October 2, 2020

"If Trump and Pence both get very sick, it’s not clear who would be president/President Pelosi? Invoking the Succession Act would lead to chaos."

That's the headline on a May 20, 2020 WaPo article by lawprof Sanford V. Levinson, which is getting tweeted about this morning as there's a lot of wild talk about Nancy Pelosi becoming the first woman President laterally — that is, breaking not the glass ceiling by opening the glass window that never had a working lock anyway.

It's good to have some sober, thoughtful, professional analysis standing by:
Should only the president become ill, then the vice president can take over, following the protocol laid out in the 25th Amendment. But if the vice president becomes incapacitated as well, then we could face a constitutional crisis. It would be triggered by the inadequacies of the Presidential Succession Act passed in 1947 (when there was no vice president, because Harry Truman had succeeded Franklin D. Roosevelt)....
Under its rules, the speaker of the House and the president pro tempore of the Senate would be next in the line of succession, followed by the members of the Cabinet, beginning with the secretary of state. Until 1947, succession had passed through the Cabinet. Congress added the speaker and president pro tem on the grounds that the president should desirably be an elected official, even if not part of the executive branch. This might make sense in theory, but it could be truly terrible in practice. Should both Pence and Trump be unable to serve, Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D.-Calif.) would become president under the act — handing the White House to a different party without an election. Should she be unable or unwilling to serve, then the office would go to Sen. Charles E. Grassley (R-Iowa).

Any effort to transfer power from Trump and Pence to Pelosi would surely inspire legal and political challenges, adding to chaos at precisely the moment the nation desperately needed stability....
Why? The act clearly designates Pelosi as next in line. Is Levinson saying that the Succession Act could be challenged as unconstitutional? He notes that Article II of the Constitution gives Congress the power “provide for the Case of Removal, Death, Resignation or Inability, both of the President and Vice President, declaring what Officer shall then act as President.”
It is not difficult to imagine that Trump would deny — and denounce as “fake news” — any suggestion that he lacks the ability, in the words of Article I, Section 2, of the Constitution, “to discharge the Powers and Duties” of the presidency.
That is, can the Succession Act apply? Congress has the power to provide for succession, but what is the scope of that power? You need an interpretation of the word "inability." The 25th Amendment is relevant to the question whether the President is unable, but what if both the President and the Vice President become deathly ill. Who says that there's inability when the effect would be to trigger the succession act and bring in the Speaker of the House — from the opposing party?!
The [Succession A]ct, first of all, bespeaks a simplistic theory of democratic legitimacy that ignores the prominent role that political parties — which have grown far more polarized since 1947 — play in the American system.
Pelosi might not even want the job, because it would require her to resign from her position in Congress, only to serve out a presidential term that ends in January. And what about Grassley? He's 86, and maybe he knows that, while he's okay hanging on as a Senator, he doesn't belong in the presidency.
There is also a serious argument, first laid out by Yale Law School professor Akhil Reed Amar and his brother, Vikram Amar, now dean of the University of Illinois College of Law, in a 1995 essay in the Stanford Law Review, that the Succession Act is unconstitutional. Article II specifically says that Congress — in setting rules of succession — must select an “officer” as a replacement for the president and vice president. Members of Congress, the argument goes, are not “officers,” because they are elected officials and not presidential appointees. (Another legal argument holds that the incompatibility clause does not apply if a member of Congress were to serve as president or vice president, because “officers” refers to people appointed by the president, not to the chief executive position itself. Under that interpretation, Pelosi could retain her legislative office, if the act were upheld as constitutional.) 
To put it mildly, it is hard to imagine these questions being litigated in real time should Republicans try to prevent Pelosi from taking office, or should she try to serve as president and speaker simultaneously.....
How would this play out? I assume there would be a tremendous resistance to getting to the point of saying both the President and the Vice President suffer from "inability." But here's an idea. The President could resign before things go too far, and that would make Pence President and empower him to pick a Vice President. That would go haywire however, because the appointment of a new Vice President, under the 25th Amendment requires "a majority vote of both Houses of Congress." Or do you think Democrats, for the good of the country, would confirm Pence's choice, if Pence too is ailing and approaching "inability"?

Whatever happens this time around, we should see the problem with the Succession Act. I think Levinson is right to propose, as he does, that we return to the line of succession that puts the Secretary of State after the Vice President.

