The Prospect of Violence in the Wake of the 2020 Election

“Since the 2016 election, “polarized” has been the adjective of choice used to describe the US’s political climate. After this tense 2020 election, our polarized country may turn into one rife with political violence. With polls reporting widespread fears of post-election violence and risk groups warning citizens, here is what we know about election violence so far.”

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Presidential Disinformation in a Public Health Crisis

Research has shown that President Trump is the largest and most effective spreader of misinformation, specifically about the pandemic and mail-in voting, and specifically over Twitter. President Trump has encouraged his supporters to not let COVID-19 “dominate” their lives. The Harvard Kennedy School recently released the findings from one of their research studies into the implications of COVID misinformation. The researchers found that misconceptions about the virus led to less social distancing which can have dire implications on those around these people who believe Trump’s false information.”

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India Finds its Footing in a New Era of Bipolarity

““Despite these past grievances, the collapse of the USSR and rise of China as an economic and military power has caused a realignment of interests that strongly favors US-India cooperation. As has been stated in the past by American leaders, the United States and India would appear to be natural allies - the world’s oldest democracy, and the world’s largest. With Chinese actions both within its borders and in the broader world causing concern as the world enters a state of heightened tension between bipolar centers of power, both nations see the need of enhancing military cooperation in the world’s most populous continent.”

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The Effects of Publicly Sparring With Scientists in a Pandemic

“In general, the American public seems to trust and approve of Dr. Fauci a great deal more than President Trump. This can probably be attributed to Dr. Fauci’s more realistic response and predictions about the virus. He recently warned that the US was moving in the wrong direction, as cases have begun to surge again across the nation once again. He also mentioned that the vaccine is unlikely to be distributed before January of 2021. In contrast, Donald Trump has an optimistic approach, saying that the US has made “tremendous progress” toward defeating the virus in a tweet.”

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How Women Are Voting in the Centennial Year of Women’s Suffrage

One hundred years ago the 19th Constitutional Amendment was passed, giving women the right to vote. With the 2020 election still underway, women are a major demographic for candidates to reach. Of course, these numbers are ever changing but as of Wednesday, November 4, 6:00 pm EST, here is a breakdown of how women have been using their right to vote in this tumultuous election and how it could potentially affect who wins the Presidency in January.”

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Identity and Tokenism in the 2020 Presidential Election

“With racial issues coming to the forefront in this 2020 election, both the Democratic and Republican parties have been criticized for their usage of race issues as a convenient political platform. As both sides have been scrutinized for their use of gender or race “tokens” the parties are continually challenged by constituents to actually tackle issues surrounding race and enact policy that will actually speak to, and make changes for marginalized communities in the United States.”

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The Ninth Justice: Who is Amy Coney Barret?

“Following the death of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, the nation erupted with several emotions: grief, anxiety, and confusion. Less than ten days after her death, President Trump nominated Amy Coney Barrett to fill Ginsburg’s vacant seat on the Supreme Court. The day of her nomination marked thirty-five days before the presidential election; the shortest period of time between a Supreme Court nomination and an election in United States history.”

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Timeline: Trump Falsely Declares Victory and Intends to Challenge Legitimate Counts

“Looking forward, Trump’s reckless strategy is certain to prolong this endless election cycle. A political battle will quickly turn into a legal one — as an avalanche of lawsuits and countersuits concerning the legitimacy of mail-in ballots likely stands in between either candidate and an official victory. It didn’t have to be this way, but with Trump throwing all democratic norms to the wind, only the final counting of votes and perhaps the courts can tell us who the President of the United States will be come January 2021.”

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How Courts Across the Nation are Deciding Pivotal Mail-In Voting Cases

“While many Americans are voting for the candidates they wish to see in office, the procedures for how their votes are casted and counted are being litigated in almost every level of the courts. The outcome of these cases could affect who can vote and how many votes are counted. Therefore, they could affect the outcome of the election as a whole.”

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Can Trump’s Refusal to Accept Results Really Threaten Election Legitimacy?

“n the first presidential debate, Trump refused to say whether he would accept the results of the election if he were to lose come November. He plainly stated that he “can’t go along” with a result from mail-in ballots. Additionally, Trump said he will be counting on the Supreme Court to look at the ballots. He went on to insinuate that he may not “need” the Court to settle the election. These turns of phrase only serve to confirm his expectation that the Court will help him remain in power if he loses, but that he won’t take it to the Court if he wins.”

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The Possibilities of Foreign Interference in the 2020 Election

“Other methods of foreign interference are much more subtle, such as state-sponsored forms of media that can reach and misinform voters. William Evanina, Director of the National Counterintelligence and Security Center, released a statement in early August in which he states that the governments of China, Russia, and Iran are attempting to interfere with the 2020 Presidential Election. When asked about the report, President Trump said that his administration would look “very closely” into it.”

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The Battle for the Nation's Soul Will be Won or Lost in North Carolina

“If it feels like some sick game to get over 270 electoral votes by cobbling together a map of states, that’s because it is. The defining issues of our time, like the COVID-19 response, racial equity, and health care ought to be decided by one person, one vote. Unfortunately, those aren’t the rules by which we play. To restore decency to our country, it is imperative that we find our way to 270 electoral votes. A victory right here in North Carolina can ensure it if the Blue Wall falters once more.”

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