Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger (R) unequivocally criticized former President Donald Trump’s persistent claims of election fraud in the 2020 election, dismissing them as “boring and sad” in an op-ed. Raffensperger, recognized for staunchly defending Georgia’s election results, emphasized the lack of evidence supporting Trump’s repeated accusations.
In an op-ed reported by INQUISITR on Wednesday, January 17, 2024, Raffensperger addressed the concept of the “big lie” and its impact on public beliefs. He initially drew a parallel between captivating tales and the initial entertainment value of Trump’s claims, likening them to the visual spectacle of the Bellagio’s water fixtures in Las Vegas.
However, Raffensperger swiftly shifted to assert that the once-fantastical narrative of a stolen 2020 election has become stale, repetitive, and devoid of any new evidence. Trump’s fixation on the idea that the election was somehow “stolen” from him has persisted for over three years, encompassing notions of voting-machine irregularities, foreign intervention, or outright fraud.
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Raffensperger contended that these assertions, now part of Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign, lack substance and credibility. He highlighted that the claims underwent thorough examination through recounts and audits in Georgia, revealing no evidence to support them.
The op-ed took a personal turn as Raffensperger reflected on informing President Trump of his loss in Georgia. Despite his lifelong conservatism and dedication to the Republican Party, Raffensperger emphasized his responsibility to uphold the election results’ integrity. He noted that the key to Trump’s loss in Georgia was the reluctance of Republican voters to support him, with thousands voting for other Republican candidates on the same ballot.
The piece underscored the divisive nature of Trump’s presidency, asserting that Republicans, not Democrats, played a pivotal role in his electoral defeat. Raffensperger argued that Trump’s polarizing influence led to a significant number of Republicans abstaining from voting for him.
As the op-ed concluded, Raffensperger delivered a final blow to Trump’s credibility, portraying his election claims as a diminishing sideshow. The once-grand spectacle has dwindled to a “single decrepit pony” desperately performing a worn-out trick. Raffensperger dismissed Trump’s recycled conspiracy theories and disproven allegations as a feeble attempt to regain attention.
In the aftermath of the Iowa caucus, the op-ed suggested that Trump’s performance may still entertain some, but others are capable of making up their own minds. Raffensperger’s words stood as a stark rebuke to Trump’s ongoing efforts to challenge the legitimacy of the 2020 election, portraying them as a tiresome and baseless endeavor that fails to sway those who have scrutinized the evidence presented.
