"It’s always a mistake to apply three-dimensional chess reasoning to Trump’s choices rather than basic snake-brained motivations." I totally agree, and I agree that Senate Republicans (who also don't play 3D chess) will probably confirm Trump's nominees, at least most of them, because they don't care about the damage they'll do. However,…
"It’s always a mistake to apply three-dimensional chess reasoning to Trump’s choices rather than basic snake-brained motivations." I totally agree, and I agree that Senate Republicans (who also don't play 3D chess) will probably confirm Trump's nominees, at least most of them, because they don't care about the damage they'll do. However, when Trump and his nominees start doing things that begin to tank the economy, raising inflation, costs and interest rates, then voters, donors and CEOs, will pay attention because everyone cares about money. It'll be Republicans up for re-election in 2026 who'll pay the price, and neither Trump (a lame duck on day one) nor Muskaswamy will suffer or care. Trump can receive out-and-out bribes with immunity, and he can pardon those who pay him. Trump only wants absolute power so he can rake in money and anyone who helps him do that will be viewed favorably. However, when things start to tank, he'll also blame Congressional Republicans. We're not going to see them working in an efficient, systematic manner; it'll be more like Lord of the Flies IRL. We'll see more political sabotage, backstabbing and leaks to the press than during Trump's first term. Muskaswamy are strutting around in the hubris, but most Congressional Republicans don't want them running the show, taking away their power. It's going to be ugly and a lot innocent voters will be harmed.
"It’s always a mistake to apply three-dimensional chess reasoning to Trump’s choices rather than basic snake-brained motivations." I totally agree, and I agree that Senate Republicans (who also don't play 3D chess) will probably confirm Trump's nominees, at least most of them, because they don't care about the damage they'll do. However, when Trump and his nominees start doing things that begin to tank the economy, raising inflation, costs and interest rates, then voters, donors and CEOs, will pay attention because everyone cares about money. It'll be Republicans up for re-election in 2026 who'll pay the price, and neither Trump (a lame duck on day one) nor Muskaswamy will suffer or care. Trump can receive out-and-out bribes with immunity, and he can pardon those who pay him. Trump only wants absolute power so he can rake in money and anyone who helps him do that will be viewed favorably. However, when things start to tank, he'll also blame Congressional Republicans. We're not going to see them working in an efficient, systematic manner; it'll be more like Lord of the Flies IRL. We'll see more political sabotage, backstabbing and leaks to the press than during Trump's first term. Muskaswamy are strutting around in the hubris, but most Congressional Republicans don't want them running the show, taking away their power. It's going to be ugly and a lot innocent voters will be harmed.