Along with the separation of powers, an independent judiciary, and open elections, acceptance of the outcome of those elections and the peaceful transfer of administrations are the pillars of democracy.
The U.S. presidential election could cast doubts on whether its loser will acknowledge the winner’s legitimacy and whether political power can still be passed peacefully in America. And if those two pillars crumble, this election may decide whether the other pillars can still stand.
As of this writing, the election remains tied. Though Donald Trump enjoys a slight lead in the popular vote, he trails in electoral votes. Depending on which way the swing states swing, both he and Kamala Harris can see a path to the White House. And unless there is an Election Day surprise that produces a landslide for one of the candidates, the outcome is likely to be close. Very close. A few thousand ballots could decide who is the winner.
In the many conversations I have had recently with veteran commentators in Washington and also with friends and family members all over the U.S., there is not a single person who doesn’t share the concerns of confrontation—and worse—following the publication of the election results.
This fear even found expression in a major Hollywood movie, Civil War, in which California and Texas secede from the American Union and go to war against a president very similar to Trump. This scenario may seem far-fetched, but to a growing number of Americans, it does not sound beyond the realm of possibility.
Both parties have already established legal teams to challenge the vote count in various states, especially Georgia, Pennsylvania and Michigan. Enlarged police forces will be stationed at polling sites and snipers positioned above them. Nevada and Washington state haven’t even called out the National Guard.
Michael OrenPhoto: Alex KolomoiskyBut if either Trump or Harris wins by, say, a mere 2,000 votes, chances are that their supporters are unlikely to accept the outcome quietly. Many people on the losing side will find it possible to show loyalty to the next administration and salute either Mr. or Mrs. President. Violence is not an abstract possibility.
Distressingly, the weeks and days leading up to the election produced not a single prominent voice—a religious leader, a philosopher, even a former president—urging Americans to respect the democratic process and accept its outcome. No is reminding them that traditionally in the United States people salute the rank and not the person and that the office of the president is legitimate irrespective of who holds it.
The situation is critical not only for the future of America but also for Israel. Like the United States, Israel is one of the few countries never to have known a moment of non-democratic governance. And like the United States, questions related to our democracy have created deep and dangerous divisions in our society.
For the great majority of Israelis for whom America has always served as example, that same example must now serve as a warning. Democracy is a precious but potentially fragile system and together we must work to preserve it.
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