What a Day Podcast Summary
Episode: What Trump's Win Means for Jan 6 Rioters
Release Date: January 6, 2025
Host: Jane Coston, Crooked Media
Introduction
In this episode of What a Day, host Jane Coston delves into the ramifications of former President Donald Trump's victory in the 2024 election, particularly focusing on its implications for the January 6th rioters. The episode intertwines in-depth interviews, current events, and insightful analysis to explore the evolving political and social landscape in the United States.
Congress Certifies Trump's Victory: A Full Circle Moment
The episode opens with Jane Coston highlighting the historic moment as Congress prepares to certify Donald Trump's election win on January 6, 2025—the exact four-year anniversary of the Capitol insurrection. This certification not only symbolizes a political comeback for Trump but also rekindles debates and questions surrounding the events of January 6, 2021.
Key Points:
- Historical Parallels: The certification coincides with the anniversary of the January 6th attack, drawing a symbolic line connecting Trump's past rhetoric to his current victory.
- Legal Implications: Unlike Trump, who remains uncharged for his role in the 2020 election dispute, approximately 1,500 rioters have faced legal consequences, with many pleading guilty or being convicted.
- Public Perception: A significant portion of the American populace still views the insurrectionists as heroes, raising concerns about the potential for historical revisionism.
Notable Quote:
Donald Trump: "We fight like hell, and if you don't fight like hell, you're not going to have a country anymore."
[01:48]
Interview with Hanna Rosen: The Justice for January 6th Movement
Jane Coston interviews Hanna Rosen, host of Radio Atlantic and co-host of The Atlantic's narrative podcast We Live Here Now. Hanna provides a personal perspective on the "Justice for January 6th" movement, shedding light on the motivations and expectations of its members.
Key Points:
- Personal Encounters: Hanna recounts interactions with neighbors deeply involved in the movement, including the mother of Ashley Babbitt, a victim of the Capitol attack, and Nicole Reffet, whose husband was sentenced for his role in the events.
- Intentions and Expectations: Members of the movement anticipate pardons from Trump and seek to reframe their actions as noble rather than criminal.
- Social Dynamics: The movement has gained visibility and solidarity following Trump's election, leading to more public displays of their support for January 6th.
Notable Quotes:
Hanna Rosen: "What they want is an accepted, settled understanding that they did the right thing... they actually did something noble and heroic."
[08:40]
Hanna Rosen: "January 6th is going to be a struggle for a really long time."
[09:17]
Reflections with Michael Fanone: The Ongoing Impact of January 6th
The episode features an interview with Michael Fanone, a former Metropolitan Police Officer for the District of Columbia who was present during the Capitol insurrection. Fanone shares his harrowing experiences and offers a critical analysis of the current political climate.
Key Points:
- Personal Experience: Fanone describes confronting rioters who attempted to disarm him, highlighting the violent intent behind the insurrection.
- Political Violence: He expresses concern over the normalization of violence in American politics, exacerbated by elected officials using inflammatory rhetoric.
- Future Implications: Fanone fears the potential for future attempts to subvert democratic processes and emphasizes the need for greater public courage and accountability.
Notable Quotes:
Michael Fanone: "Nobody's pro law enforcement... they didn't like the police standing in the way of them interrupting Congress's attempt to certify a free and fair election."
[19:50]
Michael Fanone: "America is not an exceptional country. We are susceptible to the same pitfalls that everyone else has experienced in their much older forms of democracy."
[21:56]
Additional News Highlights
Beyond the central theme of Trump's victory and its impact on January 6th rioters, the episode covers several significant news stories:
Terrorist Attack in New Orleans
FBI Special Agent Lionel Merthyll discusses a tragic event where Chomsud Din Jabar, an army veteran with ties to ISIS ideology, orchestrated a deadly attack on Bourbon Street, resulting in 14 fatalities. The incident underscores ongoing concerns about domestic terrorism and radicalization.
Notable Quote:
FBI Special Agent Lionel Merthyll: "Jabbar visited New Orleans in October of last year to plan the attack."
[13:18]
President Biden's Legislative and Executive Actions
-
Social Security Fairness Act: Biden signs bipartisan legislation to enhance Social Security benefits for nearly 3 million public sector workers, reversing previous cuts.
Notable Quote:
Joe Biden: "I have the honor of bestowing the Medal of Freedom on our nation's highest civilian honor..."
[15:55] -
Presidential Medal of Freedom: Nineteen individuals, including Bono, Hillary Clinton, and Jane Goodall, are honored for their significant contributions to American culture and society.
-
Blocking U.S. Steel Acquisition: Biden vetoes Nippon Steel's $14 billion bid to acquire U.S. Steel, citing national interests and bypassing prior executive advice.
Passing of Former President Jimmy Carter
The episode pays homage to Jimmy Carter, detailing his contributions to peace and human rights, his recent passing at the age of 100, and the forthcoming state funeral. Carter's legacy as a Nobel Peace Prize laureate and his pivotal role in historic treaties are highlighted.
Notable Quote:
Joe Biden: "The love of liberty is a common blood that flows in our American veins."
[17:38]
Conclusion: The Lingering Shadow of January 6th
Jane Coston concludes by reflecting on the enduring impact of the January 6th insurrection. Despite the passage of four years, the event continues to influence political discourse, law enforcement experiences, and societal divisions. The certification of Trump's victory reignites debates about accountability, historical narrative, and the resilience of American democracy.
Final Thoughts:
- The episode emphasizes the complexity of reconciling personal relationships with political actions.
- It underscores the challenges in preventing future political violence amidst a polarized and increasingly volatile political environment.
- The discussions with Hanna Rosen and Michael Fanone highlight the deep-seated issues that remain unresolved since January 6th, suggesting that the event's legacy will continue to shape American politics and society for years to come.
Production Credits
- Produced by: Crooked Media
- Hosted by: Jane Coston
- Production Team: Desmond Taylor (Recorded and Mixed), Raven Yamamoto (Associate Producer), Michelle Eloy (Producer), Tyler Hill, Johanna Case, Joseph Dutra, Greg Walters, Julia Claire (Production Help), Erica Morrison (Senior Producer), Adrienne Hill (Executive Producer)
- Theme Music: Colin Gilliard and Kashaka
This summary captures the essence of the episode, providing a comprehensive overview of the discussions, insights, and key moments presented by Jane Coston and her guests.