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U.S. gender wage gap grows for first time in a decade; Trump has embraced NC's Mark Robinson, calling him 'Martin Luther King on steroids'; Volunteers sought as early voting kicks off in MN; Women's political contributions in congressional races fall short of men's.

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Rising threats of political violence, a Federal Reserve rate cut, crypto industry campaign contributions and reproductive rights are shaping today's political landscape.

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A USDA report shows a widening gap in rural versus urban health, a North Carolina county remains divided over a LGBTQ library display, and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz' policies are spotlighted after his elevation to the Democratic presidential ticket.

25th Amendment: A Long Shot for Presidential Removal

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Monday, February 20, 2017   

LINCOLN, Neb. -- Presidents Day protest rallies taking place Monday may focus on impeaching President Donald Trump, but at least one political expert says it would be a long shot.

Some opponents of the president have suggested invoking the 25th Amendment, which outlines the procedures for when a sitting president is no longer capable of performing the duties of the office. But Kelly Coyle, federal affairs project director with the online political encyclopedia Ballotpedia, explained that Section 4 of the amendment presents a particular challenge in carrying out the process.

"Vice President Pence and a majority of President Trump's cabinet members would have to say this president is incapable of serving,” Coyle said. “Or Vice President Pence and then this undefined 'body of Congress’ - which is where the confusion is - they would have to say that Trump is not able to serve. "

Coyle said that "invoking the 25th" is a long process, and extremely unlikely.

Last week, Democratic Rep. Earl Blumenauer of Oregon called for a review of the 25th Amendment, and Senator Al Franken, a Democrat from Minnesota, said on Sunday that he's heard from Republican colleagues who are concerned about the president's mental health. Others cited ethics concerns.

The latest Gallup polling showed the president's approval rating is at 40 percent overall, with eight percent of Democrats and 87 percent of Republicans having a favorable view of his performance.

The 25th Amendment was developed after John F. Kennedy's assassination. Coyle said there are a number of times in U.S. history when presidents have been incapacitated, and there was no clear guidance for what to do. Section Four of the amendment has never been invoked, but other sections have.

"Section 1 and 2, that's been used three times, and that was all regarding Nixon administration scandals,” she said. "And then Section 3, that was used three times for medical procedures; one was under Reagan and twice for George W. Bush."

Nebraska was the first state to ratify the 25th Amendment, which was adopted 50 years ago.


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