The phrase “stop the count” has trended on Twitter, following multiple accusations of fraudulent behavior at the election from President Donald Trump. Trump, who already had been hinting that a loss on his side would be due to fraudulent activities, began to actively accuse the democrats of cheating following the Michigan upset due to Detroit, which put Biden at 263 electoral votes.
“We have claimed, for Electoral Vote purposes, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania (which won’t allow legal observers) the State of Georgia, and the State of North Carolina, each one of which has a BIG Trump lead,” Trump Tweeted. “Additionally, we hereby claim the State of Michigan if, in fact, there was a large number of secretly dumped ballots as has been widely reported!”
We have claimed, for Electoral Vote purposes, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania (which won’t allow legal observers) the State of Georgia, and the State of North Carolina, each one of which has a BIG Trump lead. Additionally, we hereby claim the State of Michigan if, in fact,…..
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 4, 2020
The tweet claims that if there was a large number of ballots purposely not counted in Michigan, Trump would claim the state as his own.
“Our lawyers have asked for “meaningful access”, but what good does that do? The damage has already been done to the integrity of our system, and to the Presidential Election itself. This is what should be discussed!” He added in a later tweet.
Our lawyers have asked for “meaningful access”, but what good does that do? The damage has already been done to the integrity of our system, and to the Presidential Election itself. This is what should be discussed!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 4, 2020
In addition to Trump’s protests, much of his voter base also have followed up Trump’s fraudulent election claims by protesting at election offices chanting, “Stop the count.”
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The phrase quickly trended on social media following the protests. However, what seemed at first to be a mostly conservative movement online, quickly got taken over by Biden/Harris supporters. Many tweeted out their own sophisticated reasons as to why they believed the president should not be allowed to run another term. Others pointed out the hypocrisy of Trump’s base, who believe themselves to be the most pure-blooded patriots in the country, actively disrupting the election. The rest, of course, saw the whole thing as a joke. With many big political figures weighing in on the event on social media, the topic doesn’t seem like it will stop trending soon.
“We stop the count when all military and overseas ballots & cured ballots are counted on November 13. Thank you to all Americans serving our nation,” Jena Griswold, 39th Colorado Secretary of State, tweeted.
We stop the count when all military and overseas ballots & cured ballots are counted on November 13. Thank you to all Americans serving our nation.
— Jena Griswold (@JenaGriswold) November 5, 2020
“For anyone who needs to hear this… there were no ballots added after the election. They were always there. They are authentic tangible votes that someone mailed to be validated and counted. Do you know how fascist and un-democratic you sound when you say “stop the count?” one Twitter user tweeted.
For anyone who needs to hear this… there were no ballots added after the election. They were always there. They are authentic tangible votes that someone mailed to be validated and counted. Do you know how fascist and un-democratic you sound when you say "stop the count?"
— Angela Belcamino (@AngelaBelcamino) November 5, 2020
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“But if the votes being counted were in your favor, you would stop the count. This is the equivalence to losing a board game and not wanting to play unless you’re winning. So basically you’re just a huge man baby,” another tweeted.
The situation became even more confusing when videos began surfacing of Trump protesters, chanting the exact opposite slogan in places like Arizona, where they seemed to believe Trump had the larger share of the votes.
https://twitter.com/ThePopTingz/status/1324388591326343168
With the situation becoming even more confusing due to the conflicting chants, the oxymoron of one group chanting to stop the count in Detroit, Michigan while another chanted in Phoenix, Arizona, became a widespread topic of discussion on Twitter.
“So, republicans are screaming “stop the count” in places where trump is ahead but are also screaming “Count the vote” in Nevada a where he is losing.” Richard N. Ojeda, former West Virginia senator. “The BLATANT double standard in the Republican Party. I bet you folks never shared your toys when you were kids.”
So republicans are screaming “stop the count” in places where trump is ahead but are also screaming “Count the vote” in Nevada a where he is losing. The BLATANT double standard in the Republican Party. I bet you folks never shared your toys when you were kids.
— Richard N. Ojeda, II (@Ojeda4America) November 5, 2020
“This just in: Trump crowds in Nevada advised to change their chant from “Stop the Count!” to “Count the Vote!” in light of favorable trends for Biden. However, having little faculty for change, they are now confused and shouting “Stop the Vote!” Trump seems okay with it,” legendary actor George Takei tweeted.
Since the controversy started, Trump has continued tweeting accusations questioning the legitimacy of the election and shows no signs of stopping anytime soon.
“All of the recent Biden claimed States will be legally challenged by us for Voter Fraud and State Election Fraud. Plenty of proof – just check out the Media. WE WILL WIN! America First!”
All of the recent Biden claimed States will be legally challenged by us for Voter Fraud and State Election Fraud. Plenty of proof – just check out the Media. WE WILL WIN! America First!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 5, 2020
But for many Americans, the race seems to already be over and the continuation of the accusations seems like an attempt by Trump to usurp the results of the election.
“68 million people voted for a man that is tweeting “ stop the count” in a Presidential election. This is exactly who we are. I never wanna hear a word again about how kneeling for a flag is un-American. What could possibly be more un-American than wanting to stop democracy?”
68 million people voted for a man that is tweeting “ stop the count” in a Presidential election. This is exactly who we are.
I never wanna hear a word again about how kneeling for a flag is un-American.
What could possibly be more un-American than wanting to stop democracy?
— CharlesRunsForMiles (@CharlesDMilesJr) November 5, 2020
As the elections conclude, the accusations of fraud take their place as another piece of history added during Trump’s tumultuous administration.
