# What can Dems extort from Trump in exchange for the wall? **URL:** \ **Category:** Great Debates\ **Created:** [January 10, 2019, 7:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-can-dems-extort-from-trump-in-exchange-for-the-wall/827546 "2019-01-10T19:09:25Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![The\_Tooth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/c67d28/32.png) [@The\_Tooth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Tooth)\ **Post date:** [January 11, 2019, 6:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-can-dems-extort-from-trump-in-exchange-for-the-wall/827546/41 "2019-01-11T06:24:39Z")
Which European country do you think would [del]want[/del] take him? ---
**Author:** ![The\_Tooth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/c67d28/32.png) [@The\_Tooth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Tooth)\ **Post date:** [January 11, 2019, 6:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-can-dems-extort-from-trump-in-exchange-for-the-wall/827546/42 "2019-01-11T06:26:42Z")
As for Miller, I see in his future aviator sunglasses, a Hawaiian shirt, a suitcase full of cash, a bungalow in Honduras, and the knowledge that if he returns to the US he’ll be imprisoned for life. ---
**Author:** ![Lord\_Feldon](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lord_feldon/32/341_2.png) [@Lord\_Feldon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lord_Feldon)\ **Post date:** [January 11, 2019, 6:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-can-dems-extort-from-trump-in-exchange-for-the-wall/827546/43 "2019-01-11T06:34:39Z")
A very easy legislative thing that Democrats have not talked about at all for some reason is overturning that recent Obamacare ruling. It could (AFAIK) be done with a single line of text severing (or just flat-out repealing) the individual mandate. It’s very easy and comports with what Republicans pretend to believe, so it should be added to the pile. ---
**Author:** ![Voyager](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/voyager/32/133_2.png) [@Voyager](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Voyager)\ **Post date:** [January 11, 2019, 6:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-can-dems-extort-from-trump-in-exchange-for-the-wall/827546/44 "2019-01-11T06:56:24Z")
> [@The\_Tooth](#): > > Which European country do you think would [del]want[/del] take him? Hungary and Poland. Autocrats support autocrats. ---
**Author:** ![Lord\_Feldon](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lord_feldon/32/341_2.png) [@Lord\_Feldon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lord_Feldon)\ **Post date:** [January 11, 2019, 6:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-can-dems-extort-from-trump-in-exchange-for-the-wall/827546/45 "2019-01-11T06:56:57Z")
I also kind of want to see if he could be conned into supporting DC statehood. Bait him with comments about how no President since Eisenhower has gotten to change the flag, and how there would be a Trump Star but no Obama Star. ---
**Author:** ![Voyager](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/voyager/32/133_2.png) [@Voyager](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Voyager)\ **Post date:** [January 11, 2019, 6:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-can-dems-extort-from-trump-in-exchange-for-the-wall/827546/46 "2019-01-11T06:57:44Z")
> [@Akaj](#): > > I think Dems are already doing exactly the right thing – not giving an inch to the toddler throwing a temper tantrum. > > But if he wants his $5.7 billion so badly, why not take advantage of his inept dealmaking and put together a trade? Lots of people (mostly Republicans) have already suggested DACA protection in exchange for the wall, but that’s just something they already had under Obama. Here are a few things off the top of my head I might propose as a trade for the $5.7 billion: > [ul] > [li]Immediate full citizenship for all Dreamers[/li][li]Full federal recognition of sanctuary city status[/li][li]Complete cessation of deportation efforts for non-felons[/li][li]Immediate amnesty for all undocumented aliens meeting reasonable conditions[/li][li]Clear, attainable path to citizenship for amnestied aliens[/li][/ul] > > Don’t bother replying that his base will never go for it. That’s a given, and fuck them anyway. Trump is such an infantile egomaniac, he might just go for it. And it would go a long way toward solving our “problem” with undocumented aliens, to the extent that it’s even a problem. > > What do you think? What would your wall trade package include? Those are good, but I’d add support for letting refugees in, the way it has been traditionally done. ---
**Author:** ![JKellyMap](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jkellymap/32/15880_2.png) [@JKellyMap](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JKellyMap)\ **Post date:** [January 11, 2019, 11:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-can-dems-extort-from-trump-in-exchange-for-the-wall/827546/47 "2019-01-11T11:07:43Z")
> [@Bryan\_Ekers](#): > > Well, like many buildings, he doesn’t actually own it, but his name is sure on it. Ha! ---
**Author:** ![carnivorousplant](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carnivorousplant/32/3563_2.png) [@carnivorousplant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnivorousplant)\ **Post date:** [January 11, 2019, 2:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-can-dems-extort-from-trump-in-exchange-for-the-wall/827546/48 "2019-01-11T14:25:51Z")
> [@Voyager](#): > > Hungary and Poland. Autocrats support autocrats. I understand Saudi Arabia takes in fallen despots. ---
