If the Republicans were smart and really cared about this country.

[kentuck]

They would find a way to keep the Articles of Impeachment in limbo. The Articles would be like the sword of Damocles over the head of Donald Trump. It would be a forced discipline upon him.

Knowing that if he veered too far off the trail, he could be removed from office, could act as a possible deterrent to some insane decision.

Republicans could play all the political games they wanted with their supporters but would keep the Articles of Impeachment hanging over the head of their Commander in Chief.

It would be a way for them to semi-protect our country as they maintained their base and their political futures.

To dispose of the Articles, by declaring Mr Trump acquitted, would be very unwise. They would endanger our country unnecessarily, with hopes that the "base" would embrace them.

But, it may be a little too much to expect Republicans to think of their country before Party?

[MineralMan]

1. But they aren't and they don't.

[rzemanfl]

2. And pigs would fly. n/t

[Stuart G]

3. I believe that some Republicans see the truth and care about this country. Yes.

How many? No one knows. We will see if some do what you propose. The bottom line is that many do care and want to keep Trump from doing anything destructive to our country. They may not show it, but behind the scenes, some are already doing things to protect us from the worst of Trump. I got no proof, but that is what I believe.

[abqtommy]

4. But then if the reTHUGS were smart then they wouldn't be reTHUGS, would they? It's obvious

to me that the reTHUGS have become toxic in all ways. Oh sure, they could make different choices
but they haven't. Three words are all it takes to explain how the reTHUGS think: CHILDREN IN CAGES. Playing "if" or "could" will not change the reality of the battle we and other people in the world are in with authoritarianism/fascism/hate. Good op, ya made me think but then I'm not a reTHUG.

[kentuck]

5. They are in a dilemma.

Sort of like, "Pay me now or pay me later".

If they were to dispose of Trump in an impeachment trial, they would most likely lose the House, Senate, and White House in the next election. But they could begin to rebuild their Party.

If they wait until after the election, they could lose the House, Senate, and the White House and would be in much worse shape. They believe they can hold on but that may not be the case?

Logic would dictate that they cleanse themselves now, and rebuild their Party, just as they did after Goldwater, but the Trump base has a very strong hold on them.

[abqtommy]

7. If the reTHUGS had made decisions long ago to do the right thing we wouldn't be here. It's too late

for them but not for us. Logic has no effect on individuals who are easily corrupted by holding
political/financial power.

In my personal life I have faced dilemmas more than once. I made difficult decisions, went through the hard work of learning to rebuild my life and made the best life I could for myself and those around me. The reTHUGS could do the same.

In any physical or metaphorical battle it's good to know and understand the enemy. I'm satisfied that I know and understand the reTHUGS. The reTHUGS are the enemy and now it's time to push back,
physically and metaphorically by keeping investigations going while we watch the public support for
impeachment rise.

There's a lotta stuff going on. We are living in interesting times, indeed.

[Wounded Bear]

6. I believe that both of those questions are rhetorical, at best...nt

[Binkie The Clown]

8. IMHO that would only make Trump freak out even more. nt

[kentuck]

9. Then, what would happen?

Would more Republicans vote to convict?

Would he lose public support with his supporters?

Or would he do something dreadful, with no consequences?

[Leith]

10. If and If

We have seen no sign or hint of intelligence or love of country from them.

Perhaps if we could phrase it to them as a way for them to take control from hair furor? That could plant a seed in some dimwit's brain.