In the above image is a tweet from Senate Majority Leader, Mitch McConnell, “The winner of the November 3rd election will be inaugurated on January 20th. There will be an orderly transition just as there has been every four years since 1792.”
I think it is imperative that every citizen participates in the election by doing their duty and voting and while it isn’t always easy, it is what our democracy stands on, and it is a privilege that citizens of other countries do not have. Elections have a history of causing chaos with the people of the United States, but when the President blatantly states that he will not abide by the Constitution, we approach new territory.
During a press conference this past Wednesday, President Trump insinuated that he would not participate in a peaceful transition of power if he loses the election. This statement comes from his ongoing frustration regarding ballots, as he feels that mail-in voting permits the opportunity for fraud. Meanwhile, the G.O.P is frantily working to reassure voters that the President will accept the results of the election in a non-violent manner.
I can only try to imagine the unrest in the White House at the moment, PR professionals and politicians scrambling to decide how to respond to the recent comments made by the President. So close to the election, comments like this could drastically impact the results. If he wishes to continue and win the votes of the American people, the best results would come from him apologizing and explaining the intentions of his comment. Additionally, it is important that politicians of the republican party continue to reassure voters that President Trump will honor his oath of office.
The abundance of articles currently being published by major news outlets is contributing to the fear instilled in voters right now, and the primary audience PR professionals need to be focused on addressing content to is older voters who have participated in numerous elections. This could be done by posting stories and responses on facebook and print sources, which are typically used by older news consumers.
The negativity surrounding this story will directly impact the results on the election if the comments made are not addressed quickly. Threats made on constitutional rights are not taken lightly by most, and frankly shouldn’t be at all.