127 comments:

rhhardin said...

I could take over, if need be. I've got to be somewhere in the line of succession.

Darrell said...

President "Go To Chinatown and Hug a Chinaman" Pelosi.
Sure. Keep dreaming.

David Begley said...

Ann:

Let’s not got there.

David Begley said...

Let’s not GO there.

tim maguire said...

I wish I were more surprised at the opportunism being displayed by the left. Trump isn't even sick yet and they're already scheming to replace Pence?

mezzrow said...

I'm reading this and thinking of Hamilton and Burr. In normal times this would all seem so speculative, but these times aren't behaving like normal times.

Keeping it all within the same party and the same administration would likely turn the heat down, and that can't be a bad thing, can it? I would be interested in knowing what Pelosi would do in this circumstance, but only as a thought experiment.

Temujin said...

2020 keeps on giving. We've not had to really deal with the line of succession beyond the President in recent time, or even think about it. But given the world we live in, hostile coordinated attacks on both the President and Vice President (and Speaker) should be considered and planned for.

That said, I'm going to go out on a limb here and suggest that Trump, being Trump, will beat this rather quickly, and among the cocktail of medicines will be Hydroxychloroquine, zinc, and Azithromycin. Other meds, definitely, but he'll make sure they give him his dose of this.

Also, as stated in your post is the glaring ages of the leaders we have to fall back on. There are many reasons for term limits. This is one rarely mentioned. The Speaker of the House is 80 years old and if you've listened to or watched her over the last few years, you know that this is not a solid brain working. The President Pro Tempore is 86 years old. Again- though he was once feisty and could think on his feet, that is no longer the case. Pelosi has been in Congress for 33 years, Grassley for 40 years. Enough.

rehajm said...

Al Haig is in control.

Mikey NTH said...

Ah, sweet speculation, the finest exercise available. The process under the 25th Amendment would have to be invoked first and I doubt the Cabinet would do that if it would put Nancy Pelosi as acting president.

Temujin said...

By the way, you just know the Leftists will be rubbing their hands in glee (as opposed to their usual posture of wringing their hands in fear) and gloating, one might say, hoping, that President Trump gets very ill and/or dies. You know they'll be lining up on Twitter, NBC, and CNN to say that Trump called it a hoax and now look at him! Smiling all the while.

You will see the true character of the Left in the next 48 hours. It'll be something to remember.

Iman said...

President Pelosi? Thanks... vomiting my morning coffee isn't the way to begin a Friday morning.

Laslo Spatula said...

Alexander Haig is ready for his close-up.

I am Laslo.

Wince said...

That alone should be reason enough for the Republicans to take back the House.

Lloyd W. Robertson said...

Kind of weird for a history/politics buff. Al Haig seems to have mistakenly thought he was "in charge" as Secretary of State when Reagan was incapacitated and Bush Sr. was en route to DC. He recited the old, pre-1947 line of succession. Wikipedia gets this mixed up, suggesting that Haig was proposing some violation of the Constitution. Now Sandy Levinson and our host want to go back to the pre-1947 situation that Haig seems to have had in mind.

Temujin said...

I will further add...that Dems are gathering their talking points. They are strategizing on how to appear to the public- what they should publicly say- and being admonished to restrain themselves from being too honest.

However some of them will not be able to restrain themselves. If we could open a betting pool on the first Dem politico who steps over the line, I'll toss my hat into the ring for Sen. Mazie Hirono who has a history of opening wide enough for a size 14 shoe.

chuck said...

What if Trump doesn't get very sick? That's the way to bet.

RMc said...

I thought I heard millions of hands rubbing together in glee...

iowan2 said...

CDC protocol is 10 days isolation and 2 negative tests. That puts our President back in the arena, October 11th.

The line of succession, is interesting. Our host can way in. The constitution specifically states "officers of the government" are in the line of succession. That statute passed by the legislature is where the Speaker of the House is inserted. Elected Congress persons, are by definition NOT "officers"
Looks to me like the Trump administration could make a great case, the Speaker of the House is specifically not eligible to be installed as President.

wendybar said...

Delusional Pelosi WOULD start a CIVIL war. No question about it.

PB said...

Does the president stop being president if he gets the flu?

Caligula said...

”It is not difficult to imagine that Trump would deny — and denounce as “fake news” — any suggestion that he lacks the ability, in the words of Article I, Section 2, of the Constitution, “to discharge the Powers and Duties” of the presidency.

