Was the 2020 Election Stolen? Facts Revealed
Was the 2020 election stolen? How did this claim impact American democracy?
In her book Oath and Honor, Liz Cheney examines the events surrounding the 2020 election and its aftermath. You'll discover the facts behind the claims of election fraud and the actions taken by key figures during this tumultuous period.
Keep reading to learn more about whether the 2020 election was stolen and the consequences of these allegations on the political landscape.
The 2020 Election: Separating Fact From Fiction
Was the 2020 election stolen? If you've been wondering about this question, you're not alone. It's been at the center of intense debate since the events of January 6th, 2021. Let's dive into what we know based on Liz Cheney's book Oath and Honor and the findings of the January 6th Select Committee to examine this claim and its validity.
Trump's Claims vs. Reality
Donald Trump has consistently claimed that the 2020 election was unfairly taken from him through illegitimate means. However, it's crucial to understand that these claims lack solid foundation. Here's what you need to know:
- Trump's own team members repeatedly told him that there was no significant electoral fraud.
- The Department of Justice, senior Trump campaign officials, and Republican-appointed judges all corroborated the facts that contradicted Trump's claims.
- Despite knowing they were false, Trump continued to publicly spread these untruths.
This persistence in promoting baseless allegations of widespread voting irregularities stirred up his supporters and undermined trust in the democratic process.
Pressure on State Officials
Trump didn't stop at making public statements. He took direct action to try to overturn the election results:
- He personally contacted state officials and legislators, pressuring them to disregard the voters' decisions.
- In a now-infamous call, Trump demanded that Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger "find" enough votes to change the outcome.
- Trump's associates participated in a scheme to submit fake lists of electors to Congress, despite being aware that this was illegal.
These actions were part of a broader conspiracy to unjustly take over the election results, even though Trump's own lawyers acknowledged there was no merit to these efforts.
The Capitol Breach
The events of January 6th, 2021, marked a dark day for American democracy:
- Trump called on his supporters to gather at the Capitol to disrupt the formal certification of the electoral vote count.
- During his speech at the Ellipse, he directed the crowd to march to the Capitol.
- As the situation escalated, Trump refrained from promptly calling on his supporters to stop, instead making inflammatory remarks about Vice President Mike Pence.
- For hours, Trump allowed the chaos to continue, causing harm to police and obstructing a constitutional duty.
The Select Committee's Findings
The January 6th Select Committee, of which Liz Cheney was a key member, conducted a thorough investigation into these events. Their findings paint a clear picture:
- The committee documented Trump's unlawful actions in detail.
- They investigated attempts to influence Vice President Pence, state officials, and legislators to alter the election results.
- Testimony from close associates of Trump, including advisers and campaign staff, revealed damaging details about his behavior and intentions during the Capitol chaos.
Ongoing Threats to Democracy
The aftermath of January 6th has revealed ongoing challenges to the democratic process:
- Some GOP officials who questioned the 2020 results are now pursuing positions that would allow them to control future elections.
- False narratives about the events of January 6th continue to circulate, shaping public opinion and potentially undermining democratic institutions.
- There are concerns that a potential return of Trump to power could threaten the stability of democratic structures.
The Republican Party at a Crossroads
The GOP is currently facing an internal conflict between those who champion democratic principles and those who align with Trump's political ideologies:
- Many Republicans prioritize loyalty to Trump over their commitment to the Constitution.
- Liz Cheney has been working to revitalize the GOP with a foundation of traditional values and constitutional principles.
- She continues to confront those who cast doubt on the validity of election outcomes, emphasizing the importance of protecting democratic principles.
As the Republican Party grapples with its future direction, the story highlighted by Cheney underscores the crucial importance of unwavering dedication to constitutional principles in shaping America's political landscape.
In conclusion, while claims of a stolen election persist, the evidence presented by the January 6th Committee, along with the accounts in Cheney's book, strongly indicate that the 2020 election was not stolen. Instead, they reveal a concerted effort to overturn legitimate election results, posing a significant threat to the foundations of American democracy.