US latest: Alarm as Trump says he is serious about seeking unconstitutional third term

As we reported in our 8.47 post, Donald Trump has said he is “not joking” about seeking an unconstitutional third term as president. 

In this post, we’ll share the full transcript from his call with NBC’s Kristen Welker…

Welker: I know you’re joking about this, but I’ve been talking to a lot of your allies. They say they’re very serious. You know, I talked to Steve Bannon on the record, quite frankly. So, I can just tell you. I mean, he says he’s, you know, really seriously looking at potential plans that would allow you to serve a third term. 

Trump: Well, let me put it this way. You have to start by saying I have the highest poll numbers of any Republican for the last 100 years. 

We’re in the high 70s in many polls, in the real polls, and you see that. We’re very popular. And you know, a lot of people would like me to do that. 

But, I mean, I basically tell them, we have a long way to go, you know, it’s very early in the administration. 

Welker: So, but I don’t hear you ruling – like, in a very serious way, do you rule that out? Are you like, ‘I can’t serve a third term, it’s unconstitutional’? What’s your thinking around it? 

Trump: A lot of people want me to do it. But we have – my thinking is, we have a long way to go. I’m focused on the current [term]. 

Welker: Have you been presented with any potential plans that would allow you to serve a third term? 

Trump: Well, there are plans. There are – not plans. There are, there are methods which you could do it, as you know. 

Welker: Well, let me throw out one where [vice] president Vance would run for office and then would, basically, if he won at the top of the ticket, would then pass the baton to you. 

Trump: Well, that’s one. But there are others too. There are others.

Welker: There are others? Can you tell me another? 

Trump: No. 

Welker: Okay. So, but, but, sir, I’m hearing – you don’t sound like you’re joking. I’ve heard you joke about this a number of times.

Trump: No, no I’m not joking. I’m not joking. But, I’m not – it is far too early to think about it. 

Okay. Okay. It’s too early to think about it, but you’re not…

If people would like, and I hope you’re going to mention, I have the highest ratings of any Republican in 100 years.

Nobody’s had ratings like this. 

Welker: Do you – would you want to serve a third term, sir? That’s – it’s a lot of work – president is the toughest job there is. It’s the toughest job in the country. You think you have…

Trump: Well, I like working. I like working, so, you know. Unlike sleepy Joe, unlike sleepy Joe. 

Welker: Would you, would you – you wouldn’t want to pass the baton to vice president Vance? 

Trump: Oh I may – it’s too early to even think about it.