The Republican presidential nominee, former U.S. President Donald Trump, and the Democratic presidential nominee, U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris take part in a presidential debate hosted by ABC in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S., September 10, 2024 in a combination of file photographs. REUTERS/Brian Snyder/File Photo
Democratic Plans for Response to Early Trump Victory Declaration
As the U.S. election approaches, the Democratic Party and the Kamala Harris campaign are preparing a rapid-response strategy in case Republican candidate Donald Trump attempts to claim victory prematurely, as he did in 2020, according to party officials. Trump, who has suggested he might declare victory on Election Day, is in a tight race with Democratic candidate Kamala Harris. Election analysts warn that it may take days to finalize the results, especially if recounts are requested in key battleground states.
Expected Vote-Counting Timeline and Early Claims
Election results in the United States are typically called by major media outlets after careful analysis of vote counts provided by election officials. It is standard for candidates to wait for these calls before declaring victory, though some have occasionally declared victory earlier. Trump’s campaign indicated he would “fight for all votes until the polls close,” but declined to specify whether he plans to declare victory prematurely.
In 2020, Trump proclaimed himself the winner hours after Election Day, before major networks had called the race, leading to three more days before media outlets formally declared Joe Biden the victor. Trump has since maintained that the 2020 election was fraudulently decided, a claim unsupported by evidence.
Democratic Strategy to Counter an Early Victory Claim
According to Harris’s campaign officials, if Trump claims victory before all votes are counted, the Democratic Party intends to respond with a robust media presence to promote the message that all votes must be counted. In a recent interview with ABC, Harris expressed concern that an early victory claim would be an attempt to “manipulate the consensus of the American people.” Although she withheld specifics, six officials from the Democratic National Committee (DNC) and Harris campaign revealed that they plan to use social media and television to ensure that the message of patience with the vote-counting process reaches the public.
A senior DNC official emphasized that their network of influential voices is ready to counter any premature claims by Trump. “As soon as he falsely declares victory, we’re prepared to respond on TV with facts,” the official said.
Trump Allies Encourage Early Declaration
Trump’s former advisor, Steve Bannon, recently advised Trump to declare victory early, saying he should assert his win without delay. Bannon, who recently completed a prison sentence for defying congressional subpoenas, told a New York Times reporter that an early declaration would be beneficial to Trump.
GOP’s Position and Potential Party Response
Compared to 2020, Trump currently holds greater influence within the Republican Party, which has shifted in his favor over the past three years. This consolidation of support may reduce the likelihood of high-profile Republican dissent if Trump claims victory prematurely. Chip Felkel, a longtime Republican strategist, noted that Trump now has “near-total control” of the party, with limited evidence of internal pushback against his claims.
Additionally, Trump and his supporters have spent months asserting that non-citizens could attempt to vote in favor of Democrats, framing such assertions as a reason to contest the election results if needed. Trump’s campaign has also reportedly mobilized legal resources to challenge any unfavorable outcomes in the courts. At campaign events, Trump has emphasized that his supporters must ensure their win is “too big to rig.”
Calls for a Decisive Outcome
Some observers, including prominent Republican donor Bill Bean, expressed hope for a decisive win by either candidate to avoid prolonged disputes. Bean, who has previously criticized Trump, told Reuters he would prefer a clear outcome that ensures public acceptance of the results.
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