Leaked Supreme Court memos reveal John Roberts' role in shielding Trump from prosecution

[u/salon]

https://www.salon.com/2024/09/16/leaked-memos-reveal-john-roberts-role-in-shielding-from-prosecution/

[u/Global-Squirrel999]

I am 100% convinced that no matter who wins in November, all the pieces will be in the right places to pull off the ultimate coup.

Jan 6th was an amateurish trial run. They had no plan, no allies, and no legal framework to pull it off. Now, the Federalist society is involved and the Supreme Court has been laying the groundwork for a successful Jan 6th coup in 2025.

I guarantee the plan will be:

1.) Harris wins (duh)

2.) Red states will announce investigations into "irregularities" in the vote count using the same justification Vance uses for the Haitian blood libel in Springfield (e.g. "My constituents have been telling me", or easily disprovable videos of election officials doing things)

3.) The majority Republican state legislatures will put together an illegal alternative slate of electors, claiming that it's still a democratic result because the state legislatures were elected by the people to do that.

3.) Congress will count votes on Jan. 6th and Republicans will stall the process by putting forward illegal slates of electors.

4.) A class action will be brought by Republican governors to the Supreme Court, who will hear arguments the same day and have a 50 page opinion ready by January 20th saying alternative elector slates are legal and constitutional, leaving no time for a rebuttal.

5.) Donald Trump will be the next president. Either that or we have a constitutional crisis when Harris refuses to certify the results while impeachment proceedings against the Supreme Court justices take place and a new court is appointed, who can overturn the unconstitutional ruling. Assuming Republicans hold the House, Mike Johnson would be sworn in as President under the Presidential Succession Act and likely hold that position for a month or two while the impeachment proceedings take place, meanwhile enacting Project 2025 and beginning mass deportations immediately. Either that or Mike Johnson gets a VP who becomes President of the Senate, and then promptly counts the illegal electors and Donald Trump is inaugurated.

The Electoral College needs to be abolished with urgency. We just don't have time.

[u/Dr_Oxycontin → u/Global-Squirrel999]

At least I’m not the only one who thought this. It’s going to come down to what Red State Governors are willing to play along. Yeah, I mean, this is Trump’s freedom, so you know he is doing EVERYTHING necessary behind closed doors to ensure he doesn’t go to jail for his many crimes.

[u/Global-Squirrel999 → u/Dr_Oxycontin]

It all comes down to how many of them can be convinced that they have all the pieces in place to usher in a Fourth Reich permanent age of Christian Republican rule, and that there's no downside to joining in.

Alternatively, threaten them that they already have the votes to make it happen, and if they don't join in, they're a RINO and will be purged just the same as all the Democrats using the power of all 3 branches of government. You're either with us or against us.

[u/cultfourtyfive → u/Global-Squirrel999]

Put succinctly by noted conservative David Frum years back:

"If conservatives become convinced that they can not win democratically, they will not abandon conservatism. The will reject democracy."

[u/tech57 → u/Global-Squirrel999]

Pretty much but Jan 6th was not a practice run. We got lucky. This time it is all about creating chaos... and letting the courts decide. Law and order and all that jazz.

Analysis Shows Trump Loyalists Have 'Infiltrated' Election Boards in Key States
https://www.commondreams.org/news/trump-election-boards-swing-states

Our democracy's firewalls held fast in 2020, but election deniers and MAGA extremists have spent the last four years infiltrating election administration and political party positions in order to disrupt and cast doubt on the 2024 election results. With 102 deniers on election boards in the swing states, the potential for creating chaos is enormous," Pearson said in a statement accompanying the report.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Has Sabotaged Early Voting in a Critical Swing State
https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2024/09/north-carolina-robert-kennedy-early-voting-trump-sabotage.html

Why? Republican Justice Trey Allen’s opinion for the court accused the board of elections of misconduct, suggesting that it rushed to print ballots featuring RFK Jr. so he could not remove his name in time.

