After the Speaker, the President Pro Tem of the Senate.
Currently, that is Orin Hatch.

(05-17-2017 08:13 AM)JSA Wrote:  After the Speaker, the President Pro Tem of the Senate.
Currently, that is Orin Hatch.

Thanks for the info. I cannot see the current furor getting even Trump*, much less leading down the ladder even to Pence.

*Removal requires a 2/3 majority in the Senate. As we saw with Clinton, it would take a lot to get there. Maybe a video of Trump passing top secret documents to a Russian agent and toasting Mother Russia with vodka.

(05-17-2017 08:09 AM)OptimisticOwl Wrote:  

(05-16-2017 11:03 PM)RiceLad15 Wrote:  

(05-16-2017 10:50 PM)OptimisticOwl Wrote:  

(05-16-2017 06:07 PM)RiceLad15 Wrote:  

(05-16-2017 05:35 PM)JustAnotherAustinOwl Wrote:  And now it comes out Trump asked Comey to quash the Flynn probe....

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/05/16/us/po...p=cur&_r=0

It's hard to keep track of all the scandals at this point.

This is the first time I actually think Trump will be impeached. See this line from the article:

Quote: Mr. Comey created similar memos — including some that are classified — about every phone call and meeting he had with the president, the two people said.

FBI notes are apparently often used as evidence in court, and should these memos exist, my admittedly non-lawyer mind, thinks that this reeks of obstruction of justice.

My understanding is that if Comey thought somebody was trying to obstruct justice, he was duty bound to report it. He didn't.

If Trump is impeached, I guess that will make Pence President. Or if you get them both, then Ryan is President.

I've not gotten that understanding about being bound to disclose those actions publicly.

I listened to some news tonight and a number of interesting points were brought up regarding the memo and Comey's decision not to come forward with it at the time. Ranging from the idea that the actions couldn't legally be obstruction of justice if there wasn't a criminal investigation going on at the time (just an intelligence probe), to the fact that Comey may not have wanted to jeopardize the Russia investigation that he was overseeing, as coming forward with that memo would have opened a whole can of worms.

But let's say he was bound by duty to report it, what difference does it make if it was brought forward after the fact? Is this admission outside a statute of limitations for disclosing obstruction of justice?

And yep, you have the order correct through the speaker of the House.

edit: I'd also like to point out that we are talking about a memo here that was written by Comey about the interaction he had with Trump due to the peculiarities of the meeting. Everything I've heard indicates that Comey himself said nothing about obstruction of justice - just that he wanted to continue a practice he regularly had done, which was document unusual interactions he had with people.

The obstruction of justice comments have come from the peanut gallery.

Good points. I haven't been able to spend much time in front of the TV lately, and won't be able to for a while, but what little I caught brought this aspect up.

I would think that not disclosing meant he did not think it was obstruction of justice.

My understanding is that Comey kept notes on every interaction he had with superiors, not just unusual ones.

I think a lot of the hoi polloi among the Resistance, the peanut gallery as you say, think without thinking, that somehow getting rid of Trump will put Hillary in office. They are still fighting the election. I am not sure without looking it up who is next after the Speaker of the House, but I am sure that Hillary is not in the line of succession.

Aside: peanut gallery? That was a name used for the crowd of kids in a popular children's show when I was young, in the 1950's, Howdy Doody. I am sure you are not that old. Pick it up from a father or grandfather?

I don't think there are a lot of people delusional enough to think that removing Trump from office would somehow put Hillary, or a Dem, in his place. At least I hope not. I think the majority of people who are critical of Trump and who would not mind to see him impeached if there was sufficient evidence, aren't that crazy. They have gripes about his policy (which doesn't have anything to do about impeachment), but their biggest concern is that his demeanor and state of mind has not changed after the election, and that is leading to situations where impeachment does not seem that absurd.

And as far as peanut gallery goes, I've heard that saying my whole life. Probably from my father who is from the midwest.

