Juan was able to skirt the media circus because the Arizona GOP's desperate gambit to swing the election ended in humiliating defeat. Juan, along with the eleven other electors, escorted by security guards, pushed past the small collection of reporters that gathered. He pretended he couldn't hear their mocking questions and finally escaped in his pickup and made it back to his house.
Late the next day, on Thursday afternoon, the headline story from Juan's television blared. "In an announcement sending shockwaves around the world," the Univision commentator spoke breathlessly. "After Congress finishes the official counting of the electoral votes, the acting Vice President is expected to declare Kamala Harris the victor of the 2024 Presidential race. She will be the first woman, and the first woman of color, to become the President of the United States!"
"Maybe now we can get back to normal again," Maria offered softly. They sat together on the couch, watching the results come in.
"They're making a statement now," the news anchor announced. The scene cut to the floor of Congress, where a packed crowd of Representatives rose to their feet.
The acting Vice President assumed a somber posture as he read, “The whole number of Electors for President of the United States is 538. Within that whole number, a majority is 270.”
“Look how excited everyone is,” Maria commented on the electric tension that seemed to light up the Congressional assembly.
“How could this have happened?” Juan asked. He was still deeply embarrassed by his experience as a faithless elector, and a pall hung over his living room.
“The Republicans overplayed their hand, Dad,” Sofia said. After that, they watched nonstop election coverage for a while, but they didn't want to make it a late night. The family started getting ready for bed, and Juan searched for the remote to turn off the TV.
“I'm sorry you were dragged into all of that.” Sofia found the remote stuffed between two seat cushions and handed it to her father. “Compassion and common sense finally triumphed over racism and evil."
Juan directed their attention back to the TV, “Hey! It’s Trump. He’s gonna make a speech.”
The former President stood at a podium with a row of American flags behind him. His wife, Melania, was by his side. "My fellow Americans," Trump began, his voice somber but steady. "Tonight, I would like to congratulate my opponent, Kamala Harris, on her victory."
Juan made a rude noise, but Maria hushed him.
“The people have spoken," Trump continued. "Though the outcome may not be what I had hoped for, it is our duty to respect the will of the American people and uphold the democratic principles that make our nation great.”
He spoke at length about resilience and the spirit of the United States before coming to his most important message, “While there may have been disagreements and divisions throughout this campaign, I want to make it clear that I believe this election was conducted fairly and with integrity," he declared.
A mix of applause and rude catcalls came from his supporters.
Trump cocked his chin at a jaunty angle as he waited for the din to die down. "No, listen to me, everyone. This is important. We've looked at the numbers. And while I think you're all going to miss your favorite President, me, we're absolutely confident that this outcome is fair and honest."
A few times during the speech, Trump joked and made inappropriate remarks. Not even losing would humble him. "That's why he lost, right there!" Sofia pointed angrily at the TV. "He's a narcissistic sociopath!"
“That’s enough!” Juan chastised his daughter. “You might despise the man, but you’ve gotta honor what he's trying to do now.”
As if on cue, Trump began talking about unity. “As we move forward, let us remember that we are all Americans first and foremost. Let us set aside our differences and come together to address the challenges facing our nation. United, there is nothing we cannot accomplish."
“You got brainwashed, Dad.” Sofia had to get a dig in. "This election was too big to rig."
"To my supporters, I want to express my deep gratitude for your unwavering support throughout this journey," Trump concluded his speech. “May we find common ground, build bridges instead of walls, and continue the great American experiment with hope, determination, and the belief that our best days are yet to come.”
Juan looked up at Sofia, "I'm sorry. I'm so sorry, mija. I did a lot of bad things. I wanted so badly for Trump to win... But nothing I did makes any difference. No difference at all."
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