The Unseen Faces of Jan. 6 and Why Trump Poses a “Uniquely Dangerous Threat” | Amanpour and Company

Almost three years after a mob of insurgents stormed the U.S. Capitol, the dark shadow of January 6 continues to hang over the fate of American democracy. According to a Washington Post-University of Maryland poll, Republicans are more sympathetic to the rioters and more loyal to Donald Trump than they were in 2021, while over one-third of all Americans now believe Biden’s election win was illegitimate. Robert Pape is Director of the Chicago Project on Security and Threats. He joins Walter Isaacson to discuss how political violence moved from the margins to the mainstream.
Originally aired on January 5, 2024
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Amanpour and Company features wide-ranging, in-depth conversations with global thought leaders and cultural influencers on the issues and trends impacting the world each day, from politics, business and technology to arts, science and sports. Christiane Amanpour leads the conversation on global and domestic news from London with contributions by prominent journalists Walter Isaacson, Michel Martin, Alicia Menendez and Hari Sreenivasan from the Tisch WNET Studios at Lincoln Center in New York City.
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[@colleenorrick5415]

Supporting Trump to save democracy? On what planet does that make sense? These people are delluded.

[@scottsweeney6903]

You all will destroy regardless. Be honest deep inside. You can, only if chosen. Try a headline like "Trump will revoke women's voting rights and slavery will be re-instituted". Most of your viewers will be like " I knew it". Obviously our education system has failed us. I digress, final count of congressional staff and reps killed? 37 was last I heard. I could not watch anymore.

[@scotthullinger4684]

Sweetie Pie, show me how and where Biden has demonstrated saving democracy. Based on what? Maybe on how he favors limiting free speech? You people are totally delusional. @colleenorrick5415

[@fairyprincess911]

It’s insane

[@alwayslernin4400]

They want their freedom to tell everyone else how to live.

[@scotthullinger4684]

@@alwayslernin4400 - Nope. That's only what Democrats do - And they do so, rather constantly, always in control freak fashion ... constantly telling everyone how to live, and what do to. THIS is what Democrats live for ... to take total control of YOU - Shall we begin with Covid masks? Oh, but that's the very least of it.

[@thomasdarling2553]

As a Canadian, I must say that you are in big trouble America!

[@theophany150]

This isn't a new insight for you though, is it? We have known for some time. Be very glad if it doesn't happen up there.

[@mpetersen428]

You are correct.

[@isetfrances6124]

Hey, some of us are thinking of coming your way, & shift our borders. 😂

[@earthjustice01]

We're going to be in big trouble in Canada if Trump gets elected.

[@sarahcowan1489]

​@@isetfrances6124don't bring your insurrection ideals and authoritarian beliefs up here to Canada. We have our own Pierre Poilievre rump wanna-be to deal with. We are NOT a free avenue for you to escape to.

[@procon2022]

Still TWO THIRDS of Americans basically approve to live peacefully, free and - democratically. It's about re-activating this strong core of Americans, 'breathing' the soul of America: simply being decent, freedom minded and mind-driven ordinary people bound to a good future.

[@jomckeag4482]

A lot of people are practicing censorship of news/information/views/politics that disturb them and a whole bunch of people are too engrossed in their kids soccer games and shopping for crap at the mall. It’s that 2/3 you reference that isn’t paying attention, doesn’t want to know and will be surprised when the extremely energetic 1/3 takes center stage. While the “majority” is busily self absorbed, that other 1/3 is talking/sharing/planning and re-enforcing their mythology that they are patriots charged with taking back control of America

[@julienichols437]

Excellent!

[@reddyandre]

Yes, the glass is 2/3 full!

[@louannkyle602]

The right wing media machine is vast from news to podcasts and all the radio they have plus Sinclair a right wing outfit has been buying up local stations it’s hard to combat that. The people willing to worship trump I don’t think realize in a dictatorship there are no rights no constitution no rights I do not understand why they would willingly give away rights to a dictatorship who will tell them what they can and cannot do I believe they think if they are on their side those harsh policies won’t affect them only the people on the left I don’t think this is being explained well to them

[@sheilamacdougal4874]

This Orwellian garbage is extraordinary. BLM and Antifa tore the country apart in the midst of a pandemic, murdering dozens, looting, burning, occupying city centres. The damage and death toll far exceeded anything that right-wing groups did cumulatively over several decades. So BLM and Antifa are not mentioned a single time in the interview, just flushed down one of Orwell's memory holes, while Proud Boys, Oathkeepers, and Jan. 6 rioters are mentioned dozens of times and take up 95% of the interview. Then the interviewee claims that a key difference is that violence on the left is not "egged on" or defended by mainstream leaders, unlike Trump and the right. Utter fabrication. We can quote dozens of mainstream Democrats excusing (or trying to deny) the violence, while others actually endorsed the slogan of "No justice, No peace", the open call for violent disruption. As for Biden, his mealy-mouthed rejection of violence was late and perfunctory, knowing full well that the Democratic Party, which played an instrumental role in fomenting violent protest, benefited directly in an election year. Just wretched partisan propaganda from this channel, in a contrived interview with some flunkie "expert".

[@dennyworthington6641]

"Those who can make you believe absurdities can make you commit atrocities." Voltaire

[@kevinjenner9502]

The US invasion of Iraq declared illegal by UN Secretary General Kofi Annan on Sept 15, 2004…The US tried in absentia by the International Commission of Jurists in Geneva…

[@JohnGlen502]

So true. Trump started with "Fake news" and breaking the trust in our institutions.

