It’s a fairly reasonable assumption that elements in the Republican Party are planning another coup and have not given up. One less crude perhaps than what happened on January 6th. Some of the tactics may change depending on the 2022 mid-terms, but certain elements are already taking place preliminarily. Clearly, greatly ramped up voter suppression is one coup method already being enacted. The Republicans also control enough state governments, if that fails, to make fundamental changes in how federal election result totals are approved. And can assign/appoint corrupted officials to sabotage any presidential electoral vote counts and declare them invalid. Any time there is not 270 electoral votes to count, the election process goes to Congress, specifically the House. Each state delegation getting one vote. Easily favoring the Republicans, as it has nothing to do with state populations, and they control most states. More dangerous and risky, but still preferable to January 6th type adventures.
Voter Suppression “Coup” may be Enough?
Their first “coup” goal has already begun, and it is to use massive and racially loaded voter suppression and extensive media influence to win the Congress back in 2022. It should also be said publicly that their moves also will impact progressive white and poor white voters in Republican areas. The second part of their plan is to subvert enough state vote counting procedures by 2024 to lower the winner’s total electoral count to under 270 if they lose. They would only pick states where they still control state governments that went over to the other side to undermine the count. There are usually enough states that can go either way, but that the Republicans still control state governments, to make this a viable plan. If the election is very one sided, or if the Democrats control all the states where their electoral votes come from, the Republicans are probably screwed with this plan.
If successful, this will forever change the nature of government and end democracy as we know it, and corrupt everything that’s not nailed down, officially ending our reign as a credible world power. Of course, the plotters care little about that, just maintaining corporate control and their own corrupt ways. It will create a destabilized national government untrusted both by many here in the USA as well as in the rest of the world, which will be unable to compete with China, Russia or even Europe.
Manchin: A Judas Goat?
The coup method I outlined is not perfect. But it is being given cover by a generally corporate owned media that naturally favors the Republicans. It will do much to influence public opinion given the lack of any effective mass media countering abilities on the part of the Democrats. And depends in large part on the 2022 mid-terms turning over Congress. And Manchin, BTW, is likely not going to allow a majority Democratic vote that would repair what the Republican states are doing with voting rights. He's been bought by corporate money big time, even if he isn’t consciously in on the plot. He's the Judas goat in all this. And has almost single handedly brought down Biden and served up the Democrats for defeat in 2022. Reverend Barber’s group demonstrated at his office recently. Sinema is a backup if he falters and betrays the plot. Hope I’m wrong here, but all the signs are that it’s a permanent roadblock.
As far as a more direct and violent seizure of power, that is still possible given the events of January 6th and the extent of what is so far known of the conspiracy. Fascist elements in the Republican Party can be expected to act like fascists. I do not know anything substantial about what elements in the military might be sympathetic to the fascist cause that might lead to a military coup.
I suspect, however, that these folks are less preferred by the corporate elements behind most of the Republicans, but never admitted to openly. Of course, Trump’s actions on January 6th had significant support. But clearly not enough, and his currency and influence will only tend to decline over time, as will his mental and physical faculties. He must be humbled before long if he’s not going to be a threat in 2024.
Whither McConnell?
Mitch McConnell, if I can read his intentions correctly, may prefer Trump be dumped if they can get away with voter suppression and election tampering tactics to gain power in the Congress. If they control Congress, which they almost do now, thanks to Manchin and SinemaI, they would like but don’t need the presidency. In fact, dumping Trump may be a good move for them in the long run. And McConnell is certainly in it for the long haul, whatever one thinks of him. Afterall, their 50-year plan to take over the majority of state governments has already largely succeeded. The White House may be within their permanent grasp without storming the barricades and occupying the Capital once they subvert the electoral process, but they can still destroy democracy without a Trump victory. That’s worth remembering.
The Media Made Him, They Can Break Him.
One thing that should be remembered. The major media has the power to dump Trump tomorrow, if they turn there machinery decisively against him. They made him, they can break him. He’s a monster of their creation, superimposed on a backward, racist, misogynist and authority approval craving segment of America. Biden has kept his powder dry for much too long. Unless he has three aces in the hole and firmly believes that the January 6th Commision will get the goods on him and makes a run impossible in 2024. The other card that is not being played is organizing mass demos on what the Repubs are doing. This is not something centrist democratic leadership would even risk or entertain. Perhaps Rev. Barber’s folks will start and lead such a much-need campaign?