The theory, supported by figures like Harvard Professor Lawrence Tribe, runs against the clear language and history of the Disqualification Clause of the 14th Amendment. To paraphrase the Vietnam strategy, democracy can only be saved by destroying it through the denial of speech or the right to vote. However, if such freedom-is-tyranny claims seem Orwellian, they are nothing compared to the push to disqualify dozens of candidates from appearing on ballots. There are similar efforts to block members like Arizona GOP Reps. Paul Gosar and Andy Biggs from appearing on state ballots. Just as free speech allows good ideas to counteract bad ideas, free elections allow good candidates to prevail over bad candidates.

Source: New York Times April 23, 2022 13:11 UTC