LETER; Did Cohen mean Trump would refuse to leave if he lost vote?

To Ozaukee Press:

As part of his closing statement last week before the House Oversight Committee, Michael Cohen gave a dire warning that there would not be a peaceful transition should President Trump lose the 2020 election.

That’s a chilling observation from one who’s been Trump’s personal attorney for a decade. Recent polls show Trump’s approval lagging and one revealed that 56% of voters would definitely not vote for him.

Cohen should have elaborated on his prognosis. Did he believe that the president would hack voting machines to ensure victory, or that he would claim the election was rigged and refuse to relinquish power? This could give license to his most hardened supporters to commit acts of resistance and even violence.

The orderly transition of power is essential in democracy and every candidate must unequivocally abide by the will of the voters.

I would like to see Congress pass bipartisan legislation that would prevent any presidential candidate from unilaterally challenging an election outcome. In conjunction with the Justice Department, the legislature would establish a bipartisan panel to investigate and adjudicate any dispute and their findings would be binding on all parties.

Congress must also be prepared to override Trump’s likely veto, thereby ensuring that the will of the voters does prevail.

Greg Melcher
Port Washington