How Trump’s New Election Strategy Could Flip The November Vote

Former President Donald Trump has launched a high-stakes gambit that could throw the upcoming election into chaos. His latest moves suggest a calculated effort to challenge the election results if he doesn’t secure victory. During a rally in Atlanta, Trump directed an unexpected attack at Georgia Governor Brian Kemp, a key figure in the state Trump needs to win.

According to GZERO MEDIA on Thursday, August 15, Trump labeled Kemp as “disloyal” and “very average,” criticizing him for his refusal to “find” votes to overturn Joe Biden’s 2020 win in Georgia. This public scolding highlights Trump’s strategy to weaken Republican support in crucial battleground states.

In a curious twist, Trump also praised three relatively unknown members of Georgia’s State Election Board—Rick Jeffares, Janelle King, and Janice Johnston—describing them as “pit bulls” for their recent decision to grant the board the power to delay certifying election results they find suspicious.

These three have a history of contesting the 2020 election results, signaling Trump’s intent to leverage their support in his legal and procedural battles. Analysts and Democrats are increasingly concerned about Trump’s strategy. Nearly 70 election officials across key swing states hold the mistaken belief that Trump was cheated out of the 2020 election.

These officials are reportedly preparing to contest the results this time, potentially refusing to certify outcomes and causing widespread procedural disruptions. In response, Democrats have acted preemptively by amending the Electoral Count Act in 2022 to make it harder for officials to overturn results without valid grounds.

Richard H. Pildes, a constitutional law professor at NYU, acknowledges the concern but remains cautiously optimistic. He believes that while there are risks, a clear path for undermining the election results remains uncertain. Pildes points to absentee ballots in Pennsylvania and Wisconsin as potential flashpoints. These ballots, counted after in-person votes, could become the center of disputes if they affect the final outcome.

The counting process for these ballots, often delayed, might fuel claims of irregularities and intensify legal battles. If Trump-aligned officials in Georgia or other swing states refuse to certify results, the situation could escalate to federal courts.

Richard L. Hasen, an election law expert at UCLA, notes that while courts would likely intervene to ensure the final results are determined, the process could be fraught with challenges. The role of the judiciary will be crucial, especially given concerns over the Republican-appointed majority on the Supreme Court.

The possibility of a contested election outcome reminiscent of the 2000 Bush v. Gore case adds another layer of uncertainty. In that instance, the Supreme Court’s decision ultimately decided the presidency. However, unlike Gore, Trump’s refusal to concede could lead to prolonged legal battles and unrest.

While Trump failed to convince courts of his 2020 claims, he has succeeded in mobilizing a significant portion of the electorate, many of whom are prepared for conflict. This dynamic makes the upcoming election potentially more volatile than any in recent memory.