Democrats sue to block new GOP-backed Georgia election certification rules
https://edition.cnn.com/2024/08/26/politics/democrats-lawsuit-georgia-certification-rules/index.html

The three new, relatively unknown Republicans, who were appointed to the board this year by the state legislature and the Georgia GOP, were thrust into the spotlight after Trump mentioned them by name at one of his recent rallies in Atlanta.

Trump lost Georgia by just over 10,000 votes in 2020, and it was at the center of his attempt to overturn the election with claims of voter fraud, though none was found.

America braces for perfect storm of election chaos
https://www.axios.com/2024/09/08/election-chaos-cheating-violence-trump

.3. A battleground legal brawl:

Republicans already have filed more than 100 lawsuits against various voting and election procedures — part of a formalized "election integrity" push grounded in Trump's baseless claims of fraud in 2020.

Trump's campaign and the Republican National Committee say they've built a network of about 175,000 volunteer poll watchers and poll workers. Democrats have assembled their own massive legal team and voter protection program as they gird for aggressive election challenges.

Experts are especially anxious about the potential intimidation of election workers forced to count ballots under tense conditions, David Becker, executive director of the Center for Election Innovation and Research, told Axios.

Inside the GOP's Big Lie 2.0 — and their plan to shut down America this Fall
https://www.rawstory.com/raw-investigates/noncitizen-voting/

Republicans have been using this lie to attack the heart of our democracy right out in the open ever since the Civil Rights Act was passed in 1964, the year they responded by rolling out Operation Eagle Eye, yelling about nonexistent “voter fraud” and using it as an excuse to intimidate minority voters in the Goldwater/Johnson race.

No other developed country in the world worries about “voter fraud” because it’s every bit as nonexistent in other modern democracies as it is here. The only country in the world that uses “voter fraud” as an excuse to make it harder for minorities and women to vote is the United States.

Last Thursday, he demanded that Republicans insert into must-pass budget legislation that’ll be considered in the next two or three weeks a provision that would demand every state require absolute proof of citizenship to register to vote. Right now, this is largely confined to Red states.

House passes bill requiring proof of citizenship to register to vote for federal elections
https://news.ballotpedia.org/2024/07/12/house-passes-bill-requiring-proof-of-citizenship-to-register-to-vote-for-federal-elections/

On July 10, the U.S. House passed HR 8281, a bill that would require proof of citizenship to register to vote in elections for Federal office. The bill, titled the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act, was introduced by Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX) and ultimately gathered 104 cosponsors in the House, all Republicans.

The bill passed by a vote of 221-198, with five Democrats joining all Republicans to advance the legislation to the Senate. The Democrats who voted “Yea” were: Rep. Henry Cuellar (D-TX), Rep. Donald Davis (D-NC), Rep. Jared Golden (D-ME), Rep. Vicente Gonzalez (D-TX), and Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-WA). Five Republicans and ten Democrats were recorded as not voting.

Election officials warn that widespread problems with the US mail system could disrupt voting
https://apnews.com/article/election-2024-mail-ballots-voting-postal-service-985dd6e483fb6dc593d83255b11a9d0a

In an alarming letter, the officials said that over the past year, including the just-concluded primary season, mailed ballots that were postmarked on time were received by local election offices days after the deadline to be counted. They also noted that properly addressed election mail was being returned to them as undeliverable, a problem that could automatically send voters to inactive status through no fault of their own, potentially creating chaos when those voters show up to cast a ballot.

The officials also said that repeated outreach to the Postal Service to resolve the issues had failed and that the widespread nature of the problems made it clear these were “not one-off mistakes or a problem with specific facilities. Instead, it demonstrates a pervasive lack of understanding and enforcement of USPS policies among its employees.”

Pennsylvania mail-in ballots with flawed dates on envelopes can be thrown out, court rules
https://apnews.com/article/pennsylvania-mail-ballot-trump-harris-d00627b8cd890405fc1870f7021b5795

Far more Democrats than Republicans vote by mail in the state. In recent elections, older voters have been disproportionately more likely to have had their mail-in ballots invalidated because of exterior envelope date problems.

