TED Talks Daily What if a US presidential candidate refuses to concede after an election? | Van Jones
Oct 26, 2020
Van Jones, a prominent TV host and political commentator, dives into the dire implications of a presidential candidate refusing to concede an election. He discusses the critical role of concession speeches in preserving democratic integrity and highlights legal loopholes that could allow a candidate to retain power despite losing. Jones emphasizes the need for civic engagement to prevent chaos and outlines actionable steps citizens can take to protect democracy. His insights reveal the fragility of the electoral process and the responsibilities we all share.
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Legal Loopholes
- A presidential candidate can lose both the popular vote and Electoral College, yet still become president.
- This is due to legal loopholes and the process after the initial vote count.
Concession Speech Importance
- Concession speeches are a crucial, yet unwritten, safeguard of American democracy.
- They demobilize supporters and allow for a peaceful transfer of power.
Two-Phase Election
- The US presidential election has two phases: the popular vote and an 'elite selection process'.
- The second phase, involving state legislatures and Congress, is rarely relevant due to concessions.
