“I anticipate with pleasing expectation that retreat in which I promise myself to realize, without alloy, the sweet enjoyment of partaking, in the midst of my fellow-citizens, the benign influence of good laws under a free government, the ever-favorite object of my heart, and the happy reward, as I trust, of our mutual cares, labors, and dangers” (George Washington Farewell Address). This quotes comes from, perhaps, the most important portion of American history, George Washington’s stepping down as president. I say that this is the most important part of American history because it has set an example of peaceful transition for every president in American history. This is something that the people of the time were not used to seeing because they have been under the rule of a monarch. George Washington stepping down shows the ultimate requirement of democracy, which is the peaceful transfer of power.
When I hear the Republican presidential nominee say that he will not accept the election results, unless he wins, I become concerned for American democracy. The fact that Donald Trump has said this undermines American democracy, and is an insult to Americans. Not only is Donald Trump using this rhetoric during his speeches, his supporters are also taking note and following along with this idea.
What if Clinton wins on Election Day? Will Donald Trump not accept the results? How will his supporters respond? Based on current rhetoric from the Trump campaign, I would say that Clinton should be concerned. Not only for her safety, but for the sake of our democracy. The fact that Donald Trump is saying he will not accept the results if she wins interrupts the peaceful transfer of power, which was set by precedent when George Washington modeled this in 1796.
Some may say that Al Gore interrupted the peaceful transfer of power after the 2000 elections, when he would not accept the results. While he may have done this, comparing his words to Donald Trump’s words is like comparing apples and oranges. When Al Gore expressed his concern, it was because he actually won the popular vote, and the results out of Florida were questionable. Donald Trump just cannot accept defeat, and that poor attitude has lead him to use the rhetoric he has in speeches after the last debate.
When George Washington talks about good law in his farewell address he is speaking on the Constitution. The Constitution has been our guiding light for the las 240 years, and is being threatened this election year. By not accepting the results, Donald Trump would be undermining our way of life in this country and deprives the American people of the peaceful transfer of power. Because of this, Donald Trump is the antithesis of American Democracy.
