..that the United States could probably survive any president because his role was really not all that influential, i.e., that the nation and government had enough inertia that in the long run it could probably coast through any combination of malice and incompetence.

That theory is now being tested.

But what the nation cannot possibly survive is a political philosophy and ideology that can enthusiastically support an obviously malicious and incompetent chief executive as long as he furthers its economic and cultural agenda.

Yes, the nation can survive a bad president--regardless of party. But it cannot survive a Republican party that will make excuses for him and preserve him in power just to get a tax cut, or to ban abortions, or to dismantle government regulations.

This is the real issue here; its not the President's crimes or stupidity, or even his treason, it is the uncritical support he receives from those who will tolerate him because of their own personal greed and prejudice.

Those are the real traitors.