In a move that has some on the right scratching their heads – and others calling for his head, the Republican Senate Majority Leader has declared the election over, assigning victory to Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, and indicated he will not support any congressional contest of state electors when those votes are to be certified in Congress.
On Tuesday, US Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY), unilaterally and perhaps inappropriately ceded the election to Democrat presidential hopeful Joe Biden. McConnell has neither the authority nor the position to cede a presidential election.
McConnell took to the Senate floor in an official capacity and issued the decree, “The Electoral College has spoken.” He did so before congratulating “President-elect” Joe Biden and “Vice President-elect” Kamala Harris.
The Electoral College vote is not certified by a joint session of Congress until January 6, 2021, short of a concession from President Donald Trump.
Wednesday morning, President Trump tweeted, “Mitch, 75,000,000 VOTES, a record for a sitting President (by a lot). Too soon to give up. Republican Party must finally learn to fight. People are angry!”
Trump's allies slam Mitch McConnell for congratulating Biden https://t.co/ak9nu6420L via @MailOnline. Mitch, 75,000,000 VOTES, a record for a sitting President (by a lot). Too soon to give up. Republican Party must finally learn to fight. People are angry!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 16, 2020
Indeed, social media lit up to castigate McConnell for both his premature and unauthorized surrender of the election and his abdication of leadership when Republicans need to be steadfast and cohesive.
US Rep-Elect Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) tweeted, “Every “Republican” that isn’t fighting for @realDonaldTrump’s 2020 landslide victory is supporting the Chinese Communist Party takeover of America.”
Every “Republican” that isn’t fighting for @realDonaldTrump’s 2020 landslide victory is supporting the Chinese Communist Party takeover of America.
— Marjorie Taylor Greene
(@mtgreenee) December 15, 2020
General Michael Flynn tweeted out, “@realDonaldTrump millions & millions & millions of Patriots stand behind, alongside & in front of you during this crucible moment in US History where our very Republic is on the line. We won’t fail or cower like some in the Republican Party have shown.”
.@realDonaldTrump millions & millions & millions of Patriots stand behind, alongside & in front of you during this crucible moment in US History where our very Republic is on the line. We won’t fail or cower like some in the Republican Party have shown.#FightLikeAFlynn https://t.co/WurxjIf0se
— General Flynn (@GenFlynn) December 15, 2020
And just before he reminded McConnell that President Trump stumped for him in his reelection campaign in Kentucky. Mark Levin tweeted, “I think we should all thank McConnell for his excellent help in challenging the lawless acts of the Biden campaign and Democrats in the key battleground states. Wait, he was AWOL? Oh, well then, thanks for nothing, Mitch.”
1. I think we should all thank McConnell for his excellent help in challenging the lawless acts of the Biden campaign and Democrats in the key battleground states. Wait, he was AWOL? Oh, well then, thanks for nothing, Mitch.
— Mark R. Levin (@marklevinshow) December 15, 2020
US Rep. Mo Brooks (R-AL), Rep.-elect Barry Moore (R-AL), and Rep.-elect Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA), have said they are planning to file objections.
McConnell’s state colleague, US Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY), and US Sen. Ron Johnson (R-WI), have indicated they are both leaning toward contesting electors from four embattled states – Michigan, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Georgia – as well.
The final decision on the Electoral College vote comes on January 6, 2021, when both congressional chambers will meet in a joint session to count, certify the votes, and declare the winners of each state.
It is during this time that objections can be filed but any objection must be endorsed by at least one US Senator and one US Representative.
If an objection is registered properly, the joint session will be recessed, and each chamber will meet separately to debate and vote on the objection. A simple majority can uphold the objection, nullifying the electoral votes for the state in question.
This tosses the election of the President and Vice President of the United States to the US House of Representatives and a vote of delegations. In this contest, Republicans have a clear majority and President Trump would likely prevail.