‘Teeing Up to Claim That This Election Isn’t Legitimate’
A threatening tweet from President Donald Trump late Monday morning, less than 24 hours before the polls open nationwide, is leading some to accuse him of engaging in voter suppression. Others are saying the tweet is the President’s attempt to lay the groundwork to call the results of Democratic midterm wins illegitimate.
“Law Enforcement has been strongly notified to watch closely for any ILLEGAL VOTING which may take place in Tuesday’s Election (or Early Voting),” Trump tweeted. “Anyone caught will be subject to the Maximum Criminal Penalties allowed by law. Thank you!”
Independent journalist Marcy Wheeler, who specializes in national security and civil liberties, offered this take:
But Media Matters for America Visiting Fellow Melissa Ryan had a more dire impression:
Washington Bureau Chief for Canada-based Global News:
The Human Rights Campaign’s digital strategist:
Washington Post reporter:
Investigative reporter for USA Today:
The White House editor for Bloomberg Business notes this important fact:
Former Senior Advisor to President Obama:
Election law and voting rights professor:
More:
Image by Steve Rhodes via Flickr and a CC license