The 2020 U.S. presidential election remains a contentious topic, with many questions still unanswered about the events that unfolded. At the heart of the controversy are allegations of election interference and attempts to overturn the results. Here’s a breakdown of what happened and why it still matters today.
### The Election and Its Aftermath
In the 2020 election, Joe Biden won the presidency, defeating incumbent President Donald Trump. However, Trump and his allies claimed there was widespread fraud and launched numerous legal challenges to reverse the outcome. These efforts included a plot to create “alternate” slates of electors in several key states, which would have allowed Trump to claim victory despite the official results[1].
### The Fake Electors Scheme
The fake electors scheme involved drafting fraudulent certificates of ascertainment that affirmed Trump as the winner in states where Biden had actually won. This plan was part of a broader strategy to pressure Vice President Mike Pence into counting these fake electoral votes during the certification process. Despite these efforts, the state legislatures in the targeted states—Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, New Mexico, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin—certified Biden’s victory[1].
### Phone Calls and Pressure
Trump made several phone calls to state officials, urging them to alter the election results. One notable example was his call to Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, asking him to “find 11,780 votes” to change the outcome in Georgia[1]. Similar requests were made to officials in Arizona, Michigan, and Pennsylvania, but these efforts were unsuccessful.
### The Hunter Biden Laptop Controversy
Around the same time, a controversy emerged involving a laptop allegedly belonging to Hunter Biden, Joe Biden’s son. The laptop was used to allege corruption by the Biden family, but many news outlets were cautious due to concerns about the laptop’s provenance and potential Russian disinformation[3]. Despite these concerns, the story was widely covered in conservative media.
### Why It Still Matters
The 2020 election controversy continues to matter for several reasons:
1. **Legal Consequences**: Trump and his allies face ongoing legal challenges related to their attempts to overturn the election. These cases highlight the importance of upholding democratic processes and the rule of law.
2. **Political Polarization**: The aftermath of the election has contributed to increased political polarization in the U.S. The claims of fraud and attempts to undermine the election results have fueled distrust in the electoral system among some voters.
3. **Global Implications**: The tactics used during this period, such as spreading misinformation and creating alternate realities, have been observed in other countries. This has raised concerns about the stability of democratic systems worldwide.
In summary, the 2020 U.S. presidential election remains a significant event due to the unprecedented attempts to challenge its outcome and the ongoing legal and political repercussions. Understanding these events is crucial for maintaining trust in democratic institutions and ensuring the integrity of future elections.
