Democratic Rep. Jamie Raskin of Maryland engaged in a moment of quiet reflection with his colleague Rep. Bennie Thompson of Mississippi on the House floor before the joint session to certify Donald Trump’s election win began on Monday. Raskin and Thompson, key figures in the former January 6 select committee, were about to certify Trump’s second presidential win, despite their prior investigations into the Capitol attack.
Raskin shared that while he felt proud of upholding the constitutional order and election process, certifying Trump's win was a tough pill to swallow. The former committee's work, which implicated Trump in efforts to overturn the 2020 election, has now made its members, including Raskin, targets of retribution.
Expressing concern over Trump's recent remarks calling for committee members to be jailed, Raskin emphasized the importance of standing by their Constitutional duties as legislators. He highlighted the need for protection under the Speech and Debate clause, given the current political climate.
Despite his pride in certifying the 2024 election results, Raskin admitted to experiencing a mix of emotions during the process. He stressed the necessity of unwavering fidelity to the Constitution, regardless of party interests, urging colleagues to prioritize constitutional principles over partisan allegiances.
The episode underscores the challenges faced by lawmakers in upholding democratic norms amidst heightened political tensions and threats of reprisal. Raskin's reflections offer insight into the complexities of navigating political responsibilities in a polarized climate, where adherence to constitutional values can come at a personal cost.
