Topline
Ahead of Congress’ certification of the Electoral College vote Wednesday, President Donald Trump and his allies threatened the political future of Republicans who said they would not raise objections, a sign of the difficult position GOP lawmakers are in even as the challenge stands no chance of succeeding.
WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 06: President Donald Trump arrives at the “Stop The Steal” Rally on January … [+]
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Key Facts
During remarks at the “Save America March” on Wednesday, Trump said he wants to “primary the hell out of the ones” who do not object to the Electoral College.
“Any senator or any congressmen — meaning on this side — that does not fight tomorrow, I’m telling you, their political career is over,” Eric Trump told Fox News on Tuesday night, promising any Republican who does not object to the results “will get primaried.”
“I will personally work to defeat every single Republican Senator / Congressman who doesn’t stand up against this fraud,” the president’s second son added on Twitter.
Sen. Mitt Romney (R-Utah), who has said he will not object to the results, was harrassed in the Salt Lake City International Airport by a maskless woman on Tuesday: “Why aren’t you supporting President Trump?” the unidentified woman who claimed to be a Utah voter said, calling him “disgusting” and a “joke” and promising he would be voted out during a primary.
On a plane ride to D.C., Trump supporters shouted “traitor” and “resign” at Romney, according to a video clip that went viral on Twitter.
A crowd of Trump supporters protesting the election in Washington, D.C. surrounded Sen. Todd Young (R-Ind.) on Wednesday, demanding to know why he won’t back the Electoral College challenge: “I took oath under God, Young responds, “does that still matter in this country?”
Crucial Quote
“I will put the Republican establishment on my shoulders and drag them kicking and screaming back to the Constitution,” Rep. Madison Cawthorn (R-N.C.), who says he will challenge the election results, said on Twitter.
Big Number
12. That’s how many GOP senators are planning to object Wednesday to certifying the electoral votes from battleground states won by President-elect Joe Biden, along with more than 140 House members.
Tangent
After Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) said he would not object to the results, Trump lashed out on Twitter, promising Republicans would “never forget.” “The ‘Surrender Caucus’ within the Republican Party will go down in infamy as weak and ineffective ‘guardians’ of our Nation, who were willing to accept the certification of fraudulent presidential numbers!” Trump said in a follow-up tweet.
Key Background
Despite the large number of Republicans planning to object to the results, the maneuver has no chance of overturning the results of the election. For Congress to toss out a state’s results, both chambers of Congress must agree. Democrats control the House and most Republicans say they will not object in the Senate. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) has repeatedly asked his caucus members not to support the Hail Mary ploy.
Chief Critic
Biden criticized Sens. David Perdue and Kelly Loeffler (R-Ga.) for being loyal to “Donald Trump, not Georgia,” during a rally in the state on Monday. Loeffler said Monday she will object to the Electoral College certification.
Further Reading
Trump supporters heckle Romney, chanting ‘traitor’ on flight to D.C. (Washington Post)