What's Past Is Prologue: Donald Trump, Meet Huey Long
Here’s an adaptation of a political tale from almost a century ago.
In 1929, Louisiana Governor Huey Long called a special legislative session….The "dynamite squad", a caucus of opponents...introduced an impeachment resolution against Long.
Concerned, Long tried to close the session… Anti-Long representatives began chanting that the voting machine had been rigged. … (A) brawl later known as "Bloody Monday" (ensued). In the scuffle, legislators threw inkwells, allegedly attacked others with brass knuckles, and Long’s brother Earl bit a legislator's neck. Following the fight, the legislature voted to remain in session and proceed with impeachment. Proceedings in the house took place with dozens of witnesses, including a hula dancer who claimed that Governor Long had been "frisky" with her. Long was impeached on eight of the 19 charges...
Long was frightened by the prospect of conviction, for it would force him from the governorship and permanently disqualify him from holding public office... He took his case to the people with a mass meeting...
Following the failed impeachment attempt, Governor Long treated his opponents ruthlessly. He fired their relatives from state jobs and supported their challengers in elections. Long concluded that extra-legal means would be needed to accomplish his goals: "I used to try to get things done by saying 'please.' Now... I dynamite 'em out of my path." ...Now a resolute critic of the “lying press”, Long established his own newspaper…
Shortly after the impeachment, Long...announced his candidacy for the U.S. Senate... His opponent was (the) incumbent, Joseph Ransdell. ...Although promising not to make personal attacks, Long seized on Ransdell’s age (of 72), calling him "Old Feather Duster". The campaign became increasingly vicious, with the New York Times calling it "as amusing as it was depressing."
Long defeated Ransdell… There were accusations of voter fraud; voting records showed people voting in alphabetical order, among them celebrities like Charlie Chaplin, Jack Dempsey and Babe Ruth...
Now governor and senator-elect, Long returned to completing his legislative agenda with renewed strength. He continued his intimidating practice of presiding over the legislature, shouting "Shut up!" or "Sit down!" when legislators voiced their concerns. ...Long endorsed pro-Long candidates and wooed others with favors… He placed his brother Earl in charge of allotting patronage appointments to local politicians and signing state contracts with businessmen in exchange for loyalty. Long appointed allies to key government positions...
And by that destiny, to perform an act
Whereof what's past is prologue
---William Shakespeare, The Tempest, Act II, Scene 1
Source of adaptation: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Huey_Long