As President Trump trails in polls, there’s one absurd theory that won’t seem to die. It’s stated in different forms, but it basically boils down to the idea that if Trump loses, he will refuse to leave office.

This theory has been floated by comedian Bill Maher, pushed in the New York Times opinion page, and even hinted at by Joe Biden, who has said, “As the walls close in on him, he becomes more erratic. And I’m genuinely concerned about what he may do in order to try to hold on to the office.”