I suppose he would, if in fact he was not disabled. It’s hard to see this as anything other than contingency planning along the lines of “if Trump wins again, how can he (and his VP) be lawfully removed from office?”

Since they’ve already decided that Pres. Trump as-is is “unfit,” it follows that any means to remove him from office (perhaps excluding assassination, although some undoubtedly would consider that legitimate “resistance” as well) must be considered.

Because, y'know, they're just concerned about "the peaceful transition of power."

boatbuilder said...

Good thing he’s not in NY or MA where they would put him in a nursing home...

iowan2 said...

Clause 6. In Case of the Removal of the President from Office, or of his Death, Resignation, or Inability to discharge the Powers and Duties of the said Office, the Same shall devolve on the Vice President, and the Congress may by law provide for the Case of Removal, Death, Resignation or Inability, both of the President and Vice President declaring what Officer shall then act as President, and such Officer shall act accordingly until the Disability be removed, or a President shall be elected

So definition of "officer" looms large here. My understanding(our host is eminently qualified to explain to us with no law degrees) is "officer" in this context has already been determined to exclude elected legislators

mockturtle said...

The WaPoo staff rubbing their hands together gleefully over these dark fantasies. Shameful.

ThreeSheets said...

So I could move up three places? Even better, if Trump, Pence, Pelosi, all the cabinet members and down get sick, I could be President! Probably should get off the couch and put on pants just in case.

Brand said...

Can even get more interesting. If Trump and Pence become incapacitated, Pelosi claims to be the acting President and withdraws Barrett's nomination. Mitch McConnell recognizes Pompeo as acting President and immediately has the Senate approve Barrett. Everything ends up before the Supreme Court, but with what members? How will the people react if Barrett is included or excluded from the decision?

Mark said...

Or this all an October surprise.

Positive test and nothing more than the sniffles... "see folks, it's nothing!"

All this overwrought talk of succession is premature at best.

iowan2 said...

My apologies, I failed to note the "click for more" at the bottom. Our host, as always ahead of the curve. My bad.

virgil xenophon said...

"...that we return to the line of succession that puts the Secretary of State after the Vice President."

Alexander Haig would concurr..

First Tenor said...

So Trump resigns, Pence becomes President and chooses.....Merrick Garland! Let's watch the Democrats try to not vote for him!

Mary Beth said...

Pence is still testing negative, so the Left will have to contain its excitement a bit longer.

Enlighten-NewJersey said...

Pence tested negative as did his wife.

Todd said...

Pelosi might not even want the job, because it would require her to resign from her position in Congress, only to serve out a presidential term that ends in January.

That would still be time for a lot of damage to be done, which many of the left would see as a feature vers a bug. Pelosi would JUMP at the opportunity.

Todd said...

Or do you think Democrats, for the good of the country, would confirm Pence's choice, if Pence too is ailing and approaching "inability"?

OMG, can't believe you typed that! Have Democrats ever done ANYTHING for the "good of the country"? Nothing that I can recall in the last 100 years. Past performance is the best indicator of future actions.

tds said...

Breznhev died Nov 10 1982 aged 75.
Andropov took over Nov 12, 1982 aged 67. Died Feb 9, 1984, aged 68
Chernenko took over Feb 13, 1984 aged 72. Died March 10, 1985 aged 73

I have to say they were way more worn despite being younger than current US succession line

roesch/voltaire said...

I wonder if Trump will continue to mock Biden for wearing a mask and keeping social distance? I am not gleeful but it is strange how karma catches up with all of us.

WK said...

This was played out in the last episode of season 4 of “West Wing”. John Goodman was the republican speaker of the house who took over the presidency of democrat Jen Bartlett under the 25th amendment. Seemed to work out ok.

AllenS said...

Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but most people who test positive for the Chinese Wuhan Flu don't actually get sick. Am I right?

Todd said...

PB said...

Does the president stop being president if he gets the flu?

10/2/20, 7:21 AM


In this case, yes. It is one of the Trump rules that the left lives by.

Bob Smith said...

Wishful thinking from wishful thinking hacks.

Bob Boyd said...

Wouldn't that be just like Trump, to get the Rona and not die? I can see him out there crediting his hydroxychloroquine regimen.
Oh the wailing, the gnashing the rending!

