Note that the J6C Report begins where only a handful of reporters have gone: with the words of the actual rioters. You need that to prove incitement but TV lawyers said it was all a waste of time.
https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/23466611-221219-j6c-intro#document/p2/a2186700
J6C have learned the lesson about how to recommend charges against Trump: Say he "oversaw" something rather than that he "directed" it to happen.
J6C suggests that Bill Stepien saw Rudy replacing his own role as campaign manager.
A good way to avoid an indictment!
"Stepien described his interaction with Giuliani as an intentional “self-demotion,” with Stepien stepping aside once it became clear that President Trump intended to spread falsehoods."
Cip was obviously trying really hard to avoid damning testimony about Trump. "Cipollone did not deny having an angry confrontation with Dr. Eastman outside of the Oval
Office – though he said he didn’t have a specific recollection."
Too bad so sad your privilege claims were overruled.
"Certain Republican members of
Congress" may have known of Trump's plans...
That you, Jim?
Some really curious stuff going on in this footnote. Recall that Hutchinson said that Cip told her she had to prevent Trump from going to the Capitol or they'd get charged with obstruction. That's not here--they relied on an earlier Hutchinson interview. And Cip, of course, did not recall.
😁
The Committee's analysis of "corrupt purpose" is, IMO, really really weak.
The stuff that matters is in the footnote. And they don't even consider the personal benefit angle, which is what a narrowed opinion from DC Circuit would espouse.
They also don't address how TRUMP would qualify for 1512 even under Carl Nichols' opinion, bc of fake certificates.
Just really inexcusably weak. If you're going to do a referral, nail the legal analysis.
No discussion here of whether you charge conspiracy under 371 or 1512k (DOJ has been charging under 1512k more of late). Not only would the punishment under 1512 be potentially longer, but there are built in enhancements for threats of death.
Correction: They DID recommend 371 separately for the fake electors plot.
The committee points to Kayleigh, Ivanka, and Tony Ornato as those who had fuzzy memories where subordinates remembered damning details clearly.
It also notes lies in Mark Meadows' book.
emptywheel
Eric Wedaa