Can Trump Win Without Colorado?

From the time news appeared on social media about Trump being barred from the Colorado ballot. Before the dust settled down about the court decision’s legality, talks had already surfaced about whether should he be worried about this decision, or had stood to a peak that he could win without Colorado.

Can Trump win without Colorado?

The winds of the 2024 presidential election are picking up, and amidst the dust, a thorny question has sprouted: Can Donald Trump win without Colorado? The issue goes beyond electoral math and enters the area of legal challenges, historical interpretations, and the ever-present 14th Amendment. To answer this question, we must embark on a perilous climb – an ascent that challenges not just political predictions, but our understanding of democracy itself.

Colorado’s Controversial Section 3 of the 14th Amendment and Colorado Disqualification of Trump

Colorado’s disqualification of Trump has thrown major heated debates from around the globe. In a landmark decision, Colorado’s Supreme Court ruled that Trump, based on his actions surrounding January 6th, 2021, is disqualified from appearing on the state’s ballot under the U.S. Constitution’s insurrection clause Section 3 of the 14th Amendment. He has to appeal to the next authority if he wants to be in the White House under the U.S. Constitution’s insurrection clause. 

This clause bars anyone who “engaged in insurrection or rebellion” against the Constitution from holding federal office. The ruling, unprecedented and impactful, sent shockwaves through the political landscape.

While Colorado is not a swing state, the implications ripple outwards. If upheld, it sets a precedent that could be echoed in other states. Dozens of lawsuits already exist across the country seeking to block Trump on similar grounds.

States Blocking Trump on Ballot

Colorado’s disqualification of Trump has now set the stage for the other states to pursue the case against Trump in a more designed way. Swing states like Pennsylvania, Georgia, and Arizona, crucial for any Republican victory, could become the next battlegrounds.

Scaling the Electoral Cliffs: Can Trump Win Without Colorado’s Foothold?

Assuming the disqualification sticks in Colorado, the electoral calculus shifts dramatically. With its nine electoral votes, Colorado becomes a lost cause for Trump. This means he needs to find 47 additional votes elsewhere to reach the magic number of 270. This task, already daunting, becomes Mount Everest in difficulty. Colorado’s lawsuit to keep Trump off the ballot has made the vision of Donald Trump tougher.

Trump’s path to victory thins considerably. He would need to perform better than 2020 in several key states – Arizona, Georgia, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin – while holding onto states like Florida and North Carolina. His margin of victory in these battlegrounds would need to be razor-thin, leaving little room for error or unexpected swings.

Furthermore, the specter of disqualification in other states looms large. If swing states pick up the Colorado precedent, Trump’s carefully constructed map could crumble entirely. The pressure will be immense, and any misstep could be fatal.

What way forward for Trump Camp?

The Colorado ruling is sure to be appealed, potentially reaching the Supreme Court. The high court’s decision could shape the entire outcome of the election.

A conservative majority upholding the disqualification would throw the Republicans into disarray, potentially fracturing the party and forcing them to consider alternative candidates.

Even if the ruling doesn’t stand, the legal wrangling itself will be a time-consuming and resource-intensive ordeal. It could sap momentum from the Trump campaign and distract from his message. The constant shadow of legal challenges creates an illusion of uncertainty that could hurt his image and voter confidence.

In a democratic country, he still has a chance of appeal in the higher court.

Potential side effects of the Colorado court ruling

Public opinion, voter turnout, and unforeseen events, both domestic and international, can tilt the scales dramatically.

Moreover, the historical weight of the 14th Amendment casts a long shadow. Invoking it to bar a former president from running is unprecedented, and the political ramifications could be immense. It raises questions about the balance of power, the separation of powers, and the very spirit of American democracy.

Reaching the Summit: A Risky Climb, an Uncertain Vista

Can Donald Trump win the 2024 presidential election without Colorado? The answer, as any seasoned mountaineer knows, is, maybe. The path is perilous, full of legal obstacles, political uncertainties, and the heavy weight of history. While not impossible, it would be a Herculean feat, demanding near-flawless execution and a fair bit of luck.

As the winds of the campaign season grow stronger, one thing is certain: the climb to the top i.e. Presidential election 2024 will be unlike any we’ve witnessed before. This election will be about more than just votes; it will be a test of our legal system, our democratic principles, and our ability to navigate the uncharted territory of the 14th Amendment. So, buckle up, America, and prepare for a white-knuckled ride up the most challenging electoral Everest yet.

Battleground states

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