politics 

“She’s a CHEATER. She had NOBODY waiting, and the ‘crowd’ looked like 10,000 people! Same thing is happening with her fake ‘crowds’ at her speeches. This is the way the Democrats win Elections, by CHEATING ‒ And they’re even worse at the Ballot Box. She should be disqualified because the creation of a fake image is ELECTION INTERFERENCE. Anyone who does that will cheat at ANYTHING!” 

- Donald Trump

Truth Social Post, 8/11/24

As the 2024 presidential election approaches, former President Donald Trump is once again preparing to deploy a narrative that threatens to undermine the very foundations of American democracy. With his poll numbers declining and a formidable new political opponent in Vice President Kamala Harris, Trump is reviving the same baseless claims of election fraud that characterized his 2020 campaign. This strategy not only risks inciting further violence and deepening divisions within the country but also echoes a troubling and predictable pattern that could have severe and far-reaching consequences for the nation.

A Predictable Playbook

Trump's approach to the 2024 election mirrors his tactics from the 2020 campaign in several concerning ways. As he faces a potentially challenging race and the possibility of electoral defeat, Trump has begun to cast doubt on the integrity of the election, making unfounded claims that Democrats are conspiring to steal the vote. This strategy is both predictable and deeply troubling, reflecting a familiar pattern: when Trump’s confidence in his electoral prospects wanes, he resorts to accusations of fraud to delegitimize the process and preemptively rationalize a potential loss.

This tactic is not new but is alarming in its implications. During the 2020 election, Trump’s relentless promotion of unsubstantiated claims of widespread voter fraud and a "stolen" election culminated in the January 6 Capitol riot—a violent and deadly assault on the heart of American democracy. Despite an overwhelming lack of evidence to support his allegations, Trump's rhetoric fostered an environment of mistrust and anger, which manifested in the insurrection that has left a lasting scar on the nation’s history.

The Danger of Sowing Division

As Trump amplifies his false attacks on election integrity, the potential for similar, or even greater, unrest in 2024 becomes increasingly real. His rhetoric is once again sowing seeds of doubt and discord among his supporters, priming them to view any unfavorable election result as illegitimate. This narrative not only undermines public trust in the democratic process but also perpetuates a dangerous cycle of division and violence.

The January 6 riot was not an isolated incident but a manifestation of the extreme polarization cultivated by Trump’s rhetoric. By continuously framing the election as a battle between himself and a corrupt system, Trump deepens the political divides threatening to tear the country apart. His insistence on portraying the election as an existential struggle sets the stage for more unrest, potentially leading his supporters to take extreme measures to “defend” their candidate and their version of democracy.

The Risk of Escalating Violence

The potential for violence cannot be overstated. In 2020, Trump's claims contributed to one of the darkest days in American history, as his supporters stormed the Capitol in a failed attempt to overturn the election results. As Trump revives these dangerous narratives, the risk of similar, or even more severe, incidents of violence becomes increasingly likely. The more he amplifies false claims of electoral theft, the more probable it becomes that his supporters will act on these beliefs, potentially leading to further acts of domestic terrorism and civil unrest.

This rhetoric is particularly concerning given the existing deep polarization in the nation. Trump's narrative of a stolen election is not merely about securing political advantage—it’s about inciting fear, anger, and resentment among his base. By convincing his supporters that they are victims of a vast conspiracy, Trump fosters an environment where violence appears to be a rational response.

Personal Gain at the Nation’s Expense

Underlying Trump’s strategy is a clear motive: self-preservation. As he faces mounting legal challenges and declining poll numbers, casting doubt on the electoral process serves multiple purposes. It rallies his base, keeps him in the media spotlight, and provides a ready-made excuse should he lose the election. By portraying his potential defeat as the result of a rigged system, Trump aims to deflect blame and maintain his political relevance (Smith, 2024).

However, this strategy comes at a significant cost to the nation. Trump’s actions are not merely about winning an election—they are about undermining the very foundations of American democracy. By promoting false narratives and fostering division, Trump erodes public trust in the electoral system, complicating future governance and exacerbating the already deep political divides in the country.

The Legacy of The Big Lie

The legacy of Trump’s election-denying rhetoric serves as a cautionary tale of how misinformation and fear can erode democratic institutions and incite violence. The events of January 6, 2021, demonstrated the dangerous consequences of allowing false narratives to proliferate unchecked. As Trump prepares to employ the same tactics in 2024, the stakes are higher than ever.

The cycle of misinformation and division that Trump is perpetuating poses a serious threat to public safety and democratic norms. If left unchecked, this rhetoric could lead to further violence, greater polarization, and a profound erosion of trust in the institutions designed to protect and preserve democracy.

A Call to Action

As the 2024 election nears, it is crucial for political leaders, media outlets, and citizens to remain vigilant against Trump’s attempts to undermine the electoral process. Promoting transparency, upholding the rule of law, and fostering respectful dialogue are essential steps in countering the harmful effects of divisive rhetoric.

The preservation of American democracy depends on the collective efforts of all who value truth, justice, and the rule of law. The nation cannot afford another "Big Lie." The upcoming election is not just about determining the next president—it is about protecting the integrity of the democratic process and ensuring that the country does not descend into further chaos and division. The consequences of failing to address this issue are severe, and the time to act is now.