In a surprising turn of events in the aftermath of the 2020 U.S. presidential election, President Donald Trump seems to be advocating for fairness from the Electoral College. This sudden shift in rhetoric comes after weeks of baseless claims of election fraud and attempts to overturn the results in various battleground states.
The Electoral College, a unique feature of the U.S. presidential election system, has been a point of contention throughout American history. Originally designed as a compromise between electing the president by popular vote and through Congress, the Electoral College has been criticized for its potential to distort the will of the people.
President Trump’s plea for fairness from the Electoral College raises eyebrows, considering his past disparagement of the institution. Throughout his presidency, Trump has often expressed disdain for democratic norms and processes, including the Electoral College, when they did not work in his favor.
However, as the reality of his electoral defeat becomes harder to ignore, Trump seems to be grasping at straws in an attempt to salvage his reputation and legacy. By calling for fairness from the same institution he previously criticized, Trump is trying to align himself with the principles of democracy, albeit in a self-serving manner.
It remains to be seen whether Trump’s newfound appreciation for fairness will have any impact on the ongoing efforts to challenge the election results. With the Electoral College set to meet in December to formally elect the next president, Trump’s last-minute plea may be too little, too late.
Ultimately, the Electoral College is a flawed system that has the potential to undermine the democratic will of the people. As calls for electoral reform continue to grow, it is crucial for Americans to critically examine the role and impact of the Electoral College in shaping the future of their democracy.
