Trump is really loosing it now. He is now publicly requesting that China look into the Bidens and for Ukraine to see what they can do.
A reporter asked the American leader, “Would you like President Zelensky to do more on Joe Biden and the investigation?” Trump replied, “No, I want him to do whatever he can.”
It was hard not to do a double-take. Facing impeachment over pressuring a foreign leader to assist his political scheme, had Trump just done it again? This time, on camera?
This morning, the American president abandoned all subtlety.
President Donald Trump said Thursday the Chinese government should investigate former Vice President Joe Biden and his son Hunter Biden over the latter’s involvement with an investment fund that raised money in the country. […]
Speaking to reporters outside the White House, Trump said that, “China should start an investigation into the Bidens.”
So, on the one hand, Trump and his team are engaged in intense trade negotiations with China. On the other hand, Trump is now publicly calling on China to dig up dirt on one of his domestic political rivals. Indeed, within a minute of seeking Beijing’s 2020 help, Trump added, “I have a lot of options on China, but if they don’t do what we want, we have tremendous power.”
In case that weren’t quite enough, during the same brief Q&A, the American president again called on Ukraine to go after the Democratic presidential hopeful. “I would say that President Zelensky, if it were me, I would recommend that they start an investigation into the Bidens.”
@lawrence, you make a really good point. He had that "deer in the headlights" look when he won (along with the rest of us!). He likes the idea of being President, which he equates with being a king. But if he gets impeached he can paint himself as a victim. And he probably has grandiose visions of starting some right-wing, global network, where he can continue to spout his venom and conspiratorial theories.
Loving thoughts to you as well!
I agree with everything you said. T is so delusional, he thinks he'll be able to walk away without punishment. He won't. Even if he thinks so, with some sort of resignation immunity deal. There will be loopholes.
The remaining years of his life will be miserable for a variety of reasons.
From the sound of things, Volker is blowing Rudy G's story out of the water. Volker has been testifying all day and from what has come out so far:
1. Volker repeatedly tried to discourage Rudy G's idea that there was dirt to be found on either Biden in Ukraine, which discredits Rudy G's story that he was working in the Ukraine at Volker's invitation.
2. Encrypted texts between Volker and Sondheim exist where they're discussing how crazy it is that they're having to waste time on Rudy G. and Trump's conspiracy theories. ABC is reporting that in one text Sondheim suggests that's why the money for Ukraine arms deal is being held up by Trump and that it amounts to corruption; he then suggests to Volker that they should stop texting about it.
Also, more news on the IRS whistleblower is also coming out and it sounds like IRS employees were being pressured by Trump appointees to do something with or to either Trump or Pence's taxes. Here is a good article on this from the Washington Post: https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/economy/irs-whistleblower-said-to-report-treasury-political-appointee-might-have-tried-to-interfere-in-audit-of-trump-or-pence/2019/10/03/0c768b34-e52e-11e9-a331-2df12d56a80b_story.html
Also, Fox News Legal Analyst Napolitano did a piece on Fox today where he basically said if Trump has a real defense, he better come out with it now, because what has come out so far is an impeachable offense.
Just want to add another link to an ABC article about Volker's testimony today. I mis-spelled the name of the other diplomat above (it's Sondlan) and also didn't quite get the details right, so thought it might be best just to post the link to the article. Apparently, ABC has a copy of at least one of the texts. And Volker may not be as clean handed as I made him sound. Sorry about the messy facts in my post above.
In newly disclosed text messages shared with Congress, the top U.S. diplomat in Ukraine writes to a group of other American diplomats that "I think it's crazy to withhold security assistance for help with a political campaign.”
The exchange, provided by another American diplomat, former U.S Special Envoy to Ukraine Kurt Volker, as part of his closed-door deposition before multiple House committees Thursday, shows what appears to be encrypted text messages he exchanged with two other American diplomats in September regarding aid money President Donald Trump ordered to be held back from Ukraine.
In the Sept. 9 exchange, obtained by ABC News, the concerns are expressed by Bill Taylor, the top U.S. diplomat to Ukraine.
I don't think Trump wants to be impeached. It puts a stain on his legacy and he is too narcissistic to want that. Him openly talking about Biden, Ukraine, and throwing China in the mix today is a manipulation ploy. Think of all the thi gs he does that wouldve made heads explode 4+ years ago but are overlooked today as the new normal. He is trying to make requesting/extorting dirt from other countries the new normal and if he talks about it like nothing is wrong, then people will start to slowly believe nothing is wrong with it.
This is how he got away with everything so far in the eyes of his supporters.
I believe Trump will be gone, soon. Within a few months.
I think this is key and I haven't heard many people addressing this situation anywhere. What happens if there is a vacancy in the Vice- Presidency position?
25th Amendment, section 2 of the constitution states: "Whenever there is a vacancy in the office of the Vice President, the President shall nominate a Vice President who shall take office upon confirmation by a majority vote of both Houses of Congress".
Why this is key is BOTH Houses of Congress must have a majority vote to place a V.P in office if it is empty.
There are going to be some big time negotiations going on in the near future. Timing in key.
In late September I pulled these 3 cards (Thoth) for Pelosi.
October- The Universe
November- 8 of Wands, Swiftness
December- The Lovers
I did the same for Pence
October- Prince of Swords
November- 4 of Cups, Luxury
December- Lust
I did the same for The United States
October- Fortune
November- Knight of Swords
December- The Lovers
A few days ago I posted in the Tarot section about my 3 card pull for Trump. They fit really well with these other cards above.
Feel free to way in. Is The Lovers card representing the same thing for the US and Pelosi? A new contract? An official impeachment? A new Pres or V. P.? Does the Lust card for Pence mean he is "Lusting" for the office of President?
Additionally, this thought recently occurred to me. Could we be looking at a Dem/ Republican split? One for the office of President and another for the office of VP ? Something to try to bind the nation together. A compromise of sorts? I think there will be a lot of negotiations taking place regardless.
Also, @Jeanne, I think you saw a dark haired women perhaps as President. Others too. You thought Niki Halley. Could it be Pelosi instead ? Or possible could it be a compromise with both being there?
You know we may have a few different Presidents before we actually elect one. It is a jumbled mess right now. No wonder no one seems to have a clear answer to the question of who will be the next President of the United States.
Also, it might be a good negotiating move if Pelosi offers to step aside and let Grassley(4th jn line, after Nancy) take the White House in exchange for the impeachment conviction for both Trump and Pence. That would allow the GOP to keep their President, who would then be removed in November 2020 because that move would kill the "dems want to steal the presidency" argument and probably gather a few more votes.