**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:** [January 11, 2019, 2:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-can-dems-extort-from-trump-in-exchange-for-the-wall/827546/49 "2019-01-11T14:45:48Z")
> [@Lord\_Feldon](#): > > I also kind of want to see if he could be conned into supporting DC statehood. Bait him with comments about how no President since Eisenhower has gotten to change the flag, and how there would be a Trump Star but no Obama Star. OMG, he would totally fall for this. Why not go for Puerto Rico, too? ---
**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:** [January 11, 2019, 2:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-can-dems-extort-from-trump-in-exchange-for-the-wall/827546/50 "2019-01-11T14:48:12Z")
> [@Voyager](#): > > Those are good, but I’d add support for letting refugees in, the way it has been traditionally done. Roger that. ---
**Author:** ![enipla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/54ee81/32.png) [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)\ **Post date:** [January 11, 2019, 3:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-can-dems-extort-from-trump-in-exchange-for-the-wall/827546/51 "2019-01-11T15:04:27Z")
I think they should threaten a resolution that the President of the United States must eat food prepared in the White House kitchen when in residence. It’s a safety concern after all. No more 1/4 pounders without pickles and extra ketchup. If you must negotiate with a toddler, make sure it’s about something they understand. ---
**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:** [January 11, 2019, 3:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-can-dems-extort-from-trump-in-exchange-for-the-wall/827546/52 "2019-01-11T15:08:06Z")
> [@RTFirefly](#): > > Tru dat. > > Here’s my proposal: Pelosi should tell Trump that if the Senate passes and Trump signs the House appropriations bill ‘as is’, then she promises to tack on the $5.7B for the wall onto [H.R.1](https://www.vox.com/policy-and-politics/2018/11/30/18118158/house-democrats-anti-corruption-bill-hr-1-pelosi), which she guarantees will pass the House, after which the Senate Republicans will have no Dem opposition to getting it to Trump’s desk. > > 1. The deal should be structured this way so that if Trump agrees to the deal then changes his mind before signing the House bill, the Dems haven’t given up anything. > > 2. If Trump and/or McConnell decide later that H.R.1 is too big a price to pay for wall funding, it’s no loss for the Dems: H.R.1 wasn’t going to pass anyway. > > 3. If Trump tells McConnell that he wants his wall funding, dammit, and all that voting rights stuff doesn’t matter to him one way or the other, then $5.7B is a small price to pay for getting H.R.1 onto the books. I agree with whoever said **RTFirefly** wins the thread. This is genius. Even better, it’s realistic. ---
**Author:** ![Czarcasm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/czarcasm/32/4050_2.png) [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Post date:** [January 11, 2019, 3:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-can-dems-extort-from-trump-in-exchange-for-the-wall/827546/53 "2019-01-11T15:35:59Z")
> [@Lord\_Feldon](#): > > I also kind of want to see if he could be conned into supporting DC statehood. Bait him with comments about how no President since Eisenhower has gotten to change the flag, and how there would be a Trump Star but no Obama Star. Extremely stupid, but pretty much harmless-works for me. Washington DC Puerto Rico Guam New Mexico(yeah, I know…but there’s a good chance he doesn’t :D) ---
**Author:** ![Buck\_Godot](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/buck_godot/32/6573_2.png) [@Buck\_Godot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Buck_Godot)\ **Post date:** [January 11, 2019, 5:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-can-dems-extort-from-trump-in-exchange-for-the-wall/827546/54 "2019-01-11T17:48:04Z")
> [@Gray\_Ghost](#): > > Aside, why is a government shutdown always the Republican guy’s fault? In this particular case, as others have said, it is mostly because Trump said it was his fault on national television. But in general, its because its generally the Republicans who are trying to upset the status quo. In this time as in other times the Democrats would be perfectly willing to pass a clean spending bill and continuing resolution that keeps the government open. Its the Republicans who want to put things like the wall, or defunding planned parenthood, or defunding the ACA etc. So one side is holding the government hostage until their demands are met, while the otherside wants the hostages released but is unwilling to give into the demands of the hostage takers. > [@BigT](#): > > I like the idea of tacking it onto HR1. And the way you said to implement it is brilliant. Tacking it onto a bill Dems want and Pubs don’t makes it where the Dems either get a win or are no worse off. > > What’s more, I think that, if Trump wanted to, he could sell his base on HR1 quite easily, since he actually ran on reducing corruption in government. If he does, the Pubs can either grow balls and not agree with him, or agree with him and give the Dems what they want. > > If this was some other forum, I’d have said **RTFirefly** won the thread. But maybe some of you can come up with something even better. * * * I’d gladly take that offer, but I can’t imagine Trump going for it. Trump doesn’t really care personally one way or another about the wall, he just knows he will look bad to his base if he doesn’t get it. HR1 on the other hand which will put an ethics spotlight on the whitehouse, would affect him personally. While it is possible to conceive something that Trump would exchange of give up on the wall, there is absolutely nothing that would convince him to pass HR1, no matter what the political costs. ---
