The Putin/Medvedev/Putin shuffle

[anamnua]

Last edited Mon Mar 31, 2025, 05:35 PM - Edit history (1)

I've heard the theory outlined that the Republicans are considering letting Vance run for President with Trump as Vice President, and after Vance wins, he steps down on some fabricated pretext and Trump ascends to the throne once again.
A version of the Putin/Medvedev/Putin shuffle.
It is clear that Vance, who once described Trump as ‘Hitler’, is playing the long game, biting his lip, gritting his teeth, and going through the humiliation of being Sancho Panza to Trump’s Don Quixote so as to arrive at the top job. If Trump makes that suggestion I can’t see him supinely acquiescing; the mask will slip and fall to the ground with a sickening thud.
It is of course highly questionable that a Vance/Trump ticket would actually win.

[Bluetus]

1. Not exactly. The 12th amendment is clear about that.

Nobody can stand for election to VP if they are not Constitutionally qualified to become POTUS. There is no ambiguity about that.

However, that word "election" is doing heavy service here. There is a scenario that is at least arguably possible. The GOP runs a ticket of Abel and Baker. They win and are seated on Jan 20, 2029. Immediately thereafter, Baker resigns and Able nominated Trump as VP. Trump is confirmed by majorities in both houses. Then Abel resigns, moving Trump into the POTUS position again.

That is cynical, diabolical, absurd, and certainly counter to the intent of the Constitution. But if one goes by the exact letter of the Constitution, the above scenario is possible.

[Bernardo de La Paz]

2. VP, no it wouldn't do it because it would be a third election for him. Speaker appt is a bit of a worry

However, they might try to push the VP idea regardless of litigation. It would be so obvious though.

Appointment as Speaker and both newly elected Prez and VP resign simultaneously. It would require three (3) stooges who (in the scenario) would win power by plurality of votes and then give up voluntarily the three most powerful roles in the country. Even in the cult it would be hard to find a couple of stooges who could actually win a national vote even in the face of wide publicity about their scheme.