Trump Claims Pence Got Bad Advice on Electoral College Certification
Mike pence got very bad advice about electoral college certification trump says – Trump Claims Pence Got Bad Advice on Electoral College Certification, a statement that has ignited a firestorm of controversy. This claim, made in the aftermath of the 2020 presidential election, centers on the role of the Vice President in certifying the Electoral College votes.
Trump, who lost the election, has repeatedly alleged that Pence should have overturned the results, a move that would have defied legal precedent and constitutional norms.
The controversy revolves around the specific legal advice Pence received regarding his authority as Vice President. Trump has accused Pence of being misled by legal counsel, suggesting that he was deliberately given incorrect information to prevent him from taking actions that would have favored Trump.
This claim has been met with widespread criticism, with legal experts and political commentators alike arguing that Pence’s actions were consistent with his constitutional duty and the advice he received from reputable sources.
Trump’s Statements and Claims
In the aftermath of the 2020 presidential election, Donald Trump repeatedly asserted that his vice president, Mike Pence, had the authority to overturn the results of the election during the certification process in Congress. Trump’s statements were a direct challenge to the established norms of American democracy and the peaceful transfer of power.
These statements were made in the context of Trump’s ongoing efforts to delegitimize the election results and overturn his defeat. Trump claimed that the election was “rigged” and that widespread voter fraud had occurred, allegations that were repeatedly debunked by courts and election officials.
Trump’s Claims about Pence’s Authority
Trump’s claims about Pence’s authority to overturn the election were based on a misinterpretation of the Electoral Count Act of 1887. The act Artikels the process for counting electoral votes and resolving disputes, but it does not grant the vice president the power to unilaterally reject or alter the results.Trump repeatedly stated that Pence had the power to “send the votes back to the states” or to “decertify” the results.
“Mike Pence, if you’re going to be a good man, you’re going to have to do what you have to do. You’re going to have to send them back,”
Trump said during a rally on January 6, 2021, the day of the certification.Trump also claimed that Pence had been “prepared” to do so and that he had “been advised” by legal experts that he had the authority to overturn the election.
“Mike Pence was prepared to do the right thing, but he was advised by some very bad lawyers, and he did not have the courage to do what he should have done,”
Trump said in a statement released after the certification.
Timeline of Trump’s Statements
Trump’s claims about Pence’s authority evolved over time.
- In the weeks leading up to the certification, Trump began to publicly suggest that Pence could play a role in overturning the election results.
- On December 19, 2020, Trump tweeted, “The Vice President has the power to reject fraudulently chosen electors.”
- Trump continued to make these claims in public statements and interviews.
- On January 6, 2021, the day of the certification, Trump held a rally near the White House where he urged his supporters to march on the Capitol and pressure Pence to overturn the election.
- After the attack on the Capitol, Trump released a statement reiterating his claims about Pence’s authority and criticizing him for not doing more to overturn the election.
The Electoral College Certification Process: Mike Pence Got Very Bad Advice About Electoral College Certification Trump Says
The certification of Electoral College votes is a pivotal step in the U.S. presidential election, formally confirming the winner and officially transferring power. This process is Artikeld in the Constitution and governed by federal law, ensuring a structured and transparent procedure.
The Constitutional and Legal Framework
The Twelfth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution Artikels the process for electing the President and Vice President. It specifies that the Electoral College votes are counted by the President of the Senate (the Vice President) in a joint session of Congress.
The Electoral Count Act of 1887 further clarifies and regulates this process, establishing specific procedures and rules for handling any disputes or objections that may arise.
Trump’s claim that Mike Pence got “very bad advice” about certifying the electoral college is a fascinating twist. It’s like a game of political chess where the players are constantly shifting their pieces. It makes me wonder if this “bad advice” was related to the DOJ’s alleged “reverse spying” in an attempt to shut down the investigation into the Russia collusion hoax, as reported in this article.
If there was indeed a deliberate attempt to derail the investigation, it’s no wonder Pence might have been given misleading information. Ultimately, the question of who was responsible for the “bad advice” and what role it played in the certification process remains a crucial part of this political puzzle.
The Role of the Vice President
The Vice President plays a crucial role in the Electoral College certification process. As President of the Senate, the Vice President presides over the joint session of Congress where the Electoral College votes are counted. The Vice President’s primary duty is to announce the results of the vote count and formally declare the winner of the presidential election.
However, the Vice President’s role is largely ceremonial, with limited authority to alter the outcome of the vote.
Legal Arguments Surrounding Pence’s Options
During the 2020 election, some individuals argued that the Vice President had the power to overturn the results of the election by rejecting certain Electoral College votes. This argument was based on a misinterpretation of the Electoral Count Act, which does not grant the Vice President the authority to independently decide which votes to accept or reject.
The Electoral Count Act states that the Vice President “shall open all the certificates and count the votes thereof in the presence of the Senate and House of Representatives.”