[@alwayslernin4400]

​@@kevinjenner9502karma?

[@dreamervanroom]

And Kamala speaks of abiding by international law She is a sock-puppet for "whatever we say goes".@@kevinjenner9502

[@carykalscheuer6429]

The delay and lack of enforcement by DOJ of Trump’s violations has contributed to this situation. Why were so many put in jail for their J6 activities while Trump is stilled allowed to walk and talk? DOJ should have charged him with sedition or insurrection similar to what Colorado did. This should have been done 3 years ago. The failure of the Senate to impeach Trump also contributed to this.

[@hellhound47bravo3]

Unfortunately the whole impeachment process is a political one, and it's all too easy for a party to simply ignore evidence.

[@wirinheaven]

Thanks for affirming yet another reason to vote MAGA out of Congress in November.

[@heyjoe9228]

They don't got nothing on him they pushing this narrative to keep us fighting against each other while they are laundry all our money to these other countries

[@michaeldautel7568]

The reason Trump is not yet in Jail is due to his delay and sufficient money to continue delaying.

[@guitarjeff55]

True trump needs to be gone send him to pluto or 12 feet under enough

[@dianewhalen9721]

Trump is like a monster eating up your democracy.

[@firstlast-gn5bo]

Not like, IS a monster. Subhuman monster.

[@ttacking_you]

We have a literal supervillain but no counterpart.

[@rockrecordreport7136]

@@ttacking_you Our votes should do it.

[@thatlittlevoice8292]

.. what comes out the other end?

[@ttacking_you]

@@thatlittlevoice8292.... his base

[@t.a.k.palfrey3882]

As a European who lived & worked in the US for a decade some time ago, the aura of division and mutual distrust and disrespect in the country was a great shock to me. The rah-rah patriotism we outsiders observe at sports games and on 4th July are just a thin veneer, now being shattered by a failed culture of individualism and self-protection and fear, bolstered by unrestricted gun ownership.

[@antwanaynay]

Thanks a lot. We are a country with a lot of people, a huge territory, and a complicated history.

[@bevtaylor5466]

It’s not just gun ownership, though the lack of restrictions makes it more dangerous. After Reagan ended the Fairness Doctrine, the result was a much more partisan media. People can fall into information silos where they are ignorant of the facts.

[@iv2sab512]

Well said. Unrestricted gun ownership just makes the divisions and social pathology that much more dangerous. I grew up in the U.S. but now live abroad. Thus I've had a chance to be deprogrammed from the constant pro-2nd-amendment propaganda. It's unbelievably destructive to society and should be repealed. Unfortunately it is politically next to impossible to do this.

[@brianruppert1071]

I was raised an evangelical in the midwest and, fortunately, quit that form of Christianity and became a professor. I'm so relieved to now live and teach in Japan now, for both my and my family's sake. The US is as dangerous as Germany in the mid-1930s, but with arguably a greater gun problem. Will it become the same as Germany in 1938 and onwards? I wouldn't be against that possibility at this point, because the legal system is too weak to deal with open fascism from the top (i.e., if DT is elected again in November of this year).

[@erikpeterson25]

Good insight.....just f.y.i. there is unreported NEWS yet upcoming ...ironically it involves certified mail received The White House April 17th 2018 and also cc'd to members of congress and state government , followed up on 2019, 2020, 2021 and ongoing to U.S. citizens ...in March 2021 the current chief executive was notified by Express Mail also certified ...... Noted in he PLAN submitted in 2018 was that it could be privately funded i.e. DONE outside of government.... DOPE SLAP HEARD ROUND THE WORLD .....without violence Cheers and best

[@josephcostello4261]

One of 81 million people who voted for Biden, right here

[@scottsweeney6903]

Don't advertise you voted for far worse than orange man. Based on data of course I blame the public education system. What was the final death count ? I remember the bodies strewn over the capital. I could not watch after the 11 senators bodies were shown. Dishonest hearts! Biden has done irreplaceable damage and the payments are coming due. Maybe print/devalue the US currency more. We are weaker, mocked, massive debt created, inflation, divided under Biden then in my lifetime. Undueing Trump good things was first out. 4th quarter illegal entrants was more than 4 years of Trump.Remember under 2.00/ gallon gas? North Korea, Russia and China see the lunacy taking over our country. China will take Taiwan like Russia is trying Ukraine.Heck, Iran is now emboldened. PLEASE this time Nov.l,love your country more than you hate Trump. We will not go into the city here after dark. As we get more left we get more third world. History confirms these outcomes we see with our eyes. Please do not burn, loot or lie if he gets elected. 548 times the costs of capital building for last protests your team of hate America had. I missed a COVID shot so forgive me. Did you guys know the guy wearing the Halloween costume was actually wearing 007 James bond type outfit? That was the smoke of weapons the suit provided going off. The one shown over and over and over. Oops, it was gas agent used during the 9/11 type attack!!!! Do any of you have a sliver of an honest heart? I say no but there's still hope. TDS vaccine! I did not vote Trump either time. That should shut down the first initial default excuse/attack. It was wrong to instigate a riot. Let's focus on the big issues. Namaste, orange man bad, USA bad, fluid gender and shut them vehicles down and patriarchy is why no one wants to come here....Am I in now??? Good, just don't burn stuff down if your gaslighting backfires and Trump gets inflation under control and fix all the emboldened countries like Russia, North Korea to start. imagine a paradigm shift to reality. Nevermind. Orange man bad. Got it!

