Trump Hints at Election Refusal Again... US Political Conflict Spreads

"Ballots Are a Terrifying Show"
Senate Unanimously Passes Resolution for Peaceful Power Transfer
Republicans and White House Sweat Denying Election Rejection Claims
House Speaker: "This Is Neither Bukhan Nor Turkey" Criticism

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy New York=Correspondent Baek Jong-min] President Donald Trump once again hinted at the possibility of rejecting the election results. The U.S. political scene heated up due to President Trump's repeated remarks challenging the election outcome.

On the 24th (local time), in an interview with Fox Radio, when asked, "Republican Senator Lindsey Graham said that if the Supreme Court rules in favor of Democratic candidate Joe Biden's victory, then Biden wins. Do you agree?" President Trump replied, "I agree." He added, "But I think there is still a long way to go," and called the ballots "a terrifying show."

The day before, President Trump also avoided giving a clear answer when asked if he could guarantee a peaceful transfer of power, raising concerns about possible manipulation due to mail-in voting.

He also argued that since the election results will ultimately go to the Supreme Court, the successor to Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg should be swiftly nominated and confirmed.

This indicated that if he loses the November election, he intends to challenge the results by questioning mail-in voting, causing a huge stir in U.S. politics.

The Democratic Party immediately launched an offensive. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi harshly criticized, "This is not North Korea or Turkey. This is the United States and democracy. Can you not respect the oath to the Constitution even for a moment?" Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer also condemned President Trump as "the greatest threat to democracy."

The Senate unanimously adopted a resolution reaffirming support for a peaceful transfer of power. The resolution stated that the Senate reaffirms its commitment to an orderly and peaceful transfer of power as required by the U.S. Constitution. It emphasized that there must be no chaos aimed at overturning the will of the American people by the president or anyone in power.

The ruling Republican Party and the White House struggled to manage President Trump's remarks. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell tweeted, "The winner of the presidential election will be inaugurated on January 20th (as per tradition). An orderly transfer will take place every four years since 1792." House Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy, while adding a caveat that President Trump will win re-election, mentioned that "a smooth transition will occur."

White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany also stated in a briefing, "The president will accept the results of a free and fair election." However, she did not answer a follow-up question about whether the results are only legitimate if President Trump wins.