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Nov. 18, 2024 Editor, The News-Gazette: While acknowledging the president-elect won the 2024 election, I take issue with the media, politicians and others claiming he won a landslide and mandate. In terms of the Electoral College, if Harris had won a million more votes in key battleground states, she would have won the election (https://www.independent.co.uk/ news/world/americas/us-politics/ kamala-harris-votes-trump-election- swing-states-b2645211.html). Another source puts that number as low as 121,000 votes (https://www. trtworld.com/us-elections-2024/ expert-says-121000-votes-in-3swing-states-were-key-in-harrisdefeat- 18229730).
As for the popular vote (and votes are still being counted in California), Harris lost by just 1.8%, 48.3% versus 50.1% (73,759,472 versus 76,433,590 - a difference of just 2,674,117 votes: https:// apnews.com/projects/electionresults- 2024/?office=P). And given that over 90 million eligible Americans did not vote (a sad statement), it’s quite a stretch to say the president-elect won the majority of the electorate and a mandate for his extreme proposals.
Yet he is pushing through many unqualified cabinet nominations who will wreak havoc in our government, negatively impacting everyday lives, including of those who voted for him.
There is something we all can do right now - call Senator Warner, (202) 224-2023, and Senator Kaine (202) 224-4024, and demand that they work around the clock to confirm the 29 pending judicial appointments before the end of this session. We are going to need judges who will uphold the constitution and defend our rights. Please call now before you even set down this paper - it only takes a minute. Thank you. ALICIA JAHSMANN Rockbridge Baths
