Australia and the World Past and Present

Could it happen?

It would be a dream come true for MAGA Republicans and a nightmare for many others.

Why would Trump not want to go around on the carousel again?

He seems to love his job.

He loves to be at the front of the pack and there is no role more powerful in the United States, or the rest of the world for that matter.

The first American President, George Washington, served two terms and then decided it was time to give someone else a go, thus setting a precedent that has been followed by most presidents.

Franklin D. Roosevelt was the clear exception. He served 4 terms, passing away in the last. Roosevelt wasn’t stopped by convention, the electors or the Constitution. This mortal coil caught up with him and there would be no fifth term. The 22nd Amendment, barring presidents from more than 2 terms was passed in by Congress in 1949 and ratified in 1951.

Sure, Roosevelt had to contend with World War II. Continuity of leadership during war normally makes sense. But wars flare up regularly in American history and transitions are managed. The Republic marches on.

There is the matter of that pesky Constitution.

The 22nd Amendment reads, “No person shall be elected to the office of President more than twice.”

The word “elected” is critical here. Is raises the following question: can Trump get there by other means?

One theory recently discussed plays out like this: Trump runs for the vice-presidency. A Trump loyalist runs for the presidency – perhaps J.D. Vance. Vance would make sense given that he is already second in line. He is widely known across the country – crucial for campaigning and winning votes.

In this scenario, if Vance won, he could resign clearing the way for Trump to be installed as Commander in Chief once more.

Via this route, Trump would not have been elected as President and seemingly would not be in violation of the second Amendment.

It would depend on whoever was elected as President sticking with the plan once they were in power. But let’s say that Vance gets in and then says to Trump that he is not willing to vacate the presidency. It would send shock waves through the MAGA movement and infuriate Trump’s supporters. There could be real law and order implications. There could be riots. Would another Capitol attack scenario be out of the question?

Trump recently said, “I wouldn’t do that [run for the vice-presidency]. I think it’s too cute. I think people wouldn’t like that…it wouldn’t be right.”

But Trump has a history of changing course, not adhering to rules and doing what he likes. Watch this space.