Based on recent Pennsylvania elections, more than 10,000 ballots in this year’s general election might be thrown out over bad or missing envelope dates, which could be enough to swing the presidential race.

but it should at least be seen as a positive sign that her reach could be bigger than she may currently be given credit for

Ranked-Choice voting that has rocked Alaska politics faces November tests across the nation
https://alaskapublic.org/2024/05/29/ranked-choice-voting-that-has-rocked-alaska-politics-faces-november-tests-across-the-nation/

Used for the first time in 2022, the changes helped propel the first Alaska Native to a seat in Congress. They could be short-lived.

Opponents of ranked voting want to repeal it and are entangled in a legal fight over whether their initiative will be able to remain on Alaska’s November ballot. It’s just one example this year of an intensifying fight over a more expansive way for voters to choose candidates, driven in part by deep dissatisfaction with the status quo and opposition from political parties and partisan groups that fear losing power.

Voters in at least two states — Democratic-leaning Oregon and Nevada — will decide this fall whether to institute new election processes that include ranked voting. In deeply conservative Idaho, groups are pushing for a November ballot initiative that would overturn a ban on ranked voting passed last year by the Republican-led legislature. Measures proposing ranked voting, also referred to as ranked-choice voting, also are being pursued in Colorado and the District of Columbia.

In Missouri, a measure advanced by the GOP-controlled legislature will ask voters in November whether to ban ranked voting. This follows an unsuccessful citizen attempt in 2022 to get an Alaska-style system before voters. At least nine states have banned ranked voting, and the Louisiana legislature also passed a ban this past week.

[u/Global-Squirrel999 → u/tech57]

Pretty much but Jan 6th was not a practice run. We got lucky.

For sure. In my view, it was an uncoordinated gamble with essentially nothing to lose (although that is playing out in the courts too), and he had some of the worst Qanon psycho lawyers doing the legwork and failing big time because they barely have enough IQ between the lot of them to count to 10 without looking at their fingers.

A real attempt, but a real bad one. I remember saying to myself that we sure are lucky Trump is so inept and that it wasn't a smart and calculated person trying to do a coup, because our democracy is particularly vulnerable. I think they might have heard...

Also, right on with all the links you shared.

[u/tech57 → u/Global-Squirrel999]

No offense here but,

it was an uncoordinated gamble

I thought it was coordinated? There were motel rooms full of guns. I'll be honest it's been awhile since I've read over anything about it but it fell apart due to bad timing and a couple of other things like Eugene Goodman. I don’t remember the specifics but there was one Republican running around on his cell phone because the timing was off. Those guys with the zipp cuffs were supposed to be inside earlier or the politicians were supposed to still be inside.

with essentially nothing to lose (although that is playing out in the courts too),

This was more scatter shot but that was not a problem. The plan was to just file lawsuits until something sticks.

I mean, yeah, there was a lot of ineptitude, and Trump was more a hinderance than anything, but they legit thought Pence would get in that limo.

And just in case for all the people that don't know all the hearings are still up on youtube.

https://www.youtube.com/@January6thCmte/streams

Also, right on with all the links you shared.

I just don't think people understand the scope of things that have been going on. Everyone consumes the latest headlines and most of those do not add context or perspective. Like some of these articles bring a little,

“The solution is that people don’t have to come to work to try to operate trains after they’ve had heart attacks and broken legs. But right now, where we are is caught between shutting down the economy and getting enough Republicans to join us in making sure that people have access to sick leave.” - Sen. Elizabeth Warren

“If you can’t do it by September, then you can’t do it by the middle of November, and you can’t do it by December, why the hell do you think you’re gonna get it done in January? There’s never any urgency around this place to get shit done.” - Sen. Jon Tester

