Member-only story
Army of Trumpists Copy His Anti-Democratic Behavior
Far-right candidates lose at the polls, reject results
Former President Donald Trump had many negative effects on the American political environment. These include mainstreaming conspiracy theories, terrorizing opponents and embracing white nationalism. But one of the most insidious Trump characteristics that’s been mainstreamed is the rejection of democracy.
Of course, the attack on the Capitol on Jan. 6 was a giant middle finger to American voters. But another more insidious form of democracy rejection has been embraced by other Trumpists. Other Trump supporters are rejecting democracy in a less dramatic way. But much like Trump, they’re refusing to accept the election results. Here are a few examples:
Get Thumped at the Polls, Say It’s Rigged
Many Trump supporters have taken up the habit of rejecting any election loss by declaring the vote is rigged. And some examples are plain ridiculous. In Georgia, Kandiss Taylor, a little-known educator who expounded Christian nationalist views, ran against Brian Kemp, the incumbent governor, and former Sen. David Perdue in the Republican primary. Taylor had little name recognition or money.
