General Discussion

You already are - you can envision a time when Trump is gone. Many people can’t. JMHO, but I really don’t think that he will survive his term - physically, mentally, or politically. Physically and mentally, he’s a mess. We’re in Weekend at Bernie’s territory now, and it’s only going to get worse.

At some point, Trump will either do something so egregious that even the Republicans can’t stand it (full-scale war, invading Canada, shooting protestors, crapping on stage, etc.) or something in the past will come to light that is a simply bridge too far and that can be proven (murder, child trafficking, giving national secrets to Russia and other foreign powers, etc.). Then he might be removed politically, especially if we win the midterms. He’s so decrepit and corrupt that there are literally a million things that could bring him down. It could even be the Epstein saga and his own base.

Of course, then we get Vance. But even that’s not guaranteed. The Republican Party is divided, with each wackadoodle faction absolutely convinced that they’re right. Vance does not have the spine or the exquisite ability to strong-arm like Trump does. And he has zero charisma, so even the base doesn’t like him. If we’re incredibly lucky and Trump is proven to be a traitor, then Vance and the whole house of cards would go down with him.

Of course, whatever happens it will take a long time to get back to normal - although I suspect that ‘normal’ will be refined - in a good way. If we can reduce or eliminate the influence of big money on the political system, we might be able to move towards universal healthcare, restoration and expansion of individual rights, meaningful gun reform, elimination of the electoral college.- stuff that should have been done a long time ago. I suspect that a lot of Federal workers could be enticed back to public service by the appeal of what they had before - rock solid job security, good pay, great benefits, significant time off, etc. - especially if they are now working in the private sector.

There is still hope, as long as you don’t give in to apathy and despair. The midterms are not as far away as they seem right now. We will almost invariably take the House, at least, which should put a major crimp in Republican plans. In the meantime, ‘tend to your own garden’ and try to refocus on what makes you happy.