As we gear up for the 2024 presidential showdown, a mighty coalition of over 100 former U.S. senators, Congress members, governors, and retired military bigwigs from both sides of the political aisle are waving their flags for American trust in elections and the oh-so-crucial peaceful transfer of power. And no, this isn’t a new reality show—though it might feel like one!
In a joint statement shared with POLITICO (and probably more people than your last Instagram post), these esteemed figures are urging all Americans not just to vote, but to treat our electoral system like the precious baby it is. “Election workers must be supported, not threatened,” they declare. I mean, who wants to scare the folks handling the ballots? They already have enough on their plates!
The statement goes on to emphasize that once elections are counted, certified, and possibly recounted more times than a toddler counts to ten, it’s crucial for candidates to graciously accept the results and pass the torch peacefully. “The peaceful transfer of power is essential,” they state, as if they’re auditioning for the role of ‘Most Obvious Statement of the Year.’ But really, it’s true! A stable government is great for everything from social trust to international standing—because let’s be honest, nobody wants to be the country that doesn’t know how to play nice.
Among the signatories, you’ll find a star-studded cast including Adm. Bill McRaven, former Defense Secretary Leon Panetta, and a parade of former governors and senators that sounds like the lineup for a political reunion tour. If only they could throw in some karaoke!
In their closing remarks, they passionately urge Americans to support fair elections and respect their outcomes, declaring that trust in our elections is the very foundation of self-governance. So, basically, if we want to keep democracy from becoming a dramatic reality show with plot twists and cliffhangers, we all need to get on board.
This statement was orchestrated by More Perfect and Issue One, who have rallied a bipartisan crew that includes 34 presidential centers, the National Archives Foundation, and more than 100 organizations all committed to renewing democracy as we approach the grand 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. That’s right, folks—democracy is having a birthday party, and everyone’s invited!
The groups are pushing five “democracy goals” that sound like they could be part of a self-help book: “universal civic learning,” “national service and volunteering,” “bridging divides,” “trusted elections,” and “access to trusted news and information.” It’s like they’re trying to create the ultimate democracy handbook, with tips and tricks for making sure everyone plays fair.
As we face an avalanche of disinformation, conspiracies, and threats that threaten to erode our electoral trust, these former officials are ringing the alarm. Because without trust in the electoral process, the very legitimacy of our government—and the principles of our Constitution—could be at risk. And who wants to live in a reality where democracy is just a vague suggestion? Not us!
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