1/ THREAD: A Possible Path for Republicans to save face?
Although it's absolutely cowardly, consider the following scenario:
Although it's absolutely cowardly, consider the following scenario:
2/ After Trump's Impeachment, once the trial begins in the Senate, any given Republican senator may agree that Trump should be removed, but for various reasons (lack of courage, desire to pander to base/effort to get re-elected, etc.), ...
3/ ... they don't want to vote for his removal of the President. However, if any of them abstain from voting, the total required for 2/3 majority (and subsequent removal) diminishes...
4/ If 30 Republican senators would abstain (assuming the 23 other R senators vote to acquit), then as long as remaining the 47 Dem/Independent Senators vote for removal, the 2/3 majority is satisfied — and Trump will be removed.
5/ SUMMARY: Abstained votes lower the total needed for 2/3 majority and also let Republican Senators save some political face.
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Addendum: To be clear, I'm not saying this is optimal by any stretch. It is, however, possible.
2nd Addendum: The Senators who abstain would also have to be absent before the final voting commenced.
