Election Recounts and the Feasibility of Bribery

Could Hillary Clinton Bribe for Recounts?

Although the possibility has been suggested, the likelihood of Hillary Clinton engaging in such behavior is extraordinarily low. She did not initiate these recount efforts, which were led by former Green Party candidate Jill Stein. Both her campaign and probably that of Donald Trump will have legal teams monitoring the recounts. Given that Wisconsin and Michigan are completely Republican-controlled, the chances of any Democratic bribery are minimal. On the other hand, Donald Trump's worries may imply he has reason to suspect something.

While all campaigns will have observers, the recent recount in 2000 is a clear example of how recounts can be conducted with representatives from both sides participating. Each ballot is reviewed under strict oversight to ensure the integrity of the process.

Reduction in Trump's Electoral Margin

With razor-thin margins, the reduction in Trump's electoral count would be necessary for a Clinton victory. If Democrats were to control the state governments involved, cheating would be significantly easier. However, this is not the case for Michigan, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania. Let's delve into the details.

Pennsylvania and Electoral Control

Michigan is under Republican control, and Wisconsin is also under Republican control. Pennsylvania has a divided government, but the Republican Party controls the legislature while Democrats control the executive branch. In these contexts, the mandates are too narrow for Clinton to overturn the election.

How Trump Won with Thin Margins

Trump secured the presidency by winning with razor-thin margins in swing states. The alteration of these margins, even by 107,000 votes, would require a series of recounts that are implausible given the state control and laws.

No Dark Room Manipulation

Recounts do not work in secret spaces. Procedures and oversight laws prevent recounts from being used to corrupt the election results. Both political parties will be represented throughout the recount process, thereby ensuring transparency. The recount process is highly scrutinized, making any form of manipulation unlikely.

Expected Outcomes of Recounts

While recounts are unlikely to change the many votes, they could have significant implications on Trump's public perception. In the case of Wisconsin, if a recount were to change the state's color, it would reduce Trump’s electoral count by 10 votes, for a total of 296. This would give Clinton 242 votes, still far from the 270 needed for the presidency.

Democrats, knowing that there is no chance of three miraculous recounts in favor of Clinton, use the recount orders to taint Trump's victory. This strategy aims to undermine the legitimacy of the election.

Conclusion

The idea of Hillary Clinton or her team bribing for recounts is not a viable scenario. The political structures and legal frameworks in place, particularly in Republican-controlled states, make such acts impossible. While recounts could affect public perception, they are not likely to alter the electoral outcome substantially.