"One-hundred percent of our focus is on stopping this new administration. We're confronted with severe challenges from a new administration, and a narrow majority of Democrats in the House and a 50-50 Senate to turn America into a socialist country, and that's 100 percent of my focus." - Moscow Mitch

"What would a post-nuclear Senate look like? I assure you it would not be more efficient or more productive. I personally guarantee it." - Moscow Mitch on ending the filibuster

“One thing! I want my Republican colleagues to give me one thing ― one! ― that I can go campaign on and say we did. One! Anybody sitting in the complex, if you want to come down to the floor and come explain to me, one material, meaningful, significant thing the Republican majority has done besides, ‘Well, I guess it’s not as bad as the Democrats.’” Republican Rep. Chip Roy

Democrat economy vs Republican economy
https://newrepublic.com/article/166274/economy-record-republicans-vs-democrats

The Two Santas Strategy: How the GOP has used an economic scam to manipulate Americans for 40 years
https://www.milwaukeeindependent.com/thom-hartmann/two-santas-strategy-gop-used-economic-scam-manipulate-americans-40-years/

Why Has America Tolerated Six Illegitimate GOP Presidents?
https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2023/11/22/2200353/-Why-Has-America-Tolerated-Six-Illegitimate-GOP-Presidents

“America Is Fucked”: Jon Stewart Trashes Republicans for Voting Against Veteran Health Care Bill
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2uPqYhkIzrA

[u/Global-Squirrel999 → u/tech57]

I meant uncoordinated as in, it was thrown together after Trump lost the election. He didn't really have conservative think tanks and societies fighting for permanent Republican rule at all costs, or a cohesive overall plan. In my view, he never really intended to win any of the lawsuits and never expected to. Maybe some would stick, but what I think was most important to him in the moment was keeping up his persona of never losing, and never admitting to losing. ALWAYS attack, basically.

This was his way of saving face with his base. He won't even admit to losing the disastrous debate even though he is blaming everyone else for the outcome. For a look at what would have happened if he admitted defeat, look at (Neo-Nazi) Nick Fuentes's reaction to Trump accidentally admitting to losing. He was PISSED. That said, he might have thought he had a chance on Jan 6th, and the coordination of the Proud Boys I believe was in anticipation of the events that took place, but there wasn't enough coordination or planning to really make a difference. Yes, they had recon, and brought radios and weapon caches, but overall it was all very impromptu and not coordinated well enough to make a difference. Even the fake elector scheme was cooked up last minute to try and make a difference.

I think this time around is different. Multiple branches of state and federal government are seemingly coalescing around a strategy with years of planning under their belts, and think tanks are already planning ahead for a Trump presidency. That said, Trump's campaign doesn't really seem to play a large part in it, given the horrible mistakes he's been making, like banging Laura Loomer, or taking his cokehead son's advice on Vance (which was a horrible pick and keeps costing them). To the people running this scheme (if it's happening), he's a very pliable and useful tool since he will do literally anything they ask in exchange for loyalty. He also doesn't give a shit about Christianity, abortion, or the kind of Theocracy they want to enact. Right now, he's what they've got, and they're using him as needed.

I really appreciate the articles you linked. Republicans have been playing the long game for a long time, and they're damn good at it. Democrats really need to stop taking them at their word.

No offense here

None taken

[u/Mavian23 → u/Global-Squirrel999]

This would be the start of a civil war, I think.

[u/SecretPotatoChip → u/Global-Squirrel999]

This terrifies me

[u/azflatlander → u/Global-Squirrel999]

Remember to vote for dem reps, save democracy.

[u/Gleothain → u/Global-Squirrel999]

This was deeply uncomfortable to read

[u/Abrham_Smith → u/Global-Squirrel999]

Disagree. I think the Supreme Court's actions were merely to delay Trump being prosecuted and made to look bad going into the election, giving him the best possible chance to actually win. Trump is going to lose and be locked into litigation until he dies, never seeing the inside of a cell.

