Top Democrats Say They’ll Certify Trump Win—But Only If ‘No Shenanigans’ Occur
(mediaite)
As the 2024 election looms, some leading Democrats, including Rep. Jamie Raskin of Maryland, are cautiously discussing whether they would certify the results if former President Donald Trump were to win. Speaking to Axios, Raskin, along with Representatives Jan Schakowsky of Illinois and Jim McGovern of Massachusetts, all indicated that they would certify the election results—under one crucial condition: the election must be free of interference or misconduct.
Raskin, known for his vocal stance on election integrity, told Axios that Democrats would vote to certify Trump’s victory only if it was “a free, fair and honest election.” However, he made it clear that he doesn’t take that outcome for granted, hinting at his skepticism. “I definitely don’t assume that will happen,” he added, casting doubt on whether Trump’s campaign would follow the rules.
Similarly, Schakowsky expressed concerns about potential irregularities. She suggested that Trump might already be plotting “shenanigans” and stressed the importance of ensuring a fair process before Democrats could support certifying the election results. “We’d have to make sure that all the rules have been followed,” she emphasized.
Despite her initial cautious tone, Schakowsky later struck a more definitive stance, saying that she and her colleagues are prepared and “look forward to certifying the election in January,” assuming everything goes smoothly. Jim McGovern echoed these sentiments but framed his position with a note of expectation. “Assuming everything goes the way we expect it to,” he said, Democrats would indeed certify a Trump win.
His remarks highlighted the prevailing concern among some Democrats that the integrity of the election process must be upheld for their support to be assured. The cautious tone from these Democrats reflects a broader concern within the party. With memories of the contentious 2020 election and the subsequent January 6th Capitol riot still fresh, there is an intensified focus on ensuring that the 2024 election process remains transparent and fair.
The party’s readiness to certify a Trump victory, but only under specific circumstances, shows a deliberate strategy to emphasize election integrity while preparing for potential challenges. As the election season intensifies, the Democrats’ careful positioning illustrates their determination to uphold democratic norms—while remaining vigilant against any perceived threats to the integrity of the electoral process. Whether these assurances will suffice in the event of a Trump victory remains to be seen, but the message is clear: any certification will come with scrutiny to ensure a fair outcome for all parties involved.
