This Time it will be Harder for Trump to Challenge the Election, plus Talking to Trumpers | Start Making Sense
Sep 18, 2024
auto_awesome
In this engaging discussion, Rick Hasen, a UCLA law professor and election law expert, outlines the upcoming challenges Trump may face in contesting the 2024 election due to new legal reforms. Arlie Hochschild, a researcher focused on Trump supporters, shares insights from her book on how socio-economic hardships shape their political identity, exploring themes of pride and shame. Together, they stress the importance of empathy and respectful dialogue in understanding the complexities behind political divides.
Legal reforms, including the Electoral Count Reform Act, have significantly limited Trump's ability to challenge election results compared to 2020.
Arlie Hochschild's research reveals that Trump supporters in Appalachia often embrace his rhetoric as a way to reclaim personal pride amidst economic decline.
Deep dives
Challenges in Election Integrity
The discussion highlights the increasing difficulty for former President Trump to contest the results of the 2024 election if he loses. With new legislation, such as the Electoral Count Reform Act, clarifying electoral processes and protocols, the avenues Trump used in 2020 to subvert results have been significantly narrowed. Furthermore, the Supreme Court's ruling in Moore vs. Harper undermines the independent state legislature theory, which had been a potential weapon for manipulating election outcomes. These legal changes collectively create a stronger framework for maintaining the integrity of the electoral process and safeguarding against challenges.
Security Measures for Elector Count
The upcoming electoral vote count is designated as a national security event, akin to presidential inaugurations, indicating heightened security measures will be in place. This encompasses limiting access to the Capitol and ensuring that law enforcement, including the National Guard, is prepared to handle any potential unrest. Unlike the situation in 2021, when federal assistance was lacking, the anticipated contingency plans aim to prevent violent disruptions during the proceedings. Additionally, the current political atmosphere is less charged, minimizing the likelihood of repeating the tumult experienced during the last vote count.
The Dynamics of Public Perception
Arlie Hochschild's exploration of Trump supporters in Appalachia illustrates a profound shame and loss of pride among this demographic, leading many to support Trump as a form of cultural defense. By recognizing their struggles in a declining economy marked by the fallout from globalization and automation, Hochschild emphasizes the importance of understanding their emotional landscape. Trump’s rhetoric resonates with these individuals, providing them temporary relief from feelings of shame. This appeal to personal pride and identity could be crucial in shaping political engagement and messaging strategies moving forward.
Democratic Messaging Challenges
Despite significant legislative efforts by the Biden administration aimed at aiding economically distressed regions, many in impoverished areas remain unaware of these developments. Hochschild points out that the people in Pike County, for instance, are largely uninformed about how the infrastructure and inflation reduction acts benefit them. The disconnect suggests a larger visibility issue regarding Democratic initiatives and messaging in red states. Building respectful communication channels that break through this barrier is essential for fostering greater awareness and engagement among these communities.
Trump has made it clear he won't accept the results of the 2024 election if he loses, and Republicans are doing everything they can make it harder for Democrats to vote. But it will be harder for Trump to challenge this year's election, because of changes in the law--that's what Rick Hasen says. He's professor of law at UCLA, and his writing has appeared in the Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, The Atlantic, Slate and The New York Times.
Also: Trump supporters in Appalachia: Arlie Hochschild has spent years talking with them about how they understand their lives, and how Donald Trump helps overcome their shame. Her new book is “Stolen Pride: Loss, Shame, and the Rise of the Right.”