At the Democratic National Convention, Rep. Jamie Raskin issued a stark warning about the potential dangers faced by political figures.

In a fervent address at the Democratic National Convention held in Chicago, Raskin spoke to the palpable tension and division he believes stemmed from the 2020 election fallout and the actions of former President Donald Trump, something he suggested could put politicians such as GOP vice-presidential nominee JD Vance in danger, as Breitbart reports.

Raskin's remarks concentrated on the real threats he says were faced by government officials during the tumultuous events of Jan. 6, 2021.

Historical Context of Political Violence

During his speech, Raskin recalled the unrest of Jan. 6 in which demonstrators roamed the U.S. Capitol in search of then-Vice President Mike Pence. This act was, he said, a grim reminder of the lengths some would go to overturn democratic processes.

Raskin described his own rhetoric as bitter, acknowledging the long-standing acrimony that has characterized his views towards Donald Trump even before his presidency began.

He continued to underscore the danger by pointing out that Pence himself has been increasingly critical of Trump, aligning himself with over two dozen former Trump officials who have publicly denounced the former president.

Raskin's Role in Trump's Impeachment

Pence's denouncement marks a significant departure as he became the first vice president in more than two centuries not to support the president with whom he served in a subsequent a general election. This fact highlights the deep rifts within the Republican Party and the broader political landscape.

Raskin aimed to link these internal conflicts directly to broader issues of election integrity and the suppression of votes, themes that were central to his speech and reflected ongoing national debates.

The congressman also brought up his own legislative history, including leading the charge as a House impeachment manager against Trump and serving on the House Jan. 6 Committee.

This committee worked to address the accusations and events surrounding the Electoral College vote objections during the 2020 election.

Shift From Unity to Division At DNC

Raskin's delivery was part of a sequence of speeches at the convention, sandwiched between remarks from former Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton and Sen. Raphael Warnock of Georgia.

The series marked a transition from a celebratory tone earlier in the convention to a more divisive and confrontational one.

The content and tone of Raskin's speech seemed to reflect a deliberate shift towards addressing what he sees as the serious and contentious issues facing the nation, particularly in the realm of political safety and election security.

He poignantly remarked, "Someone should have told Donald Trump that the president’s job under Article II of the Constitution is to take care that the laws are faithfully executed, not that the vice president is executed."

Historical References and Electoral Concerns

Raskin used historical references to emphasize the gravity of the situation, mentioning how past administrations dealt with transitions of power and the importance of adhering to constitutional responsibilities.

He called attention to the stark differences in the behavior of Trump compared to his predecessors, particularly focusing on calls that were made for his impeachment based on Emoluments Clause arguments and his expression of doubts about presidential election results.

In closing, Raskin addressed the attendees directly, highlighting the states whose electoral votes were contested by Trump and his followers.

The lawmaker posed a rhetorical question about the future direction of American democracy, painting an alarming scenario about what he views as a possible return to darker days of election suppression and insurrection if his party does not prevail.