Likelihood #3: Discord and Enmity (and Lawsuits) Will Intensify During Uncertainty
There is immense fear on both sides of the aisle right now. Studies have shown that voters have solidified into their positions with far fewer “swing” voters than usual, and a deep distrust (even a dislike) of people “on the other side.”
In other words, there are far more partisans who are deeply suspicious of not only the opposing candidates but half of their fellow citizens. (See the new David French book for why this is, and what to do about it.) The partisans on each side are sincerely worried (some, even terrified) about what will happen to their family, community and country if “the other side” wins. And there is immense concern that the other side will “steal” the election.
And that is in advance. What will happen to that fear if (see “Likelihood #2”) if it looks like the other side is in the process of stealing the election?
That fear could easily grow to explosive levels—far more intense and larger in volume than the racial protests in May and June. While at the same time, there will likely be lawsuits like we have never seen before, that could delay the results until late in the year—maybe even until January. (See the bonus note at the end of this article for the mandated Constitutional timeline.)
With all of this, how easy would it be for the results to not be seen as legitimate by half the population? There could conceivably be challenges to our trust in the system and our democracy in some profound ways.
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