One of the frequently cited reasons for suspecting election fraud is the fact that the GOP picked up seats in both the House and Senate, but lost the presidency. The thought is – if the GOP won in such an unexpected, but big way in Congress, how could that possibly not translate to the presidency?
I’m the answer.
I live in the middle of the conservative “T” that turned Pennsylvania red for President Trump in 2016. I’m a Christian and a conservative – I believe in God, small government, capitalism, pro-life, pro-marriage, pro-2A. And so, it’s no surprise that at the end of the day, there are many actions Trump has taken during his time in office that I agree with and appreciate.
I’m also granddaughter to three living elderly grandparents, daughter to a mother with pre-existing conditions (who also happens to be a RN), and mother to an immunocompromised toddler. I treasure the time I spend with family, and don’t want it to be cut short. I also dream of a day when I can watch presidential debates, interviews, and press conferences without having to worry about what soundbite my toddler may hear and repeat.
I’ll be the first to admit I don’t have the answer to how to balance a public health crisis and the economy. As a conservative, I value personal liberties, but I also value the lives of my vulnerable family members. I’ve been disheartened to see so many people choose selfishness over selflessness – protesting masks and arguing guidelines rather than taking these simple steps to protect fellow Americans until vaccines and treatments arrive.
I don’t expect the world to shut down to protect the vulnerable, but I do expect to have a leader that sets an example and looks out for even the most vulnerable among his people. Instead, I see a leader mocking others for taking precautions that are helping to protect my family, and endorsing large gatherings in his honor when the United States continues to have a record number of COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations.
So, to answer the original question – how could GOP wins in Congress not translate to a Trump win? This is what makes it possible – I didn’t vote for Trump, but I did support GOP candidates down the ballot. While I may be just one vote, I know of a handful of others who feel similarly – and there is reason to believe we aren’t alone.
Not all of us took the same action, but whether we left the vote for president blank, voted third party, or voted for President-elect Biden – there were enough of us in the GOP who support policy, but not the president. That’s what gets you the very result many are citing as proof of fraud suspicions.
Wake up, GOP. Your answer is in party self-reflection, not conspiracy theories.
-The Petite Patriot