BREAKING: UPDATE on Trump’s congressional certification scheme

Summary

Congressman Daniel Goldman discusses the urgent concerns surrounding the certification of electoral votes under the 12th Amendment, particularly regarding potential Republican efforts to manipulate the election outcome. He highlights the significance of winning the House majority to prevent challenges to the electoral process, emphasizing the dangers of Project 2025, which seeks to politicize government agencies. Goldman contrasts the legislative achievements of the Democratic majority with the ineffectiveness of the recent Republican-controlled Congress, framing the upcoming election as crucial for safeguarding democratic governance.

Takeaways

• 😀 The potential for Republicans to refuse certification of state electoral votes raises concerns about the integrity of the election process.
• 😀 Winning the House majority is critical for Democrats to prevent Republican-led objections to electoral votes.
• 😀 The 12th Amendment allows for a contingent election if no candidate secures a majority of electoral votes.
• 😀 The Electoral Count Reform Act has made changes, but still leaves room for misuse by bad actors in the Republican Party.
• 😀 A 20% threshold to object to electoral votes could empower a significant number of Republicans to challenge election results.
• 😀 In past elections, a substantial portion of Republicans supported objections to the Electoral College certification.
• 😀 Democrats aim to maintain a strong campaign presence in New York to secure pivotal House seats in the election.
• 😀 Goldman emphasizes the importance of understanding the effectiveness of Democratic legislation compared to Republican actions.
• 😀 Project 2025 is viewed as a continuation of Trump's agenda, focusing on reshaping government with political appointees.
• 😀 The politicization of government agencies under Project 2025 could jeopardize national security and democratic processes.

Q & A

What concerns does Congressman Goldman express about the 12th Amendment?

Congressman Goldman is concerned that Republicans might refuse to certify electoral votes from certain states, potentially leading to a contingent election decided by state delegations.

What is the significance of the Electoral Count Reform Act of 2022?

The Act was passed to address issues related to the certification process but still allows for a pathway for objections, particularly if a significant percentage of House members support them.

How many Republican votes are needed to object to a state's electoral votes?

A threshold of 20% of the House is needed to object to a state's electoral votes, which could be met with about 40% of Republicans in the House.

What does Goldman suggest is the best way to counter potential election challenges?

Goldman emphasizes the importance of Democrats winning the House majority in the upcoming election to prevent Republicans from successfully overturning electoral results.

What issues does Goldman identify with the criteria for decertifying electoral votes?

Goldman notes that the language in the Electoral Count Reform Act is overly broad, making it difficult to prevent bad faith efforts to overturn election results.

Who ultimately adjudicates claims regarding the certification of electoral votes?

The House of Representatives votes on these claims, and if an objection is successful, it can be taken to the courts.

What role does Project 2025 play in the current political landscape according to Goldman?

Goldman argues that Project 2025 is closely tied to Trump's agenda and involves plans to replace nonpartisan career officials with political appointees, which could undermine national security and democratic governance.

How does Goldman compare the legislative achievements of Republicans and Democrats?

Goldman contrasts the effectiveness of recent Democratic legislation, such as the Inflation Reduction Act and infrastructure bills, with the Republican focus on tax cuts benefiting the wealthy.

What impact does Goldman believe Project 2025 could have on civil service?

Goldman warns that Project 2025 could politicize key government agencies, compromising their integrity and effectiveness, particularly in relation to law enforcement and national security.

What is Goldman’s main message to voters regarding the upcoming election?

Goldman urges voters to recognize the significance of their participation, emphasizing that every vote counts in determining the House majority and the future of American democracy.