2024 US Presidential Election

[BrianSoddingBoru4]

The difference being that in 2015/2016, Trump didn't have four indictments and a 35-point lead in opinion polls. He's got nothing to gain and everything to lose by stepping onto that debate stage.

Plus, I think he's actually afraid of Chris Christie.

Boru

His strategy of denial and deflection would work just as well now as it ever did, IMO. Only liberals see the indictments as final nails in the coffin. Many Republicans think Democrats fabricated the coffin.

But what’s the gain for him? Unless the MAGAts and MAGAt wannabes suddenly become sane en masse, he’s already got a lock on the nomination. If he debates, he’s going to do nothing more than write campaign ads for Christie and Pence. By opting for the Carlson interview, he can - as Thump said - sit on his fat arse and answer softball questions.

Boru

[Thumpalumpacus]

The difference being that in 2015/2016, Trump didn't have four indictments and a 35-point lead in opinion polls. He's got nothing to gain and everything to lose by stepping onto that debate stage.

Plus, I think he's actually afraid of Chris Christie.

Boru

His strategy of denial and deflection would work just as well now as it ever did, IMO. Only liberals see the indictments as final nails in the coffin. Many Republicans think Democrats fabricated the coffin.

I think both Christie and Pence would give Trump fits, Christie because he's a former prosecutor who knows how to craft tough questions, and Pence because being in on the discussions would know a lot to throw in Trump's lap.

I agree with Brian that Trump has a lot more to lose than gain, and this isn't about liberals; Trump can't afford to give Christie oxygen, nor allow Pence to challenge his own 6 Jan narrative as one who was also there. That's why Trump is taking a powder, imo. I still think Trump will get the nomination.

[Aegon]

I suppose. Also now that I think about it he may have been advised not to do the debate by his attorney so he doesn't accidentally incriminate himself

[Bucky Ball]

Trump will get the nomination, fortunately. 
He's a multi-time loser. And will lose again. 
Maybe the Repubtards will finally get that when he loses again. 
But I doubt it.

[Thumpalumpacus]

I suppose. Also now that I think about it he may have been advised not to do the debate by his attorney so he doesn't accidentally incriminate himself

That too, a definite possibility.

[Bucky Ball]

Hope some of you may have caught the press conference this afternoon with Mr Biden, and the leaders of Japan and South Korea. 
It may be on YouTUbe. 

Not only is Biden entirely 110 % competent, and lucid, but also his administration arranged the historic Camp David conference today. 
What was discussed, and the replies to the journalists questions were SO FUCKING FAR beyond anything Trump could have said or conceived of,  
it's mind-boggling and hilarious. Trump is so incompetent and ignorant, it's beyond description.

[BrianSoddingBoru4]

Ran across an interesting argument today: Trump isn’t actually trying to get elected president. Here’s why -

1) Trump knows (or, at the very least, has been told) that he can’t win without independents. His cult has been weakening to the point where he can’t garner enough votes in the EC. So, instead of joining the debate, which would be watched by independents, he’s opted for the Carlson interview which will only be watched by those people most likely to send him money.

2) While in office, he said more than once that he didn’t like the job.

3) It’s not likely about presidential immunity - he thinks he’ll be convicted and not receive jail time.

Not at all sure if I agree with this, but it’s an interesting viewpoint.

Boru

[The Valkyrie]

Them, "where do you stand on the electric chair for Trump if he's convicted of treason?"

Me, "By the switch."

[The Valkyrie]

It requires Supreme Court enforcement and Trump can raise a lot of vacation money to pay off the justices.

They addressed that in the paper. If just one supervisor of elections removes Trump from the ballot under Section 3, Trump would have the right of appeal. The authors don’t fancy his chances in front of a Supreme Court with so many originalists on the bench.

Boru

The governor of California has, apparently started legislation that would remove Trump as a candidate from any elections in that State.

[LinuxGal]

They addressed that in the paper. If just one supervisor of elections removes Trump from the ballot under Section 3, Trump would have the right of appeal. The authors don’t fancy his chances in front of a Supreme Court with so many originalists on the bench.

Boru

The governor of California has, apparently started legislation that would remove Trump as a candidate from any elections in that State.

Cali is basically a one-party state and it's not Trump's party.