@farmerman,
It would be a monstrous event, a scenario familiar from autocracies: a head of government does not acknowledge an electoral defeat, clings to his office - with uncertain consequences for the country. In the USA, of all countries, with its long democratic tradition, this threatens to happen soon. At least, President Donald Trump is always flirting with the idea of not wanting to voluntarily vacate the White House in case of a defeat in the November elections.
At a press conference yesterday, Wednesday, Trump refused to guarantee a peaceful handover of government power.
But now, McConnell said regardless of who wins the 3 November presidential election, there will be a peaceful inauguration on 20 January.
Other Republican lawmakers, including vocal Trump ally Senator Lindsey Graham, have similarly promised a safe and fair election.
Senator Mitt Romney offered a more critical response on Wednesday, saying "any suggestion that a president might not respect this Constitutional guarantee is both unthinkable and unacceptable".