# Matt Gaetz withdraws from AG nomination **URL:** \ **Category:** Politics & Elections\ **Created:** [November 21, 2024, 5:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/matt-gaetz-withdraws-from-ag-nomination/1010567 "2024-11-21T17:32:11Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 6
**Author:** ![PhillyGuy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/ed655f/32.png) [@PhillyGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PhillyGuy)\ **Post date:** [November 22, 2024, 3:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/matt-gaetz-withdraws-from-ag-nomination/1010567/102 "2024-11-22T03:21:52Z")
> [@Smapti](#): > > > [@PhillyGuy](#): > > > > I can see a situation where Pam Bondi arrests no more than a half dozen big names – say, Joe Biden, Hillary Clinton, Nancy Pelosi, and Anthony Fauci > > No grand jury in the country is going to issue that indictment. I hope you are correct (and that there is no way to arrest them without a grand jury vote). But what if the grand jury is in a deep red county? The needed simple majority of those grand jurors may not look at it the way we would. As to whether Pat Bondi is capable of ordering an arrest of a Trump enemy, here is a snippet of evidence: [In 2016, during the Republican National Convention, she led the “lock her up” chants at then-Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton.](https://minnesotareformer.com/2024/11/21/dc/former-florida-ag-pam-bondi-gets-trumps-latest-nod-for-attorney-general/) Maybe Trump will be too old and tired to push through arrests of his perceived enemies. But I think the risk is high. ---
**Author:** ![Jeff\_Lichtman](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jeff_lichtman/32/1531_2.png) [@Jeff\_Lichtman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jeff_Lichtman)\ **Post date:** [November 22, 2024, 6:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/matt-gaetz-withdraws-from-ag-nomination/1010567/103 "2024-11-22T06:44:18Z")
A corrupt AG has the power to make someone’s life miserable even if it doesn’t end with a conviction. Nixon used the justice department and the IRS to harass his political opponents. Trump is even less scrupulous than Nixon was. Trump plans to declare a state of emergency to justify the use of the military to round up immigrants for deportation. I’m worried that’s not all he’ll do. The Constitution allows for the suspension of habeas corpus in cases of rebellion. I wouldn’t put it past him to claim there’s a rebellion and use this to arrest and hold people without trial. ---
**Author:** ![Atamasama](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/atamasama/32/12961_2.png) [@Atamasama](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Atamasama)\ **Post date:** [November 22, 2024, 9:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/matt-gaetz-withdraws-from-ag-nomination/1010567/104 "2024-11-22T09:13:41Z")
> [@Jeff\_Lichtman](#): > > Nixon used the justice department and the IRS to harass his political opponents. Trump is even less scrupulous than Nixon was. Trump did the same in his last term. He couldn’t charge anyone because they didn’t actually do anything criminal, but he could “investigate” them relentlessly. I expect that to be expanded immensely with a new AG. ---
**Author:** ![Love\_Rhombus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/love_rhombus/32/10694_2.png) [@Love\_Rhombus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Love_Rhombus)\ **Post date:** [November 22, 2024, 9:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/matt-gaetz-withdraws-from-ag-nomination/1010567/105 "2024-11-22T09:20:12Z")
> [@wolfpup](#): > > This is your expectation for a public that has the attention span of a goldfish? 😁 While I understand what you’re saying and agree, in the interests of accuracy I should mention that goldfish actually have a good long-term memory. On topic: it looks like the Cabinet picks are being used as a loyalty test for Vance’s replacement. It’s bootlickers all the way down. > **[Trump Cabinet picks hover over the search for Vance's Senate successor in Ohio](https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/donald-trump/trump-cabinet-picks-hover-search-vances-senate-successor-ohio-rcna181035)** > > As Gov. Mike DeWine decides whom to appoint to replace Vance, Trump is watching what the candidates say about embattled choices for big administration roles. ---
