Sixty Days of Chaos?
The Post-Election Period is Less Chaotic Than I Predicted, So Far
A month ago, I wrote a piece titled “Sixty Days of Chaos Will Follow Election Day” in Dialogue & Discourse. President Trump’s reluctance to concede the election to Joe Biden makes a quick revisit to my predictions worthwhile.
Here are my predictions and comments on what has happened so far:
Uncertainty
My prediction:
It is now a near certainty that Republicans will challenge election results even if the Democratic ticket wins in a landslide. Trump and Biden are both hiring lawyers and preparing for a lengthy legal battle, one that could put the 2000 election to shame. Expect challenges to millions of votes cast by mail. Also, expect allegations of ballot-box stuffing, stolen ballots, and more. All this is likely to last at least a month and perhaps longer if Trump declines to concede defeat.
I was right about the legal challenges (but who didn’t expect legal challenges?). It remains to be seen how long the legal challenges will last.
Unrest
My prediction:
Members of the Proud Boys and Boogaloo may not vote themselves but will be out in force if Trump suffers a colossal loss. Riots and looting could be widespread, especially if Trump expresses support or encouragement for it. Protests against the election outcome could get violent if they conflict with the anticipated celebration of Biden’s win.
I was too pessimistic on October 11, but a major Trump rally is planned for Washington, DC, this weekend.
To date, the Proud Boys and Boogaloo have not been heard from. There has been no rioting or looting. And Biden supporters celebrated in front of the White House and hundreds of other places without being attacked by Trump loyalists.
My predictions get a D, saved from an F only because Trump has not yet conceded the election.
I’m hoping I continue to be wrong.
Celebration
My prediction:
Expect dancing in front of the White House unless Trump sends in federal troops to stop it. Similar…
