Thread by @jgeltzer

THREAD:

There's a lot of concern right now about Trump & how he might handle an election loss after @bartongellman's article & the terrible answer Trump gave to @BrianKarem.

But we're not powerless to ensure a peaceful transfer if Trump loses.

Here's what can be done now. /1

1st, Electoral College reps, Members of Congress, governors, & Defense Department leadership can pledge to abide by election results regardless of any single candidate's claims otherwise.

I called for this in Feb. 2019 via @CNNOpinion. /2 cnn.com/2019/02/23/opi…

2nd, Trump can't resist an election loss alone--he'd need enablers.

And there are laws that stop others from using executive branch authorities for anyone but the legitimate president.

@tribelaw, Chris Fonzone & I explained via @PostEverything. /3 washingtonpost.com/outlook/2020/0…

3rd, the idea that Trump-friendly state legislatures can sub in their will for that of the voters can be reduced.

States can clarify deadlines for vote-counting to ensure Election Day can't be deemed "failed."

@tribelaw @jentaub & I in @TheAtlantic. /4 theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/…

4th, Trump's reasons for already questioning an election loss are, legally speaking, terrible.

So, Trump's really building a mental challenge more than a legal one--& we can resist disinformation w/ truth.

@Dahlialithwick & I discussed this in @Slate. /5 slate.com/news-and-polit…

Bottom line: yes, Trump's refusal to commit to fundamental norms about accepting election results & ensuring a peaceful transfer of power is appalling.

But don't think that we're powerless in the face of it.

There are things to do NOW to thwart Trump.

Let's get to work. /END