You know that one eccentric, conspiracy-driven acquaintance from high school who posts wild theories on social media? The one who believes in “the deep state” and “rigged systems,” often in ALL CAPS with excessive punctuation? It’s surprising how much this individual resembles the former president of the United States. It’s almost laughable, isn’t it?
This individual, who seems to exist in a bubble where logic only applies when it suits him, has led the executive branch for four years. The mind truly boggles at this reality.
Those of us who recognized the signs of his narcissism knew Trump wouldn’t go down without a fight. His supporters often share his delusions, making it challenging to oust him. Even after the votes were counted, we anticipated he would resist leaving power. If frivolous lawsuits were a form of communication, Trump would be fluent. He might struggle to articulate a point in casual conversation, but when it comes to legal challenges—he’s in his element.
Currently, he’s inundating states like Pennsylvania, Michigan, Georgia, and Arizona with legal disputes, hoping to stall the electoral process. This tactic has worked for him in business, but it’s a different game in a presidential election. His lawsuits are faltering, dismissed by judges for lack of substance. While he plans to demand a recount in Wisconsin, experts suggest it won’t alter the outcome, and the same goes for Georgia.
Trump’s behavior reminds me of when my son was little and learning to play Monopoly. Realizing he was losing, he flipped the board in frustration. Now, an adult is trying to flip the board of democracy.
What Does This Mean for the Majority of Americans Who Voted for Biden?
How do we ensure Trump acknowledges his defeat? Here’s the interesting fact: he doesn’t actually have to concede. No verbal acknowledgment or written statement is required. Biden will assume the presidency regardless of Trump’s unwillingness to admit defeat. Quite liberating, right?
It would certainly be nice if Trump could muster a bit of decency and concede, as has been customary since 1896. This would affirm our collective faith in the resilience of democracy. However, we don’t need his concession to facilitate the transfer of power to Biden.
There’s a structured process in place. The U.S. government follows a specific timeline governed by federal law, which allows for dispute resolution while maintaining deadlines to ensure democracy functions smoothly. This process was established after the contentious election of 1876, when the outcome was uncertain between Samuel J. Tilden and Rutherford B. Hayes. The ensuing compromise had significant repercussions for civil rights in the South.
The Electoral Count Act of 1887 dictates a uniform process with clear deadlines: states must resolve any issues by December 8, 2020, electors cast their ballots by December 14, and those results must be delivered to the Senate by December 23. Congress will meet on January 6 to finalize any disputes.
These deadlines have been tested before, notably during the 2000 election between Al Gore and George W. Bush. Florida faced recounts that extended past the deadline, leading to a Supreme Court ruling that halted the count, resulting in Bush’s narrow victory. Gore ultimately conceded.
The U.S. has a solid framework for managing election disputes. While Trump may not appreciate this reality, he must accept it, as do his supporters. This is, after all, democracy in action. While a gracious concession speech would be welcome, it’s not necessary for our democratic process to continue without him.
Search Queries:
- What happens if a president does not concede?
- Electoral Count Act of 1887 explained
- How does the presidential transition work?
- Legal challenges in elections
- Importance of concession speeches in democracy
In summary, Trump doesn’t need to concede for Biden to take office. The U.S. government has a robust process to manage the transition of power, ensuring democracy continues regardless of Trump’s actions or statements.