# Cohen's warning **URL:** \ **Category:** Politics & Elections\ **Created:** [March 1, 2019, 3:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cohens-warning/830364 "2019-03-01T03:23:40Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [March 1, 2019, 5:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cohens-warning/830364/41 "2019-03-01T17:27:48Z")
> [@Velocity](#): > > …You seem to be going well out of your way to entertain the idea of Trump not leaving the White House for…idk, a satisfying thought? Nothing complicated. I’m just idly whiling away some time… ---
**Author:** ![magellan01](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@magellan01](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/magellan01)\ **Post date:** [March 1, 2019, 5:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cohens-warning/830364/42 "2019-03-01T17:30:50Z")
> [@Dale\_Sams](#): > > I think its ridiculous garbage right up there with “Trump is Hitler”. I’m with you. I don’t know who dreams up these scenarios. Bill Maher has an excuse of being perpetually high. Everyone else, sheer paranoia. I chalk it up to TDS. Maybe it’s time to have a telethon for this insidious affliction. ---
**Author:** ![Leaper](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/4bbf92/32.png) [@Leaper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaper)\ **Post date:** [March 1, 2019, 5:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cohens-warning/830364/43 "2019-03-01T17:43:28Z")
The McConnell speculation is the only one I see as having any chance of having any real effect on the election or the nation, and it’s not even ultimately up to Trump. I’ve asked before, and I’ll ask again: suppose Trump refuses to vacate the presidency. What legitimate and likely means does he have to force anyone anywhere in DC to pay the least bit attention to anything he wants? I don’t see any. He refuses to leave. That means he has what kind of power and authority? None, as far as I can tell. ---
**Author:** ![enipla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/54ee81/32.png) [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)\ **Post date:** [March 1, 2019, 6:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cohens-warning/830364/44 "2019-03-01T18:00:18Z")
Trump will leave saying he has accomplished more than any President in history. He will also say that he wants to spend more time with his family. Melania will be put on suicide watch. ---
**Author:** ![Hermitian](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hermitian/32/470_2.png) [@Hermitian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hermitian)\ **Post date:** [March 1, 2019, 6:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cohens-warning/830364/45 "2019-03-01T18:52:24Z")
About 5% chance of Trump trying. Exactly 0.0% chance of it working. ---
**Author:** ![Akaj](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/akaj/32/145_2.png) [@Akaj](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Akaj)\ **Post date:** [March 1, 2019, 7:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cohens-warning/830364/46 "2019-03-01T19:05:58Z")
I think it’s more likely that, the day after losing the election, Individual 1 essentially quits – leaves D.C., cancels any remaining appointments and stops performing anything remotely resembling presidential duties. He launches a 10-week temper tantrum from Mar a Lago, whining about election fraud, blaming his advisors and bragging about the greatness of his presidency. And nobody gives a shit. ---
**Author:** ![D\_Anconia](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/67e7ee/32.png) [@D\_Anconia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/D_Anconia)\ **Post date:** [March 1, 2019, 7:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cohens-warning/830364/47 "2019-03-01T19:33:45Z")
People said that Presidents Bush and Obama wouldn’t leave after their terms in office, too. IOW, the idea is nonsense. ---
**Author:** ![Try2B\_Comprehensive](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/try2b_comprehensive/32/65_2.png) [@Try2B\_Comprehensive](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Try2B_Comprehensive)\ **Post date:** [March 1, 2019, 7:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cohens-warning/830364/48 "2019-03-01T19:34:25Z")
I can’t see any way Trump holds on to power illegitimately. What is he going to do, go on TV and say, “The election results are FAKE because: Argle. Gargle. Bargle. GOO!” Only the dipshits will take him seriously, just like now, only his schtick will be worn that much thinner by then. Can he inspire riots? I dunno, but this country has endured major riots. It has endured a civil war even, though I seriously doubt Trump has the skills to pull a Jefferson Davis. Nope, come inauguration day, Trump is a gone daddy. I think Cohen is just trying to inflate his importance with this line. “There is a terrible crisis! I am the only one who can protect us!” Wonder where he learned that one? :rolleyes: ---
