Synopsis
The 2020 Coup: What Happened. What We Can Do. by Patrick Colbeck presents a detailed narrative asserting that the 2020 U.S. presidential election was marred by widespread fraud, framing it as a deliberate attempt to undermine the democratic process. Colbeck, a former Michigan state senator and certified poll challenger at Detroit’s TCF Center, draws on his firsthand experiences and subsequent investigations to argue that the election was "stolen" through a coordinated effort. The book posits that various irregularities, such as late-night ballot drops, poll challenger lockouts, pizza boxes taped to windows to obscure observation, and voting equipment allegedly connected to the internet, constitute evidence of a concerted coup against the constitutional republic. Colbeck’s central thesis is that these actions were not isolated incidents but part of a broader scheme by "coup activists" seeking to fundamentally transform America, in opposition to those who aim to preserve its constitutional foundations. He emphasizes an ongoing "information war" between these groups, accusing Big Tech and mainstream media of suppressing the truth about the election.
The book begins by outlining the standard procedures for how elections are supposed to function, providing readers with a baseline to understand the deviations Colbeck claims occurred in 2020. Drawing heavily on his observations in Michigan, particularly at the TCF Center, he describes specific instances he believes demonstrate fraud, such as the arrival of 61 boxes of ballots in the middle of the night, which he asserts were misrepresented by media as food or camera equipment deliveries. Colbeck also alleges that 55,000 votes were missing from Michigan’s qualified voter file and that 4G chips in voting machines enabled wireless manipulation, bypassing claims that tabulators were not internet-connected. Additionally, he references a legal issue involving Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, who faced scrutiny from the state Supreme Court for instructing clerks not to verify signatures on ballots. These examples, primarily focused on Michigan but suggested to apply to other swing states, form the core of his evidence, though critics note that some claims, like his interpretation of an IEEE paper on PID controllers, are misrepresentations or lack substantiation.
Colbeck’s narrative is not limited to documenting alleged fraud; it also proposes a call to action for readers. He provides a plan to address the vulnerabilities in the election system, advocating for forensic audits and reforms to restore trust in the process. The book encourages readers to question whether their votes were accurately counted and to demand transparency, such as verification of ballots against tabulation tapes and databases. Colbeck positions himself as a patriot and election integrity expert, leveraging his background as an aerospace engineer and former vice chair of Michigan’s Elections and Government Reform committee to lend credibility to his claims. He collaborates with figures like Mike Lindell and Christina Bobb, who endorse his work, and draws on testimonials from other election integrity advocates to bolster his case.
However, the book has faced criticism for its conspiratorial tone and lack of robust evidence. Some reviewers, including one familiar with Colbeck’s prior work, argue that while he presents a detailed conspiracy theory, the evidence provided is often anecdotal or misinterpreted. For instance, a cited IEEE paper about PID controllers is said to be misconstrued as evidence of election manipulation when it actually pertains to modeling campaign behaviors. Critics suggest that Colbeck’s engineering background should have enabled a more accurate interpretation, raising questions about whether his claims stem from bias or intentional misrepresentation. Despite these critiques, supporters praise the book for its meticulous detail and its challenge to the narrative that the 2020 election was secure, arguing it justifies the need for comprehensive audits.
Ultimately, The 2020 Coup is a polarizing work that seeks to equip readers with both an understanding of alleged election irregularities and a roadmap for addressing them. It appeals to those skeptical of the 2020 election’s integrity, offering a narrative that combines firsthand accounts, technical assertions, and a patriotic call to action. While Colbeck’s supporters view it as a critical exposé of systemic issues, detractors see it as a convoluted theory lacking credible evidence, highlighting the deep divide in perceptions of the 2020 election.