1/8
Mike Pence is the 48th Vice President, the 2nd highest office in the U.S. executive branch. He’s also the Senate president, with the authority to cast the tie-breaking vote. That’s what made his response to a vital question during this week’s debate so feckless. #velshi
2/8
Just before the debate ended, the moderator reminded Pence that Trump has, several times, refused to commit himself to a peaceful transfer of power after the election. She asked, if Joe Biden won the election and Trump refused to leave office, what would he do as VP? #velshi
3/8
In his roughly 2-min. answer, Pence talked about Hillary Clinton, spying, the Mueller report, Trump’s impeachment, mail-in voting & the FBI. One of the only thing Pence didn’t mention was what he would do if Trump refused to accept a peaceful transfer of power. #velshi
4/8
Here's the thing: Mike Pence isn’t about to tell Trump anything he doesn’t want to hear. It’s the basic rule of survival in the Trump orbit. But back in 2016, that is exactly what Pence told “60 Minutes” he WOULD do. #velshi
5/8
Pence said in 2016, “I promise you that when the circumstances arise where I have a difference on policy or on presentation…I would have no hesitation, were I privileged to be vice president, to walk into the president's office, close the door, and share my heart.” #velshi
6/8
What’s in your heart, Mike Pence, about that basic tenet of democracy: a peaceful transfer of power and departure from office at the end of your term? It’s a simple question, but one on which the success of a democracy hinges. What door is Pence leaving open and why? #velshi
7/8
This hypothetical question is relevant because Mike Pence’s boss, Donald Trump, made it relevant. And to be clear, when Joe Biden was asked in the Presidential debate if he would accept results of the election, he said, “Yes.” #velshi
8/8
This is Democracy 101: Anyone who won’t commit to a peaceful transfer of power doesn’t deserve your vote. #velshi

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More from @AliVelshi

3 Oct
1/9
Thomas Jefferson called his election the “Revolution of 1800.” Jefferson’s victory marked the first time that power in America passed from one party to another. Despite the use of the word “revolution,” that transfer, while steeped in bitter conflict, was peaceful. #velshi
2/9
John Adams seamlessly handed the presidency to his number one political rival, Thomas Jefferson, without incident. In his inaugural address, Jefferson, with an interest in national unity, declared, “Every difference of opinion is not a difference of principle.” #velshi
3/9
Thomas Jefferson had a way with words and knew the country needed healing: a stark contrast from what we heard and saw this week, when Trump, once again, refused to commit to a peaceful transfer of power. #velshi
Read 9 tweets
26 Sep
1/12
“It is high time that we all stopped being tools and victims of totalitarian techniques that, if continued here unchecked, will surely end what we have come to cherish as the American way of life.” –Margaret Chase Smith

#velshi
2/12
Those were the stinging words of Margaret Chase Smith, Republican Senator from Maine on June 1, 1950, rebuking her colleague, WI Sen. Joseph McCarthy, while confirming her commitment to the rights of all Americans to criticize, hold unpopular beliefs and protest. #velshi
3/12
Smith’s words remind us that we have, indeed, seen this all before. Trumpism is McCarthyism with a Twitter account. And like all leaders who put their self-interests above democracy and the rule of law, Trump exploits fear to maintain and expand his power. #velshi
Read 12 tweets
26 Sep
1/5

This summer has left us feeling enormous pain. More than 200,000 Americans dead from covid; their families reeling from the empty chair at their tables. And America struggling through the loss of two icons: John Lewis and Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
2/5

Ginsberg & Lewis both fought, literally, until their last breath, to bring us closer to equality. While we grieve their passing, we must resolve to continue their fight. Now, more than ever, we must continue their legacy with action.
3/5

Ruth Bader Ginsburg gave her best to America. She made history one last time on Friday, becoming the first woman - and the first Jewish person - to lie In State at the U.S. Capitol; It was the best farewell America could give her in return.
Read 5 tweets
12 Sep
1/10
On Monday, VP Mike Pence & RNC chair Ronna Romney McDaniel are scheduled to attend a campaign fundraiser in Bozeman, MT. Nothing unusual about that, right? Except this part: The event is being hosted by a couple—Caryn & Michael Borland—who are QAnon sympathizers. #velshi
2/10
QAnon, a far-right conspiracy theory, alleges a cabal of Satan-worshiping Democrats are working to bring down Trump’s presidency while running a global child sex-trafficking ring. The Borlands regularly post QAnon material online, incl. sharing QAnon memes & tweets. #velshi
3/10
QAnon rejects facts surrounding the assassination of JFK & the attacks of 9/11. It throws racism, anti-Semitism & Islamophobia in for good measure. #velshi
Read 10 tweets
30 Aug
1/11
Three months after the killing of George Floyd, which triggered a racial awakening & unprecedented protests across America, we are back where we started. The shooting of Jacob Blake by Kenosha, WI police is an all too familiar installment in a long running series. #velshi
2/11
As the fight against the brutalization of Black Americans continues, we're seeing professional athletes once again using their visibility & platforms to create change. NBA players made the first move last week, in response to Jacob Blake’s shooting. #velshi
3/11
The NBA, whose players are predominantly Black, has made sure the "Black Lives Matter" message has figured prominently on the court & on their jerseys since games restarted this month. On Wednesday, 3 playoff games were postponed due to player strikes. #velshi
Read 11 tweets
29 Aug
1/13
The First Amendment of the Constitution states, “Congress shall make no law... abridging... the right of the people peaceably to assemble.”
This right has been the subject of controversy throughout American history & in this election, protest is becoming pivotal. #velshi
2/13
This summer’s protests, sparked by the killing of George Floyd, are really a continuation of a years-long effort to end police violence against Black people. The demonstrations have been violent at times. At other times met with unprovoked violence from authorities. #velshi
3/13
In Minneapolis, I was shot by a rubber bullet during an entirely peaceful protest. At Lafayette Square in DC, the President had federal forces clear out protesters, spraying them with an irritant & beating civilians with batons. These are only recent examples. #velshi
Read 13 tweets

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