But before I get to them, let me tap down expectations a little. I don't think Trump will be gone prior to the Fall of 2017. Clearly, the GOP has circled their wagons, making sure enough Republicans have Trump's back to where getting him out soon would be next to impossible. Also, it's pretty clear Reince Priebus, Paul Ryan, Mitch McConnell, and the vast majority of the Republican leadership were well aware of 1) Trump and his campaign's ties to Russia prior to the election, and 2) Russia's coordinated attempts to infiltrate the Election of 2016. We have evidence multiple people brought these issues to their attention, but their response was always the same; a Sergeant Schultz "I SEE NOTHING!"
Trump mocked a disabled man and bragged about sexually assaulting a woman on tape, and pretty much EVERY Republican voter still voted for him, even the "Christian" ones. They're not going to turn easily. That being said, it could happen quickly.
Trump Removal Scenario #1 - Trump is gone by October 2017.
For this to happen, an incredible piece of evidence would need to come to light, the most likely would be his tax returns, which are undoubtedly intertwined with Russian banks and business interests. Also, if either the rumored Russian golden showers tape, the rumored tape of Trump's Campaign team talking about working with Russia to steal the election, or if indisputable evidence of the Trump team paying off the Russian hackers (as it's been rumored was the deal) comes to light, it would be very hard for Republicans to stop the beating of the drums. 85% of the country saying Trump needs to go would force the GOP's hand. Doesn't mean a lot of Republicans wouldn't still steadfastly defend him.
Trump Removal Scenario #2 - Trump is gone by October of 2018.
This has far more to do with how Trump would impact the 2018 Elections. If the Republicans are staring down historic losses, and public opinion is firmly against Trump, especially in white suburban areas of the country, the GOP will cut their losses. The thought of such a 'tilted to the right' election system being usurped by public anger and record turnout would scare enough Republicans to either announce their retirement, or call for his removal. If enough Republicans see defeat coming, especially in traditionally safe Republican seats, they'll make the call. I expect a lot of Republicans to announce their retirement in the next year.
Trump Removal Scenario #3 - Trump is gone by January 1st, 2019.
I think this is a very likely scenario. The Republicans, feeling obligated to dance with the President they came with, will head into 2018's election trying to avoid talking Trump. In the rare case they're put on point, they'll insist they're just as outraged about the stink on Trump as the Democrats, 'promising' to investigate REALLY HARD if they go back for another term. The public doesn't buy it, and the Republicans lose control of the US House, and/or (slightly less likely) the US Senate. The clock starts ticking because the GOP knows the Democrats will formally investigate Trump with independent investigators when they take over. The Republicans will remove the filibuster, and ram through as much legislation as they can in the lame duck session, and in the hours before the Democrats assume control, Trump will resign, probably with a handshake deal made with the outgoing Republican leadership to limit the scope of any further investigation into Trump (mainly that his taxes will never be released to the public).
Trump Removal Scenario #4 - He doesn't get removed and finishes out his one term in office
This is also a likely outcome. Unless Democrats can get their ass in gear and start motivating voters to put down the Netflix, iPhones and video games, and win back the House, there will be nothing stopping Trump from serving out his entire term. He will walk out of the White House, insisting his failures were all wins, basking in his self made glow. If you think his arrogance is bad now... Pence has already formed his campaign committee and is on the road holding rallies. When Trump leaves office, regardless of incoming Administration, all the evidence against him will disappear into the night.
Notice I never said Trump would be impeached. The Republicans will outright refuse to do so. If things get to the point where Trump needs to go, the GOP leadership will walk over to him, tell him the gig is up, and coordinate a resignation date. Republicans would feel as if a President guilty of treason, collusion, profiteering, and obstructing justice being able to walk out of the White House cuff-free would be a HUGE victory, and they'd be right. If Trump refuses to leave office, and 95% of the public is at the gates with pitchforks and torches, the Republicans would then allow the impeachment of Trump to happen.
This is why I'm already demanding quality Democratic candidates in every race in the country, NOW! This is why I'm so critical of people who think posting Facebook and Twitter memes is actually doing something. It's not. It's why no seat goes unchallenged, no candidate goes unopposed, and no scandal gets dismissed. It's why you need to IMMEDIATELY call every newspaper and radio station across rural America and demand equal time for Democratic candidates. If they refuse, start protesting them. You negate the Republican money advantage by knocking on doors, standing up for Democratic ideals when challenged, and getting people to the polls to vote!
As Americans, we need to do everything ewe can to stop Trump. It's your patriotic duty!
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