Donald Trump again refused Saturday, December 5 to recognize his defeat at his first meeting since the US presidential election, finding the crowds who galvanize him to campaign in a crucial senatorial election because it will decide the balance of power in Washington.
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In front of his supporters gathered in Georgia, the Republican engaged in a risky balancing act during a speech of nearly two hours.
Denying Democrat Joe Biden's victory, which was declared almost a month ago, he shouted “
fraud
” in a “
rigged
”
electoral system
, while urging voters in Georgia to mobilize to elect two Republican candidates in the Senate.
"
We can fight for the presidency and fight to elect our two formidable senators, and we can do it at the same time,
" he assured Valdosta.
“They will try to convince us that we have lost.
We have not lost, ”hammered Donald Trump.
ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS / AFP
His message, however, embarrasses Republican executives because it has already sowed doubt among some of his followers, who wonder if it is really worth voting in a “
rigged
”
election
.
However, the stakes are immense.
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On January 5, two Senate seats, now held by Republicans, will be played in Georgia in a double by-election.
If they lose them, the upper house will come under the control of the Democrats, because with 50 seats against 50, the future vice-president Kamala Harris will be able, as provided by the Constitution, to vote to decide the equality.
And Joe Biden, who will be invested on January 20, will therefore count on an entirely Democratic Congress to unfold his program.
But if the Republicans retain the majority, the future president will have to deal with a divided Congress, the Senate having in particular the power to block his nominations and his major bills.
"
If the other camp manages to steal these two elections (...), everything you care about will be gone,
" thundered Donald Trump.
Melania Trump was present alongside her husband for this meeting.
JONATHAN ERNST / REUTERS
On the sidelines of the January 5 poll, Donald Trump dedicated a good part of his speech to talking about the November 3 election.
"
I don't want to wait until 2024, I want to go back three weeks,
" he said, half joking.
“
They will try to convince us that we have lost.
We have not lost
”, he added to enthusiastic cries.
“
This election was rigged.
"
"
We love you
," responded the crowd, where few wore masks.
Joe Biden assured Friday that he would also campaign in Georgia, without giving a date.