubs have visited Russia
They all have no morals and will gladly fall for the Russian plot

Or

We also know, for a fact, that Trump’s team included people who's sole job was to gather blackmail worthy material on his rivals and he considers literally everybody not family his rivals.

I guarantee the majority are being blackmailed. But, there are some who happily drink tje kool-ade (MTG, boebert, gaetz, cawthorne, etc)

[Delmette2.0]

14. I have always thought that when Russia hacked the Democrats.....

They also hacked the Republicans. Guess who was easier to blackmail or bribe?