Trump, Preparing to Challenge the Results, Puts His 2020 Playbook Into Action

As the 2020 presidential election draws near, President Donald Trump is already gearing up to challenge the results if he loses. Trump, who famously refused to concede the 2016 election until weeks after it was called, is once again putting his playbook into action in preparation for a potentially contentious outcome.

Trump has been laying the groundwork for a challenge to the election results for months, spreading baseless claims of widespread voter fraud and casting doubt on the legitimacy of mail-in voting. He has repeatedly claimed that the election will be “rigged” against him, despite there being no evidence to support such claims.

In recent weeks, Trump has escalated his attacks on the election process, suggesting that he may not accept the results if he loses. He has even floated the idea of delaying the election, a move that would require an act of Congress and is highly unlikely to happen.

Trump’s efforts to sow doubt about the election results are part of a broader strategy to undermine confidence in the electoral process and lay the groundwork for a legal challenge if he loses. His campaign has already filed lawsuits in several states seeking to restrict mail-in voting and challenge the validity of absentee ballots.

In addition to his legal challenges, Trump is also ramping up his efforts to suppress voter turnout, particularly among minority communities that tend to vote Democratic. His administration has cut funding for voter registration and outreach programs, and he has repeatedly made false claims about the security of mail-in voting in an effort to deter voters from participating.

Despite his efforts to cast doubt on the election results, Trump’s playbook may not be enough to secure him a second term. Polls consistently show him trailing behind Democratic nominee Joe Biden, both nationally and in key battleground states. And with record numbers of Americans expected to vote by mail this year due to the coronavirus pandemic, Trump’s attempts to challenge the results may face an uphill battle.

Regardless of the outcome of the election, Trump’s refusal to commit to a peaceful transfer of power is a dangerous precedent that threatens the stability of American democracy. By undermining confidence in the electoral process and refusing to accept the will of the voters, Trump is putting his own interests above those of the country and risking a constitutional crisis. As Americans prepare to cast their ballots in November, it is more important than ever to defend the integrity of our elections and ensure that every vote is counted.