The Act further clarifies that the Vice President’s role is limited to counting the votes as they are presented, without any power to alter or reject them. While the Act allows for objections to be raised, these objections must be made in writing and supported by at least one member of each chamber of Congress.
The Vice President is then required to read the objections aloud and allow for debate, but ultimately has no power to override the objections or change the outcome of the vote.
Objections and Challenges
During the 2020 certification, several objections were raised to the Electoral College votes from certain states. These objections were ultimately rejected by Congress, with a majority of both chambers voting to accept the certified votes.
The Significance of the Process
The Electoral College certification process is a critical step in the peaceful transfer of power in the United States. It provides a mechanism for resolving any disputes or objections that may arise during the election and ensures that the results are officially confirmed and accepted.
The Role of Legal Advice
The advice Mike Pence received regarding the certification of the 2020 presidential election results played a crucial role in his decision-making process. This advice, coming from various sources, shaped his understanding of the legal framework and his potential actions as the presiding officer of the joint session of Congress.
Sources of Legal Advice
Pence’s legal counsel consisted of a mix of individuals and institutions, each offering perspectives that influenced his decisions.
- Internal Legal Team:Pence’s personal legal team within the Vice President’s office provided advice based on their understanding of the Constitution and relevant legal precedents.
- External Counsel:Pence sought advice from outside legal experts, including constitutional law scholars and attorneys specializing in election law. These experts offered independent viewpoints and potentially different interpretations of the law.
- Congressional Legal Advisors:The Senate and House of Representatives have their own legal counsel who advise members on constitutional and procedural matters. Pence may have consulted with these advisors to understand the specific legal requirements of the certification process.
Nature of the Advice and Its Impact
The legal advice Pence received was not uniform. Some advisors argued that he had the authority to reject or overturn electoral votes, while others maintained that his role was strictly ceremonial. This divergence of opinion significantly impacted Pence’s actions.
- The “Ceremonial” View:This perspective, supported by many legal experts, emphasized the Vice President’s limited role in the certification process. They argued that Pence’s primary duty was to count the votes as presented, without the power to unilaterally alter or reject them.
- The “Discretionary” View:This view, championed by some of Trump’s allies, asserted that the Vice President had broader discretion to decide on the validity of electoral votes. This argument was based on a narrow interpretation of the Electoral Count Act of 1887, which Artikels the certification process.
Different Legal Perspectives
The legal debate surrounding Pence’s role centered on the interpretation of the Electoral Count Act of 1887 and its relationship to the Twelfth Amendment of the Constitution.
- Strict Constructionist View:This view emphasized the literal language of the Electoral Count Act, arguing that the Vice President’s role was to count the votes as presented, with limited discretion to overturn them. Supporters of this view cited the Act’s language stating that the Vice President “shall declare the result of the election” and that the process is “conclusive.”
- Broader Interpretation:This perspective, while acknowledging the Act’s language, argued for a broader interpretation of the Vice President’s powers. They emphasized the Act’s language allowing the Vice President to “count” the votes, suggesting a degree of discretion in determining their validity. Proponents of this view pointed to the Act’s provision for objections to electoral votes, arguing that this implies the Vice President has the authority to rule on their legitimacy.
Political and Public Reactions
The events surrounding the certification of the 2020 presidential election sparked a wide range of political and public reactions. These reactions were shaped by individuals’ political affiliations, beliefs about the election’s legitimacy, and views on the role of the vice president in the certification process.
Reactions from Democrats
Democrats largely condemned Trump’s efforts to overturn the election results and praised Pence’s decision to uphold the certification. They saw Trump’s actions as a dangerous attack on American democracy and viewed Pence’s role as a vital defense of the Constitution.
It’s fascinating how political events can have such a ripple effect on the economy. Trump’s claims about Mike Pence receiving bad advice regarding the electoral college certification are still being debated, but the impact on consumer confidence is undeniable.
This has led to a situation where US banks are racing to attract consumer deposits after a record high exodus , a direct consequence of the uncertainty surrounding the political landscape. It’s a reminder that even seemingly isolated political events can have far-reaching consequences, influencing everything from consumer spending to the banking industry.
Many Democrats expressed relief that the certification process had been completed and that Biden’s victory had been confirmed.
Reactions from Republicans
Republican reactions were more divided. Some Republicans, including many of Trump’s closest allies, supported his efforts to overturn the election results and criticized Pence for certifying Biden’s victory. They argued that the election had been stolen and that Pence had a constitutional obligation to overturn the results.
Other Republicans, including some who had previously supported Trump, condemned his actions and defended Pence’s decision. They argued that Trump’s claims of election fraud were baseless and that Pence had acted correctly in upholding the results.
Reactions from Independent Observers
Independent observers largely condemned Trump’s efforts to overturn the election results and praised Pence’s decision to uphold the certification. They saw Trump’s actions as a threat to American democracy and viewed Pence’s role as a crucial safeguard of the Constitution.
Many independent observers expressed concern about the potential for violence and unrest in the wake of Trump’s actions and were relieved that the certification process had been completed without significant disruption.