Amadeus 48 said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Steven said...

The obvious item is that the declaration of incapacity under the 25th Amendment requires either the action of the President, or the action of the Vice President and a majority of the Cabinet. So the only way Pelosi can wind up with Presidential authority is with either both of them dying, or the administration consenting to pass power to Pelosi.

Amadeus 48 said...

2020 really is like an amalgam of bad TV dramas and comedy shows. The twists and turns, the crazy characters, the Manichean plotlines--Dynasty meets House of Cards meets meets Portlandia meets All in the Family meets Family Ties meets Sanford and Son meets Homicide meets All My Children meets Batman meets Dick Tracey meets St Elsewhere.

bagoh20 said...

OMG, it's true. We are all gonna die!

JAORE said...

The question, of course, is how to define unable to serve. I recall a House member being wheeled in on a hospital gurney to cast a vote. Unable to serve? A couple of First Ladies have been widely described as the real President due to their husband's physical state. If the reports are true they obviously were unable to serve.

Just watch, if Trump "disappears" for a day or two while under quarantine the calls to have him removed will be epic.

Joe Biden, America's Putin said...

The startling news about Trump's economy that mainstream media ignored: Andy Puzder

JAORE said...

I would be interested in knowing what Pelosi would do in this circumstance...

Pulll-eeeze.

She'd put down her 6 foot gavel, place a crown on her own head and use an E.O. to begin assembling the firing squads.

Wince said...

Should the Secret Service treat this as a potential assassination attempt?

Browndog said...

boatbuilder said...

Good thing he’s not in NY or MA where they would put him in a nursing home...


Michigan is the only State that still does that. Why does Whitmer always get a pass?

wildswan said...

Another point the President can make as he explains why he can keep on working is to point out that the media never questions the BLM tactic of getting together in groups many of whose members are unmasked and shouting right into the faces of passersby, police and diners at restaurants. A discussion could be started. Either covid isn't as universally dangerous as people say or this BLM tactic is depraved indifference to human life. It's a fact that covid spreads easily. And shouting in someone's face is a good way to spread it. People have been tazed, arrested and fined for less than what BLM has doing without any arrests. If BLM protests and riots are not a dangerous vector for covid then surely the President can hold tame little meetings with people while remaining socially distant - unless work at the White House is a more lively business than I realize.

Gunner said...

I am sure the shitgoblins at the McClellan Project are already putting up a dozen ads gleefully taunting Trump about this.

Jersey Fled said...

I guess we never had a President with the flu before.

Gregg said...

A, no symptoms, comes down with the virus and infects B. B, showing no symptoms, infects C and D, who don't have any symptoms either.

A, B, C, & D all contracted the virus, showed no symptoms, and now fully recovered.

Why is this a crisis ?

Gregg said...

A, no symptoms, comes down with the virus and infects B. B, showing no symptoms, infects C and D, who don't have any symptoms either.

A, B, C, & D all contracted the virus, showed no symptoms, and now fully recovered.

Why is this a crisis ?

bagoh20 said...

Some people seem to think this is some kind of refutation of Trump. I don't see that. He never said you can't catch it, and those of us who kept working and trying to live normal lives with some precautions are not the ones being refuted if we catch it. We know our risk is greater, but we don't give up everything because of that slightly increased risk, just like most other daily risks. It would be more refuting to those extolling the salvation of masks and hiding in their homes or basements if they catch it. Trump is simply more courageous and less hypocritical compared to many out there. He's doing his job, meeting with people, veterans, leaders, etc. He has work to do, and he cares about that more than the 1% risk if he catches it. His risk if dying from some a-hole with TDS and a rifle is much higher.

PB said...

Interesting constitutional question hinging on definition of "officer" in the Constitution and whether the current Presidential Succession Act is valid. Not a new criticism.

Oh, and it doesn't include a severability clause.

PB said...

In the history books, 2020 will be a BIG chapter.

wild chicken said...

"it is hard to imagine these questions being litigated in real time"

What? I'd say it's very easy to imagine!

Ken B said...

Is she an “officer”? My guess is she is, in which case there is no issue.

stevew said...

They've totes got him now!

@AllenS: that is what the science says, except when it comes to President Donald Trump and anyone in his Administration. They are all immediately and severely afflicted, and put on a death watch.

Barry said...