**Author:** ![Broomstick](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/broomstick/32/246_2.png) [@Broomstick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Broomstick)\ **Post date:** [November 22, 2024, 11:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/matt-gaetz-withdraws-from-ag-nomination/1010567/106 "2024-11-22T11:00:56Z")
> [@DWMarch](#): > > MSNBC is reporting Pam Bondi is the new choice for AG. > [@DavidNRockies](#): > > No bueno. MAGA to the core. Yeah. Well, why would anyone expect anything other than hardcore MAGA? Trump values groveling loyalty above all else. > [@Kent\_Clark](#): > > I have the deep suspicion that Trump front-loaded so many unacceptable characters because he knew one or two would be lightning rods, and with them out of the way, the Senate would be too exhausted and too nervous to push back on the rest. I’m not convinced Trump is that scheming. However, Project 2025’s Heritage Foundation has a _database_ of pre-vetted conservatives to suggest to Trump, THOSE guys are capable of playing chess. > [@Smapti](#): > > No grand jury in the country is going to issue that indictment. I’m not as convinced of that as I once was. ---
**Author:** ![enipla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/54ee81/32.png) [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)\ **Post date:** [November 22, 2024, 2:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/matt-gaetz-withdraws-from-ag-nomination/1010567/107 "2024-11-22T14:47:30Z")
> [@HMS\_Irruncible](#): > > Yeah that’s the one that chills me to the bone. Yes, especially since Trump is cool with extorsion and espionage. I mean, who doesn’t hide top secret government documents in a bathroom that has a copy machine? Every bathroom has a copy machine, right? ---
**Author:** ![Love\_Rhombus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/love_rhombus/32/10694_2.png) [@Love\_Rhombus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Love_Rhombus)\ **Post date:** [November 22, 2024, 2:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/matt-gaetz-withdraws-from-ag-nomination/1010567/108 "2024-11-22T14:48:52Z")
It would make copying your butt a lot easier. ---
**Author:** ![Northern\_Piper](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/northern_piper/32/5304_2.png) [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Post date:** [November 22, 2024, 3:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/matt-gaetz-withdraws-from-ag-nomination/1010567/109 "2024-11-22T15:09:10Z")
A more detailed account of the interplay between filling vacancies and senate confirmation: > **[RS21412.pdf](https://sgp.fas.org/crs/misc/RS21412.pdf)** Here’s the summary: > When an executive branch advice and consent position covered by the Vacancies Act becomes vacant, it may be filled temporarily in one of three ways under the act: (1) the first assistant to such a position may automatically assume the functions and duties of the office in an acting capacity; (2) the President may direct an officer who is occupying a different advice and consent position to perform these tasks; or (3) the President may select an officer or employee who is occupying a different position, within the same agency, for which the rate of pay is equal to or greater than the minimum rate of pay at the GS-15 level. The selected official must have served in that agency for at least 90 days during the year preceding the vacancy. Gaetz wouldn’t qualify under any of these three categories. Moot now, in light of the recent announcement that Trump has moved on. ---
**Author:** ![Gyrate](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gyrate/32/3588_2.png) [@Gyrate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gyrate)\ **Post date:** [November 22, 2024, 3:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/matt-gaetz-withdraws-from-ag-nomination/1010567/110 "2024-11-22T15:48:01Z")
> [@enipla](#): > > I mean, who doesn’t hide top secret government documents in a bathroom that has a copy machine? Every bathroom has a copy machine, right? The bathroom wasn’t the room with the copy machine - that was a _different_ easily-accessible room full of boxes of confidential files. ---
**Author:** ![enipla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/54ee81/32.png) [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)\ **Post date:** [November 22, 2024, 4:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/matt-gaetz-withdraws-from-ag-nomination/1010567/111 "2024-11-22T16:19:09Z")
So a differnent room with boxes of top secret docs had a copy machine? I swear I saw a picture and the copy machine was in the bathroom. I searched for this, I did not see a picture of a copier in the bathroom. I did see a chandelier in the bathroom. Ummm… One of the weirdest things I’ve ever seen. ---
