Pence’s comment that it’s “admirable” that Vice President Harris certified President Trump’s win in 2024 after he lost the election sparks a wave of reactions. It highlights a shift in expectations surrounding the basic functioning of American democracy. The act of certifying an election result, once a routine and almost invisible part of the process, has become a point of contention and even praise.
This raises questions about the state of political discourse. The fact that such a fundamental action is now considered “admirable” suggests a profound erosion of norms. Historically, the peaceful transfer of power, regardless of the outcome, was taken for granted.… Continue reading
Donald Trump’s return to power on January 20th necessitates continued robust reporting. HuffPost remains committed to providing fearless coverage of the new administration. This crucial information will remain freely accessible to all, thanks to reader support. Contributions, or simply creating a free account, directly enable HuffPost to maintain this vital public service.
Read More
In stark contrast to the January 6th, 2021 insurrection, this year’s joint session to certify the presidential election proceeded with minimal disruption. A single lone protestor stood outside the heavily secured Capitol building, a far cry from the violent mob that stormed the building four years prior. Inside, the certification of Donald Trump’s electoral victory unfolded with a noticeable lack of dissent, despite the gravity of the event and the implications for American democracy. The quiet acquiescence of the Democratic party and the celebratory response of Republicans highlighted a deep partisan divide and raised questions about the country’s ability to withstand future challenges to the democratic process.
Read More
Aaron Thacker, a veteran of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, experienced a profound sense of fear and horror during both 9/11 and the January 6th Capitol attack, drawing a parallel between the events. His military instincts led him to keep his firearm readily accessible during the insurrection, highlighting the gravity of the situation for him. Despite the subsequent investigations and indictments, Trump’s 2024 election victory resulted in the dismissal of the charges, leaving many, including law enforcement officers who defended the Capitol, feeling the violence has been normalized and accountability evaded. The lack of consequences underscores a deep concern that such actions may be repeated, leaving many fearing for the future.
Read More
Four years after the January 6th Capitol attack, Vice President Kamala Harris presided over a smooth, objection-free certification of the 2024 presidential election results, a stark contrast to the 2020 proceedings. Unlike the contentious 2020 count, tellers announced the Electoral College votes, with Donald Trump declared the winner. Harris’s role was largely ceremonial, emphasizing the peaceful transfer of power as a cornerstone of American democracy. This swift certification highlighted a return to order and civility in the process.
Read More
President Biden’s recent plea for Americans to never forget the January 6th attack underscores a critical point: the events of that day, and their significance for the future of American democracy, cannot be allowed to fade from collective memory. His urgent call for remembrance highlights the ongoing threat to democratic institutions and principles.
The gravity of the situation demands a thorough reckoning with the insurrection’s impact. Ignoring the attempted overthrow of the government would be a dangerous dereliction of duty. The sheer scale of the attack, the violence perpetrated against law enforcement, and the potential consequences for the nation’s stability warrant sustained attention and analysis.… Continue reading
The 2025 inauguration of Donald Trump, the instigator of the January 6th Capitol riot, marks a stark contrast to the heightened security measures of Biden’s 2021 inauguration. Many Republicans initially condemned the violence but later downplayed or denied its severity, even excusing those who assaulted police. Trump plans to pardon those charged with crimes related to the event, further highlighting the partisan divisions surrounding the attack. This anniversary underscores the ongoing political gaslighting and the fragility of American democracy.
Read More
Delegate Stacey Plaskett highlighted the exclusion of delegates from U.S. territories—representing four million Americans—from the Speaker of the House vote, prompting a standing ovation from Democrats. House Parliamentarian Jason Smith explained that only voting Representatives are eligible to participate in the Speaker election, citing House rules. Plaskett, however, underscored the ongoing issue of the territories’ lack of full voting representation, before her microphone was cut off amidst further Democratic support. This incident has since gained significant attention online and in the media.
Read More
The January 6th, 2021 attack on the US Capitol, while presented by some as a minor incident, was a culmination of a broader effort by Donald Trump and his allies to overturn the 2020 election results. This included pressure on election officials, the promotion of misinformation, and the deployment of “fake electors.” Despite the violence and arrests, a significant portion of the population, particularly Republicans, downplay the event’s severity, exhibiting a concerning normalization of the attempted coup. This revisionist narrative, fueled by disinformation campaigns from certain media outlets, suggests a concerning vulnerability to manipulation within the information ecosystem.
Read More
Kamala Harris’s role in overseeing the upcoming electoral count is undeniably a significant event, particularly considering the context of Donald Trump’s presidency. It represents a conscious effort to restore a fundamental aspect of American democracy, a process that Trump deliberately disrupted. The very act of Harris taking on this responsibility signifies a return to established norms, a clear contrast to the actions of the previous administration.
The fact that this is even a noteworthy occurrence highlights the extent of the damage inflicted during the Trump era. The casual disregard for established procedures and the blatant attempts to subvert democratic processes have left a lasting impact on the political landscape.… Continue reading