If the Unthinkable Happened, what recourse would we have?

[Duncanmc]

I've seen about 9 presidential election cycles come and go. It seems that in most of them I've heard folks from one side or the other worry that a sitting president might cause some national emergency and refuse to leave office because of it. I don't think there is a provision for this in the constitution. But I began to wonder, since Obama plays very fast and loose with the constitution, if a president did decide to just refuse to step down, even when the election results are against him....who would intervene to install the new president and more importantly, is there a provision in the military leadership for how to handle such a coup? And what if the election results were like the 2000 election? Would the military side with the Supreme Court in such an instance? Thoughts like these never troubled me before Obama began his escapades with our government traditions and laws....

[Meg]

I'm not sure about the law aspect, but if Zero tried that ploy, I have good confidence he'd be arrested and escorted out of the White House.

[Robert]

If a new president is elected, then by the constitution, the new president is president and the old one is only there until their term expires. if Obama were to refuse to step down, I'm sure he would be escorted out of the White House by the Secret Service. Congress would not go along with it, the Supreme Court surely wouldn't, and neither would the Cabinet, which is comprised of the secretaries of each department, including the Armed Forces.I cannot see any of these bodies even considering allowing Obama to stay were he voted out of office.

[GlennO]

Meg & Robert -

Right On !!

Simply follow the Constitution as amended

Start with #1 then if necessary, go to #2

[FaithInChrist]

I remember when Gore lost the election to W. Bush. I honestly thought Gore might show up for work anyway that January morning. He did not accept his loss very well at all. I think they were still recounting voter cards for years after that election. Can you say "hanging chad"?

But then, after many tears Gore finally conceded the election.

[Duncanmc]

While I understand how the process is supposed to go, I just wonder sometimes if the man is arrogant enough to push us into a constitutional crisis over his own ego. If the country were as divided as it was in 2000 then it could get sticky, with protests and a lot of angry recriminations. Ultimately I expect the government would move on, regardless the cost, but this man is, to say the least, unique in the way he's handled this job in the modern era.

[Joseph The Carpenter]

What if ?

President Obama looses the election by three or four points.
The next day reports of voter fraud begin, fueled by a friendly media.
By Thursday Attorney General Holder reports he has proof of widespread fraud.
On Friday there are peaceful protests all around the country (that way they can be shown on the Sunday morning talk shows)
The second week starts with President Obama stating he will stand with the people no matter what.
Protests grow!
Union workers begin strikes.
By Christmas lawyers say the can prove President Obama won the election.
Protests turn violent.
Martial law.
President Obama promises new elections that will be fair for all Americans (including those here illegally)

[OnceWasLost]

So as to avoid a horrible confrontation, the police should surround the White House, shine spot lights in the windows, play obama speeches back to him through loud speakers. If that doesn't do it, throw in a few biden speeches and he will come out voluntarily.

No need for him to be removed forcefully.

[WKUHilltopper]

I've seen about 9 presidential election cycles come and go. It seems that in most of them I've heard folks from one side or the other worry that a sitting president might cause some national emergency and refuse to leave office because of it. I don't think there is a provision for this in the constitution.

We don't have a Constitution...so it won't be a problem!

The events of 9-11 were used as justification to cancel NYC's mayoral election for several months. So IF they wanted to somehow dicker with the election--I guess they could say "there's a precedence".

[Robert]

So as to avoid a horrible confrontation, the police should surround the White House, shine spot lights in the windows, play obama speeches back to him through loud speakers. If that doesn't do it, throw in a few biden speeches and he will come out voluntarily.

No need for him to be removed forcefully.

[Joseph The Carpenter]

We don't have a Constitution...so it won't be a problem!

The events of 9-11 were used as justification to cancel NYC's mayoral election for several months. So IF they wanted to somehow dicker with the election--I guess they could say "there's a precedence".

I think it was a primary.

[WKUHilltopper]

I think it was a primary.

Naa...primaries are in the spring. General elections in November.

[Joseph The Carpenter]

Naa...primaries are in the spring. General elections in November.

http://www.911memorial.org/911-events-day-1

As a result of the collapse of the World Trade Center, Governor George Pataki declared a statewide emergency and suspended the elections, which were rescheduled for September 25.

[mattfivefour]

Let me re-phrase the question: "If the Unthinkable Happened, what would God have you as a Christian do?" What does the Bible say?

[ForgivenOne]

My husband has been saying for the last couple of months that he expects Obama to declare martial law soon. He pointed out to me that the new president does not become the actual president until he is officially sworn in, regardless of election results. So he believes that something could happen to make Obama declare martial law and stay in the White House even after the election is held.

Personally I couldn't find anything to support his theory, except perhaps Iran holding to its threat of attacking America if Israel strikes at Iran's nuclear facilities before then, since Israel did not promise Obama to hold off, until the Fall season. Iran declaring war on America in such a manner could be the impetus for declaring martial law?

[WKUHilltopper]

http://www.911memorial.org/911-events-day-1

As a result of the collapse of the World Trade Center, Governor George Pataki declared a statewide emergency and suspended the elections, which were rescheduled for September 25.

I stand corrected and educated.

[MikeD]

If you go back and do a little looking you'll see the left said the same things about George Bush. There were videos all over YouTube about George Bush, GUARANTEED!, would be taking over and FORCING himself to stay in office. Well, I do believe history has a different story to tell than what these people expected. The same will hold true for Obama.

Yet, many say, we've never had a President like Obama???? Oh yes we have. Well, then again, Obama makes Carter look almost "right" in many areas.

To be truthful, come Jan 2013, I do believe we'll see a completely different face on the Gov't in Washington D.C.. How different? Here again, only time will tell the story...

[Hannah]

DA 2:17 Then Daniel returned to his house and explained the matter to his friends Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah. 18 He urged them to plead for mercy from the God of heaven concerning this mystery, so that he and his friends might not be executed with the rest of the wise men of Babylon. 19 During the night the mystery was revealed to Daniel in a vision. Then Daniel praised the God of heaven 20 and said:
"Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever;
wisdom and power are his.

DA 2:21 He changes times and seasons;
he sets up kings and deposes them.
He gives wisdom to the wise
and knowledge to the discerning.

DA 2:22 He reveals deep and hidden things;
he knows what lies in darkness,
and light dwells with him.

DA 2:23 I thank and praise you, O God of my fathers:
You have given me wisdom and power,
you have made known to me what we asked of you,
you have made known to us the dream of the king."

[froggy]

DA 2:17 Then Daniel returned to his house and explained the matter to his friends Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah. 18 He urged them to plead for mercy from the God of heaven concerning this mystery, so that he and his friends might not be executed with the rest of the wise men of Babylon. 19 During the night the mystery was revealed to Daniel in a vision. Then Daniel praised the God of heaven 20 and said:
"Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever;
wisdom and power are his.

DA 2:21 He changes times and seasons;
he sets up kings and deposes them.
He gives wisdom to the wise
and knowledge to the discerning.

DA 2:22 He reveals deep and hidden things;
he knows what lies in darkness,
and light dwells with him.

DA 2:23 I thank and praise you, O God of my fathers:
You have given me wisdom and power,
you have made known to me what we asked of you,
you have made known to us the dream of the king."

Amen, sister. The Almighty will work His will no matter the machinations of men whether their intent is for good or evil. Trust in the Lord and lean not on your own understanding (or all the "what ifs") Getting into the Word even more and more is what we need!