Former House Jan. 6 panel members caution on the perils of Trump and the upcoming 2024 elections, a year later

Former Members of Jan. 6 Committee Warn of Risks of Second Trump Presidency

The Concerns of Former Committee Members

Former members of the Jan. 6 House select committee, many of whom were ousted in the midterm elections, have expressed their fears about a potential second Trump presidency. They argue that it could upend American democracy and lead to similar destabilizing events as those witnessed after the 2020 election. One concern is that Trump may mass pardon the defendants involved in the January 6th attack on the Capitol and even pardon himself if his own cases are pending.

A Threat to American Democracy

Former representatives, both Republican and Democrat, emphasize the risks associated with another Trump administration. They claim that a second Trump presidency would test the limits of the republic. There are concerns about having a less honest vice president and the potential unraveling of American democracy if Trump secures the Republican nomination and returns to the White House.

The Jan. 6 Committee’s Work

The Jan. 6 committee, which conducted an 18-month probe into the Capitol riot and attempts to overturn the 2020 election, consisted of former lawmakers who are now raising their arguments against Trump as he considers running for president again. The committee held nationally televised hearings, revealing the extent of efforts to overturn the election results. Despite criticism from Republicans, the committee produced a comprehensive final report with recommendations for criminal charges against Trump.

Former Members’ Advocacy and Warnings

Even after leaving Congress, some former committee members have continued their advocacy against Trump and their support for protecting democracy. Former Representative Liz Cheney and Representative Adam Kinzinger have released books discussing the dangers of a second Trump presidency. Cheney warns about the fragility of democracy and the denial of election outcomes, while Kinzinger emphasizes the existence of militant ideologies and potential threats to democracy.

The Concerns of Former Representatives

Former Representative Stephanie Murphy and former Representative Elaine Luria share similar concerns about the risks posed by a second Trump term. They believe that the Capitol riot was a probing strike that exposed weaknesses in the American system. Murphy worries about the possibility of Trump cheating to win the 2024 election, while Luria sees the upcoming election as a battle for the Constitution and the future of the United States.

Broader Arguments about Democracy

Former committee members, including Cheney, have also made broader arguments about the future of democracy beyond Trump and his supporters. They encourage the study of history and the inclusion of more women in public office. Cheney has expressed alarm about political violence and emphasized the importance of rejecting it.

Criticism and Pushback

Many congressional Republicans, including Trump, have criticized the work of the Jan. 6 committee. They argue that it was a political weapon designed to attack Trump and his supporters. However, former Representative Kinzinger defends the committee’s work and dismisses the criticism as cowardice.

Read More of this Story at www.cbsnews.com – 2023-11-06 11:00:00