I write on Jan. 6, the first anniversary of a mob storming our Capitol, revved up by months of a campaign to overturn the presidential election and the peaceful transfer of power—if President Donald Trump lost.
Almost all polls, including a Fox News poll, indicated that Trump would lose. Five months before the election, Trump began tweeting that the only way he could lose was if the election was rigged. Can you imagine any other U.S. presidential candidate saying that? Or any candidate in a democratic country?
When asked if he would accept the results if he lost, he always dodged a clear answer. Again, all but a few polls showed Trump behind Joe Biden.
More than any U.S. president, Trump surrounded himself with adoring followers. Anyone in such an intentional bubble of adulation from staff, appointees, advisees, associates, cultivated media—and over 500 rallies—might come to think he’s a winner. And that only he can lead the country.
To the great harm of the country, many who don’t support Trump and his divisive actions have been portrayed as the enemy—who must be fought “like hell,” his Jan. 6 rallying cry one hour before the election results were to be certified as the Constitution requires.
Watch videos of the Jan. 6 mob. Many intent on overturning the election did fight like hell.
Today, polls indicate that a majority of Republicans believe the election was stolen. If true, that’s the most dispiriting reality – that Republicans would vote for Trump again, or any candidate who believes the stolen-election lie.
Only Republicans can get us out of a mess that threatens our country’s role and reality as a beacon of democracy. Please speak up. Refuse to support any candidate who promotes such a lie.
Francie Von Mertens
Peterborough