Let’s dive into a situation that’s causing quite a stir in the political arena. A newly surfaced video of Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-MD) has ignited controversy, with claims that it shows him suggesting war could be on the horizon if Donald Trump wins the 2024 election. The video, taken from a discussion on voter rights, has left many people shocked and asking questions about what Raskin really meant.
In the clip, Raskin is heard discussing the potential use of the Fourteenth Amendment to disqualify Trump from holding office. This idea, first floated by Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-CA) earlier this year, gained traction but hit a roadblock when the Supreme Court ruled against Colorado’s attempt to keep Trump off the ballot using this amendment. According to Raskin, it could fall to Congress to act on this issue by January 6, 2025—a date loaded with significance given the events of January 6, 2021.
Even if voters unquestionably elect Donald Trump as President, no matter the margin, and even if the election is universally accepted as free and fair, top Democrats are calling on Congress to block certification of the results, and prep for civil war. pic.twitter.com/U9QL5FZW10
— Lee Zeldin (@leezeldin) August 5, 2024
What’s particularly jarring about the video is Raskin’s language. He talks about telling “rampaging Trump mobs” that Trump is disqualified and suggests that Congress members will need bodyguards due to the unrest that might follow. These comments have been interpreted by some as an ominous warning or even a threat of conflict, depending on the election outcome.
Let’s break down what’s being said here. Raskin seems to be referencing the possibility of using the Fourteenth Amendment, specifically Section 3, to argue that Trump is ineligible to run for office due to his role in the January 6 Capitol riot, which some have labeled as insurrection. This section was originally created to prevent former Confederates from holding office after the Civil War. However, applying it to a modern-day president would be unprecedented and extremely controversial.
Raskin’s threat was made shortly after SCOTUS oral arguments in Colorado lawsuit—which SCOTUS unanimously vacated.
This thug should be immediately run out of Congress.
In fact the entire conversation revolved around delegitimizing SCOTUS—he called the court racist and demanded…
— Julie Kelly 🇺🇸 (@julie_kelly2) August 6, 2024
The video has sparked a wide array of reactions, with some Republican lawmakers, like Rep. Chip Roy, weighing in and expressing concern over Raskin’s comments. Critics argue that Raskin’s statements reflect a dangerous mindset, one where political opponents are viewed as threats that need to be neutralized by any means necessary.
Raskin’s comments about war and the need for bodyguards are particularly alarming. It’s one thing to debate the interpretation of constitutional amendments, but it’s another to suggest that enforcing such an interpretation could lead to widespread violence. This kind of rhetoric, especially from a sitting member of Congress, adds fuel to an already polarized political environment.
Jamie Raskin is saying that congress will STOP Trump from taking office even if he’s chosen by the voters.
This is extremely dangerous. Every Democrat needs to be on the record about this immediately. pic.twitter.com/9IwRoGrrQu
— Charlie Kirk (@charliekirk11) August 5, 2024
It’s important to note that the video’s authenticity has been scrutinized, and so far, there’s no strong evidence suggesting it’s fake. The original source of the video, posted on YouTube just a few days after the event, shows a perfect lip-sync and includes details that would be difficult to fake convincingly.
Raskin is a madman now warning Congress will use the insurrection clause to prohibit Trump from taking office and use force to overrun the Trump “mob.”
He also lowkey threatens SCOTUS justices. This sort of rhetoric has led to the arrest of hundreds of Americans—where is… https://t.co/EIu53yOOYA
— Julie Kelly 🇺🇸 (@julie_kelly2) August 5, 2024
So, what does all this mean? If the video is indeed real, Raskin’s comments could reflect a growing desperation among some political figures to prevent a Trump resurgence. It also highlights the deep divisions in American politics, where the possibility of unrest is now part of the conversation about election outcomes.
