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What if a US presidential candidate refuses to concede after an election?

6,945,076 views | Van Jones • TED Studio

If the 2020 US presidential election is close, the race could drag on in the courts and halls of Congress long after ballots are cast, says lawyer and political commentator Van Jones. Explaining why the customary concession speech is one of the most important safeguards for democracy, Jones exposes shocking legal loopholes that could enable a candidate to grab power even if they lose both the popular vote and the electoral college -- and shares what ordinary citizens can do if there's no peaceful transfer of power.

If the 2020 US presidential election is close, the race could drag on in the courts and halls of Congress long after ballots are cast, says lawyer and political commentator Van Jones. Explaining why the customary concession speech is one of the most important safeguards for democracy, Jones exposes shocking legal loopholes that could enable a candidate to grab power even if they lose both the popular vote and the electoral college -- and shares what ordinary citizens can do if there's no peaceful transfer of power.

Learn more about how to preserve democratic norms in the United States.

Support Color Of Change to end racial injustice in the United States.

Support the NAACP to help ensure the political, educational and economic equality rights of all people.

Participate in the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights' effort to defend democracy and justice.

Join Dream Corps to strengthen our democracy and build a future with freedom and dignity for all.

About the speaker

Van Jones

TV host, author, changemaker

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Van Jones is the CEO of REFORM Alliance and a CNN political commentator.

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Learn more about how to preserve democratic norms in the United States.

Support Color Of Change to end racial injustice in the United States.

Support the NAACP to help ensure the political, educational and economic equality rights of all people.

Participate in the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights' effort to defend democracy and justice.

Join Dream Corps to strengthen our democracy and build a future with freedom and dignity for all.