I was reading this Slate article from three years ago outlining the process for certifying the Electoral Vote. As the article points out:
We live in a silly country in which the new president is certified through a ceremony in which electoral votes are carried into the legislature via strap-locked treasure chest, to be unstrapped and its contents read aloud and then gaveled in as Authentic by the vice president.
Objections can be raised but the VP runs the show. Joe Biden handled the situation like a good little soldier. House members tried to object, but no Dem Senators would play along and objections need a Senator to co-sign.
Biden was having little of it, and banged the gavel loudly, because none of the members were able to find a senatorial co-signator, thus voiding their objections. The much more populated Republican side of the aisle booed or called out “order!” following each denied objection. When Rep. Jayapal gave her objection, Biden finally said, “It is over.” Republicans gave him a standing ovation.
Now let’s picture the scene in 2021 when it’s Mike Pence wielding the gavel, and let’s imagine the Dem has won the EV. We already know the Russians are trying to steal the election for Bernie Sanders so how can we trust the integrity of the results?
Can you picture Mike Pence doing anything that gets a standing ovation from Democrats?
Mitch McConnell proved via Merrick Garland that all you have to do is nothing. If Pence ‘believes’ the objections, why would he certify? He can do nothing, just like he’s been taught. Then there is no Electoral College winner and per the constitution, the election goes the house which votes via state delegation. Right now there are 26 Rep-majority states despite an outright Dem majority.
Why would they not do this? I truly believe it doesn’t matter who we nominate, they will either lose the EC to Trump or the EC will be disregarded the same way the Merrick Garland nomination was disregarded.
And who’s going to stop them? The Supreme Court?
Retaking the Senate is our only hope for the future of the nation. We’d maybe be able to put some brakes on, but I truly believe that 2020 will mark the first time a candidate wins both the popular vote AND the Electoral College and still is not made President.