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Jason Isbell, Chris Thile and Chris Eldridge: "If We Were Vampires" [VIDEO]

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Belafon1/31/2019 10:57:01 am PST

re: #493 KGxvi

I agree Pence doesn’t resign unless they’ve got him dead to rites. Even then, the Senate Republicans may vote to acquit him (while convicting/removing Trump), so that Pence becomes president. He’d be a historically weak president, having already been impeached, and would likely be a lame duck as soon as he took office (every GOP Senator and Governor declares for 2020 the day the vote to remove comes down).

But let’s say he does resign. Yes, Trump gets to appoint a new VP. But that VP must be confirmed by both Houses of Congress. So, if he reneges on some agreeable grand bargain nominee; the House can take it up, and vote against confirmation. In that case, it doesn’t matter what the Senate does or doesn’t do (could McConnell try and speed the nomination through the Senate on a party line vote? Yes, he could, but given the nature of the appointment, I’m not sure how many Republicans would be on board with that). If Trump doesn’t nominate someone that can get through both chambers, and he is indeed impeached/removed, then the presidency transfers to Pelosi.

It’s an absolute nightmare and constitutional crisis the likes we’ve never really seen. And so far outside of normal that nobody has really considered it except in the most fantastical novels/TV shows.

I only think the Senate has to confirm a new VP.