(05-17-2017 08:44 AM)RiceLad15 Wrote:  

(05-17-2017 08:09 AM)OptimisticOwl Wrote:  

(05-16-2017 11:03 PM)RiceLad15 Wrote:  

(05-16-2017 10:50 PM)OptimisticOwl Wrote:  

(05-16-2017 06:07 PM)RiceLad15 Wrote:  This is the first time I actually think Trump will be impeached. See this line from the article:


FBI notes are apparently often used as evidence in court, and should these memos exist, my admittedly non-lawyer mind, thinks that this reeks of obstruction of justice.

My understanding is that if Comey thought somebody was trying to obstruct justice, he was duty bound to report it. He didn't.

If Trump is impeached, I guess that will make Pence President. Or if you get them both, then Ryan is President.

I've not gotten that understanding about being bound to disclose those actions publicly.

I listened to some news tonight and a number of interesting points were brought up regarding the memo and Comey's decision not to come forward with it at the time. Ranging from the idea that the actions couldn't legally be obstruction of justice if there wasn't a criminal investigation going on at the time (just an intelligence probe), to the fact that Comey may not have wanted to jeopardize the Russia investigation that he was overseeing, as coming forward with that memo would have opened a whole can of worms.

But let's say he was bound by duty to report it, what difference does it make if it was brought forward after the fact? Is this admission outside a statute of limitations for disclosing obstruction of justice?

And yep, you have the order correct through the speaker of the House.

edit: I'd also like to point out that we are talking about a memo here that was written by Comey about the interaction he had with Trump due to the peculiarities of the meeting. Everything I've heard indicates that Comey himself said nothing about obstruction of justice - just that he wanted to continue a practice he regularly had done, which was document unusual interactions he had with people.

The obstruction of justice comments have come from the peanut gallery.

Good points. I haven't been able to spend much time in front of the TV lately, and won't be able to for a while, but what little I caught brought this aspect up.

I would think that not disclosing meant he did not think it was obstruction of justice.

My understanding is that Comey kept notes on every interaction he had with superiors, not just unusual ones.

I think a lot of the hoi polloi among the Resistance, the peanut gallery as you say, think without thinking, that somehow getting rid of Trump will put Hillary in office. They are still fighting the election. I am not sure without looking it up who is next after the Speaker of the House, but I am sure that Hillary is not in the line of succession.

Aside: peanut gallery? That was a name used for the crowd of kids in a popular children's show when I was young, in the 1950's, Howdy Doody. I am sure you are not that old. Pick it up from a father or grandfather?

I don't think there are a lot of people delusional enough to think that removing Trump from office would somehow put Hillary, or a Dem, in his place. At least I hope not. I think the majority of people who are critical of Trump and who would not mind to see him impeached if there was sufficient evidence, aren't that crazy. They have gripes about his policy (which doesn't have anything to do about impeachment), but their biggest concern is that his demeanor and state of mind has not changed after the election, and that is leading to situations where impeachment does not seem that absurd.

And as far as peanut gallery goes, I've heard that saying my whole life. Probably from my father who is from the midwest.

The Howdy Doody Show had some viewing stands with about 30-40 kids. approx ages 4-7, in them, and this was referred to as the peanut gallery. First usage I can remember, but it may be much older than that.

I just think that a lot of the lesser lights in the Resistance have their eyes set firmly on removing Trump, without a thought or an idea of what comes next.

I think a lot of their leaders want to continue the agitation to enhance the DNC's shot at retaking Congress in 2018 or at least one house.

In between, a few saner heads.

Demeanor and state of mind are not impeachable offenses, and impeachment is not removal, as Bill Clinton has shown. I too would like to see a different demeanor, but that does not mean I want him impeached. Some very evil persons have shown much better demeanor.

One opinion

(05-17-2017 08:56 AM)OptimisticOwl Wrote:  The Howdy Doody Show had some viewing stands with about 30-40 kids. approx ages 4-7, in them, and this was referred to as the peanut gallery. First usage I can remember, but it may be much older than that.

