Friday, Sept. 15, 2023 | 2 a.m.
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A plain reading of the 14th Amendment tells us that if you have given aid or comfort to anyone who has engaged in an insurrection after having taken an oath to defend the Constitution, you are not eligible to be president.
The amendment does not say who should make this decision, but states determine who is eligible to run for president, normally each state’s attorney general.
Now, what does “aid and comfort” mean? Surely, it means that if you encourage people who are subsequently found guilty of insurrection, you have given aid. Surely, it means that you have announced that should you become president, you are going to pardon all of those found guilty of insurrection.
Donald Trump, as former president, did just that when telling his followers to march on the Capitol. He did so even though many others told him to act as he sat before the TV and watched the assault. Trump has several times said he would pardon those found guilty of insurrection.
Colorado citizens have filed a lawsuit asking that Trump’s name be removed from the 2024 ballot. Their case is strong and in accordance with the 14th Amendment.
I have no faith in this Supreme Court’s decisions, but it will be interesting to see how the conservative majority squirms out from under the clear statement made in the 14th Amendment.
