Monarchies have kings and queens who enjoy the ultimate job security: they rule for life, or until they decide to abdicate, perhaps for reasons of ill health, or in order to run off with an American divorcee, like this guy . . .

But I digress.

The few monarchies left in the world seem to revere their royal families and the traditions that go along with them, and it’s all very lovely to watch on TV. But for the most part these days — unlike in the times of Henry VIII and Ivan the Terrible — the royals’ jobs are mostly ceremonial, with the day-to-day grind of running the country allocated to a ruling body, such as a parliament.

There are still those individuals, however, who — not having been born to royalty — covet the title, the fawning courtiers, the pomp and circumstance . . . and no doubt the crown jewels . . . that such a position would carry with it. Not to mention that job security perk. And a few have figured out how to achieve their goal . . . most often by nefarious means.

Take Vladimir Putin, as a prime example.

Already second in command when Boris Yeltsin suddenly resigned (not to run off with an American divorcee) in December of 1999, Putin stepped up to complete Yeltsin’s term. He was then elected in March of 2000 to his first four-year term, followed by a second in 2004.

At that time, the Russian Constitution allowed just two consecutive terms — but it did not prohibit future additional terms after a one-term hiatus (or longer). So in 2008, Putin cleverly pulled the old switcheroo and traded places with his loyal Prime Minister, Dmitry Medvedev . . . while still, of course, remaining in control behind the scenes . . . until he was able to run again in 2012.

And here’s the good part. During that four-year period, Medvedev — at Putin’s behest, of course — rammed through the Parliament a constitutional amendment increasing the presidential term from four years to six. I think you can guess the next part. That’s right . . . in 2012 and 2018, Putin was again elected (to no one’s surprise), giving him twelve more years and taking him right up to 2024.

But then what? Forced retirement? Hell, no . . . not for old Vlad. Because in the meantime, yet another constitutional amendment had been quietly slipped through, removing the two-consecutive-terms limitation. As a result — as the world knows all too well — he is presently serving his fifth term in office, with yet another run for office possible in 2030, taking him to 2036 . . . that is, if he hasn’t run off with an American divorcee.

*. *. *

So what is the importance of this little tutorial in Russian history and political subterfuge? Well, it’s this guy:

Mouthing off as usual — this time in a phone interview with Kristen Welker of NBC News, he did not dismiss the idea of seeking a third term . . . again skirting the existence of the U.S. Constitution, in which the 22nd Amendment clearly states:

“No person shall be elected to the office of the President more than twice.”

It doesn’t say consecutively . . . just twice. Period.

But Trump said “there are methods” to achieve this, and emphasized that he was “not joking.” He added: “There are methods which [sic] you could do it.” [Alejandra Jaramillo, CNN, March 30, 2025.]

When Ms. Welker asked if he might consider having JD Vance run in 2028 and then “pass the baton” back to Trump, he replied:

“Well, that’s one. But there are others too.” [Id.]

Well, thanks for putting that thought into his head, Ms. Welker . . . in case he hadn’t already gotten the idea directly from his idol Putin.

Steve Bannon — who we all know lives in the same parallel universe as Trump — has suggested that Trump would indeed be eligible, since the 22nd Amendment doesn’t specify “consecutive” terms.

(Note to Bannon: No, it certainly doesn’t, dipshit. It says “twice” . . . period. He doesn’t get a third chance.)

Of course, there’s always the possibility of a constitutional amendment . . . and, in fact (and rather frighteningly), Tennessee Republican Representative Andy Ogles has already introduced legislation to that effect — with a specific provision that would exclude any former two-term presidents, such as Barack Obama, from coming out of retirement. [Id.]

But such an amendment would require two-thirds votes in both the House and the Senate, and ratification by three-fourths of the states. As Michael Waldman, President and CEO of the Brennan Center for Justice at New York University’s law school, said:

“It’s illegal. He has no chance. That’s all there is to say.” [Id.]

I would love to be able to take comfort from that. But considering the unconstitutional acts we’ve seen from this administration in just the past two months, I’m not sure I can.

Just sayin’ . . .

Brendochka
3/31/25