On Monday night, Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-MD) addressed the Democratic National Convention held in Chicago, Illinois, where he expressed concerns about the safety of Sen. JD Vance amidst ongoing political tensions. Drawing from past events, such as the hostility displayed by some rioters on January 6th, 2021, Raskin’s speech highlighted the potential threats that could be directed towards Vance due to his stance on election integrity and voter rights.
During the Capitol riots, a group of protestors brought a mock guillotine, reportedly in search of Vice President Mike Pence. They were displeased with Pence’s decision not to reject the congressional certification of the Electoral College vote. Rep. Raskin emphasized that the president’s role under Article II of the Constitution is to ensure that laws are faithfully executed, rather than inciting violence against political opponents.
Pence has since joined a growing list of officials from former President Donald Trump’s administration in denouncing him, marking a significant shift in politics and signaling a potential turning point for future elections. In January 2017, Raskin called for Trump’s impeachment, citing the “Emoluments Clause” as grounds to disqualify him from office due to income from his businesses, including revenue from overseas guests at Trump hotels in the United States.
Raskin also opposed certifying the 2016 election results, although he later led the House impeachment managers who tried Trump for objecting to the 2020 election results. His role on the January 6 Committee further demonstrates his commitment to holding those responsible for inciting violence and attempting to undermine democratic processes accountable for their actions.
Raskin’s speech was delivered after a bitterness-laden address by former Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton, and followed an impassioned speech by Sen. Raphael Warnock (D-GA. The speeches marked a transition from the “joy” that Democrats initially expressed in their rhetoric to a more divided tone emphasizing the importance of defending democratic values and ensuring fair elections for all citizens.