The Succession Act, while the product of a certain age and special situation, is fine. The time to "fix" that problem is not in the middle of a crisis. By all means, if the Act is unconstitutional, let's fix it and make it better. But it provides a solid plan for succession in the light of extraordinary events.

The oft lamented power of the parties is not something to bow to. Since the founding we've known of the disease of factionalism and rarely overcome it. It may be lofty to think we could overcome it here, but we could appeal to our better natures and try.

"Keeping it all within the party" continues to cede power to the parties.

Mary Beth said...

Pelosi would JUMP at the opportunity.

I don't want her as president but I would pay good money to see her try to jump.

Birkel said...

The Succession Act only matters if Trump were to get very sick.
Is there any indication that he is very sick?
I have not seen any information to that effect.

Winnie Xi Flu has complications but the treatments have improved and the symptoms are often quite mild.
Much ado about (so far) very little.

Readering said...

Constitution silent on whether speaker must be house member. Pelosi could resign speakership temporarily and house vote Biden speaker.

President pro tem nutty to be in line. But I suppose Grassley could resign making the turtle pro tem.

Drago said...

PB: "Does the president stop being president if he gets the flu?"

Well, considering the democraticals and LLR-lefties claimed the dying wish of a leftist Supreme Court justice overrides Constitutionally delineated Presidential authority, I'm going to go out on a limb and say the lefties/LLR-lefties will argue "yes".

iowan2 said...

Ken B said...
Is she an “officer”? My guess is she is, in which case there is no issue.


Nuh uh, aint so, isnt much of response.

I'm interested in the constitutional use of the term officer. I have seen writings that define cabinet members as "government officers" my understanding is elected legislators are not identified in the constitution as "officers". The constitution is open for interpretation, as we know. So I am interested why the word officer in this specific context is being ignored.

iowan2 said...

Constitution silent on whether speaker must be house member. Pelosi could resign speakership temporarily and house vote Biden speaker.

President pro tem nutty to be in line. But I suppose Grassley could resign making the turtle pro tem.


Not sure what you are attempting to achieve. The 'temporary' thing is meaningless, it implies Pelosi would step back in with no vote. Again what is the goal?
President Pro Tem, is obvious a way that congress inserted themselves into the line of succession, when congress is not mentioned, but "officer" is. So the leader of the house and leader of the Senate were horse traded into the legislation.

Big Mike said...

Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but most people who test positive for the Chinese Wuhan Flu don't actually get sick. Am I right?

Here in our county in rural Virginia we have in excess of 900 cases, but just 67 hospitalizations. Trump may not have to even so much as take a day off even if he does have coronavirus. Given the relatively high false positive rate, the possibility that he does not have it will break roesch’s heart.

gerry said...

I love chaos porn. But I'm now too old to enjoy it like I used to.

exiledonmainstreet, green-eyed devil said...

Mark said...
Or this all an October surprise.

Positive test and nothing more than the sniffles... "see folks, it's nothing!"

For 99% of people who test positive, it is nothing. For 1%, it's very serious.

Has the virus weakened since it was first introduced here, or have we gotten better at treating it? Or have the most vulnerable people already died from it? I suspect all three are true. And yet the Left is still acting like it is the Spanish flu and Black Death rolled into one.

Readering said...

President pro tem elected position but by tradition goes to longest serving senator from majority party. Would make more sense to give it to majority leader.

Readering said...

well i guess we are all about to learn a lot more about how covid works as it winds its way these weeks through maskless WH.

Sally327 said...

I think Al Haig will be in charge, correct?

Funny how someone can live an entire lifetime and have a distinguished career and many accomplishments and yet be remembered for a gaffe or a misstep, something that probably shouldn't have been such a big deal but it gets magnified and then they're known for that forever after.

Yancey Ward said...

A pox on all you bastards stealing my Al Haig jokes before I get to make them.

cf said...

I know that Powerful Goodness abounds, surrounds us all, calling each of us to Life in our unique expression.
I will pay no attention to the Pterodactyl named Pelosi, I can't do anything about her anyways.
Putting my attention instead to my awe, gladness and gratitude for our game-changing American President, that he continues to thrive and continues to lead us.
May All be Well.
May All thrive now.
especially our @realDonaldTrump

Yancey Ward said...

chuck wrote:

"What if Trump doesn't get very sick? That's the way to bet."

It is what the absolute odds suggests by about 5 to 1.