[@fairyprincess911]

🙌🏽👏🏽👍🏽

[@jakebe4915]

We outnumber the MAGA Cult Creeps.

[@michelewarnecke4535]

Ditto

[@jeromedamian5740]

The problem with America today is the lack of accountability. Especially by these terrorists on January 6th.

[@BlackDoveNYC]

Don’t forget the ones who set up fake electors. They should have been in jail already.

[@jakebe4915]

And their Cult Leader, DJT.

[@janinewetzler5037]

In a PBS interview, on Amanpour I think, from two years ago: Robert mentions that nowadays we have zero percent chance of a suicide terrorist since 9/11...I disagreed. The U.S. has already seen since 9/11 numerous 'domestic terrorists' in school shootings, mall shootings, concert shootings willing to commit suicide either themselves or by cop.

[@robertpickett2569]

Accountability,... In the modern-day with the world of issues, never the jaded feeling of history,....Right..!?!?!? If we are of the capable intelligence kind of society, we ought to consider this as the warning of change, could become our own demise,... 😞🇺🇸

[@davidjames2083]

*Robert Pape clearly knows his onions ( **_as we'd say over here in England_** ) and it's extremely disturbing indeed. If America turns into some kind of fascist dictatorship the whole world is knackered!* - many thanks to him and Walter Isaacson - Yours, Worried of England* 🤨🇬🇧🍺

[@tracysample6942]

I'm half British and follow politics across the mind and England is in big trouble too.

[@davidjames2083]

You're dead right Tracy! The sickos are everywhere!@@tracysample6942

[@kevinjenner9502]

The CIA’s first Coup, in violation of International Law and the UN Charter, came at the request of Britain. Eisenhower overthrows the Iranian government in 1953. (CIA Operation Ajax..MI6 Operation Boot)

[@paulheydarian1281]

*Onions* 😋 I like mine raw. 😮

[@sheilamacdougal4874]

Pape is a paid propagandist, and this Orwellian garbage is extraordinary. BLM and Antifa tore the country apart in the midst of a pandemic, murdering dozens, looting, burning, occupying city centres. The damage and death toll far exceeded anything that right-wing groups did cumulatively over several decades. So BLM and Antifa are not mentioned a single time in the interview, just flushed down one of Orwell's memory holes, while Proud Boys, Oathkeepers, and Jan. 6 rioters are mentioned dozens of times and take up 95% of the interview. Then the interviewee claims that a key difference is that violence on the left is not "egged on" or defended by mainstream leaders, unlike Trump and the right. Utter fabrication. We can quote dozens of mainstream Democrats excusing (or trying to deny) the violence, while others actually endorsed the slogan of "No justice, No peace", the open call for violent disruption. As for Biden, his mealy-mouthed rejection of violence was late and perfunctory (no less so and arguably more so than Trump’s on Jan. 6), knowing full well that the Democratic Party, which played an instrumental role in fomenting violent protest, benefited directly in an election year. Just wretched partisan propaganda from this channel, in a contrived interview with some flunkie "expert" that no one ever heard of.

[@jeffreyenglish1815]

Wanting diversity in America is not malicious. The foundations of the American ideals requires it.

[@iv2sab512]

Indeed. Our country is immeasurably richer because of it. Our political system would be much crueler and more racist (than it already is) if only white men were permitted to vote, like in the bad old days.

[@scotthullinger4684]

@@iv2sab512 - The only way diversity is achieved these days is by deliberately allowing an open border for the unauthorized entry of diverse people. The USA has overcome countless obstacles, only to have it all reversed by the Democrat party, the same ones responsible for slavery, the same party which still demonstrates racism in this day and age. Democrats believe they have somehow advanced their goodness by allowing even illegal aliens to vote. Democrats don't value law and order, and they typically want to achieve their objectives in unauthorized ways.

[@scottsweeney6903]

White man bad! Got it. Enjoy what is left of the greatest most giving country in history. Fiscal insolvency < 2 decades. I think our enemies know we are a country finally in decline. A worthy conversation to be had is...how important is keeping our military ready from those who seek our destruction? We already see the mass looting at historic levels. Lawlessness is becoming more of the law of the land. I don't know where you live but I will not go into the city where I live after dark. Carjackers, road rage shootings, and my money buys little now. Just need honest hearts on both sides.Now that is the smallest minority in the country right now!

[@JohnGlen502]

But why wanting it? Don't you just appreciate it when it's there, if it's positive.

[@JR-pr8jb]

Our belief in small-D democracy, our scorn for violence, means nothing unless we VOTE!

[@guineapigzed]

I have no voice in California. Mob rule. I don’t believe in democracy.

[@mnguardianfan7128]

Correct!

