Friday, September 22, 2017

What Happened

That’s the title of Hillary Clinton’s book on the 2016 election.  A recent column reviewing the book in the Times News was entitled “Hillary and Co. should chill.” 

Hillary Clinton won more votes for President than any white man in American history.  Her election was subject to interference by a foreign enemy.  The FBI director released a statement a week before the election saying she was under investigation.  Voter suppression tactics were used in key states.  She lost to a demagogue who whipped up (and is still whipping up) racist and misogynist attitudes.  

After an election, if it was fair, we say the winning candidate has “legitimacy.”  We might not like the outcome, but we can’t quarrel with the loss.  It is the same in a sporting event.  If our team lost, we are disappointed, but we don’t call the outcome into question.

Now suppose we find out that the other team cheated.  Maybe the coach stole signals, or deflated the ball.  Then we will always bring those victories into question.  We will never be satisfied.  The winner is “illegitimate.”


I can’t speak for Hillary Clinton, but I will not “chill.”  Trump is not a legitimate president.  He is an interloper who cheated his way into office, and, if the system works, will soon be impeached. 

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