**Author:** ![Steophan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/steophan/32/9595_2.png) [@Steophan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Steophan)\ **Post date:** [March 1, 2019, 8:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cohens-warning/830364/49 "2019-03-01T20:16:41Z")
Trump won’t simply refuse to leave, should he lose but not vacate on Jan 20th, it will be because either the election result or the requirement to leave is still being challenged in court. I’ve no idea how likely that is, but if he’s not conceded defeat, and the Supreme Court hasn’t ruled that he’s defeated and must leave, then no-one’s going to drag him out. ---
**Author:** ![Akaj](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/akaj/32/145_2.png) [@Akaj](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Akaj)\ **Post date:** [March 1, 2019, 8:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cohens-warning/830364/50 "2019-03-01T20:57:56Z")
> [@Steophan](#): > > Trump won’t simply refuse to leave, should he lose but not vacate on Jan 20th, it will be because either the election result or the requirement to leave is still being challenged in court. I’ve no idea how likely that is, but if he’s not conceded defeat, and the Supreme Court hasn’t ruled that he’s defeated and must leave, then no-one’s going to drag him out. The 2000 election was insanely close, yet the SCOTUS managed to decide it before New Years Day. How big a fustercluck\* do you think 2020 is going to be for it not to be settled by Jan. 20. Whether or not he concedes is irrelevant. \*Thanks, _The Punisher_ ---
**Author:** ![KidCharlemagne](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/ed8c4c/32.png) [@KidCharlemagne](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KidCharlemagne)\ **Post date:** [March 1, 2019, 9:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cohens-warning/830364/51 "2019-03-01T21:32:44Z")
Trump claimed voter fraud when he won the election so he will absolutely claim voter fraud if he loses. The danger isn’t in him not physically leaving the White House. The danger lies in his base not accepting the legitimacy of the elections even if the vast majority of Republicans claim that they should. Trump, realizing his real estate licensing scam is now over, will indulge his ego by forming a right wing media company and becoming “the voice of the people.”. He’ll be almost be as dangerous out of office as he was in it. ---
**Author:** ![Steophan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/steophan/32/9595_2.png) [@Steophan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Steophan)\ **Post date:** [March 1, 2019, 9:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cohens-warning/830364/52 "2019-03-01T21:59:06Z")
> [@Akaj](#): > > The 2000 election was insanely close, yet the SCOTUS managed to decide it before New Years Day. How big a fustercluck\* do you think 2020 is going to be for it not to be settled by Jan. 20. > > Whether or not he concedes is irrelevant. > \*Thanks, _The Punisher_ One where Trump gets to put a couple more judges on the Court, but they aren’t quite ready to outright fake an election result, but don’t want to give it to the Dems either. I should say I don’t _think_ this will happen (sadly, I think Trump will legitimately win), but if he is to lose but not leave, that will be how. ---
**Author:** ![Steophan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/steophan/32/9595_2.png) [@Steophan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Steophan)\ **Post date:** [March 1, 2019, 10:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cohens-warning/830364/53 "2019-03-01T22:01:29Z")
> [@D\_Anconia](#): > > People said that Presidents Bush and Obama wouldn’t leave after their terms in office, too. > > IOW, the idea is nonsense. The slight difference there is neither of them was standing for re-election, and so were not in a position to falsely claim they’d won. There was no chance that either of them would refuse to leave, but there is a small chance that Trump will. ---
**Author:** ![E-DUB](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/e-dub/32/403_2.png) [@E-DUB](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/E-DUB)\ **Post date:** [March 1, 2019, 10:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cohens-warning/830364/54 "2019-03-01T22:09:47Z")
I’ve never claimed that trump is Hitler. Stylistically he’s a lot closer to Mussolini, but whatever. He’s unquestionably an authoritarian, with little regard for democracy or the institutions of same. And I’m old enough to remember the “he won’t leave” argument being made about Nixon and has been recycled about pretty much every two-term president since. And yes, it hasn’t been true but like a lot of things isn’t true right up until the moment it is. Don’t forget this isn’t coming from some lefty loon, but someone who has been active in Republican circles and who has a decade long relationship with the individual (one) in question. ---
