Okay, fellow TYT enthusiasts, here’s a quirky twist in the never-ending political drama of our times. Picture this: It’s the 2024 elections, and former President Donald Trump is vying for the presidency again. Only this time, he might be doing so with a criminal record.
If you’re wondering, “Wait, can a convicted felon even run for president?”, you’re not alone. But guess what? The Constitution is surprisingly chill about this. As UCLA’s very own election law guru, Professor Rick Hasen lays it out, the criteria to become the Commander-in-Chief are pretty basic: be at least 35 years old, be a natural-born citizen, and have resided in the U.S. for a particular span. That’s pretty much it! No clauses about criminal records or moral character.
Now, here’s where things get peak ironic. While Trump could technically run for (and even win) the presidency with a conviction, there’s a bizarre snag: he might not be able to cast a vote for himself in his home state of Florida. That’s right, folks. In Florida, convicted felons face barriers to their voting rights. So, while he could aim for the nation’s top job, he might be sidelined from marking his own name on the ballot in the Sunshine State.
It’s one of those surreal paradoxes of American politics, isn’t it? You could be barred from participating in the democratic process as an average citizen but still, be eligible to hold the nation’s highest office.
Now, some constitutional aficionados might bring up the fact that there’s a clause preventing individuals involved in insurrections against the government from taking office. While that’s an intriguing angle given recent history, it’s a theory that hasn’t been challenged or explored deeply.
All said and done, this serves as a fresh reminder of the often bewildering intricacies of our nation’s legal and political frameworks. And as the 2024 circus begins to warm up, the political junkies among us should brace for even more unprecedented surprises. Stay tuned and, as always, keep questioning the system!