**Author:** ![Superdude](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/superdude/32/13450_2.png) [@Superdude](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Superdude)\ **Post date:** [November 22, 2024, 8:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/matt-gaetz-withdraws-from-ag-nomination/1010567/112 "2024-11-22T20:17:06Z")
Spotted online: “Gaetz couldn’t even wait until his _nomination_ turned 18.” ---
**Author:** ![HMS\_Irruncible](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hms_irruncible/32/7394_2.png) [@HMS\_Irruncible](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HMS_Irruncible)\ **Post date:** [November 22, 2024, 9:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/matt-gaetz-withdraws-from-ag-nomination/1010567/113 "2024-11-22T21:22:53Z")
> [@Smapti](#): > > There’s no master plan here. There’s no 4D chess. It’s just a tired old dementia patient picking people because he saw them say something nice about him on TV earlier that day. I think it’s a mistake to assume that if Trump isn’t doing any 4D chess calculations, then no 4D chess calculations are happening. The only impediment to this kind of triangulation is that there are probably multiple people doing it in contention with each other. ---
**Author:** ![Ludovic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/7ab992/32.png) [@Ludovic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ludovic)\ **Post date:** [November 22, 2024, 9:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/matt-gaetz-withdraws-from-ag-nomination/1010567/114 "2024-11-22T21:24:32Z")
> [@DigitalC](#): > > Frankly Gaetz is not even the most dangerous nomination, Tulsi Gabbard is the one that should have been stopped. I don’t think her position would be as much of an immediate threat to American democracy. So I think Gaetz would have been more immediately and definitely worse for America because he would be able to directly crack down on perceived enemies. I’m not sure which would have been worse for the world, because while she would be more _immediately_ worse for the world, if American democracy falls, that would also be worse for the world. ---
**Author:** ![Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mean_mr.mustard/32/3865_2.png) [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Post date:** [November 22, 2024, 9:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/matt-gaetz-withdraws-from-ag-nomination/1010567/115 "2024-11-22T21:49:24Z")
> [@Smapti](#): > > There’s no master plan here. There’s no 4D chess. I suspect Trump grapples with the nuances of Candyland. mmm ---
**Author:** ![Hari\_Seldon](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hari_seldon/32/5173_2.png) [@Hari\_Seldon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hari_Seldon)\ **Post date:** [November 22, 2024, 10:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/matt-gaetz-withdraws-from-ag-nomination/1010567/116 "2024-11-22T22:30:56Z")
> [@Smapti](#): > > There’s no master plan here. There’s no 4D chess. It’s just a tired old dementia patient picking people because he saw them say something nice about him on TV earlier that day. I have to agree with this assessment. Not only doesn’t he play 4-D chess, he doesn’t play 3-D or 2-D or even 1-D. Subsidiary question. In his resignation letter, the pervert said he would not take the oath of office for his old seat (to which he had been re-elected). What happens now? Is the seat automatically vacated so the governor can call an immediate by-election? Or is it just left in limbo for two years? ---
**Author:** ![OldGuy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/3bc359/32.png) [@OldGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OldGuy)\ **Post date:** [November 22, 2024, 10:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/matt-gaetz-withdraws-from-ag-nomination/1010567/117 "2024-11-22T22:40:31Z")
> [@Hari\_Seldon](#): > > Subsidiary question. In his resignation letter, the pervert said he would not take the oath of office for his old seat (to which he had been re-elected). What happens now? Is the seat automatically vacated so the governor can call an immediate by-election? Or is it just left in limbo for two years? The primary is set for Jan 28 with the election in April. ---
