Several months ago, I stated that I thought one of the least-asked questions in DC might be

[Atticus]

"And, then what?" Now , I think it is a question we Democrats should be asking ourselves---and each other.

We are now, apparently, in the process of "gathering information and evidence" about several issues on several fronts. We have REQUESTED that several Trump officials either testify before Congressional committees or provide documents to them. So far, they have refused. "And, then what?"

Well, then, we will subpoena them. "And, then what?

They will fight the subpoenas in court and, eventually, they will lose. "And, then what?"

They will ignore the court order and still refuse to honor the subpoenas. "AND, THEN WHAT?"

As I see it, that's where we're headed. I have no idea what the next move in the above scenario would be, but I don't feel bad about it. I don't think anyone else knows "Then what?" either. I'm simply questioning why we are taking this path.

If you drive past several roads signs warning "No Outlet", "Dead End" and "Road Ends 1000 Feet", can you claim genuine surprise when the pavement stops at a barricade?

[Pantagruel]

1. House has choices

Trump ignores current subpoenas at his own risk. At some point , he forces the House to go to Impeachment to get the facts to which they are rightfully entitled.

[CTyankee]

4. Well, we're in good hands in the House with Nancy there to see this thing thru.

If I were Trump or one of his minions I'd be very afraid...

[Atticus]

6. "If you were Trump", we'd have a sane president. nt

[CTyankee]

7. Not for long. I'd hate to be president. But I'm old...

[manor321]

2. Democrats have to bring the public along

That's why they are following the rules. If things continue this way, an impeachment inquiry will begin.

[CTyankee]

8. Good point. I don't think the "public" thinks too much about all this...they have other things

to do, other claims on their mind. We have to remember that not everyone cares about politics as much as we do and that's just the way it is.

[Atticus]

12. Well, then I think we'd better find a way to MAKE them "care about politics"!

"That's just the way it is" is not going go be much comfort when we're living under an authoritarian oligarchy.

[CTyankee]

13. I think we are the political people (on the Dem side) in our communities but we can't get upset

because everyone isn't as politically active as we are. They'll get to that point, I am sure but I just don't expect everyone I know and interact with on a daily basis to be as involved in politics as I am (my husband is too but at a local level). And I'm retired. My neighbors all have jobs to go to and deal with every day. I have plenty of time to go on DU and get a load off my chest or just have online chats like I'm having now.

[Atticus]

14. Thank you for your patience with my impatience. Let's hope you are right. nt

[Recursion]

3. And then there's a general election

And each of those things does alienate independents. Plus we get all kinds of unflattering leaks.

[Atticus]

5. And, then, Trump declares a "national emergency" and declares that, "In these perilous times,

we can't afford to be distracted by partisan politics. Until further order, all elections are cancelled."

AND, THEN WHAT?

(If you think that's farfetched, it's being discussed on Chris Hayes show as I write this.)

[CTyankee]

9. then anyone sane in the admin. needs to go to him and say the jig is up, like they did Nixon.

I think there are ways of removing him if he loses it.

This is all beginning to sound like a bad movie...

[Atticus]

10. Who is this "sane in the administration" of whom you speak? nt

[CTyankee]

11. Gotta be somebody...

I'll have nightmares for sure tonight

[Karadeniz]

15. Citizens should be asking that every time trump/GOP draws a breath. We cancel Iran deal.

Then what? We send Abrams to Venezuela. Then what? We compliment the Libyan strongman. Then what?

[lunatica]

16. That's just about where I am

Has their ability to think proactively gone to shit?

This really is like a chess game. If you aren’t thinking about your next moves based on seeing all the moves Trump can make then you’re not playing chess. Don’t be surprised when you lose the game.