There was a revival mid to late 70s, plus reruns. But I think Lad is too young for those too.

I actually have answered my kids' question "What time is it?" with "It's Howdy Doody time" just out of learned habit from my dad. Needless to say, they had no idea what I was talking about.

I think "peanut gallery" has entered the vernacular at this point.

Bob Smith and Howdy, too, say Howdy doo to you.

(05-17-2017 09:42 AM)JSA Wrote:  Bob Smith and Howdy, too, say Howdy doo to you.

I wonder if Princess SummerFallWinterSpring would be a PC problem now.

(05-17-2017 10:07 AM)OptimisticOwl Wrote:  

(05-17-2017 09:42 AM)JSA Wrote:  Bob Smith and Howdy, too, say Howdy doo to you.

I wonder if Princess SummerFallWinterSpring would be a PC problem now.

Just the messenger:

http://www.todayifoundout.com/index.php/...t-gallery/

(05-17-2017 10:30 AM)JSA Wrote:  

(05-17-2017 10:07 AM)OptimisticOwl Wrote:  

(05-17-2017 09:42 AM)JSA Wrote:  Bob Smith and Howdy, too, say Howdy doo to you.

I wonder if Princess SummerFallWinterSpring would be a PC problem now.

Just the messenger:

http://www.todayifoundout.com/index.php/...t-gallery/

Interesting. I suspected the phrase predated "Howdy Doody". I did not suspect that some found it racist. Yet another happy memory of my childhood tarnished.

(05-17-2017 08:16 AM)OptimisticOwl Wrote:  

(05-17-2017 08:13 AM)JSA Wrote:  After the Speaker, the President Pro Tem of the Senate.
Currently, that is Orin Hatch.

Thanks for the info. I cannot see the current furor getting even Trump*, much less leading down the ladder even to Pence.

*Removal requires a 2/3 majority in the Senate. As we saw with Clinton, it would take a lot to get there. Maybe a video of Trump passing top secret documents to a Russian agent and toasting Mother Russia with vodka.

Speculation has begun on who President Pence would appoint as the new VP. The favorite seems to be John McCain.

(05-17-2017 03:20 PM)JSA Wrote:  

(05-17-2017 08:16 AM)OptimisticOwl Wrote:  

(05-17-2017 08:13 AM)JSA Wrote:  After the Speaker, the President Pro Tem of the Senate.
Currently, that is Orin Hatch.

Thanks for the info. I cannot see the current furor getting even Trump*, much less leading down the ladder even to Pence.

*Removal requires a 2/3 majority in the Senate. As we saw with Clinton, it would take a lot to get there. Maybe a video of Trump passing top secret documents to a Russian agent and toasting Mother Russia with vodka.

Speculation has begun on who President Pence would appoint as the new VP. The favorite seems to be John McCain.

My choice would be Condy Rice.

Tweetin' Trump is back! And he is already contradicting his own public statement on the special prosecutor.

Anyone think he stole his phone when no one was looking and ran into the bathroom to launch these tweets?

This column from Donald's Art of the Deal ghostwriter was informative, I thought. Granted I don't know if he has an axe to grind with Trump or any background, but interesting nonetheless.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/postevery...2c91d229f9

(05-17-2017 03:20 PM)JSA Wrote:  

(05-17-2017 08:16 AM)OptimisticOwl Wrote:  

(05-17-2017 08:13 AM)JSA Wrote:  After the Speaker, the President Pro Tem of the Senate.
Currently, that is Orin Hatch.

Thanks for the info. I cannot see the current furor getting even Trump*, much less leading down the ladder even to Pence.

*Removal requires a 2/3 majority in the Senate. As we saw with Clinton, it would take a lot to get there. Maybe a video of Trump passing top secret documents to a Russian agent and toasting Mother Russia with vodka.

