Good News: “Republican Leaders Reject Trump Hedging On Transfer Of Power”

NPR reports on these mostly positive developments:

“I’ve been complaining very strongly about the ballots. And the ballots are a disaster,” Trump said, once again pushing his unsubstantiated claims about mail-in ballot fraud.

Shortly after his remarks, Sen. Mitt Romney, R-Utah, tweeted his vehement disapproval: “Fundamental to democracy is the peaceful transition of power; without that, there is Belarus. Any suggestion that a president might not respect this Constitutional guarantee is both unthinkable and unacceptable.”

Other top Republicans followed suit Thursday morning. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., wrote: “There will be an orderly transition just as there has been every four years since 1792.”

The third-ranking House Republican, Rep. Liz Cheney, R-Wyo., also shared her rejection of Trump’s remarks, writing, “The peaceful transfer of power is enshrined in our Constitution and fundamental to the survival of our Republic. America’s leaders swear an oath to the Constitution. We will uphold that oath.”

Also pushing back was Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., tweeting, “As we have done for over two centuries we will have a legitimate & fair election.”

While more Republicans joined their colleagues in emphasizing even a Trump loss would involve an orderly transfer of power to the new administration, House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy of California downplayed the president’s statement and pointed to comments last month from former Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton, who suggested Biden not concede the election if it’s close.

McCarthy said he believes Trump will win reelection and there will be “a smooth transition” to a second term, telling reporters: “I know this will keep you up at night, but don’t worry about it.”

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