Staff Reports
The January 6th circus of 2021 was nothing short of a Hollywood blockbuster – complete with excitement, drama, and a large cast of characters. Fast forward to the present, and it seems this year’s sequel is going for more of a wholesome family film vibe, largely due to the absence of the previous administration’s theatrical antics. The Biden administration has managed to keep things so predictable leading up to this precious day of electoral certification that a viewer would think they’ve tuned into a cutesy rom-com rather than a political thriller.
During the frenzy of 2021, former President Trump rallied his loyal supporters with a promise of a wild event. Spoiler alert: it was. With the dramatic backdrop of the U.S. Capitol and a speech that had the audience buzzing, his supporters marched – a rather chaotic but passionate moment in American politics. Fast forward to today, and instead of marching, House Republicans seem more interested in engaging in a game of “What’s Wrong with the Speaker?” than planning insurrections. In fact, the only real turbulence in Congress appears to be internal squabbling, proving once again that drama can come in many forms.
As the current electoral business approaches, it’s stated there will be no violence or grand displays of insurrection. Take a step back and consider the irony – the very same Democrats who were singing “We’re not the insurrectionists” four years ago are now taking a vow of quietude, acknowledging their losses without so much as a peep of contest. With Kamala Harris gracefully stepping aside (probably practicing yoga somewhere), the Democrats are largely on board with keeping the electoral process smooth and uneventful.
One could argue that the new era of civility owes a nod to Congress’s revision of the procedural laws surrounding elections, all thanks to Biden’s bipartisan executive functions. The Vice President’s role has been clarified as purely ceremonial, which means more time to sip coffee and less worries about who reads the tally at the Capitol. This year, many in the Republican ranks report a new wave of faith in the election system, shrugging off any lingering doubts of voter fraud that served as the main course in 2020’s political menu. How quaint.
Despite the relative peace, some might argue that calm waters could be covering a riptide. There’s chatter among the GOP that should the roles be reversed, the Democrats may not sit quietly if they’re on the losing end. With Vice President-elect JD Vance poised to oversee the counting of votes come 2029, the possibility for future headline-grabbing drama looms. While Democrats continue playing the good sport, some Republicans remain adamant that any possible deviation from current norms could signal unrest.
No Jan. 6 disruptions are expected as Trump’s win boosts Republicans’ faith in elections — for nowhttps://t.co/Ju5KjalHGK pic.twitter.com/d2elyzy7nk
— The Washington Times (@WashTimes) January 6, 2025
Interestingly, Republicans like House Speaker Mike Johnson are already eyeing the next electoral showdown with suspicion, particularly with the memory of Trump’s 2020 challenges still fresh. The narrative this time doesn’t quite fit the “big lie” mold anymore; instead, it has shifted to a claim of overwhelming victory making unrest improbable. Some conservative voices argue that the current electoral margin leaves little room for contestation, painting a picture of tranquility punctuated by the distant echo of past protests.
In the grand saga of American elections, there is a sense that the tumultuous emotions of January 6th have settled like the dust in an old Western town. One just has to hope that humor and a little common sense can light the way through any future electoral landscape given the patches of history that have formed along the way. By maintaining a focus on accountability, a future devoid of chaotic counts may well be within reach – so long as these actors keep the theatrics at bay.