**Author:** ![Voyager](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/voyager/32/133_2.png) [@Voyager](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Voyager)\ **Post date:** [January 11, 2019, 6:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-can-dems-extort-from-trump-in-exchange-for-the-wall/827546/55 "2019-01-11T18:54:34Z")
> [@carnivorousplant](#): > > I understand Saudi Arabia takes in fallen despots. If you want to go outside of Europe, there is always the Philippines also. ---
**Author:** ![foolsguinea](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/foolsguinea/32/14751_2.png) [@foolsguinea](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/foolsguinea)\ **Post date:** [January 11, 2019, 7:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-can-dems-extort-from-trump-in-exchange-for-the-wall/827546/56 "2019-01-11T19:24:25Z")
> [@Lord\_Feldon](#): > > I also kind of want to see if he could be conned into supporting DC statehood. Bait him with comments about how no President since Eisenhower has gotten to change the flag, and how there would be a Trump Star but no Obama Star. Ooh! Ooh! OK, that, _then_ he has to resign and move to Scotland or Monaco or somewhere. ---
**Author:** ![BigT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bigt/32/12044_2.png) [@BigT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BigT)\ **Post date:** [January 11, 2019, 10:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-can-dems-extort-from-trump-in-exchange-for-the-wall/827546/57 "2019-01-11T22:31:20Z")
> [@Snowboarder\_Bo](#): > > Hmmm… I could swear that I wrote that it was, in fact, an impasse for me. No. You gave a factual reason why you thought it was an impasse. And I proved your factual reason wrong. It is always possible to negotiate with someone who is dishonest: you just have to cash the check before you give them what they want. Let me give an example. Let’s go wild and say we want LGBT treated as a suspect class in exchange for the Well. The House adds this to the shutdown reversal bill. The Senate passes it because Trump says he will pass it. Trump then can either sign it and thus cannot renege, or he doesn’t sign it, and he doesn’t get the government funded. There is no trust issue. We worked around it. You can continue to personally believe something that is counterfactual, but the facts are that you can in fact negotiate with an untrustworthy opponent. Your claim otherwise is false. ---
**Author:** ![BigT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bigt/32/12044_2.png) [@BigT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BigT)\ **Post date:** [January 11, 2019, 10:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-can-dems-extort-from-trump-in-exchange-for-the-wall/827546/58 "2019-01-11T22:37:34Z")
> [@Buck\_Godot](#): > > I’d gladly take that offer, but I can’t imagine Trump going for it. Trump doesn’t really care personally one way or another about the wall, he just knows he will look bad to his base if he doesn’t get it. HR1 on the other hand which will put an ethics spotlight on the whitehouse, would affect him personally. While it is possible to conceive something that Trump would exchange of give up on the wall, there is absolutely nothing that would convince him to pass HR1, no matter what the political costs. I might agree if Trump were capable of understanding that the law would hurt him. But I’m not sure he would be, without someone helping him. (He sure didn’t figure out that the existing laws could hurt his corruption.) And would Republicans be willing to tell him that it would hurt him, thus admitting Trump is corrupt? I’m not saying he will definitely accept it: we’re assuming a desperate Trump for the purposes of this hypothetical. But I think it’s a nice juicy steak to hold out in front of him. “We’ll put the Wall funding in HR1 if you will agree to sign it.” He may not care about the Wall itself, but he does care about being seen to win the fight on the Wall. And this would allow him to sell a win to the base. If he’s desperate enough, and thinks he’s legally untouchable enough, he could do it. ---
**Author:** ![carnivorousplant](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carnivorousplant/32/3563_2.png) [@carnivorousplant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnivorousplant)\ **Post date:** [January 12, 2019, 12:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-can-dems-extort-from-trump-in-exchange-for-the-wall/827546/59 "2019-01-12T00:34:23Z")
> [@BigT](#): > > But I think it’s a nice juicy steak to hold out in front of him. A nice, well done steak with catsup. Oh, the horror! ---
**Author:** ![enipla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/54ee81/32.png) [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)\ **Post date:** [January 12, 2019, 3:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-can-dems-extort-from-trump-in-exchange-for-the-wall/827546/60 "2019-01-12T15:09:18Z")
> [@foolsguinea](#): > > Ooh! Ooh! OK, that, _then_ he has to resign and move to Scotland or Monaco or somewhere. No, no, no. Mexico. THEN we can build a very special wall. “Donald who?” [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-can-dems-extort-from-trump-in-exchange-for-the-wall/827546.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-can-dems-extort-from-trump-in-exchange-for-the-wall/827546.md?page=4)