8233

I’m not saying immediate arrest, but if has to happen eventually.

Folks need to see that coup attempts has consequences.

8234

Would anyone here suggest that Merrick Garland isn’t interested in the law?

I think we would all agree that he a supremely competent jurist, and that he is invested in upholding the rule of law. Wouldn’t we?

The AG is not put in power to act out the wishes of the president. He is put in power because he is competent, and we expect him to use that competence to execute the office.

We can’t simply turn on him if he decides to act differently than you might like.

Bear in mind, I think this will be moot, as I think he’s going to prosecute Bannon… But if he doesn’t, it’s not going to suddenly change my opinion of him and say he’s incompetent or corrupt. He’s neither of those things.

8235

I definitely agree on that, but to me, not enforcing such a subpoena in this situation is showing disinterest in the law- flat out.

I agree I think he’ll go after Bannon- slowly, and that is fine. I don’t think Garland is incompetent or corrupt, but he might be too much part of the institution to see the need for this.

Also Garland got the job largely because it was a make-good for what happened to him with the Court where he didn’t get a fair shake.

8236

Well, let’s remember that one of the reasons Garland was nominated for the Supreme Court is because he was “moderate” – a candidate that the Republicans theoretically wouldn’t object to (except, of course, the Republicans are completely insane and hate democracy).

I always said Biden should appoint a firebrand as AG, but… he didn’t. So we’ll see what happens.

8237

I’m not sure why you are all such pessimists on this. First, and foremost Bannon is guilty as sin. Second, he is making a mockery of the constitution and congressional power. Third, Bannon is an asshole. Finally, while I expect AG Garland to be a good officer of the court, and do everything by the book, I’m sure he is also human, and seeing Republicans who’ve abused their power, sitting in jail will bring Garland some personal satisfaction

8238

I want to believe. Not even snark, I genuinely want you to be correct on all counts here.

8239

Garland, I think today, said he would follow the law.

8240

It’s not pessimism. I actually think that would be the optimal approach- these folks should be treated as common terrorists

I think Bannon pleads the Fifth the whole time.

8241

I actually think Bannon would love to go to jail for this. It’d be a huge internet points win for him.

8242

Jan 5th he did a video/podcast where he essentially said he knew what was going to happen the next day. How does that affect pleading the fifth?

8243

Not me; but his ‘interest’ in the law isn’t really the point. Prosecutorial discretion is certainly a thing, but there are some exercises of it that would clearly constitute a failure to uphold the law, and as an AG took an oath to uphold the law, it wouldn’t be corruption or interference for a President to boot an AG in some such cases. It’s the President’s responsibility to ensure that the laws are faithfully executed, and the AG serves at the President’s pleasure to that end.

If Garland in this case says ‘meh’, then I think it would be reasonable for Biden to boot him. And if you disagree, is there any failure of the AG to uphold the law that you think would be enough to warrant it?

8244

And goodness knows no one before like that has bucked the system and gotten away with anything.

8245

I can certainly think of no such examples from 3 of the last 4 GOP administrations (excluding the current discussion of the Trump admin).

(H.W. the exception because he left office when I was 8, so probably him too)

8246

I don’t think that he will. Only that it will take some time to get to him.

8247

I’m hopeful myself, just mindful that reflexive institutionalism — or things masquerading as that — have been protecting a lot of bad actors in recent years.

8248

For the first week or so, but you know I don’t think there are a ton of Trump supporters in the DC jails.
His stay may not be all that pleasant.

8249

There MUST be a time when this is fought. Where there is pushback. Not just pushback, but a assault upon the assholes that are trying to destroy our country. When will we have this time?

How about RIGHT NOW?

8250

I get the impression Bannon doesn’t want to be the one left holding the bag in prison. He did get fired by Trump once already. I think he rats.

8251

Hey, you have my axe!

8252

Then everybody wins!