I'm a Brit, and I find this more fascinating than the likes of BoJo's party-gate nonsense. Apparently there's still a question-mark over whether he can actually run for President. Noone has yet disqualified him, but there's something in the Constitution (14th amendment?) that details who is disqualified:
"
No person shall be a Senator or Representative in Congress, or elector of President and Vice-President, or hold any office, civil or military, under the United States, or under any State, who, having previously taken an oath, as a member of Congress, or as an officer of the United States, or as a member of any State legislature, or as an executive or judicial officer of any State, to support the Constitution of the United States, shall have engaged in insurrection or rebellion against the same, or given aid or comfort to the enemies thereof. But Congress may by a vote of two-thirds of each House, remove such disability."
To many it seems quite clear cut that the President is an office under the United States, and thus if Trump is found guilty of insurrection (and some think he doesn't even need to be found guilty, but merely have
engaged in insurrection) that this amendment disqualifies him. Some, though, make the distinction that one who holds office is not elected but appointed, and thus the President is not technically an officer under the United States, as it is an elected position. And these debates aren't even down party lines but academic, meaning some Democrats don't think this clause applies, some do etc.
Anyhoo - there's an ongoing debate about such matters, even as to the process of
how one becomes disqualified under this amendment, or whether it is self-imposing(? - i.e. no actual subsequent process needs be followed). All very interesting.
The simplest solution to it all would be for the Republicans to not proceed with him as their candidate. But if he is their best hope at the next election, why wouldn't they? Do they have anyone better?
It also seems to be deliberate that Letitia James has scheduled Trump to testify on 3rd November given that it's the last court date before the 5th, with the next US election being on 5th November 2024. Or maybe that's just coincidence!
And as for Ivanka having to testify, it seems Trump thinks that just because Ivanka was cleared of having to be a defendant that she is therefore somehow exempt from having to give testimony. He has also violated a gag order from judge Engoron twice already, and on Saturday posted
this rant on his "Truth" Social platform, so it will be interesting to see whether this is deemed to be yet another violation. If so, how many strikes will it need to be before Trump is seen an orange prison uniform?
