Trump should not be allowed in this election. During the debate, he said he will not accept the election results even after all judicial remedies have been resolved if he, personally, doesn’t think it was “fair.” What does this mean? Trump plans to take power regardless of the vote or the rule of law? He said it. He tried after he lost in 2020, leading to mob violence on Jan. 6, 2021 – even though he had lost all 60 relevant court challenges. He’s told us to expect something similar for 2024.

States must not allow on the ballot a candidate who openly says he’s going to insist on taking power even if he loses the election. He and his media propagandists, political cronies and violent sycophants are extremely dangerous. Don’t forget how both Hitler and Putin have used violent criminals against their enemies to enhance their power. Trump does the same with those who threaten and commit violence toward Trump’s targets.

Every candidate should publicly sign a statement agreeing to accept the results of the election after any legal challenges are exhausted and to publicly and immediately call for a halt to any threatening or violent behavior during the campaign, election and aftermath. Our democracy cannot function without these basics. I have no doubt Democrats will. But will all Republicans? If not, there must be a way for states to say, “You can’t be on the ballot if you won’t agree to play by the rules.”

Mary Henderson
Topsham