**Author:** ![Kent\_Clark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kent_clark/32/105_2.png) [@Kent\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kent_Clark)\ **Post date:** [March 1, 2019, 10:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cohens-warning/830364/55 "2019-03-01T22:21:58Z")
> [@Velocity](#): > > IIRC, on Jan. 3, the new Congress hasn’t taken office yet so it would still be a 53-47 Republican majority. I could see a substantial number of Republican senators voting with the blues on this one, though. Actually, we’re both mistaken because the new Congress begins on [January 3](https://constitutioncenter.org/interactive-constitution/amendments/amendment-xx), and the electoral votes are counted on [January 6](https://www.archives.gov/publications/prologue/2008/fall/electoral.html). ---
**Author:** ![OttoDaFe](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ottodafe/32/356_2.png) [@OttoDaFe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OttoDaFe)\ **Post date:** [March 1, 2019, 11:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cohens-warning/830364/56 "2019-03-01T23:57:15Z")
> [@kunilou](#): > > Actually, we’re both mistaken because the new Congress begins on [January 3](https://constitutioncenter.org/interactive-constitution/amendments/amendment-xx), and the electoral votes are counted on [January 6](https://www.archives.gov/publications/prologue/2008/fall/electoral.html). That was the point I was trying to make (obviously not very well). While there are no guarantees whatsoever, the Senate in the 117th Congress _could_ be controlled by Democrats — relegating McConnell to a well-deserved irrelevance. ---
**Author:** ![Sherrerd](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sherrerd/32/8_2.png) [@Sherrerd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sherrerd)\ **Post date:** [March 2, 2019, 12:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cohens-warning/830364/57 "2019-03-02T00:58:03Z")
> [@E-DUB](#): > > Almost lost in all the meat Cohen has tossed out in his testimony was the warning that if trump loses in 2020 that he will not go peacefully. Most folks are postulating a scenario in which there is a “normal” election, which he loses and then refuses to surrender power, at which point he is escorted from the Oval Office kicking and screaming “fake news”. Well, there is another, more ominous, scenario in which trumpees disrupt the election itself, then use that very disruption to cast doubt on the legitimacy of the results. Then, of course, there is also the Riechstag fire scenario. Or a competent MagaBomber. I can think of half a dozen ways that could be pulled off. … One way would be to facilitate Russian interference in the 2020 election—this time to the point of actually changing vote totals in the machines. It’s well-documented that the Trump Administration has declined to fund (or actively de-funded) efforts to protect our elections: > [@](#): > > … current and former officials tell NBC News that 19 months into his presidency, there is no coherent Trump administration strategy to combat foreign election interference — and no single person or agency in charge. > > …If any evidence was needed that the Russians haven’t been deterred, a Democratic senator, Claire McCaskill of Missouri, said Thursday she was the target of an unsuccessful Russian hacking attempt. A Microsoft official says that company has also observed attempted Russian hacks against two other unnamed candidates. … > **[Election security? Trump admin has no central plan, no one in charge](https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/elections/trump-admin-has-no-central-strategy-election-security-no-one-n895256)** > > After two years of calling Russian election meddling a hoax, President Trump will preside over a meeting about election security. Though that’s from July, I’m not seeing any evidence that the situation has changed in favor of ‘protecting US elections,’ and plenty of evidence that Trump is continuing to communicate with Russians and keeping those communications secret. From a January (2019) report: > [@](#): > > President Donald Trump hid details of his meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin, going so far on one occasion as to seize his interpreter’s notes to prevent them from reaching