Time to face the ultimately cynical reason why the Republicans acquitted Trump...

[MrScorpio]

It was not for any reason that's beneficial for the republic, which would be remarkable for "Republicans." It wasn't even as a favor to Trump himself, as the ill feelings between Trump and Congressional Republicans are definitely mutual at this point.

It all came down to an act of self-service. Had the GOP Senators convicted Trump for the crimes that they all knew he committed, his cult would return the favor is spades.

By letting him slide, they felt that they could avoid the wrath of 75 million triggered white cultists at the polls for the duration.

The January 6 insurrection is still fresh in everybody's mind. Imagine that same spirit of violence against politicians spread around the country in subsequent electoral districts. Trump, in his unyielding effort to get back at those who would have voted to convict him in overwhelmingly Republican regions of Dumbfuckistan, all to make the Republicans who "betrayed" him pay.

The threat was implicit.

So, instead of doing the right thing, by holding Trump accountable and sending a clear message to any subsequent despot that preserving and defending American democracy is paramount, they cut him loose. It was the legislative equivalent of an amicable divorce. Trump keeps his bloodthirsty children and the Republicans keep the House and the Senate.

So, despite the outcome that pretty much everyone knew was going to happen, as there was never going to be 17 Republicans who would vote against Trump, there are two good things to look forward to here:

One, the Republicans stipulated that, as an ex-president, Trump could be criminally prosecuted and probably should. It looks like things are going that way. He's going to be working hard from here on out to keep himself out of jail, without any help from the greater Republican establishment. These state prosecutors are all smelling his blood in the water.

And two, the Republicans are going to come out of this looking weak and vulnerable. Acquitting Trump was an act of cowardice and weakness. There will be an entire plethora of Republican Senate seats up for grabs in the next midterms... I really can't think of a good reason why Democrats can't help themselves to some of them. If we can take places like Arizona and Georgia, why not other places as well?

It's time for Democrats to internalize Carpe Diem. We can do that, all it takes is the will to do so.

[AlexSFCA]

1. the truth is much more vile - they supported the insurrection in their hearts

[mucifer]

2. Or perhaps their loved ones are being threatened with murder. A monster they created

[Baked Potato]

4. I think it is this more than anything.

They don’t have constituents, they have screaming hordes.

They can’t govern. They can only survive and preserve their means of living.

[Dan]

6. I believe this to be true. The Confederacy has never gotten over its

Loss of property, and as some former Senator said, it’s a straight line from the Civil War to where we are today - that some people believe that not all are equal and entitled to certain rights. The GOP is infused with racial hatred - that is their center, that is their core.

[jaxexpat]

7. Yep, maybe, could be true except for a simple fact.....they're heartless.

[JDC]

8. I do think that they see the possibilities in it.

It is about power above all things with them.

[bullwinkle428]

24. "Surely, the leopard won't eat MY face!!"

[Cosmocat]

26. Y E P - this poor kids are in a tough spot

Bullshit gives them too much credit.

The overwhelming majority of the are flat out fascists.

[llashram]

3. you're right

it's there for the seizing...

[2naSalit]

5. And because we know what an evil POS MMitch is...

I think he made the claim about future criminal cases is that he thinks he's sufficiently packed the courts to where conviction is less likely.

[yuiyoshida]

9. It's simple

They did it to enrich themselves.

[dobleremolque]

10. This really is the last time *rump's position as an ex-president

will offer him any protection in a trial or legal proceeding. Perhaps that's a silver lining and the bright side.

[Grasswire2]

11. That is how Trump holds his grip on the base.

He uses them as a cudgel, but makes them feel tough and bold and spunky.

[Harker]

12. Carpe collum. n/t

[MyOwnPeace]

13. It IS a simple fact to face:

With the Senate RepubliCons all being chicken-shit cowards (and yes, I'll include the 7 that did vote to impeach - where have they been for the past 4 years?) there was NO WAY that we would ever get 67 votes.
However, THEY have to live with their votes and we are now RID of IQ45 and have a leader that is showing what a truly great American does to lead.
The worst is past - 'he' is gone - let's get ready to fight (yeah, I said FIGHT!!! - suck it, RepubliCons!) to give President Joe easier majorities in the House and Senate so that we can truly make America a shining beacon of democracy and fairness for ALL in the world.

[Vinca]

14. It's all very puzzling. They cling to Trump because they want to win elections, but last time

around they lost everything - they've got no House, no Senate and no White House. Once Trump starts his nationwide hate tour (aka fundraiser), it will only motivate people more to get out and vote against everything he's associated with.

[judesedit]

15. We need Stacey Abrams in all red states to keep them from gerrymandering, suppressing, purging

and all the other dirty tricks the cons have up their sleeves to keep us from voting. Any influence she could have on any of that would only benefit us. We need a Stacey Abrams School of Fighters for Voting Rights to spread her knowledge and proven methods for success.

[OMGWTF]

16. Stacey Abrams is working to turn Texas blue!

That's a lot of electoral votes y'all.

[mountain grammy]

17. Yes, it's time.

It's now or never. America's at a fork in the road where 40% are batshit crazy and 60% are wavering between horrified and who gives a shit.
Sieze the day, Democrats! A New Deal that is bolder and more inclusive than the last one. Now's the time, while people are still paying attention.

[Bev54]

18. I just wish people would stop saying 75 million, it was barely over 74 million votes.

[Hekate]

19. Very interesting. KnR

[Jon King]

20. I think Graham and Cruz think Trump will be indicted and want his supporters....

They kiss up to Trump now while hoping he gets taken out through criminal proceedings. Then they inherit his base that will have no other choice but to support a Trump acolyte.

[Butterflylady]

21. "Blood thirsty children"

Once again this is the party of violence and that is how they need to present the repug party.

[Jetheels]

22. You might be correct, but by acquitting, these senators, imho, gave their stamp of approval for

the attempt at overthrowing the government.
Im not understanding how acquittal is cutting their ties with trump. Maybe they won’t have to deal with his wrath but he’s not president anymore.
He doesn’t have the power he had before, and he’s banned from Twitter forever.
Wouldn’t a conviction have sent a message that this insurrection was a bridge too far?
I see it more as staying on board the sinking titanic.
Conviction was a lifeboat, and an opportunity to cleanse their bloody hands.
I see the acquittal as an embrace of autocracy.
Luckily we have a chance right now with Biden/Harris. Biden/ Harris are opening up the future.
Unlocking the prison we have been living in for 4 years.

[onlyadream]

23. I read this line a few times

“ He's going to be working hard from here on out to keep himself out of jail”

I just love that thought!!!

[bdamomma]

25. oh yes

The Lawyers smell his blood in the water.......................yes indeed. They will get him.

But his grift will be to get money from his insurrectionists, that's a given, or will they???

[radius777]

27. We have to make them pay in 2022.

Trump motivates our base, maybe more than it does theirs.

Basically the GOP is stupid. They could've dealt with the short term wrath of the cult by impeaching. Many Dem voters who are enraged by Trump's constant evasion of justice would've not been as motivated to vote in the midterms. Now I feel fairly well we will do well in the middterms, being easy to paint the GOP as the party of sedition, Q-anon, etc.