Why hasn't Merrick Garland charged Trump with insurrection yet?

@RedBaron I like this approach in theory, because indicting before the midterms seems way too politically motivated, but realistically, as soon as the midterms are over, it'll be about the 2024 election anyway.

Of course, I'm also not sure Biden will indict, period. Given the fact that he'd have to get a unanimous jury verdict to convict and the number of hardcore Trumpists , it's a real risk that I can see Garland may not want to take.

I don't like that much, but I get it. Trumpism is not just a right/left, normal political movement, and it's thrived on two impeachments that to me and a lot of people looked like should have been slam dunks, not to mention the Mueller/Barr mess, which Trumpists seem to actually believe was an exxoneration and the current Russia/hoax thing circulating in Trumpist circles.

Garland's not an ideologue, a novice, and I don't think he's on Soros' or Hillary's payroll. He's a former federal judge and Supreme Court nominee who probably is (and I think should be) looking at the big picture.

In two impeachments, Dems have basically gambled on taking shortcuts to doing things right and have lost.

I can see where Garland might not want to swing at this pitch unless he really believes its perfect and strike out at this point.

He, and the country, imo, arguably at least really can't afford to lose. If he strikes out, there may not be another chance.

@RedBaron because if he doesn't act immediately, the rules against an insurrectionists running for office won't be applied-. He'll already be a candidate. The gentlemen won't go there.

@Roundandroundwego If the evidence is there and he's indicted and convicted, he can be compelled to withdraw from the race. This must proceed based on evidence and due legal process, not politics and people not wanting him to run. You cannot rush the process because you don't like him.

@MistyCee I don't think it would be Biden's decision whether or not to indict.

@RedBaron It shouldn't be Biden's decision, imo, as much Garland's, but the distinction is a fine one that is really a whole different issue, even though I think it's a major difference in philosophy/leadership style/ respect for other human beings that separates Trump from Biden and most civilized leaders.

It's that "drain the swamp" thing again. Garland is a bureaucrat/legal professional who has loyalties other than to the guy that is in office.

@RedBaron dragging it out was the issue. Dems are running out the clock on justice-. But you get that.

@Roundandroundwego There is no "clock" to run out. It isn't a football game.

@RedBaron the election that's coming is in real time. Nobody cares. Whatever!

@Roundandroundwego As is this process. The election is 2 1/2 years away. As I said, Trump can declare himself a candidate and subsequently be compelled to withdraw. Due process cannot be rushed based on electoral and political considerations.

@RedBaron These hearings aren't an investigation; they're a presentation. There's nothing this panel is going to ask or cover they don't already have an answer or evidence for. This is as much informational as anything else. The only question is where they intend to go with it.