Bill Peschel said...

What a wonderful distraction from Biden's refusal to disavow Antefa, and the media's refusal to press him on it.

And what will happen if Trump doesn't get sick. Right now, he might have been infected (what's the false positive rate on this?). What if he come roaring back, showing no problems? What will that do to the Maskifa?

mikee said...

I am over 60, a General Contractor working with lotsa rough young guys, many of whom are illiterate foreigner illegals, who don't wear face masks much at all. I do wear a mask, all the time.

I fully expect to catch COVID before this is all over. I have a plan for running my business if I get sick. Life will go on if I'm not on the job site. Everyone should expect to catch COVID, and prepare for it.

I would suggest to you flibertigibbets that Trump and his administration might just maybe, perhaps, in some small way, have already planned what to do in case Trump got the flu, with subsections of the plan for varying levels of illness. Quit hyperventilating, you look foolish gasping in a mask.

Brian said...

All these comments I read on social media about how "see the President should wear a mask". I thought the masks were to prevent you from infecting others, not you getting infected. Guess it wasn't about that at all, huh.

iowan2 said...

President pro tem elected position but by tradition goes to longest serving senator from majority party. Would make more sense to give it to majority leader.

President Pro Tem a position defined in the constitution. Majority leader is an invention of the Senate.

So again, Congress wrote the current succession legislation we are operating under. Congress inserted themselves into that line of succession. In order to get the bill on the Presidents desk, the House and Senate had to horse trade themselves into the line of succession.

It would make the most sense to work our way through cabinet members. They at least would continue to carry out the will of the people until the next election.

AllenS said...

Readering, Trump tested positive, that doesn't mean that he is sick.

hombre said...

Nancy Pelosi? God, can you imagine?

Gospace said...

tds said...
Breznhev died Nov 10 1982 aged 75.
Andropov took over Nov 12, 1982 aged 67. Died Feb 9, 1984, aged 68
Chernenko took over Feb 13, 1984 aged 72. Died March 10, 1985 aged 73

I have to say they were way more worn despite being younger than current US succession line


And another difference- that being Russia. Were any of those deaths helped along? No way for those of us in the West to actually know the answer.

h said...

I am so tired of these speculative "what if" stories, I can hardly contain myself.

Michael K said...

Trump will take his HCQ and Z-pak and Zinc and Readering will be most affected.

Jupiter said...

"CDC protocol is 10 days isolation and 2 negative tests. That puts our President back in the arena, October 11th."

Excellent. Then we can all rest a little easier, knowing that our President has already got herd immunity. Unlike that doddering freak Biden, cowering in his hole.

Unknown said...

your leftist fantasy is disturbing and indicative of serious mental issues... seek help.

Anthony said...

Readering said...
well i guess we are all about to learn a lot more about how covid works as it winds its way these weeks through maskless WH.


Same way it would in a masked WH.

Joe Biden, America's Putin said...

Democracy Dies In Darkness

WaPo proves once and for all they are a corrupt arm to the democrat party.

Narayanan said...

iowan2 said...
Ken B said...
Is she an “officer”? My guess is she is, in which case there is no issue.

Nuh uh, aint so, isnt much of response.

I'm interested in the constitutional use of the term officer. I have seen writings that define cabinet members as "government officers" my understanding is elected legislators are not identified in the constitution as "officers". The constitution is open for interpretation, as we know. So I am interested why the word officer in this specific context is being ignored.
--------===========
Legislative Officer Succession: Part I
WORKING PAPER (2008)
Seth Barrett Tillman

Left Bank of the Charles said...

A double vacancy should only result in the next person in line becoming Acting President. There should then be a special election within a set time, as was provided for in the 1792 Succession Act.

Rusty said...

Meanwhile the usual suspects and their Antifa friends are masturbating furiously.

Readering said...

Usual Trumpist commenters seem to feel disquieted with need to lash out somehow.

Perhaps because it's reported that Trump has symptoms, so will be home for 2 weeks with a month to election day. Best case. My nephew, fit fireman in twenties, laid low by covid (and likely like POTUS forced back on job before recovered because needed).

Howard said...

The high fiving libtards excited by the prospect of Trump dying really piss me off. They're going to jinx it.

Todd said...

Rusty said...

Meanwhile the usual suspects and their Antifa friends are masturbating furiously.

