A 2020 Election Thought Experiment – Part 2

It’s early afternoon, November 4, 2020.

Nancy Pelosi and Charles Schumer stand behind a podium at a hastily called news conference.

“This is what we’ve been warning the American people about,” Ms. Pelosi says. “An unstable, self-consumed, unprincipled man desperately seeking to retain power. This will not stand. This is the United States of America, and elections matter.”

Those of us around for the 2000 Presidential election remember the chaos and uncertainty.

This feels different. This feels like we’re living in a third world country where everything is up for grabs.

The media – mainstream, social, and fringe – is on fire with talking heads. Can he do this? What does the constitution say? How bad was the election handled, really? Was there foreign influence? What if he refuses to leave?

Those able to detach themselves from the surreal events of the last 12 hours are able to point out something, which in hindsight seems pretty obvious: this is ultimate reality TV.

Create an extreme situation, throw in overly dramatic, emotional people, and watch the fun begin! When you throw away the rule book, raise the stakes, and keep the cameras running the ratings go through the roof. It’s a proven recipe.

Secretly, Trump confides to his aides, “This is the best idea I’ve ever had. Probably the best idea any person has ever had. What have I got to lose? No matter what, I'll be in history books forever! It’s brilliant, actually. Are Nancy and Chuck shitting themselves yet?” Mammoth Trump grin.

Late in the day a statement is issued by William Barr, Attorney General of the United States. In it he states that “due to strong evidence of criminal, fraudulent activity in the election of November 3, 2020, the Justice Department is preparing a suit to challenge the results of the elections in all fifty states. The Federal Government has a duty to the people of the United States to ensure that free and fair elections take place, and this department will be exercising that duty to the fullest extent.”