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There's a lot of concern right now about Trump & how he might handle an election loss after @bartongellman's article & the terrible answer Trump gave to @BrianKarem.
But we're not powerless to ensure a peaceful transfer if Trump loses.
Here's what can be done now. /1
There's a lot of concern right now about Trump & how he might handle an election loss after @bartongellman's article & the terrible answer Trump gave to @BrianKarem.
But we're not powerless to ensure a peaceful transfer if Trump loses.
Here's what can be done now. /1
1st, Electoral College reps, Members of Congress, governors, & Defense Department leadership can pledge to abide by election results regardless of any single candidate's claims otherwise.
I called for this in Feb. 2019 via @CNNOpinion. /2 https://www.cnn.com/2019/02/23/opinions/trump-contest-2020-election-loss-geltzer/index.html
I called for this in Feb. 2019 via @CNNOpinion. /2 https://www.cnn.com/2019/02/23/opinions/trump-contest-2020-election-loss-geltzer/index.html
2nd, Trump can't resist an election loss alone--he'd need enablers.
And there are laws that stop others from using executive branch authorities for anyone but the legitimate president.
@tribelaw, Chris Fonzone & I explained via @PostEverything. /3 https://www.washingtonpost.com/outlook/2020/07/09/peaceful-transition-power-trump/
And there are laws that stop others from using executive branch authorities for anyone but the legitimate president.
@tribelaw, Chris Fonzone & I explained via @PostEverything. /3 https://www.washingtonpost.com/outlook/2020/07/09/peaceful-transition-power-trump/
3rd, the idea that Trump-friendly state legislatures can sub in their will for that of the voters can be reduced.
States can clarify deadlines for vote-counting to ensure Election Day can't be deemed "failed."
@tribelaw @jentaub & I in @TheAtlantic. /4 https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2020/08/trump-has-launched-three-pronged-attack-election/615034/
States can clarify deadlines for vote-counting to ensure Election Day can't be deemed "failed."
@tribelaw @jentaub & I in @TheAtlantic. /4 https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2020/08/trump-has-launched-three-pronged-attack-election/615034/
4th, Trump's reasons for already questioning an election loss are, legally speaking, terrible.
So, Trump's really building a mental challenge more than a legal one--& we can resist disinformation w/ truth.
@Dahlialithwick & I discussed this in @Slate. /5 https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2020/09/election-uncertainty-mental-not-legal.html?via=recirc_recent
So, Trump's really building a mental challenge more than a legal one--& we can resist disinformation w/ truth.
@Dahlialithwick & I discussed this in @Slate. /5 https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2020/09/election-uncertainty-mental-not-legal.html?via=recirc_recent
Bottom line: yes, Trump's refusal to commit to fundamental norms about accepting election results & ensuring a peaceful transfer of power is appalling.
But don't think that we're powerless in the face of it.
There are things to do NOW to thwart Trump.
Let's get to work. /END
But don't think that we're powerless in the face of it.
There are things to do NOW to thwart Trump.
Let's get to work. /END