10/2/20, 12:36 PM


Then maybe they will all be too worn out to burn shit tonight...

If so, what CAN'T Trump do!

Iman said...

Behold the gracious, decent NeverTrumpers, led by Head Tool Patterico...

http://patterico.com/2020/10/01/breaking-trump-tests-positive-for-covid-19/

Marc in Eugene said...

Benedícite Dóminum, omnes Angeli ejus: poténtes virtúte, qui fácitis verbum ejus, ad audiéndam vocem sermónum ejus. (Ps 102/3,20, from the introit of the Mass)

Today, in the Roman Church, it is the feast of the Holy Guardian Angels. A good idea, I think, particularly in view of all the nastiness and death-wishing out there, to remember to pray to Mr and Mrs Trump's Angels for their return to good health and to the Angel of our country, too, in this troubled year.

chuck said...

Here in our county in rural Virginia we have in excess of 900 cases, but just 67 hospitalizations.

Here in Cache Valley the university and schools opened and active cases spiked to 600. There is one hospitalization at the moment and no new deaths, the CFR has been 0.2%. Mostly young people have been infected, since March only 7% have been over 60.

Jim at said...

I am not gleeful but it is strange how karma catches up with all of us. - R/V

Something you may want to keep in mind as you desperately try to contain your glee.

minnesota farm guy said...

I have no idea how we went from the Secretary of State being in the line of succession after the VP to the Speaker of the House. Of course the founders were naive enough to hope that "parties" would not be an issue, but even then they kept the line of succession within the executive and did not bring in another "branch". I suspect that, tested in court, there is a very good chance that the Succession Act would be found unconstitutional.

Does anyone know how the Speaker of the House became part of the succession plan?

johns said...

I am optimistic that Trump will kick the virus pretty quickly. Then, it's going to be great fun to have him roaming the country with no need to worry about catching it, and more ammunition for his point that the country should re-open and just worry about protecting those who have comorbidities.

Also, I'm surprised no one has mentioned Woodrow Wilson, who didn't give up the presidency even though he was incapacitated.

narciso said...

I think he's gone t 4 virus insane, lman,

DINKY DAU 45 said...

FAKE NEWS did you hear any doctors say anything.Its just a distraction becaus eof taxes,hating military,loves White Nationalists etc...FAKE NEWS...

Karen of Texas said...

Sooo... let's say, a week before elections, Trump unexpectedly succumbs to debilitating aftereffects. He can't possibly serve if elected. This virus has the capacity to do some weird crap. Post covid long haulers is a thing, y'all. Biden is so thrilled that he has a stroke and is incapacitated - not capable of serving if elected either. Neither the Republican nor Democratic party has a candidate on the ballot. A bigly number, huge amount!, of people early voted for one or the other.

Looks like the libertarian party - Jo Jorgensen - or some other minor party candidate who managed to grab a spot on the ballot - has a shot, doesn't it? Just how would the electors selected for the electoral college cast their votes?

hstad said...

Just more MSM porn! Pence tested negative - so all you Pelosi fans cry. President Trump has mild symptoms and we'll see what happens over next 7 - 10 days. But the Twitter porn is in full gear from strangers to higher level Liberal Activists and former Clinton campaign managers who are wishing Trump die? I now know why Hillary Clinton lost her election, because the quality of her advisors are such dunces.

Drago said...

Readering: "Usual Trumpist commenters seem to feel disquieted with need to lash out somehow."

LOL

Rusty said...

Readering said...
"Usual Trumpist commenters seem to feel disquieted with need to lash out somehow.

Perhaps because it's reported that Trump has symptoms, so will be home for 2 weeks with a month to election day. Best case. My nephew, fit fireman in twenties, laid low by covid (and likely like POTUS forced back on job before recovered because needed).

10/2/20, 12:53 PM



Blogger Howard said...
The high fiving libtards excited by the prospect of Trump dying really piss me off. They're going to jinx it."

What I tell ya. Like freakin' clockwork.

rcocean said...

Have your relatives post your death here Howard. We'll all have a good laugh.

Leora said...

In 1947, the overwhelming Democratic Congress did not anticipate that they would not be in power permanently. I remember the great fuss they made when they finally lost the house in 1994 after more than 60 years of dominance. If the Republicans take back the House, they ought to fix the Succession Act.

narciso said...

in 1947 the republicans got the house back and lost it in 1949,

Michael K said...