[@Have_A_Nice_Day242]

Ok, but if Trump loses in 2024 and does this same shit again can we as a nation treat Trump as National Security Threat rather than a criminal?🇺🇲

[@sheilamacdougal4874]

This Orwellian garbage is extraordinary. BLM and Antifa tore the country apart in the midst of a pandemic, murdering dozens, looting, burning, occupying city centres. The damage and death toll far exceeded anything that right-wing groups did cumulatively over several decades. So BLM and Antifa are not mentioned a single time in the interview, just flushed down one of Orwell's memory holes, while Proud Boys, Oathkeepers, and Jan. 6 rioters are mentioned dozens of times and take up 95% of the interview. Then the interviewee claims that a key difference is that violence on the left is not "egged on" or defended by mainstream leaders, unlike Trump and the right. Utter fabrication. We can quote dozens of mainstream Democrats excusing (or trying to deny) the violence, while others actually endorsed the slogan of "No justice, No peace", the open call for violent disruption. As for Biden, his mealy-mouthed rejection of violence was late and perfunctory, knowing full well that the Democratic Party, which played an instrumental role in fomenting violent protest, benefited directly in an election year. Just wretched partisan propaganda from this channel, in a contrived interview with some flunkie "expert".

[@diamondsndregs]

We also have to protect our election systems. That's what authoritarians, the ones in power and the many that support them, will try to tear down.

[@elizabethbrown8833]

I'll never forget seeing FP Trump when President, standing in front of a wide screen tv with family n others, strangely, with the volume off, happily watching the Jan 6 riots. No sueprise or ntervention whataoever. Why was the sound off? RIP to the fallen hero Police Officer.

[@scotthullinger4684]

Controlling the riots was the responsibility of only the Washington D. C police. And guess what? They failed, and did absolutely nothing whatsoever. The mayor of D. C. was largely responsible, which is hardly surprising, only because D. C. has the most dense concentration of Democrats of any city.

[@MrP4v]

Frightening. Especially in a country with so many guns!

[@shirleyashanti3031]

Don't be without one when they come for u

[@theophany150]

Making sure the US is heavily stocked with guns was of course part of Putin's plan. He sent the NRA millions.

[@margo3367]

I often think it’s only the hesitation of the insurrectionists that day to use their weapons that saved this from being a bigger crisis than it was.

[@danielstadden1149]

​@@shirleyashanti3031Did Wayne LaPierre tell you that?

[@jvcyt298]

@@margo3367; If it wasn't for the incompetence of the parties involved, they may well have succeeded with their coup.

[@katherinecrossman8521]

My dad told me , back in the 60s , go back as far back in history , as far as you can , and back to today , and break down every war , no matter how little or big , you will come to realize , every war , is fought in the names of God and or greed . I am now 72 . And I have come to realize , these are the issues that drive politics . And war .

[@kevinjenner9502]

The American legacy of Forever Wars…Illegal Wars, occupations, regime change, and proxy wars in the post WW2 era.

[@collettemcquaide1662]

Your father was erudite.❤

[@katherinecrossman8521]

My dad came home from ww2 , and went to law school at the University of Utah. He only had a semester left to do , and ran out of money . Because my mom was pregnant with me . He finally earned engineering degrees in 3 fields. He loved studying history . He told me it was the only way to not carry mistakes into the future . And my mom always agreed , and said understand and find ways to correct the issues , that effect , the way the way people live , and then they don't behave in negative and violent ways . I try to follow their thinking . Because I see that it can work . Thankyou for your wonderful insightful compliment .

[@adamhouse6305]

I've been following Robert Pape's work ever since I got back from Afghanistan. I'm glad to see he's still helping bring clarity to issues around terrorism. Thanks for this video.

[@heyjoe9228]

Your boy Robert is saying the proud boys is a white supremacy group but if you do a research on the proud boys you find out the cofounder is a man of color and there's a few other people in that group that are people of color so how is that a white supremacist group if there's all different races in it

[@heyjoe9228]

And it's also funny how the Democrats in 2020 the black Rich ones told poor Black people white man and Republicans are racist and promoted them to burn down their cities and neighborhoods and the same black rich democrats telling poor Black people they can't have nothing in life because white man and the Republicans gonna take it away from you but how come they get to keep their money their fame their houses and their cars and no one taking it away from them and wasnt it The Democrats that want to mail in voting because they said Black people were too stupid to go get an ID because they don't know where the BMV is or they don't have $10 to get an ID and yelling at the Republicans and the white man is racist I seen u just a pawn

[@kevinjenner9502]

The “Afghanistan Papers”. 20 years of public lies / 20 years of private truths.

[@sheilamacdougal4874]

This Orwellian garbage is extraordinary. BLM and Antifa tore the country apart in the midst of a pandemic, murdering dozens, looting, burning, occupying city centres. The damage and death toll far exceeded anything that right-wing groups did cumulatively over several decades. So BLM and Antifa are not mentioned a single time in the interview, just flushed down one of Orwell's memory holes, while Proud Boys, Oathkeepers, and Jan. 6 rioters are mentioned dozens of times and take up 95% of the interview. Then the interviewee claims that a key difference is that violence on the left is not "egged on" or defended by mainstream leaders, unlike Trump and the right. Utter fabrication. We can quote dozens of mainstream Democrats excusing (or trying to deny) the violence, while others actually endorsed the slogan of "No justice, No peace", the open call for violent disruption. As for Biden, his mealy-mouthed rejection of violence was late and perfunctory, knowing full well that the Democratic Party, which played an instrumental role in fomenting violent protest, benefited directly in an election year. Just wretched partisam propaganda from this channel, in a contrived interview with some flunkie "expert" that no one ever heard of.

[@manita2653]

You must be a brave person to have been in Afghanistan. Thank you for your courage.

