In a bold and provocative statement, billionaire tech investor Peter Thiel suggested that if the 2024 election comes down to a razor-thin margin, Vice President Kamala Harris will likely "cheat" to secure the win. Thiel, who has been a strong supporter of Donald Trump, made this claim during a podcast at the "All-In" Summit, stirring up significant controversy as the 2024 race heats up.
Thiel’s remarks reflect a growing concern among conservative circles about election integrity, particularly in tight races. He emphasized that should the contest be close, Harris and her allies would resort to unethical tactics to tilt the outcome in her favor. Thiel's comments mirror the broader sentiment in certain right-wing communities that Democrats have a history of manipulating elections, a belief that gained traction after the contentious 2020 presidential election.
“If you don’t want AI to replace you, be a little bit racist or a little bit sexist or or just really funny. Everybody else will get replaced.” -Peter Thiel pic.twitter.com/shbjBprsuX
— ᴍᴇᴅ ɢᴏʟᴅ 🐒 (@MedGold_) September 14, 2024
The tech mogul argued that unless Trump's victory is decisive, there would be little chance of a fair outcome, accusing Democrats of using every tool at their disposal, including bending or breaking rules, to claim victory. Thiel warned that if Republicans do not secure a landslide, the election results would be vulnerable to manipulation.
Thiel's stark view of Harris is nothing new. He previously compared her unfavorably to former President Barack Obama, stating that Harris lacks both his political savvy and public appeal. This recent statement, however, takes his criticism to a new level by directly accusing the vice president of planning to subvert the democratic process.
Peter Thiel would gladly eat ALL THE CATS; dogs, too
No pets for you!
[megalomaniac • swipe left] https://t.co/BFt7ARk7OE pic.twitter.com/I5DvCKkmi4
— Jack (@banteringless) September 12, 2024
While Thiel’s accusations have not been substantiated with specific evidence, they have gained significant attention. His words have resonated with those who believe that the Democratic Party's approach to issues like voter ID laws and mail-in voting opens the door to potential fraud. Figures like Elon Musk have echoed these concerns, pushing for stricter voter regulations to ensure a fair election.
The idea that the 2024 election could be rigged isn't new among Trump’s base. Many Republicans continue to challenge the results of the 2020 election, where they believe widespread fraud occurred, especially in swing states like Arizona and Pennsylvania. Thiel’s comments align with a growing push from conservative leaders who want to limit mail-in ballots, require voter ID, and enforce in-person voting on Election Day as ways to prevent alleged Democratic interference.
Despite Thiel's strong words, there is little indication that mainstream media or election officials have taken these claims seriously. In fact, similar accusations in the past have been thoroughly debunked by numerous bipartisan investigations into the 2020 election. However, for Thiel and his supporters, the belief persists that Democrats are planning to "fortify" their position, as was alleged during Trump’s 2020 defeat..
With the 2024 presidential election looming, this rhetoric is likely to intensify as both sides gear up for a fierce battle. Republicans will push hard for stronger election security measures, while Democrats will continue to defend the legitimacy of their electoral victories. Thiel’s controversial statement serves as a reminder of how polarized and mistrustful the political landscape has become in the United States.
