In the end, Donald Trump was too clever by half
The horrible events that occurred at the Capitol last week continue to reveal the sheer depths of a dark movement that violently attempted to overtake certification efforts and to, in fact, quash democracy. This dark movement was created by conspiracy theorists who have led people to believe ludicrous lies, but prior to January 6, it was just that — a bunch of conspiracy theorists who lived in their own heads. On January 6, however, they were invited outside of their heads into the real world, and as anyone could have predicted, it resulted in a disaster — five deaths, multiple injuries, and threats to national security. While many bear responsibility, the blame rests solely at the feet of the man who was supposed to be our president, Donald Trump. Trump has never been “our” president. He repeatedly talked of “blue” and “red” states, evil immigrants coming to take over our country, and socialism that would destroy life as we know it. Trump has always been a part of those conspiracists, and he knew how to push their buttons. He took full advantage of that knowledge, unleashing an angry, deranged crowd on the Capitol.
Trump began espousing rigged election conspiracies long before the vote ever took place. He saw the proverbial writing on the wall, and he was not going down easily. Always erroneously thinking himself smart, Trump outsmarted himself in inciting this riot. He likely had no idea it would go this far, and he is paying the consequences of his narcissism and false sense of self-worth. While he reportedly “enjoyed” watching terrorists overrun the Capitol on his behalf, he had no idea just how far things would go. He had to set in place a “Plan B.” That plan has now come back to bite him in the ass.
Congress has introduced an article of impeachment against “president” Donald Trump for “inciting an insurrection,” which is exactly what he did. The focus is now on Donald Trump, though others may soon regret their own involvement. No matter how much Trump tries to call this impeachment “a continuation of the greatest witch hunt in history,” this impeachment is different — it may become a bipartisan effort, apparently with the blessing of Mitch McConnell. According to the New York Times, McConnell is “pleased” with the impeachment effort. McConnell believes that a second impeachment will make it easier to “purge the GOP of Trump,” according to those close to him.
The Times further revealed that McConnell has spoken with President Elect Biden about the possibility of a dual process to hold both the impeachment trial and confirmation hearings at the same time. According to this piece, such a move would have to be approved by the Senate Parliamentarian and that McConnell promised Biden “a quick answer.” How this all turns out remains to be seen but given that the Democrats now hold the Senate majority, Trump may well be convicted this time around. Either way, he should pat himself on the back for earning the dubious honor of being the first president in history to be impeached twice.
Shirley is a former entertainment writer and has worked in the legal field for over 25 years