Speculation has begun on who President Pence would appoint as the new VP. The favorite seems to be John McCain.

And based on the new revelations today, speculation has begun on what Pence knew. Maybe it will be President Ryan picking a VP...

(05-18-2017 02:37 PM)JustAnotherAustinOwl Wrote:  

(05-17-2017 03:20 PM)JSA Wrote:  

(05-17-2017 08:16 AM)OptimisticOwl Wrote:  

(05-17-2017 08:13 AM)JSA Wrote:  After the Speaker, the President Pro Tem of the Senate.
Currently, that is Orin Hatch.

Thanks for the info. I cannot see the current furor getting even Trump*, much less leading down the ladder even to Pence.

*Removal requires a 2/3 majority in the Senate. As we saw with Clinton, it would take a lot to get there. Maybe a video of Trump passing top secret documents to a Russian agent and toasting Mother Russia with vodka.

Speculation has begun on who President Pence would appoint as the new VP. The favorite seems to be John McCain.

And based on the new revelations today, speculation has begun on what Pence knew. Maybe it will be President Ryan picking a VP...

Some polls have Ryan underwater in his home district.

(05-19-2017 08:38 AM)JSA Wrote:  

(05-18-2017 02:37 PM)JustAnotherAustinOwl Wrote:  

(05-17-2017 03:20 PM)JSA Wrote:  

(05-17-2017 08:16 AM)OptimisticOwl Wrote:  

(05-17-2017 08:13 AM)JSA Wrote:  After the Speaker, the President Pro Tem of the Senate.
Currently, that is Orin Hatch.

Thanks for the info. I cannot see the current furor getting even Trump*, much less leading down the ladder even to Pence.

*Removal requires a 2/3 majority in the Senate. As we saw with Clinton, it would take a lot to get there. Maybe a video of Trump passing top secret documents to a Russian agent and toasting Mother Russia with vodka.

Speculation has begun on who President Pence would appoint as the new VP. The favorite seems to be John McCain.

And based on the new revelations today, speculation has begun on what Pence knew. Maybe it will be President Ryan picking a VP...

Some polls have Ryan underwater in his home district.

So I guess the plan is Trump and Pence get removed from office post 2018 mid-terms and Voila! President Pelosi! The plan is finally coming together.

(05-19-2017 08:43 AM)JustAnotherAustinOwl Wrote:  

(05-19-2017 08:38 AM)JSA Wrote:  

(05-18-2017 02:37 PM)JustAnotherAustinOwl Wrote:  

(05-17-2017 03:20 PM)JSA Wrote:  

(05-17-2017 08:16 AM)OptimisticOwl Wrote:  Thanks for the info. I cannot see the current furor getting even Trump*, much less leading down the ladder even to Pence.

*Removal requires a 2/3 majority in the Senate. As we saw with Clinton, it would take a lot to get there. Maybe a video of Trump passing top secret documents to a Russian agent and toasting Mother Russia with vodka.

Speculation has begun on who President Pence would appoint as the new VP. The favorite seems to be John McCain.

And based on the new revelations today, speculation has begun on what Pence knew. Maybe it will be President Ryan picking a VP...

Some polls have Ryan underwater in his home district.

So I guess the plan is Trump and Pence get removed from office post 2018 mid-terms and Voila! President Pelosi! The plan is finally coming together.

Tin foil hat - ENGAGED.

Trump and co having a pretty good, and uneventful trip overseas so far. Looks like the Saudis are willing to work with him and it looks like someone on team Trump was able to convince him to stay on script. I did find two things interesting.
One was that, after Trump and the Republican party's fascination with the use of the term "radical Islam" (or Obama's lack of its use), team Trump followed suit. Also, Trump did a little bow to the king (?) during the medal ceremony, and the world did not come tumbling down.
Maybe this is new Trump?

Before you can even talk about impeachment, you need to have a crime. That's the piece that's missing here.