the public, according to a new report published Saturday. > > Washington Post reporter Greg Miller outlines how Trump went through “extraordinary lengths” to conceal the contents of his conversations with the leader of one of America’s biggest adversaries. On at least one occasion, during a meeting with Russian officials and then-Secretary of State Rex Tillerson in Hamburg in 2017, Trump asked his linguist to not share details about what had transpired. > > Even high-ranking officials within Trump’s own administration were unaware of specifics discussed between the two leaders, The Post reports. … > **[Trump reportedly hid details of his meetings with Putin from his own...](https://www.vox.com/2019/1/13/18180749/trump-secret-russia-putin-meetings)** > > House Democrats are already promising to launch an investigation into Trump’s secret dealings with Russia. And of course Trump (or his enablers) may have met secretly with the Russian Foreign Minister, who was present in Vietnam while Trump was there for the talks with KJU: > [@](#): > > Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Monday that the United States had asked Moscow’s advice in dealing with North Korea ahead of a summit between President Donald Trump and the North Korean leader. > > Mr. Trump and Kim Jong Un were expected to meet Thursday, possibly even the day before, in Vietnam’s capital. Their first meeting last summer ended without substantive agreements on North Korea’s nuclear disarmament. > > Lavrov, who is also visiting Vietnam this week, said in comments carried by Russian news agencies on Monday that Russia believes that the U.S. ought to offer Pyongyang “security guarantees”… > **[Russia says US sought "advice" ahead of Trump-Kim summit on North Korea's nukes](https://www.cbsnews.com/news/russia-us-sought-advice-trump-kim-summit-north-korea-nuclear-vietnam-lavrov/)** > > Top diplomat in Moscow casually claims "U.S. is even asking our advice" as President Trump prepares for 2nd face-to-face with Kim Jong Un …In all these meetings with Russian officials, is it possible that plans for getting Russian technicians and/or hackers into the US are being discussed? Is it possible that Trump feels that with Russian help, vote totals that will protect him from facing justice over his various crimes will be obtained? I’m not sure how we could rule that out. Both parties have shown they have no qualms about such actions, and given the secrecy of Trump’s communications with Putin and his deputies, who would bet that the 2020 election isn’t part of the arrangements being made? ---
**Author:** ![UnwittingAmericans](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/d9b06d/32.png) [@UnwittingAmericans](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/UnwittingAmericans)\ **Post date:** [March 2, 2019, 3:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cohens-warning/830364/58 "2019-03-02T15:50:18Z")
> [@BobLibDem](#): > > The election results are certified in a joint session of Congress. I can see McConnell refusing to accept the result of a Democratic victory and somehow prevent the election from being certified. The saddest thing about this is, if it happened, the reaction from the general population would be a tweetstorm followed by protests the following weekend, IF the weather was nice enough. ---
**Author:** ![septimus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/septimus/32/410_2.png) [@septimus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/septimus)\ **Post date:** [March 2, 2019, 4:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cohens-warning/830364/59 "2019-03-02T16:16:33Z")
> [@D\_Anconia](#): > > People said that Presidents Bush and Obama wouldn’t leave after their terms in office, too. > > IOW, the idea is nonsense. This reasoning is mentioned [under “TFTSTHAN” on this webpage](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_fallacies#Propositional_fallacies) or [here](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TFTSTHAN). > [@](#): > > Example: > > 1. Apples and roses aren’t orange. > > 2. Therefore oranges aren’t orange either. ---
**Author:** ![Little\_Nemo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/little_nemo/32/3120_2.png) [@Little\_Nemo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Nemo)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2019, 3:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cohens-warning/830364/60 "2019-03-03T03:07:34Z")
> [@enipla](#): > > He will also say that he wants to spend more time with his family. Three years ago, I would have said you’re being too harsh. But now I feel they deserve this. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cohens-warning/830364.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cohens-warning/830364.md?page=4)