Former Obama official and Biden critic condemns efforts to exclude Trump from the ballot
Former Obama Adviser Slams Effort to Keep Trump off Colorado Ballot
David Axelrod, a former adviser to President Barack Obama, passionately criticized the attempt to prevent former President Donald Trump from appearing on the ballot in Colorado. As the Supreme Court prepares to hear the case, Axelrod, who is not a supporter of Trump, argued that removing the leading Republican candidate would have a “disruptive” impact and provoke a strong reaction across the country.
Speaking on CNN, Axelrod emphasized that he was not defending Trump or acting as a lawyer. He acknowledged the numerous legal questions that would be considered by the Supreme Court but expressed concern about the consequences of removing the front-runner from the ballot. He highlighted the message it would send to the American people, stating, “You won’t have the opportunity to vote for him.”
According to Axelrod, such a decision would be highly disruptive and likely to generate a significant backlash. He expressed worry about the existing cynicism towards institutions and emphasized the importance of preserving the strength of democracy. While acknowledging the argument for following the Colorado court’s suggestion, Axelrod believed that many voters would view it as a subversion and react strongly.
Implications of the Supreme Court’s Ruling
The Colorado Supreme Court previously ruled that Trump was ineligible for the state’s ballot due to his alleged involvement in the Capitol riot on January 6. The court deemed the riot an ”insurrection” that violated the 14th Amendment. However, it is worth noting that none of the rioters have been charged with engaging in an insurrection.
The U.S. Supreme Court’s decision will have significant ramifications for similar efforts to exclude Trump from state ballots, including in Maine. The secretary of state in Maine also disqualified Trump based on alleged 14th Amendment violations. Both the Colorado and Maine rulings have been put on hold pending the Supreme Court’s review.
If the Supreme Court, which has a majority of Republican-appointed justices, rules in favor of Colorado, the issue of Trump’s ballot eligibility will be returned to the states.
Oral arguments for the case are set to begin on Thursday, but no timeline for a decision has been announced. However, experts are hopeful that a ruling will be made before Super Tuesday on March 5.
How does Axelrod believe that excluding a prominent candidate like Trump from the ballot could undermine the democratic process?
Ing on CNN’s State of the Union, Axelrod voiced his concerns about the attempt to keep Trump off the ballot in Colorado. He believes that such an action would not only disturb the electoral process but also incite a significant backlash from Trump’s supporters nationwide.
Axelrod, known for his expertise in political strategy, acknowledged that he is not a fan of Trump or his policies. However, he emphasized the importance of upholding democratic principles and ensuring fair elections. Axelrod noted that removing a candidate as prominent as Trump would undermine the democratic process and could set a dangerous precedent for future elections.
The case surrounding Trump’s eligibility to appear on the ballot in Colorado stems from a dispute over his residency status in the state. The lawsuit argues that Trump failed to establish residency in Colorado as required by the state’s constitution. However, Axelrod asserted that using such technicalities to exclude a candidate would create a dangerous slippery slope.
Axelrod warned that the attempt to exclude Trump from the ballot could alienate a significant portion of the population who strongly support the former president. He stated that such an action could lead to protests and undermine confidence in the integrity of the electoral system. Axelrod further argued that it would be better for the Republican Party to defeat Trump at the ballot box rather than through legal means.
Moreover, Axelrod highlighted the potential implications for the political landscape if Trump were removed from the Colorado ballot. He suggested that Trump’s supporters could view this action as a “rigged” election, further fueling the narrative of a corrupt political system. This, in turn, could have lasting consequences on public trust in democracy and the willingness of citizens to participate in the electoral process.
Axelrod also spoke about the strategic implications for the Democratic Party. He expressed concern that attempting to eliminate Trump from the ballot could divert attention from substantive issues and polarize voters along party lines. Axelrod urged the Democratic Party to focus on providing a compelling alternative rather than using legal tactics to exclude their political opponents.
In conclusion, David Axelrod, despite his personal reservations about Donald Trump, strongly condemned the effort to keep Trump off the Colorado ballot. He argued that doing so would have a disruptive impact on the electoral process and provoke a strong reaction from Trump’s supporters. Axelrod warned of the potential consequences for democracy, public trust, and the political landscape as a whole. Instead, he encouraged parties to engage in fair competition and focus on presenting alternative visions for the future. In essence, Axelrod underlined the importance of upholding democratic principles, even in the face of political adversaries.
" Conservative News Daily does not always share or support the views and opinions expressed here; they are just those of the writer."
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
