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In an interview with Fox News last week, Trump seemed to suggest he might not accept the outcome of the election if he were to lose.
Can he really thwart the will of the American electorate?
Let’s look at what’s actually possible — and what isn’t. http://read.medium.com/ueWqBsC
Can he really thwart the will of the American electorate?
Let’s look at what’s actually possible — and what isn’t. http://read.medium.com/ueWqBsC
Can Trump do anything if Biden wins in a landslide?
No. Not only would he have to persuade a government full of civil servants to stick by him, but the constitution says his presidency will terminate at noon on January 20, 2021, regardless of where he is physically.
No. Not only would he have to persuade a government full of civil servants to stick by him, but the constitution says his presidency will terminate at noon on January 20, 2021, regardless of where he is physically.
What if it’s a close election?
This is where it starts to get dicey. Trump may be able to use the two-month period between Election Day and Inauguration Day to weaponize constitutional procedures for his political advantage.
This is where it starts to get dicey. Trump may be able to use the two-month period between Election Day and Inauguration Day to weaponize constitutional procedures for his political advantage.
What’s the biggest problem to be on the lookout for?
Absentee ballots. One potential scenario is that, on Election Night, Trump is ahead in states that have the 270 or more electoral votes needed to claim victory, while Biden wins in the final tally days or weeks later.
Absentee ballots. One potential scenario is that, on Election Night, Trump is ahead in states that have the 270 or more electoral votes needed to claim victory, while Biden wins in the final tally days or weeks later.
But isn’t it the final count that matters?
It depends! It’s possible a state’s Democratic governor certifies one set of electors, while its GOP legislature certifies another — and send both to Congress. So the party that holds both chambers of Congress will make the final call.
It depends! It’s possible a state’s Democratic governor certifies one set of electors, while its GOP legislature certifies another — and send both to Congress. So the party that holds both chambers of Congress will make the final call.
Has something like this ever happened before?
Yes, in 1876. And while the Electoral Count Act of 1887 tried to prevent its recurrence, there's debate over whether it should even be considered a law, or a rule of congressional procedure that can be overturned.
Yes, in 1876. And while the Electoral Count Act of 1887 tried to prevent its recurrence, there's debate over whether it should even be considered a law, or a rule of congressional procedure that can be overturned.
Have more questions about the potential nightmare 2020 election? We may have answered it in this handy guide. http://read.medium.com/XsCAul4
