Posted on 02/08/2017 3:15:32 PM PST by TigerClaws
Trump knew that the temporary ban on travel from the seven majority-Muslim nations would be challenged legally.
He knew that the Democrats would pick the 9th Circuit (most liberal one) to challenge the travel ban.
Some have suggested Trump has no plan in place to defend the law and the B-team argued it before the liberal 9th Circuit.
But is this all part of Trump's master plan? Is he 3D chess-ing it?
Consider the following:
1. Trump's pick to replace Scalia was approved by 99-0 in the Senate (with votes from Hillary and Obama) and is a lock.
2. Kennedy wants to retire. Laura Ingraham said Trump would get another pick within the next 4-5 months and I assume that's the one retiring, unless Thomas has health issues of which we aren't aware.
3. Ruth Bader Ginsburg is aging and not in good health. She's passing out on the bench (falling asleep) and will be 84 this year.
Merrick Garland was likely nominated so the Democrats can make the case that the "Ginsburg" seat should stay with at least a 'moderate' Obama pick like Garland.
That will be a huge fight. The left will accuse Trump of 'stacking the Court.'
4. Trump's given us the list of 20 picks and now we'll have 19 left after Gorsuch is approved.
IF the 9th Circuit rules against Trump over the travel ban, Trump can make the case to the American people that we need SCOTUS picks that will protect Americans and respect the Constitutional balance of power between the three branches.
So my question: did Trump see all this coming and was it part of his plan?
Bios of the SCOTUS Justices:
https://www.supremecourt.gov/about/biographies.aspx
When did this happen?
Yes, but I think Trump’s plan is even more complex than this.
back when it was for the appellate court. voice vote
I’ve been thinking in that direction too. Here are the possible outcomes:
1) Trump wins in court, no terrorist attack: Trump can claim (with some justification) that his policies kept us safe.
2) Trump wins in court, terrorists attack: Trump can then double-down by saying that he wasn’t able to do enough.
3) Trump loses in court, no terrorist attack: Stalemate
4) Trump loses in court, terrorist attack: The only question after that is just how badly the Democrats are damaged - a big attack, and they’re simply through as a party - smaller attack, they can recover in 10 years.
Lots of upside, especially #4. Little to no downside.
Smart move by Trump!
Took me a bit to figure that, too.
Thomas will retire within 5 years. He wants to go RVing with his lovely wife.
I think he’s winging it, not that that’s a bad thing.
Lots of upside, especially #4. Little to no downside.
Except for the people that may die.
IF the 9th Circuit rules against Trump over the travel ban, Trump can make the case to the American people that we need.. get rid of the 9th Circuit Court Of Appeals and form three other Circuits out of it... since its decision has clearly defied the law ... He can make one hell of a case!
When he became an appellate judge.
Also bashing Robarts lets Gorsuch get distance from Trump. win win
Trump “winging it” seems to be three chess moves ahead of the opposition.
Maybe he is simply talented, has great advisers, has studied the long game (or they have)...
It is hard to say. Could be that now the Mediacracy is broken, the American people are seeing how much they have been played.
I think Thomas might retire after this year...He might have stayed longer if Hillary got in
“IF the 9th Circuit rules against Trump over the travel ban, Trump can make the case to the American people that we need SCOTUS picks that will protect Americans and respect the Constitutional balance of power between the three branches.”
He could have made that case anyway, regardless of the Ninth District. That case was made in the election. You are searching for an excuse.
The greater likelihood is that he got a bit out over his skis on this one. And depending how it goes in the courts in the next days, it could very much hamper progress on his signature issues for a period of time.
I think Trump is genuinely flummoxed. He can’t get his mind around the way the courts are so willing politicize national security.
My sense is that he came up with the travel order in all sincerity to slow down the refugee invasion. He got gobsmacked by just how corrupt our court system really is. That activist judges would happily court terrorist attacks on innocent Americans if it furthers their political agendas.
I caught that too.
Seeing up?
I can’t imagine that Trump and his advisors have not game-planned every SCOTUS scenario possible, as they knew all along that was the real prize in winning this election.
Presidents get four years or eight. SCOTUS appointments can affed generations still unborn.
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