How A Colorado Trial Could Force Trump Off The Ballot
Oct 31, 2023
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A Colorado trial claims Trump is ineligible to seek public office based on the 14th amendment. The suit's implications on democracy, voter choice, and penalizing individuals are explored. The potential consequences include incitement, division, impact on democracy, and the possibility of other states following suit. The ongoing hearing discusses the January 6 insurrection and expert testimony linking Trump's words to the riot.
The case in Colorado is attempting to apply the 14th amendment's disqualification clause to former president Donald Trump based on his actions during the Capitol insurrection.
The potential consequences of convicting a leading presidential candidate under the disqualification clause raise concerns about the impact on democratic institutions and further divisions in the nation.
Deep dives
The Case Against Trump's Eligibility for Primary Ballot in Colorado Hinges on 14th Amendment
A case in Colorado is attempting to apply the 14th amendment's disqualification clause to former president Donald Trump, arguing that his actions leading up to and during the insurrection at the US Capitol disqualify him from holding office again. The case is being brought forward by the liberal group Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, along with Republican and unaffiliated voters. Trump's attorney and the Trump campaign argue that this is election interference and that there was no insurrection. The case has divided opinion among voters, with some Republicans viewing it as undemocratic, while some Democrats question the strategic merits of pursuing legal action.
Potential Implications and Challenges in Removing Trump from the Primary Ballot
If the case in Colorado succeeds and Trump's name is not put on the primary ballot, some Republican voters have expressed the intention to write in his name, even if those votes would not count. This highlights a sense of grievance among conservative voters who feel that their state is being taken away from them. However, there are concerns about the impact on partisan divisions and the overall democratic process if Trump is removed from the ballot. There is also an ongoing case related to Trump's alleged role in the January 6th insurrection, raising questions about the broader implications and potential consequences of legal actions against a leading presidential candidate.
The Complexities of Prosecuting or Not Prosecuting Trump and the Role of Voters
The case in Colorado and related legal challenges raise complex questions about our democracy and the balance between holding individuals accountable and voter decision-making. While convictions under the disqualification clause of the 14th amendment have occurred before, the potential consequences of convicting a leading presidential candidate or not holding him accountable are significant. There are concerns about the impact on our democratic institutions and the potential for further divisions in a deeply divided nation. Ultimately, some argue that the final say should be with the voters, emphasizing the importance of persuasion and democratic participation.
A suit filed in the state alleges the former president is ineligible to seek public office based on a provision in the 14th amendment to the U.S. Constitution. What does the suit claim, and what could happen next?
This episode: voting correspondent Ashley Lopez, Colorado Public Radio public affairs reporter Bente Birkeland, and national political correspondent Mara Liasson.
The podcast is edited & produced by Casey Morell and Elena Moore. Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi.
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