[@colleenorrick5415]

The US has long had a high tolerance for violence.

[@charlesreid3482]

Ever since the civil war

[@stephenharper6638]

Every country ever.

[@sparkleevenmore9638]

@@charlesreid3482ever since its bloody founding.

[@sheilamacdougal4874]

This Orwellian garbage is extraordinary. BLM and Antifa tore the country apart in the midst of a pandemic, murdering dozens, looting, burning, occupying city centres. The damage and death toll far exceeded anything that right-wing groups did cumulatively over several decades. So BLM and Antifa are not mentioned a single time in the interview, just flushed down one of Orwell's memory holes, while Proud Boys, Oathkeepers, and Jan. 6 rioters are mentioned dozens of times and take up 95% of the interview. Then the interviewee claims that a key difference is that violence on the left is not "egged on" or defended by mainstream leaders, unlike Trump and the right. Utter fabrication. We can quote dozens of mainstream Democrats excusing (or trying to deny) the violence, while others actually endorsed the slogan of "No justice, No peace", the open call for violent disruption. As for Biden, his mealy-mouthed rejection of violence was late and perfunctory, knowing full well that the Democratic Party, which played an instrumental role in fomenting violent protest, benefited directly in an election year. Just wretched partisan propaganda from this channel, in a contrived interview with some flunkie "expert".

[@scotthullinger4684]

Only the Left tolerates and easily allows violence. Sensible people, meaning Republicans, do everything to limit violence.

[@danielkotorman5780]

trump into prison!

[@cynthiaedwards954]

Thank you Mr. Pape for breaking down the rioters who were missed by the media.

[@richarda.lehrmannsr.7971]

One of the worst things that happened in America. You would never think that a Former President would do such a devastating damage. I still believe he should pay for the damages he caused

[@collectivided9484]

I've been loving these Amanpour interviews for the last few years. Thank you guys, excellent selection of interviewees and great questions from the interviewers. Thanks for producing.

[@sheilamacdougal4874]

This Orwellian garbage is extraordinary. BLM and Antifa tore the country apart in the midst of a pandemic, murdering dozens, looting, burning, occupying city centres. The damage and death toll far exceeded anything that right-wing groups did cumulatively over several decades. So BLM and Antifa are not mentioned a single time in the interview, just flushed down one of Orwell's memory holes, while Proud Boys, Oathkeepers, and Jan. 6 rioters are mentioned dozens of times and take up 95% of the interview. Then the interviewee claims that a key difference is that violence on the left is not "egged on" or defended by mainstream leaders, unlike Trump and the right. Utter fabrication. We can quote dozens of mainstream Democrats excusing (or trying to deny) the violence, while others actually endorsed the slogan of "No justice, No peace", the open call for violent disruption. As for Biden, his mealy-mouthed rejection of violence was late and perfunctory, knowing full well that the Democratic Party, which played an instrumental role in fomenting violent protest, benefited directly in an election year. Just wretched partisan propaganda from this channel, in a contrived interview with some flunkie "expert".

[@IFKY]

This man just clearly articulated exactly what I've been fearing for a few years now, but reassuring myself with the fact that I'm not an studied expert on the matter. But now, if it's the case, what happens next is going to be horrific. This movement doesn't stop on its own--it's like a tidal wave. Ultimately we as a country will need to decide when to stand up and be a wall against this wave. There will need to be a resistance. We are headed for war. I fear the longer we put this off the worse it will be. At this point, since (through cowardice and fear) Congress has abdicated their responsibility as a check and balance, if the Supreme Court falls for politics, we are certainly doomed.

[@maryr7593]

Check how many US Americans have moved overseas in the last few years...namely to Portugal but also other countries in Europe. Many of them moved before end of Trump's presidency....as they saw movements happening as this professor highlights. Majority of ppl have enough financial resources to move themselves and children to other places...not necessarily just retired folks.

[@carliene9389]

@@maryr7593So true

[@sheilamacdougal4874]

This Orwellian garbage is extraordinary. BLM and Antifa tore the country apart in the midst of a pandemic, murdering dozens, looting, burning, occupying city centres. The damage and death toll far exceeded anything that right-wing groups did cumulatively over several decades. So BLM and Antifa are not mentioned a single time in the interview, just flushed down one of Orwell's memory holes, while Proud Boys, Oathkeepers, and Jan. 6 rioters are mentioned dozens of times and take up 95% of the interview. Then the interviewee claims that a key difference is that violence on the left is not "egged on" or defended by mainstream leaders, unlike Trump and the right. Utter fabrication. We can quote dozens of mainstream Democrats excusing (or trying to deny) the violence, while others actually endorsed the slogan of "No justice, No peace", the open call for violent disruption. As for Biden, his mealy-mouthed rejection of violence was late and perfunctory, knowing full well that the Democratic Party, which played an instrumental role in fomenting violent protest, benefited directly in an election year. Just wretched partisan propaganda from this channel, in a contrived interview with some flunkie "expert".

[@sheckyfeinstein]

Don’t leave out members of the armed forces and law enforcement that oppose peaceful transition.

[@ellenbruckermarshall4179]

Paychecks and pension data sets could show how forces for/against democratic and constitutional demise are funded by military budgets.

[@theophany150]

You think the armed forces would support that?

[@bwanna23]

Another way of saying it would be to not forget the members of the military and law enforcement who would embrace the idea of a neo-fascist dictatorship. There are plenty of them, and they are going through their maneuvers right now.

