The conspiracy theories surrounding the 2020 election and claims of fraud have been noticeably absent from the Republican National Convention’s prime time speeches. However, false narratives about election fraud continue to circulate among Republican activists. These activists are indicating how they could potentially validate a Trump victory within an election system they have previously criticized as flawed.
While the main stage at the R.N.C. has steered clear of celebrating the January 6th rioters and discussing election fraud, a different scene unfolds across the street at media row. Right-wing activists, energized by Donald Trump’s baseless claims about the election, are actively engaged in discussions about paper ballots, hand counts, and allegations of rigged voting machines. Figures like Mike Lindell and Rudolph Giuliani, known for promoting conspiracy theories about election fraud, are prominent in this setting.
Despite the lingering distrust within the Republican base regarding the legitimacy of elections, some party members attribute losses in the 2022 midterms to candidates with extreme stances on voting and democracy. In response, Democrats have capitalized on combating Republican “extremism” as a central message. President Biden continues to critique the Republican party on this front, emphasizing the importance of upholding democratic principles.
As polls indicate a growing lead for Donald Trump, those who deny the legitimacy of the election results are contemplating ways to accept a potential victory within a system they have long criticized. While some in the media row at the R.N.C. view the party’s strategy of downplaying election conspiracy theories as practical and strategic, others argue that it is essential to avoid alienating skeptical voters who may not be familiar with the intricacies of these theories.
Overall, the dynamics at the Republican National Convention reflect a delicate balance between addressing election fraud allegations within the party base and presenting a more moderate image to the broader public. The divergence between the messages on the main stage and those circulating in media row highlights the complex challenges facing the Republican party as it navigates the aftermath of the 2020 election and prepares for future electoral contests.