Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
In the latest performance on the political stage that never lacks for absurdity, Mitch McConnell decided to bust a move that could easily be mistaken for independence—or a fleeting moment of clarity, depending on your level of cynicism. The Senate Minority Leader, a man who often resembles a turtle misplaced from its shell, has publicly voiced his disagreement with former President Trump over the notion of absolute presidential immunity.
Trump, a walking, talking Constitution quiz (which he would assuredly fail), argued he’s constitutionally immune to judicial interference regarding his actions during his presidency. McConnell, however, dusted off his Constitution—a document that seems more often used as a prop—and tacitly disagreed.
The squabble emerged from allegations tying Trump to an array of conduct that suggests he believes the Oval Office comes equipped with a “Get Out of Jail Free” card. This divergence from Trump’s viewpoints could signal an impending GOP identity crisis, or just McConnell trying to save what’s left of his political hide as the ex-president continues to play hopscotch on legal thin ice.
The Breakdown
- Absolute Presidential Immunity? More Like Presidential Impunity!
- Here, McConnell draws a line on the sandbox, somewhat faint but definitely there. He’s like, “Hold up, even I can’t twist the Constitution into saying that.” It’s an enchanting spectacle—seeing McConnell navigate the tightrope between endorsing the chaos Trump unleashes and playing the reasoned statesman. This point is a classic “Even I think this is nuts,” coming from someone who often veers into the nuts.
- Here, McConnell draws a line on the sandbox, somewhat faint but definitely there. He’s like, “Hold up, even I can’t twist the Constitution into saying that.” It’s an enchanting spectacle—seeing McConnell navigate the tightrope between endorsing the chaos Trump unleashes and playing the reasoned statesman. This point is a classic “Even I think this is nuts,” coming from someone who often veers into the nuts.
- McConnell’s Selective Spine Shows Up—Temporarily
- The spine makes a guest appearance when the stakes are high or when too much heat is coming from the legal kitchen. McConnell saying “no” to absolute immunity is like watching a thriller where you know the hero will eventually walk away from the villain, but only after a lot of unnecessary complicities.
- The spine makes a guest appearance when the stakes are high or when too much heat is coming from the legal kitchen. McConnell saying “no” to absolute immunity is like watching a thriller where you know the hero will eventually walk away from the villain, but only after a lot of unnecessary complicities.
- The Old Guard vs. The New Disaster
- McConnell represents the old guard of GOP decorum (or what’s left of it), positioning himself ever so slightly against the Trumpian approach to governance, which is essentially governance by unbridled id. It’s like watching your grandfather trying to use Facebook—a mixture of confusion and nostalgia for simpler times.
- McConnell represents the old guard of GOP decorum (or what’s left of it), positioning himself ever so slightly against the Trumpian approach to governance, which is essentially governance by unbridled id. It’s like watching your grandfather trying to use Facebook—a mixture of confusion and nostalgia for simpler times.
- GOP Identity Crisis on Aisle Four
- The disagreement signifies not just a spat but an existential GOP crisis. Are they the party of law, order, and the Constitution, or the party of Trump’s whims? McConnell’s stance is less about legal principles and more about trying to put a tiny, conservative band-aid on a growing fracture.
- The disagreement signifies not just a spat but an existential GOP crisis. Are they the party of law, order, and the Constitution, or the party of Trump’s whims? McConnell’s stance is less about legal principles and more about trying to put a tiny, conservative band-aid on a growing fracture.
- Hedging Bets for 2024
- Mitch is likely just hedging his bets. If Trump’s legal troubles turn radioactive, McConnell can say he maintained some sense of principle. It’s political survival 101: always leave room to maneuver.
- Mitch is likely just hedging his bets. If Trump’s legal troubles turn radioactive, McConnell can say he maintained some sense of principle. It’s political survival 101: always leave room to maneuver.
The Counter
- Absolute Power Corrupts Absolutely? Nah, It Just Makes for Absolute Entertainment
- Trump’s presidency and his aftermath are like the reality TV show that keeps getting renewed, despite plummeting ratings and increasing horror among the audience.
- Trump’s presidency and his aftermath are like the reality TV show that keeps getting renewed, despite plummeting ratings and increasing horror among the audience.
- “At Least He’s Consistent,” Says McConnell, with a Shrug
- McConnell is consistent in one thing—playing politics like a chess game where the pieces are made of Jell-O. Today’s “constitutional principle” might just be tomorrow’s bargaining chip.
- McConnell is consistent in one thing—playing politics like a chess game where the pieces are made of Jell-O. Today’s “constitutional principle” might just be tomorrow’s bargaining chip.
- Jurassic Park: Senate Edition
- The GOP’s ideological divide is less a thoughtful debate and more a rerun of dinosaurs not knowing the meteor is coming—the meteor being the young voters totally disillusioned by political geriatrics.
- The GOP’s ideological divide is less a thoughtful debate and more a rerun of dinosaurs not knowing the meteor is coming—the meteor being the young voters totally disillusioned by political geriatrics.
- McConnell’s Guide to Political Backpedaling
- If you need a manual on how to walk back from the brink, McConnell’s your author. Today he distances from Trump, and tomorrow, well, depends on the wind’s direction.
- If you need a manual on how to walk back from the brink, McConnell’s your author. Today he distances from Trump, and tomorrow, well, depends on the wind’s direction.
- Principle or Politics? An Existential Comedy
- This entire spat might just be a philosophical question wrapped in a political joke. Does McConnell really disagree with Trump, or is he just crafting his next campaign slogan?
- This entire spat might just be a philosophical question wrapped in a political joke. Does McConnell really disagree with Trump, or is he just crafting his next campaign slogan?
The Hot Take
In true liberal fashion, the solution isn’t just to laugh at these political stunts (though, keep laughing, it’s good for the soul), but to overhaul the entire system. How about starting with actual accountability, term limits to prevent more episodes of Jurassic Park: Senate Edition, and maybe, just maybe, insisting our leaders know the Constitution better than they know their golf handicaps? If comedy is tragedy plus time, then U.S. politics is a sitcom waiting for its cancellation—unless we, the audience, rewrite the script.
Source: Mitch McConnell Breaks With Trump on Absolute Presidential Immunity