[@scotthullinger4684]

I support any lawman who hates the Biden administration. Same for any military man.

[@CyberspacedLoner]

Populists, especially those from the left wing are fighting to restore Popular Democracy, in order to reign in the Corporations and Super Rich Billionaires who have infiltrated and taken over Government (and recreated an Oligarchy and Plutocracy in the United States), Media, Universities, Religious Organizations, NGOs, etc. since the late 1970s to protect their economic and political; interests and agendas, most politicians, officials, journalists, other people in the institutions of society have allowed themselves to become bribed and/or blackmailed into working for the interests and agendas of the few instead of the many, the lower 90% are desperate and tired after 46+ years of growing and now extreme inequality in education, health, income, wealth, quantity and quality of social relations,

[@leslieacoca5876]

Brilliant, clear, urgent commentary. Thank you>

[@phillylifer]

I think this is the results of not prioritizing oublic education. We teach kids how to exist in capitalism, but not in a civil society

[@phillylifer]

I should qualify, we teach kids how to exist in capitalism in a way that benefits investors, not the kids themselves.

[@johnkuncho7239]

You are almost saying what Henry Commander (historian) once said. He was an advocate for teaching civics in public schools. He said something to the effect that we will lose our liberty when we fail to teach our young how to function in a democracy.

[@johnkuncho7239]

Sorry, the name was Henry Commanger. I didn't see the auto correct.

[@999montanaguy]

I’m so sick of this both sides do it nonsense. Name one instance of a left insurrection or act.

[@Ron-rs2zl]

He said that there is a penchant for violence on the left but no demagogue to fan the flame. The right is fanning and fueling the fire.

[@chrismorfas7515]

I’m not making this argument, but research suggests that those on the right see the urban protests circa 2019/20 as equivalent to, or worse than 1/6/21. 🤷‍♂️

[@maremma14]

I don't think that was what Prof. Pape said. He was talking about popular sentiment in favor of violence. People may be in favor of violence, or at least not opposed to it, without actually engaging in it themselves. In that regard, Prof. Pape's data is what it is.

[@999montanaguy]

@@maremma14 it’s the same old both sides do it nonsense, otherwise why bring it up? Only one side doesn’t want to govern or accept elections. When trump won people marched, no violence.

[@frany4417]

He also pointed out that the rhetoric causing the violence is coming from Trump and other top political figures on the right. While also pointing out that Biden is CONSTANTLY condemning political violence. Telling ppl to take it to the ballot box. In other words, Biden is the grown-up in the room.

[@sheckyfeinstein]

Mr. Pape’s analysis is compelling.

[@mnguardianfan7128]

He repeated that there is support for violence on the left.... Who? Where? I have honestly not seen this at all.

[@keep-ukraine-free528]

@sheckyfeinstein His analysis seems compelling, but a part of his treatise may have a flaw. He assumes the types of people prosecuted are statistically representative of all insurrectionists involved on Jan 6th. It may be that the ones prosecuted were easier to identify/find, thus easier to prosecute (due to their being small business owners & low-level executives who kept a public face - so identifiable). Those unknown/hidden are harder to find & prosecute. So it's a flaw to assume, as it seems he did, that those prosecuted were an accurate sampling of the entire group. Weakening his case is evidence from the Congressional January 6th Committee who found and described (though they didn't put focus on this point) that they saw two distinct groups who attacked our Capitol on J6. First, small organized militia forces (proud boys, oath keepers) who were very violent, strategic, & had plans & means to weaken the Capitol Police. Some militia leaders were prosecute. Second were violent ordinary citizens (but led/aided by militia from the first group who --after completing their frontal 1st attack-- then merged/hid into this 2nd group).

[@alphaomega8373]

Amanpour and Company is doing one heck of a service, for those that are clueless.

[@sheckyfeinstein]

If the clueless tune in.

[@0my]

She is the best at fake news if you ask me. This interview proves it.

[@michaelbrickley2443]

@@0mysmh….go away…go watch Trump lie and lie

[@igotthis402730]

@@0mycant handle the truth.

[@0my]

@@michaelbrickley2443 I can't, the corporations won't let me. He's still not allowed on YT

[@cheeks2696]

Please tell me, when will trump become irrelevant!

[@cmdrspockncc1701]

@@graeglobe Then all of them need to go away.

[@birdsndog5932]

@@cmdrspockncc1701- too many. Not feasible.

[@Maggie-zr2ow]

Trumpism won’t go away for a very, very long time, if at all. It’s not about Trump but about all the people supporting this fascist movement. And we got here after decades of decay in norms, decency, and facts/truth. Throw in the increasing wealth gap along with the destruction of the middle class, and climate change causing more migration across the planet and making resources more scarce…things will only be getting worse. The chaos will feed more chaos, and increasingly people will look to a dictator to solve the problems.

[@theophany150]

It looks like he has dementia. But really he has always leased out power to others anyway, while he went and played golf.

[@raymondmiller5098]

When Gangster Trump and his odious theocratic, autocratic MAGAst finally leave office - around 2036.

[@auntieem6781]

Those upper class people think they will be the lieutenants and generals in the new autocratic regime.

[@janetgerney2094]

The US has been shifting toward the 'money=power' form of government for literally decades.

