PFAW Member,
In the days since the election, Donald Trump’s attacks on the very foundation of our democracy – our free and fair elections – have become increasingly erratic and alarming. His public calls for stopping the count of legitimately submitted ballots, and tacit calls for violence against elections workers, have resulted in a strain on our democratic process unlike we’ve ever seen – and too many of these outrageous statements have even had the backing of several Republican leaders:
- Senator Lindsey Graham: “I'm here tonight to stand with President Trump […] Everything should be on the table… Philadelphia elections are as crooked as a snake.” Referring to both the unsupported claim that poll observers haven’t been allowed access to ballot counting and the notion that the Pennsylvania State Legislature should invalidate delegates that voters selected.
- Senator Ted Cruz suggested the Justice Department, state legislatures, and the Supreme Court get involved in stopping the nonexistent fraud to which Trump keeps referring.
- House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy: “"Every American should stand up. Whatever they see ... tell us if they see something that's incorrect out there," McCarthy said. He later added, "Do not be silent about this. We cannot allow this to happen before our very eyes.”
- In an interview on Fox News, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich suggested that the Department of Justice begin arresting election workers.
Trump’s efforts to create doubt and outrage over the election and vote counting process is a recipe for disaster that has resulted in the spread of dangerous conspiracy theories and even potential acts of violence.
Just last night, Philadelphia police detained two people who were planning to show up at the convention center with an arsenal of weapons where votes are being counted. The pair had driven from Virginia with multiple weapons in their possession and “QAnon” conspiracy theory gear emblazoned on their vehicle.
It’s clear the effect Trump’s words are having on his supporters and we need to demand that all Republicans condemn his dangerous rhetoric and support the democratic process. Unfortunately, only a handful have been willing to speak up and far too many are unwilling to say anything at all.
Thanks for all that you do.
In unity,
– Sarah, Digital Campaigns Associate
Sources:
"Key Republicans quickly fall in line behind Trump’s attempt to undermine the election" Vox, 11/6/20
"Lindsey Graham, Ted Cruz back Trump's baseless claims of rigged election" The New York Times, 11/5/20
"On Fox News, Newt Gingrich calls on Bill Barr to arrest election workers" Media Matters, 11/6/20
"Top Republicans defend Trump on baseless voter fraud claims as concerns grow in the ranks" CNN Politics, 11/6/20
"Philadelphia police detain two after tip about armed group at ballot-counting site" The Washington Post, 11/6/20
|
Do not reply directly to this e-mail. Please use [email protected]. Trouble viewing the email? THANK YOU for your support of People For the American Way! This email was sent to [email protected]. Reaching you over email is the best way we have to let you know about the ways you can take action to fight the Right Wing and defend our constitutional rights and values. If you have any thoughts, comments, or criticisms, or if there's a better email address at which to reach you, please let us know>> If you'd like to unsubscribe from our list, you can do that here>> Radical Right extremists are trying to turn back the clock on a century of advances in civil rights, women’s rights, workers’ rights, the social safety net and more… With Donald Trump in the White House, they’re waging an all-out assault on the fundamental pillars of our country – democracy, checks and balances, a fair and independent judicial branch, and core values like fairness, equality, and justice for all. PFAW is fighting back every day with: ✔ Grassroots organizing But we can’t do this vital work without the robust grassroots financial support of our members and activists.
|
|||
|