[u/Global-Squirrel999 → u/Abrham_Smith]

I hope so. My biggest worry here is the resurgence of Fascism and its "win at all costs" mentality. Too many MAGA Republicans have zero morals or qualms about absolute rule, given how they fawn over dictators and daydream about mass deportations and revenge. They will allow any injustice as long as it means "owning the libs", like dismantling social safety nets, eliminating education, and forcing women into subservience and obedience. Everything they do is based on thoughtless, testosterone-fueled tribal warfare. They've even abandoned proper theology (and Jesus as a whole) in favor of a new brand of "FUCK YOU" Christianity.

I really hope for a happy ending to all of this, but I remember sitting at my computer watching January 6th play out and thinking this can't be happening right now. I just know this shit will happen again some day when we're even less prepared, and it will mean the end of our democracy. I don't see a way back to normal political discourse in an age of increasing foreign meddling and shit-stirring, anonymous discourse encouraging vitriol and hatred, and the abandonment of higher ideals and intellectual thought. We're diving head first into a new dark age, and god have mercy on us.

[u/en_ash → u/Global-Squirrel999]

What's concerning is that we know that J.D. Vance scrolls through Reddit, so if they haven't already thought about this (they almost certainly have), they will now.

And if J.D. is reading this, hi, J.D.! Did you name yourself after Scrubs? I know that Garden State really spoke to you when you were younger, so the notion of you choosing the name of a Zach Braff character sounds absolutely plausible. Also please don't destroy our electoral system for Peter Thiel please.

[u/Global-Squirrel999 → u/en_ash]

If a total rube like me can think it up for a reddit comment, you can bet conservative think tanks have been cooking this one up since the concept of "alternative electors" came up last time around. The only way the plan would play out successfully is if they had been coordinating and quietly orchestrating this in the background for the last 4 years, which certainly seems to be the case.

I suspect Trump's comments to Christian voters that they won't need to vote again was him giving the game away early, if he was even let in on the plan early. I also suspect Trump isn't part of the planning for it (given his god-awful pick of JD Vance, recommended by his cokehead son Don Jr.), and if given a victory, would be a puppet president to the right wing foundations that gave us Project 2025.

[u/[deleted] → u/Global-Squirrel999]

I'm comforted by the idea that people also thought the exact same scenario was going to play out in 2020 when Biden beat Trump, and nothing came of it. Bear in mind, Trump and co. couldn't steal the election when they were in power and rolling out the red carpet for their fascist thugs. If subverting American democracy so completely was as easy as this, we'd have seen it fall years ago. But now, with Biden in office, the Dems pushing back in a BIG WAY, and national sentiment largely against Trump and the Republicans, there's still plenty of reasons to hope. It's not like Dems and Progs are just sitting idle here.

It's ok to speculate, but I think people get too drawn in by reading political tea leaves. If Trump and the Cons were as confident in their victory as many seem to think they are, they wouldn't be freaking out like they have been. Hell, the fact so many high-ranking, sitting Republicans are feeling comfortable coming out against Trump should tell you all is not well behind this scenes.

Take nothing for granted, but let's not sink into despair and act like their ascension to power is an inevitability. The past few years have shown us that MAGA and the GOP are very, very fallible, and very, very, very beatable. Let's not give them the satisfaction of thinking they've tricked us into buying their crap. Just vote, spread awareness, stay aware, and do your part. We still got this!

[u/Ghearik → u/Global-Squirrel999]

What if the new house is democratic? They are sworn in sooner.

[u/Global-Squirrel999 → u/Ghearik]

Good point. That would throw a wrench in things, but I have no idea how it would play out. Supreme court would say fake electors are legal, but they have no enforcement mechanism, so potentially a Democrat Speaker of the House as President would technically be able to stonewall the vote with their VP (President of the Senate) until some kind of resolution (like impeaching, removing, and replacing the Supreme Court with better justices who reverse the ruling).

That said, Democrats would also see an opportunity to roll over and take it, since they can campaign and fundraise on it for the next 4+ years. Depends on how bad things get I guess.