The aftermath of Colorado’s Supreme Court decision booting Donald Trump from the 2024 presidential ballot, former White House Communications Director Alyssa Farah Griffin predicts a significant reaction from the ex-president.
Speaking on CNN’s The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer, Griffin described the ruling as truly stunning news, foreseeing a response akin to a five-alarm fire.
While Colorado’s 10 electoral votes may not be the main concern, Griffin emphasized the broader impact of being barred from a state ballot due to the label of insurrectionist, setting an unprecedented precedent.
It’s the precedent it sets and the mindset it signals for voters: which is for the first time in history, he is unfit to appear on a ballot for the presidency, she stated.
The decision, overturning part of a lower court ruling, stems from Trump’s alleged involvement in the January 6, 2021 Capitol riot. The judge, however, clarified that, as president, Trump did not qualify as an officer of the United States under the 14th Amendment.
Trump’s attorney challenged the authority behind the ballot exclusion, asserting the Capitol riot didn’t constitute insurrection and that the former president’s words were protected speech.
Despite potential celebration among Trump critics, Griffin cautioned against sidelining voter choice. She highlighted concerns from Republicans eager to move past Trump but wary of fueling claims that the system is rigged.
I do offer a word of caution: There is an argument to be made that this should ultimately be left up to the voters, she said. Now it’s not, and the courts are working as they’re supposed to – but he’s going quickly frame this that they’re rigging the system against me in favor of Joe Biden.
