He Hate Me said:
Here is one discussion between a President and his advisor in more sane times.
In one segment of about 500 hours of discussions released by the National Archives, Nixon is heard discussing an extension of bombing raids over North Vietnam with Henry Kissinger, the national security adviser. Then, rather abruptly, he says: "I'd rather use the nuclear bomb." Whether Nixon was serious or trying to provoke Mr Kissinger is not clear. In his baritone voice, his adviser replies: "That, I think, would just be too much." But Nixon then goes on: "The nuclear bomb. Does that bother you? I just want you to think big."
The fact that unorthodox or even illegal ideas are discussed is not unlawful. And the Executive Branch should retain privilege to have these discussions.
We agree.
We are also talking about a war strategy versus something that could put the President in legal jeopardy. Using nukes may be distasteful or even cruel, but not an illegal act. Also, Kissinger was Sec of State, that was within the realm of the job.
This, at least to me, is different. This is an outside the job discussion with the WH Counsel. I think with Nixon, Dean is a better example. Dean crossed the line from Counsel to participant of course, but it was his job to tell the President (not Richard Nixon, citizen) the course was illegal. he failed, Cippilone looks like he didn't and history backs him up.
The difference I see is that the Trump Administration listened to Cippilone and certified the election, as they should have. THAT protected the President/West Wing from wrong doing. THAT, in my opinion, is WHY Trump is not being prosecuted. Not through anything he did, but his Administration did what they were supposed to do. If they followed Trump, this could be 1972 all over.
That is my view. I am not a fan of Trump. But you can't say that it was an attempt of coup or overturn of the election because his Administration made sure it was done right. For better or worse, Trump benefits or got lucky.