General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: They Are Squirming [View all]NanceGreggs
(27,813 posts)... especially if he starts damaging the "GOP brand".
Trump is expendable. They will still have the WH if he goes. What is particularly of note in this case is the fact that Pence was their first choice anyway. So it's not like they have any reluctance in moving him into the presidency - in fact, it's a win/win for them. They lose a loose cannon and gain a "manageable" party loyalist who will more than happily sign their awful bills - without keeping them awake at night worrying about what nonsense he's going to tweet at 3 a.m., or whether he's going to act like a lunatic at a press conference.
It is to the GOP's advantage to Dump Trump. The only obstacle right now is the blowback from the voters still loyal to him. But we all know how malleable those voters are. It's just a matter of time before Republican PTB start planting the seeds of discontent and mistrust among their base, slowly but surely turning them against the current "shiny object".
As bad as Pence looks to us, he's an easy sell among the GOP base. He knows how to look and act the part of a "president", and his core values are in keeping with theirs. Shifting their voters' loyalty from Trump to Pence will take time, but it can be done.
I'm watching for the signs that this process is starting, e.g. Republican PTB publicly "questioning" Trump's decision-making, hinting that maybe he's not as trustworthy as originally thought, displaying reluctance to back his policies - then becoming more outspoken against him as they sense a shift in the electorate.
Let's remember that those who were dumb enough to support Trump in the first place are dumb enough to be persuaded against him without too much effort.