Top CEOs met to plan response to Trump's election denial

[swag]

Source: Associated Press

By TOM KRISHER and PAUL WISEMAN

WASHINGTON (AP) — Only a few of America’s CEOs have made public statements about President Donald Trump’s refusal to accept his election loss, but in private, many are alarmed and talking about what collective action would be necessary if they see an imminent threat to democracy.

On Nov. 6, more than two dozen CEOs of major U.S. corporations took part in a video conference to discuss what to do if Trump refuses to leave office or takes other steps to stay in power beyond the scheduled Jan. 20 inauguration of former Vice President Joe Biden. On Saturday Biden was declared the election winner by The Associated Press and other news organizations.

During the conference, which lasted more than an hour, the CEOs agreed that Trump had the right to pursue legal challenges alleging voter fraud.

But if Trump tries to undo the legal process or disrupts a peaceful transition to Biden, the CEOs discussed making public statements and pressuring GOP legislators in their states who may try to redirect Electoral College votes from Biden to Trump, said Yale Management Professor Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, who convened the meeting.

Read more: https://apnews.com/article/election-2020-joe-biden-donald-trump-elections-ae2790a11be9a73cd3216d17ce06e143?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=newsletter_axiosam&stream=top

[bucolic_frolic]

1. Because they know the U.S. can't survive another 4 years of this turmoil

It's bad for business

[Aristus]

2. I was going to say the same thing.

A coup d’etat would crash the economy.

[CatWoman]

12. post of the year

[Merlot]

3. What is up with this BS - It's an excuse, a power grab, nothing more.

the CEOs agreed that Trump had the right to pursue legal challenges alleging voter fraud.

Not at the expense of national security and a smooth transition.

There is NO VOTER FRAUD. There is VOTER SUPPRESSION. Stop blaming voters or pretending this is a real thing.

[empedocles]

4. The appeals like 'abuse of process', but that argument would not prevail

[BComplex]

5. Once a talking point takes hold, it's like superglue.

You're so right, though! It's voter suppression! "Voters committing fraud" is one in a couple of hundred million.

[mathematic]

6. Pursuing legal remedies and failing is the system working

It's an attempted power grab but the courts shutting that down is an unambiguous win for our democratic institutions. We need more of that, not less of it. Vague appeals to "national security" is a terrible reason to shut down courts.

And nobody was blaming anybody for anything or endorsing the legal claims that trump is making. Saying somebody has the right to go to court is not the same as saying somebody is right. In fact, if you read the article, it says that the CEOs agreed that a smooth transition was important and they saw no evidence of election fraud.

You know, for the last week around here people have been saying "what are we going to do about this?" and here some of the country's top business leaders are agreeing to a plan of action that includes pressuring GOP senators and representatives to uphold the integrity of the vote. Frankly that's going to be far more effective than fanciful plans for mass marches and general strikes (don't make me laugh).

[Merlot]

7. Nowhere did I say to shut down the courts

All that needs to be done is for the trumpy admin to start the transition process. They can continue to appeal and deny to their hearts content. But if PE Biden is not getting briefings, our national security IS at risk.

[mathematic]

8. It sounds like you completely agree with the CEOs

Which is why I found your criticism (calling their position "BS" ) confusing. I'm glad we were able to clear that up.

[JudyM]

9. CSR. Good that they're preparing to step up since republicons aren't being socially responsible.

[BlueWavePsych]

10. Et tu, Corporate America?

[Fiendish Thingy]

11. Not surprised - the CEO's know a coup would destroy the markets and the economy. Nt

[ancianita]

13. Wall St & banks who gave up on Trump are warning legislators they'll give up on them, too.

The GOP Fifth Column end goal gets denounced or even thwarted by its very donors.

Maybe they'll change their long term strategy as they see profit potential in the Democratic legislative agenda, and move their money there. This could soon be a turning point and final blow to the Republican Party, even if fascist foreign money still supports it.

[BobTheSubgenius]

14. "Remember the war? Nasty business. I was completely against it.

"Everyone was against it.

"Ahhh...but I wrote a letter."

Peter Cook and Dudley Moore.