A Pulitzer Prize-winning newspaper
In July 2024, several publications printed an op-ed where I stated “Psychological scientists who study human behavior concur that past actions are the best predictor of future behavior. If past actions caused no problem, then all is well, If, however, a person demonstrated poor behavior in the past, well, buckle up. The odds are very great the person will continue to perform poorly if given the chance.”
Most Americans recall the Jan. 6, 2021 “Stop the Steal” coup attempt, whereby President Trump ordered then Vice President Mike Pence to violate his constitutional duty and refuse to certify electoral votes from certain states (Truthout, Sept. 23).
On Nov. 4, Mr. Trump said he “would not challenge the results of the midterm election.” But, knowing 63% of Americans feel he is dishonest (USA Today), he made 21 erroneous claims per day in his first presidency and 32 daily inaccurate or misleading statements cited in the first 100 days of Trump 2.0 (Washington Post), might President Trump still launch a “Stop the Steal” 2.0 effort like he did in 2021? Remember, past actions are the best predictor of future behavior.
Jan. 3, 2027 alert
On Sept. 10, retired Republican federal judge J. Michael Luttig — with impeccable conservative credentials — published an op-ed in The New Republic where he warned the primary threat to American democracy in the wake of the Nov. 3 election might occur two months later (Jan. 3, 2027), the date the new 120th Congress convenes.
Under the 20th amendment to the constitution, the terms of all U.S. Representatives and one-third of U.S. Senators officially expire at noon on Jan. 3. Luttig outlines a scenario where House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) could replace the current House clerk (Kevin McCumber) with a MAGA loyalist before Johnson’s term ends at noon. The temporary House clerk could then refuse to acknowledge newly elected Democratic delegates.
Such a move would spark immediate, protracted court battles, likely ending up before the Supreme Court, which is comprised of a 6-3 conservative majority.
The course of events Luttig fears has been attempted twice in U.S. history (1863 and 1865). In a Sept. 16 op-ed, Garrett Epps reflected on those events, noting on one occasion federal troops were brought into the Capitol “on a mission to block a conservative coup” (Washington Monthly).
If Trump changes his mind about accepting the midterm election results, might he order our military to take control of the Capitol on Jan. 3? Stranger events have occurred during Trump 1.0 and Trump 2.0.
Another alert: Red state certification
One or more “red” states might refuse to certify Democratic winners before the Jan. 3, 2027 deadline. Their GOP officials might cite “voting irregularities” to delay certification or even to certify the losing Republican as the winner. A “writ of mandamus” court order would be required for states to perform their mandatory, non-discretionary public duty.
Caution about Trump reigns supreme
In an Associated Press-NORC national poll, conducted Oct. 8-12, three out of every five Americans (59%) feel Donald Trump will attempt to influence the Nov. 3 election outcome. Additionally, 70% of Americans are “not too confident” or “not at all confident” Trump will truly accept the election results (Washington Post/ABC News/Ipsos poll). And, nearly 6 in 10 (58%) Americans agree that “President Trump is a potentially dangerous dictator whose power should be limited before he destroys American democracy” (Public Religion Research Institute).
Constant vigilance
On Nov. 3, The New York Times asserted the Supreme Court may need to “swat down” election fraud claims in the weeks ahead; “They [Americans] must remain vigilant until officials certify every race and the winners take office.”
Mr. Trump granted full executive pardon to more than 1,500 people charged or convicted with the Jan. 6, 2021 U.S. Capitol attack. If Trump reverses his promise of honoring the Nov. 3 election results — he’s misspoken before — could these same individuals be motivated to return to the Capitol on his behalf?
We the People
In America’s 250-year old history, the ultimate decision regarding issues like this resides with “We the People.” Citizens of all political persuasions cannot passively stand by while Mr. Trump and his MAGA partners — should they so desire — eviscerate duly elected officials to be certified and represent their constituents at the Capitol.
A “Stop the Steal” 2.0 would be repulsive and a further assault on democratic institutions.
It’s better to be proactive rather than reactive. Time is of the essence for all Americans to do their civic duty to insure we will remain a democracy and not revert — any further — to a monarchy or authoritarian dictatorship.
Citizens should contact House Speaker Mike Johnson’s office as well as their three congressional delegates in Washington, DC to express their position on election certification.
“We the People” must be vigilant until every race is certified and the duly-elected winners from all political persuasions take office.
Steve Corbin is professor emeritus of marketing at University of Northern Iowa and non-paid freelance guest columnist contributor to 148 newspapers and 37 social media platforms in 44 states.
Comments
No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here