Media Mention

Potter: Trump’s campaign can be put on hold. Election Day can’t.

October 3, 2020

Note: This piece was originally published in the Washington Post, and was written by Checks & Balances member Trevor Potter.

I was general counsel for Republican Sen. John McCain’s presidential campaign in September 2008 when he announced that he was suspending his campaign in the face of the economic emergency that was developing before our eyes, as the stock market dropped precipitously and major banks failed or teetered on the verge of collapse. McCain’s thought was that continuing to engage in partisan campaigning was the wrong approach during such national distress, stating: “I am directing my campaign to work with the Obama campaign and the commission on presidential debates to delay Friday night’s debate until we have taken action to address this crisis.” But the reality was that the election would still occur on schedule, and the essence of democracy is choosing between differing candidates and policies, so the campaign ultimately went forward, allowing Americans to make an informed choice.

Continue reading at the Washington Post.