On Monday, in one of the single most impressive analytical discussions ever to occur on perhaps the most deeply cerebral and politically aware show in US television — The View — the hosts took turns discussing the clear and present danger that lingers whenever President Donald Trump turns coy and not a little bit smug about his plans for 2028 and a possible third term.
On the heels of yet another failure by Trump to simply say "No" about mounting a diabolical, unconstitutional third run, this one occurring on Air Force One on the way to Asia, each host took a turn making the same simple point: take this seriously, right now.
Amen. Now is a particularly good time, nay, a necessary one, to do more than recognize the issue. It is time to stand up.
The Democrats finally grew something that can pass courteous muster as a "spine" in shutting the government down, largely over GOP-desired cuts to Obamacare subsidies.
Nothing would be harmed and there would be everything to gain if the Dems now included a little rider on reopening the government: the passing of a resolution, by both parties in both Houses, that Trump (along with everyone else) is bound by the clear terms of the 22nd Amendment and all talk about a third term is moot.
True, if Trump doesn't feel bound by the Constitution, he damn sure won't have even passing interest in a mere resolution. But that's not the point.
Given our history and the Constitution's clarity, such a vote on such an issue should be an afterthought. The very fact that it most certainly would not be, were it to take place, makes the commitment that much more important as an action to take up now, getting all Republicans on record as they gaze over the horizon to next year and the midterm elections.
The closer we get to 2028, having blown past 2026 — with Steve Bannon and especially Trump himself continually screwing around — the more danger is ushered in.
It is not so much about Trump as it is a test of whether the Constitution still exists as a binding compact.
Or, alternatively, it is very much about Trump. It is about whether he can be stopped. Ever. On anything.
Sure, we all look to the White House ballroom as near proof positive that Trump doesn't believe he's going anywhere. But on The View, Sunny Hostin made an even more salient point. She may have been noting the obvious but nonetheless it was sharp: Given all we have absorbed to the marrow about Trump, is there any conceivable way that post-2026 he will allow himself to fade, tossing the spotlight to JD Vance or Marco Rubio, or a ticket containing both men?
Excuse me, but no f-----g way.
Every excellent analyst on The View highlighted the importance of getting all Republicans on record by having Democrats challenge them on the issue. But that would not be strong enough on its own. The Dems gotta keep the government all shut down.
There is no chance that Trump would go along with such a resolution. Good. Make him make that move, now, while the GOP isn't necessarily forced into line.
Understand, 2025 isn't 2027. Two years from now, the pressure will be much more evident. Any hope to timber this issue involves Democrats coming out of 2026 with majorities in both chambers of Congress. And nothing else, no real issue, stands on the horizon to engineer such a victory, especially given the map, new voting restrictions, and voter apathy.
Democrats have gotta shake things up, big. This might be the only pitch to hit. And if someone throws you a softball, for the love of God, hit it.
Because all indications are that Americans generally, and even a slim majority of Republicans, are against a Trump third term. It is a rare thing to find a majority of GOP-ers against Trump – and is there anything else with which to hold Republicans' feet to the fire? Oh, go ahead, throw Epstein in too. Why not make them vote on that too? There is certainly room.
It is not every day that you can preserve democracy over the caucus lunch. So, Dems — give it a shot. If you can't, what can you do?
- Jason Miciak is an American attorney, past Associate Editor of Occupy Democrats, novelist and dad. He can be reached on Bluesky and Twitter, or at jasonmiciak@gmail.com
