PUNDITS ARE DUMBFOUNDED TRYING TO UNDERSTAND WHAT TRUMP IS THINKING

THREE REPUBLICANS WHICH ALREADY APPEAR TO BE A NO ON MATT GAETZ - THIS MEANS VANCE WOULD HAVE TO CAST THE FINAL VOTE, ASSUMING NO OTHER REPUBLICAN BAILS

One of his few GOP critics, Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski called the Florida Republican an “unserious candidate” when asked by CNN about his chances for confirmation. Maine Sen. Susan Collins, another rare Republican Trump critic, said she was “shocked” to hear the news and noted there would be an extensive background check by the FBI over the impending nomination. Iowa Republican Sen. Joni Ernst said that Gaetz “is going to have a lot of work to do.”

While I agree there are at least 2 very shocking nominations by Trump, the Democrats up and to at least the day of confirmation, need to allow the press to handle the matter.

Trump is looking for a fight and the Democrats jumping in now on Matt Gaetz as Attorney General and Pete Hegseth as Secretary of Defense, will only make them victims. 

The news media probably has more negative information about Gaetz than anyone else.  The press will paint him is the worse light possible leading up to the confirmation.  Right now, Republican Senators are not running to either nominee.  Yes, some are saying they will be great, but others are saying it is too early to pass judgment.  They want to see which way the wind blows.  In the case of Pete Hegseth, some Republicans are saying "who?" in a very mocking way.

Let the Republicans sweat it out until the day of confirmation, and then with the press having set up the scene for failure, conduct the hearing.  It is possible Republican Senators will pressure Trump to withdraw the nominee.  Yes, I know, Trump will not listen.  He wants a fight but let him fight first with his Republican Senators.

If the Democrats cannot stop the nomination of Gaetz then they are powerless.

As to Hegseth for Secretary of Defense, Generals who are retired will go nuclear on this guy.  His promises along with Trump's intent could result in complete disarray in the military command structure.