As America began to process the events of January 6th, 2021, a number of disparate viewpoints began to arise, and some linger to this very day.
One of the most peculiar suggestions has long been the idea that this was no different than a “tour group” entering the Capitol, simply seeing the sights and getting their selfies in. For those looking to debunk this claim, one of the most poignant points to make is that the rioters were literally chanting “hang Mike Pence” on their way into the building – a statement that doesn’t really afford any wiggle room.
In an unaired interview, however, it appeared as though Donald Trump definitely made an attempt to defend the sentiment…
From an interview with ABC’s Jonathan Karl:
Jonathan Karl: “Were you worried about him during that siege? Were you worried about his safety?”
- Trump: “No, I thought he was well-protected, and I had heard that he was in good shape. No. Because I had heard he was in very good shape. But, but, no, I think — “
Karl: “Because you heard those chants — that was terrible. I mean — ”
- Trump: “He could have — well, the people were very angry.”
Karl: “They were saying ‘hang Mike Pence.'”
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Trump: “Because it’s common sense, Jon. It’s common sense that you’re supposed to protect. How can you — if you know a vote is fraudulent, right? — how can you pass on a fraudulent vote to Congress? How can you do that? And I’m telling you: 50/50, it’s right down the middle for the top constitutional scholars when I speak to them. Anybody I spoke to — almost all of them at least pretty much agree, and some very much agree with me — because he’s passing on a vote that he knows is fraudulent. How can you pass a vote that you know is fraudulent? Now, when I spoke to him, I really talked about all of the fraudulent things that happened during the election. I didn’t talk about the main point, which is the legislatures did not approve — five states. The legislatures did not approve all of those changes that made the difference between a very easy win for me in the states, or a loss that was very close, because the losses were all very close.”
The statement couldn’t come at a worse time for Trump, who is coming under increased scrutiny on account of the machinations of the January 6th select committee.