[@cmdrspockncc1701]

We must vote blue no matter what

[@user-ew7py1wd9v]

You obviously mistyped. You must vote TRUMP to save our democracy 🎉

[@kokohead333]

@@user-ew7py1wd9v what a ridiculous comment

[@frany4417]

💙🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊💙

[@tracysample6942]

trump is wannabe dictator. Said so himself. @@user-ew7py1wd9v

[@reidwhitton6248]

If blue is so great, why is a demagogue like Trump so popular? Both parties are serving corporate interests first and the people second.

[@danny1682]

Mr. Pape should be invited to all the news outlets (FOX, CNN, MSNBC etc) whenever the discussions involve the elections and the Supreme Court.

[@IFKY]

100%!!!!!!!!!

[@dgodrummer8110]

Faux doesn't want to expose or discuss truth/reality, they want guests/commenters who will keep alive the idea of the a threat that will therefore keep alive their sense of patriotism and having a fight to live for.

[@maryr7593]

He was also on PBS Newshour. His research group has apparently wrote articles of their findings. We should get those papers out to the media...et large.

[@grantsmythe8625]

Carl Jung speaks of a layer of society which is composed of people who are, for one reason or another, living on the edge of sanity and normality, just waiting for a demagogue to come along and light their fire.

[@theophany150]

Yes. The main trait Cambridge Analytica selected for was paranoia.

[@grantsmythe8625]

@@theophany150 Paranoia? Well, I am not surprised. Paranoia is the key ingredient for a demagogue's seduction of the masses.

[@ey67]

Paranoid runs deep. Into your life it will creep. Buffalo 🦬 Springfield. You better stop heh what's that sound. Everybody hear what's going down. 😂 Or something like that.

[@grantsmythe8625]

@@ey67 Buffalo Springfield "For What It's Worth".

[@intheshell35ify]

Holy crap. In 4 comments you guys have given me an entire afternoon of research.

[@Bangle9]

One thing he didnt mention is that these affluent, educated insurrectionists largely come from areas that only recently are feeling the demographic changes from homogeneous to diverse ethnics-if I remember correctly from a similar report I heard about a year ago.

[@Wanda649]

You are Correct, some Can't except change, And don't want to Get along with others, Love Thy Neighbor?

[@fairyprincess911]

Exactly

[@echaleagua]

Here's why...because these people were accustomed to certain self imposed privilege, so now having to be more equal with those new people coming in, is just rocking their world. They turn into teenage bullies who will not share anything! And don't want ANY part of mixing in with the new ones, because theyve been told bad things will happen to them if they do, by a big stinking orange ape.

[@mariag.8242]

This is the guy who did that research and was interviewed here 2 years ago.

[@9000ck]

The other difference; the radical right are armed to the teeth.

[@melindahall5062]

That is true…big difference.

[@paulheydarian1281]

They have the right to bear arms. But as Filomena Cunk so wisely asked, "Do bears have arms?" 🤔🐻💪💪🏽💪🏿

[@myopinion8336]

Your justice works too slow to be effective

[@Westernaut]

Very sad to see this happening in my country.

[@scotthullinger4684]

The only sad part is people who are not capable of recognizing who the actual perpetrators were, which did NOT include Trump supporters. It was all orchestrated & carried out by the extreme Left and Far Right.

[@fairyprincess911]

I hate to say it but all the things I have always loathed about this country are burying this country.

[@scotthullinger4684]

@@fairyprincess911 - I suppose you're indeed correct, but ... ? Just be more specific: WHAT has "buried" the country? Accomplished HOW? And specifically by WHOM?

[@fairyprincess911]

@@scotthullinger4684 it’s after midnight

[@scotthullinger4684]

@@fairyprincess911 - My brain cells stay awake 24 hours a day - How about yours?

[@victoriaogrady360]

If Trump is reelected, it will truly be Armageddon....I'm not kidding

[@teresamoreno6650]

He’s the Antichrist! Madman ! 🙏🏻🇺🇸

[@scotthullinger4684]

If Trump is re-elected, please move out permanently so you can enjoy yourself. The rest of us all need a genuine break from the nonsense being perpetuated. Armageddon is already being achieved by idiot Biden, that dude who has not accomplished a single beneficial thing for the nation during his entire existence.

[@jorgedelgado5881]

If tRUMP is re-elected this country will get what it deserves.

[@scotthullinger4684]

@@jorgedelgado5881 - Right - with Trump, this nation will get a well deserved and much improved economy, a less racist citizenry, people who know the difference between male and female, people who know and understand the importance of the founding of our nation and those who accomplished it. THIS is what the country deserves - not Democrat shit. We will also get something less than 10,000 illegal aliens a day crossing the southern border, and a more active police force who feels supported by those in political positions - instead of disrespected. How about an improved Justice System? That, too, is on the horizon with TRUMP - IDIOT JOE BIDEN HAS DELIVERED THE WORST OF EVERYTHING.

[@virginiabaer1110]

Unfortunately, so many will not understand what’s coming at them!! My grandparents escaped Germany and the Brown Shirts. My grandfather used to frequently lecture us on why and how Germany went down the rabbit hole with Hitler, so many never saw it coming but my grandfather did because he was politically outspoken and against that regime. I listened very carefully to his lectures and I studied history just like he did.

[@danielabbey7726]

This insightful discussion confirms my suspicion that we're experiencing a similar period in the US to the 1920s Weimar Republic in Germany, and we've just lived through our own Beer Hall Putsch.

