This is what authoritarian dictators do.

On Sunday, we learned about Donald Trump's phone call with Georgia's Secretary of State. In that call, he openly demanded that the results of the presidential election be overturned, for a fellow Republican to "find" new votes for him.

Let's not understate what Donald Trump is doing right now. He is arguably committing criminal acts, and asking others to help him, in order to hold on to power.

Some have called these acts immoral.

Others have called it an attempted coup.

Whatever you call it, authoritarian-style efforts to overturn election results certified and scrutinized by courts have no place in a democratic republic.

America's greatness is rooted in a democratic process that puts power and the rule of law in the hands of We the People. Donald Trump and his closest supporters are now engaged in a desperate attempt to cling to power — using the tactics of dictators. Let me say it again: they have no place in our republic.

On January 20, Donald Trump's presidency WILL come to an end. The keys to 1600 Pennsylvania will be ripped from his hands.

But his departure won't immediately solve this ongoing constitutional crisis, because far too many of his allies in Congress have aided and abetted this anti-democratic assault.

That's why, having just taken my third oath of office as a U.S. Senator — to "bear true faith and allegiance" to the Constitution — I'm making you a promise: I'll do everything I can to ensure that our We the People democracy is restored and defended in the coming weeks, months, and years.

Americans have fought fascist authoritarianism overseas and beat it back again and again. Never have I thought we would face this threat here. But now we do.

And it is how we respond — with a fiery, progressive determination in our spirit—that will chart the course to a better, brighter future for all of us.

Onward.

Jeff