In a recent interview, Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson shed light on the coordinated effort to delay the certification of election results and create doubt regarding their validity in the battleground states, ultimately leading to the presentation of a false slate of electors to Congress on January 6th. The interview referenced a recorded phone call, in which then-President Donald Trump allegedly attempted to influence the certification process in Georgia.
Secretary Benson emphasized that the recording illustrated the attempts to interfere with the certification process, contradicting claims that there were no issues at the time. The recanting of a certification and the back-and-forth in Wayne County served as evidence of external influences. However, she highlighted that the most powerful influence came from the voters who calmly made their case for the validity of their votes, ultimately leading to the certification of Michigan's elections.
Regarding the reported offer of providing attorneys to election workers, Secretary Benson pointed out that it could be seen as offering something of value for the failure to fulfill their public duty—potentially constituting bribery or criminal behavior.
When asked about her own knowledge of the recording, Secretary Benson expressed surprise upon learning of its existence and wondered why it had not been made public earlier. However, she anticipated that more evidence would come to light as ongoing criminal proceedings and investigations unfold.
In response to the Trump campaign's assertion that his actions were in furtherance of his duty as president to ensure election integrity, Secretary Benson argued that he had a duty to admit his election loss. She highlighted the importance of voters considering all the emerging facts when making decisions in future elections, emphasizing the need for a peaceful transition of power.
Regarding the potential impact of delayed trials on the 2024 election, Secretary Benson stressed the significance of all the ongoing legal cases and decisions in establishing a precedent. Voters would ultimately determine the impact of this precedent on democracy, keeping these factors in mind as they cast their ballots in upcoming elections.
The interview with Secretary Jocelyn Benson serves as a reminder of the coordinated efforts to create doubt around the 2020 election results, as well as the importance of upholding the integrity of the electoral process moving forward.