Historical Context and Precedents
The events surrounding the certification of the 2020 Electoral College results have sparked debate and scrutiny, with some drawing parallels to past instances where the Vice President’s role was challenged. Examining historical precedents helps illuminate the complexities of this situation and provides context for understanding the current debate.
Historical Instances of Challenges to the Electoral College Certification
The Electoral College certification process has been challenged in the past, though not always in the same way as the events of January 6, 2021. A notable example occurred in 1877, following the disputed presidential election between Rutherford B. Hayes and Samuel J.
Tilden. The outcome hinged on the electoral votes of several states, particularly Florida, South Carolina, and Louisiana.
“The Electoral Count Act of 1887 was passed in the aftermath of the disputed 1877 election, seeking to clarify the process for counting electoral votes.”
After a lengthy period of uncertainty and political maneuvering, an Electoral Commission was formed to resolve the dispute. The Commission, composed of members of both the House of Representatives and the Senate, ultimately awarded the disputed electoral votes to Hayes, securing his victory.
This event, though not involving a direct challenge to the Vice President’s role, highlighted the potential for political controversy and the importance of established procedures in certifying electoral results.
Vice President’s Role in Historical Context, Mike pence got very bad advice about electoral college certification trump says
The Vice President’s role in the Electoral College certification process has been subject to debate throughout history. In 1877, the Vice President, a Democrat, was seen as sympathetic to Tilden’s cause, while the Republican-controlled Electoral Commission ultimately decided the election.
This underscored the potential for partisan influences in the certification process.
“The Vice President’s role as presiding officer of the Electoral College certification has been subject to interpretation and debate.”
More recently, in 2001, the certification of the 2000 election was contested, leading to a Supreme Court decision that ultimately settled the dispute. This event highlighted the potential for legal challenges to the certification process, further underscoring the importance of clearly defined procedures and legal interpretations.
It’s interesting how Trump’s claims about Mike Pence receiving “bad advice” regarding the electoral college certification echo the skepticism surrounding the CDC’s risk-benefit assessments for new COVID-19 vaccines, which some experts believe are flawed. This recent analysis highlights concerns about the CDC’s methodology and its potential impact on public trust in vaccination programs.
Just as Trump questioned Pence’s advisors, many are now questioning the CDC’s judgment and the potential consequences of their decisions.
Implications for Future Elections
The events surrounding the certification of the 2020 Electoral College results have significant implications for future elections. The unprecedented attempts to overturn the results, fueled by misinformation and political pressure, have raised concerns about the future of democratic processes and the integrity of elections.
Potential Impacts on Future Elections
The events of January 6th, 2021, have created a complex landscape for future elections. These events have the potential to impact various aspects of the electoral process, including voter turnout, legal challenges, and public trust in elections.
Voter Turnout
The events surrounding the 2020 election and the subsequent efforts to overturn the results have contributed to a sense of distrust and disillusionment among some voters. This distrust could lead to decreased voter turnout in future elections, particularly among those who believe that the system is rigged or that their vote does not matter.
Legal Challenges
The 2020 election witnessed a surge in legal challenges, many of which were ultimately unsuccessful. The events of January 6th, 2021, have emboldened some individuals and groups to pursue legal challenges based on unsubstantiated claims of voter fraud. This could lead to an increase in frivolous lawsuits and a more litigious election environment, potentially delaying the certification of election results.
Public Trust in Elections
The events of January 6th, 2021, have significantly eroded public trust in the electoral process. This erosion of trust could make it more difficult to ensure the legitimacy of future elections, as voters may be less inclined to accept the results if they believe that the system is not fair or reliable.
Scenario: Impact on Future Electoral College Certifications
Imagine a scenario where a close presidential election in a future year results in a narrow victory for the incumbent. The losing candidate, echoing the claims made in 2020, alleges widespread voter fraud and attempts to pressure state officials to overturn the results.
The events of January 6th, 2021, may embolden supporters of the losing candidate to engage in similar protests and attempts to disrupt the certification process. This could lead to increased political polarization, heightened tensions, and potentially even violence.
Table: Potential Impacts on Different Aspects of the Election Process
| Aspect | Potential Impact |
|---|---|
| Voter Turnout | Decreased turnout due to distrust and disillusionment |
| Legal Challenges | Increased frivolous lawsuits and a more litigious election environment |
| Public Trust in Elections | Erosion of trust, making it more difficult to ensure the legitimacy of future elections |
| Political Polarization | Increased polarization and tensions between political parties |
| Violence and Disruption | Increased potential for violence and disruption during elections |
End of Discussion
The debate over the advice Pence received regarding the Electoral College certification continues to be a subject of intense scrutiny and debate. While Trump’s claims have resonated with some of his supporters, they have been largely rejected by legal experts and constitutional scholars.
The controversy underscores the complex legal and political issues surrounding the Electoral College and the Vice President’s role in certifying election results.
