On Tuesday (December 15), Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell finally recognized Joe Biden’s victory from the Senate floor.
“Many of us hoped that the presidential election would yield a different result, but our system of government has processes to determine who will be sworn in on January 20. The electoral college has spoken,” he said. “So today, I want to congratulate President-elect Joe Biden.”
The move represents a break in the staunch loyalty McConnell has shown Donald Trump throughout his presidency.
Now, with the formal transition of power and preparations for the Inauguration underway, McConnell’s congratulatory message signals yet another defeat for Trump’s quest to overturn the result of the election.
On a conference call Tuesday (December 15), McConnell and other Republican leaders urged their Senate colleagues not to join GOP House members who are looking to challenge the electoral college votes on January 6 when Congress formally counts them, as reported by The Washington Post.
Their plan is long shot since states have already certified their votes and their proposal would have to go through the Democratic-controlled House.
On the call, McConnell also reportedly referenced former Sen. Barbara Boxer who was the only senator, along with a few House Democrats who objected to the Congress’ count of the electoral votes in January 2005 following the infamous 2004 election.
McConnell warned that a similar move would polarize the Republican party as either for or against Trump.
Trump took to Twitter to continue falsely claiming victory and voter fraud following McConnell’s speech, and to express his disapproval.
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