Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold appeared on CNN this week to accuse former President Donald Trump of being a “threat to democracy.” Her comments come in the context of Trump’s ongoing attempts to restrict mail-in voting, an issue that has stirred significant controversy. Griswold is particularly agitated about these efforts, claiming they undermine electoral integrity.
During her appearance, Griswold asserted, “Mail ballots are secure. They cannot be hacked because they’re a piece of paper.” She ties Trump’s initiatives to a broader narrative of eroding democratic principles, suggesting he takes cues from authoritarian leaders like Putin. Nonetheless, her comments raise eyebrows, especially considering her actions to keep Trump off the ballot in Colorado during the 2024 election cycle. This places her in a contradictory position, accusing Trump of being undemocratic while actively working to limit his participation in elections.
Trump discussed his concerns about mail-in ballots during a meeting with Putin, asserting the voting method lacks honesty. His remarks have sparked criticism from various quarters, but Griswold’s framing of Trump’s position as a “power grab” suggests a defensive stance. It seems she is less concerned with democratic discourse and more focused on maintaining the status quo of mail-in voting that some argue facilitates electoral fraud.
The narrative continues to unfold, as many raise questions about the integrity of election practices on both sides. A video surfaced showing Democrats in Michigan allegedly stuffing a ballot box, further fueling the debate over election security. Griswold’s heated reaction to Trump’s proposed restrictions only deepens inquiries into the motivations behind defending mail-in ballots. If the system truly is secure, then what is at stake for her in maintaining these voting methods?
Critics, like media commentator Joe Concha, have pointed out the irony of Griswold’s stance. He noted, “Who is she to accuse anyone of being a threat to democracy?” Given her prior actions to remove Trump from ballots, her words come across as an effort to distract from the allegations surrounding her party. It appears that for some, democracy is less about principle and more about political advantage.
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