Biden was in Michigan today giving a long "I told you so" about Trump and masks. Fox News, showing it's choice played the whole thing with the White House guy who went batshit yesterday joining in at the chorus. That will probably be the message now.

Readering said...

Joseph Martin, Republican of Mass, was Speaker in 1947, and so became first in line to be president (vp vacant until 1949).

Nichevo said...


Wince said...
That alone should be reason enough for the Republicans to take back the House.

10/2/20, 7:04 AM


Or try the new House corona bill. All the pork and Republic-ending vote garbage, minus $600 billion for law enforcement. Any of you who are too stupid to see, go zombie and eat some brains, maybe that'll help?



Wince said...
Should the Secret Service treat this as a potential assassination attempt?

...

(perhaps excluding assassination, although some undoubtedly would consider that legitimate “resistance” as well)


YES



roesch/voltaire said...
I wonder if Trump will continue to mock Biden for wearing a mask and keeping social distance? I am not gleeful but it is strange how karma catches up with all of us.

10/2/20, 7:47 AM

After all Garbage Howie's best efforts to educate the uneducated, don't you know that masks are explicitly not believed to protect the wearers of the masks?

Never mind any point you might make about PDT endangering others. Do you imagine that all proper social distancing is not observed *on the President's behalf*? What more proof would you have that masks don't work?

Unless you think he may have been directly attacked with the biowarfare agent.

tcrosse said...

I don’t think any of us wish a pandemic death on Biden, or even Harris. But Hillary OTOH....

Readering said...

And now POTUS medevaced to military hospital after being administered unapproved drug for covid.

FullMoon said...

Trump gonna gain five sympathy points in polls.
Biden announces positive test within hours.

Rusty said...

Readering. You k now you can be arrested for indecent exposure.

Jim at said...

And now POTUS medevaced to military hospital after being administered unapproved drug for covid.

Why must you lie?

Michael K said...

Blogger Readering said...
And now POTUS medevaced to military hospital after being administered unapproved drug for covid.


I didn't know that Marine One was a medivac but you keep it up. You are on a roll.

Anonymous said...

@Karen - Neither Trump nor Biden is actually on the ballot in any state. Look closely at the fine print when you vote. We are voting for members of the Electoral College who are pledged to vote for the Presidential candidates. They are perfectly capable of installing Pence or some other respected Republican if needed, God forbid.

I don’t mind Pence but I’d be pushing for Gov. Kristi Noem in this circumstance.

readering said...

Next up--Walter Reed's not really a hospital. . . .

Iman said...

Blogger narciso said...
I think he's gone t 4 virus insane, lman,


He’s a real Piece of Work, narciso. Excuses absolutely EVERYTHING done by these deep state skels against POTUS and all that remains of his site is perhaps a handful of real conservatives to pushback against a platoon of lefty gimps (most of whom deny their true affiliation)... a real shitshow.

Joe Smith said...

What's it like to be part of the 'kneepads for Biden' brigade?

Must be pretty awful...at least Clinton was fairly young when all the liberals like Readering were sucking his cock.

Bunkypotatohead said...

Fairness demands the election be postponed until such time that the president completely recovers and can conduct the remainder of his campaign. Four years should be adequate.

Drago said...

readering: "Next up--Walter Reed's not really a hospital. . . ."

Looks like Noted Historian readering is going to continue to double and triple down on being wrong about Marine 1.

LOL

Sorry r/v. I'm afraid readering is now completely leaving you in the dust as the Most Inga-like Poster At Althouse blog.

I'm afraid time is running short for r/v to mount a comeback.

hstad said...

"...But if the vice president becomes incapacitated as well, then we could face a constitutional crisis...?" I really think these idiots are just say this to get publicity. I remember Spiro Agnew resigned Gerald Ford from his V.P. slot. There was no constitutional crises when Ford subsequently became President upon Nixon's resignation and Nelson Rockefeller became V.P. No crises back then and this is all made up B.S. to sell the news. I'm beginning to not trust anything anyone publishes or says. Moreover, I'm beginning to think we should revisit the entire "Free Speech Law" make it easier to sue these SOBs for false news. If you disagree, fine, but "Free Speech" should not be a license to lie. Why? Because we live in a Democracy and depend on news - not propoganda - such as those from Dictatorial Regimes.