Today we cats are turning over the blog to Asha Rangappa — lawyer, former FBI agent, senior lecturer at Yale University's Jackson Institute for Global Affairs, and political-legal commentator on cable news. This is from her Twitter feed.
"It is important to take note and be prepared for the unprecedented actions Trump says he intends to take after the election. But it is also important not to allow his wishful reality to become the reality. To do that, consider Trump's psychological POV right now.
"Every time Trump spouts this kind of garbage, he is revealing that he is terrified. Ab. So. Lute. Ly. Terrified. His existential fear is losing. And he knows that there is a very good chance he is going to lose. And he can't do a damn thing about it. He will be a loser.
"Remember that in pretty much every instance Trump has faced like this in the past, he's had an exit strategy. He walks away. But he can't get out of the election. He's like a mail-order bride who has to go through with it. Except in his case, if he loses, he may end up in jail.
"This situation is like the coronavirus. He understands the reality, he knows he can't escape it, so his only option is to create an alternate reality. Reality, however, caught up with him with COVID. So it is up to you to make sure the same happens with the election.
"...An important way to empower ourselves, in addition to voting, is for commentators and media to manage expectations. To wit: We have a process in place for elections. That process will be followed, whether he likes it or not. Every vote will be counted. Due to the high volume of mail-in votes, there will be delay in reaching a final result, which is proof that our process is working.
"Empirical research shows that lies travel faster than the truth, especially on social media. Therefore, the [message that the process is working] needs to saturate the information space, by everyone, starting now. Also, we will have a peaceful transfer of power, as we have for 231 years. Pass it on.
"Finally, this is a government of the people, by the people, for the people. As long as the Constitution exists, we have peaceful means to resolve disputes — like our judiciary — and our voice. We retain the power of peaceful protest.
"In short, this is a reminder that what Trump says is not a fait accompli. His goal is to sap you of hope. He does not have the power to do that. Don't let him. He is weak and afraid. You are not."
(For more inspiration, Rangappa suggests we all read Percy Bysshe Shelley's "The Masque of Anarchy." How can we argue against rising like lions after slumber? We cats PURR.)
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