**Author:** ![Atamasama](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/atamasama/32/12961_2.png) [@Atamasama](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Atamasama)\ **Post date:** [November 22, 2024, 10:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/matt-gaetz-withdraws-from-ag-nomination/1010567/118 "2024-11-22T22:41:05Z")
> [@Hari\_Seldon](#): > > Is the seat automatically vacated so the governor can call an immediate by-election? There is a special election to fill the current vacancy. > **[DeSantis sets special election for Gaetz seat](https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/5005387-desantis-sets-special-election-gaetz/amp/)** > > Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) on Friday formally set a special election date to fill former Rep. Matt Gaetz’s (R-Fla.) vacant House seat in Florida’s first congressional district. The primary elect… > The primary election for the district is slated to take place on Jan. 28, 2025 and the district’s general election will take place on April 1, 2025. It is vacant until then. That’s the soonest Florida law allows it to be filled. ---
**Author:** ![CairoCarol](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cairocarol/32/3825_2.png) [@CairoCarol](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CairoCarol)\ **Post date:** [November 22, 2024, 10:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/matt-gaetz-withdraws-from-ag-nomination/1010567/119 "2024-11-22T22:47:26Z")
That is a welcome bit of levity, in an otherwise very scary discussion, that I can get behind. ---
**Author:** ![JRDelirious](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jrdelirious/32/9531_2.png) [@JRDelirious](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JRDelirious)\ **Post date:** [November 22, 2024, 11:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/matt-gaetz-withdraws-from-ag-nomination/1010567/120 "2024-11-22T23:05:04Z")
> [@Atamasama](#): > > > [@Hari\_Seldon](#): > > > > Is the seat automatically vacated so the governor can call an immediate by-election? > > There is a special election to fill the current vacancy. > > > The primary election for the district is slated to take place on Jan. 28, 2025 and the district’s general election will take place on April 1, 2025. > > It is vacant until then. That’s the soonest Florida law allows it to be filled. Right, there are a series of minimum times for qualifying, campaigning, certifying primary result, etc. that runs into that minimum time limit. Gaetz’s resignation with less than two months left in the running term renders moot a special election to fill the lame-duck session, but his foregoing his status as reelected extends the vacancy into the next Congress so it starts the clock for that. The US Constitution and Florida law require the calling of a Special Election but do not set a _maximum_ time limit for it, in other occasions governors have allowed it to take most of a year so they can combine it with the next cycle of local elections, but with a razor thin majority in the House there is strong pressure to get that covered fast. ---
**Author:** ![Whack-a-Mole](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/whack-a-mole/32/141_2.png) [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Post date:** [November 22, 2024, 11:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/matt-gaetz-withdraws-from-ag-nomination/1010567/121 "2024-11-22T23:09:01Z")
> [@What\_Exit](#): > > Sounds like good news to me. Sounds like they (the Senators) didn’t want to confirm him. Careful what you wish for. I am no fan of Gaetz (far from it) and happy he won’t be AG but I am not confident his replacement will be an improvement. One possibility: > **[Trump’s Likely AG Mike Davis: ‘We’re Going to Put Kids in Cages’](https://www.thedailybeast.com/trumps-likely-ag-mike-davis-were-going-to-put-kids-in-cages/)** > > “I will rain hell on Washington D.C.,” Mike Davis told Benny Johnson. > **Mike Davis** , the man who many expect to be Donald Trump’s attorney general, appeared on Benny Johnson’s podcast The Benny Show last year to outline who exactly is on Trump’s hit list. > > Davis told Johnson he has five lists ready to go, but appeared to name only four. > > “I will rain hell on Washington D.C.,” he said. “I have five lists ready to go and they’re growing. List number one—we’re gonna fire. We’re gonna fire a lot of people in the executive branch of the deep state. Number two—we’re gonna indict. We’re gonna indict Joe Biden and Hunter Biden and James Biden and every other scumball sleazeball Biden, except for the 5-year-old granddaughter who they refused to acknowledge for five years until political pressure got to Joe Biden.” [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/matt-gaetz-withdraws-from-ag-nomination/1010567.md?page=5) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/matt-gaetz-withdraws-from-ag-nomination/1010567.md?page=7)