By KATHARINE WILSON
CHICAGO – Maryland Rep. Jamie Raskin warned the nation Monday in an address to the Democratic National Convention that former President Donald Trump remains a danger to democracy and is being abetted by “Banana Republicans.”
“Make no mistake, a man who uses fraud, theft, and violence to take power will commit any crime to keep it,” Raskin told cheering delegates.
“We’re going to defeat Donald Trump, the career criminal and incorrigible recidivist con man and his pet chameleon. JD Vance,” the congressman said.
A constitutional lawyer, Raskin recalled the harrowing moments of the Jan. 6, 2021, assault on the United States and said it was the “worst high crime and misdemeanor ever committed by a president, inciting insurrection against our own Constitution.”
Raskin gained national prominence as the lead manager in Trump’s second impeachment trial and as a member of the House’s Jan. 6th select committee. The four-term lawmaker is also the ranking member on the House Oversight and Accountability Committee.
Raskin reminded the convention crowd about the near-tragic fate of former Vice President Mike Pence, who was the subject of death threats from the rioters. Pence has said he will not endorse Trump or Vice President Kamala Harris.
“Someone should have told Donald Trump that the president’s job under Article Two of the Constitution is to take care that the laws are faithfully executed, not that the vice president is executed,” Raskin said.
He added: “JD Vance, do you understand why there was a sudden job opening for running mate on the GOP ticket? They tried to kill your predecessor.”
In contrast to Trump’s legal woes, Raskin emphasized Harris’s history as a prosecutor and called her running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, an “inspiring public servant.”
Raskin said Democrats need to defend democracy against “Banana Republicans who have converted Lincoln’s party into a dangerous cult of personality.”
“It’s been a little rough on Capitol Hill, where it’s not just the heat, it’s the stupidity,” the Marylander quipped.
Raskin wrote a letter to President Joe Biden in July suggesting that the president should end his candidacy. Biden gave his convention speech less than two hours after Raskin spoke.
Raskin isn’t the only high-profile Maryland politician expected to hit the main stage this week.
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore teased his speech themes during a virtual Sunday press call, saying he would mention the importance of service and reclaiming patriotism from the Republican Party. He said he was unsure about where he will be on the convention schedule.
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