[@claudepoulin8558]

I bet Russia will do everything it can to help Trump so to create chaos in the US.

[@carolyngarman1422]

China is doing it too, not just Russia.

[@user-wz2zw8wq2p]

They are already and were doing it at even our midterm elections too. Republican Party is already completely infiltrated by 🇷🇺 because of their lust for power at any costs cheating notwithstanding. Disgusting.

[@kevinjenner9502]

China’s recent history of illegal wars, occupations, regime change, and proxy wars in Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, Syria, and Yemen, are indeed a cause for concern.

[@loisk6186]

So scary.

[@24Alisonall]

Wow, this is a very scary, disturbing, and thought-provoking discussion. Mr. Pope has put it in such precise terms as to give me a huge reason to reconsider my plans for my future here in the US as a Democrat. I don't want to see another civil war in this country. I fear it may come true.

[@0my]

Yes I agree. A very interesting comment. Do you know where I can find a respectable financial advisor with experience in crypto?

[@grantsmythe8625]

There's no need to be either a Democrat or a Republican. Be an Independent. Why guarantee either party your vote? Make them work for your vote.

[@Maggie-zr2ow]

Short term you’d be safe, but longer term the problems here will only cause problems everywhere else. Already we’re seeing fascism sprouting in Europe (Italy, France, Netherlands, etc). As the wealth gap increases and the middle class gets destroyed (everywhere), and climate change causes resource problems everywhere, we will see more fascism. If you stand out at all in a foreign country by look or speech, you can easily be a target as unrest builds. There are already reports of American expats having tensions with locals around the world. My family has already evaluated a move and we’ve come to the conclusion that it’s actually better here. That’s saying something.

[@Ron-rs2zl]

​@@grantsmythe8625the Republican party is the party of insurrectionist. There is no two sides to this matter. The party is infected with trumpism and will be long after trump is in prison. For now there is only one party that can be trusted with democracy.

[@abc3375]

@@grantsmythe8625 If you're an independent then you may as well be Republican and kiss women's reproductive rights goodbye.

[@nsbd90now]

There is a big difference between Nazi and racist types thinking of political violence being necessary, and their potential victims thinking the same thing. To not make that distinction seems morally bankrupt and not quite intellectually honest. "Disagreeing" with racists, fascists, traitors and their friends is not the same as disagreeing over pizza toppings.

[@bsastarfire250]

Edmund Burke ” (1770): "When bad men combine, the good must associate; else they will fall, one by one, an unpitied sacrifice in a contemptible struggle."

[@mistiecantey1]

Excellent point

[@margaretjames1579]

Defending yourself And country is defense not violence.

[@nsbd90now]

@@margaretjames1579 Sure it is, but not all violence is bad. Aggression is what is bad.

[@mariag.8242]

Exactly! I think left wing people saying they will fight to stop trump are talking about him trying to illegitimately retake power.

[@davidgagne3569]

Become involved. First, work and donate to defeat Trump. second, work and donate to defeat Republicans. The people that attacked our country on were two things: Reppublicans and Traitors. So we need to get up off the couch, roll up our sleeves and get to work. Volunteer for the Bidfen campaign. Call them. Offer to help out. Volunteer for your local Democratic candidates.

[@kmarchery]

Not technically traitors. If you use the constitution of USA Definition of traitors. Insurectionist, Not traitors till they use warfare . This is political violence. And insurection (sp) Not treason . Not yet at least .

[@davidgagne3569]

@@kmarchery ____ LOL. This is the very definition of warfare. They physically attacked our country. Beyond that your response is a perfect example of what NOT to say. So many "journalists" and folks on the left try ever so hard to be "correct" that they wind up not communicating anything. Bwaaaahahaha! You know what else could be called political violence? WW2.

[@HeirOfNothingInParticular]

@@kmarchery It was sedition, something only a traitor would do.

[@kmarchery]

@@HeirOfNothingInParticular Sedition Is a step towards treason Or a leap . In some countries It is treason . Russian federation has pretty thin treason laws at moment but it is in an undeclared war at moment n a less than gentle presidency. But in USA it requires using warfare or aiding enemies in commiting warfare . Just learnt that detail yesterday. Sedition in the context of the USA is not treason . I find it strange but Kinda comforting which makes it stranger. The rioters can n should be prosecuted Same with Trump who offered comfort encouraging their actions . Yet they can come back to society And not be traitors after being punished. While I think it's unlikely,it is possible for those who choose to support the seditious actions which is sedition itself can choose To change their minds cause they did not cross the line into treason . Treason is usually punished by death No coming back from that . The comfort is the possibility of not killing . I think we can agree government execution requirements should be only in real extreme circumstances, preferably never .

[@mnguardianfan7128]

Exactly WHO on the left is advocating for violence? I have honestly have not heard anyone doing this.

[@scotthullinger4684]

Examine the entire political establishment on the Left. They LOVE violence.

[@TheAureliac]

No one in leadership. I think it's an undercurrent of sane people who are tired of the right's total disregard for the rule of law. And my bet is that most of those who advocate violence to keep Trump out of office again are actually wanting law enforcement to stop right wing mob violence.

[@bsastarfire250]

Think he's looked into groups who may violently oppose Adolf Trump.

[@penny1518]

Admission. I have wondered from time to time what I would do if caught in the cross fires.

[@scotthullinger4684]

@@bsastarfire250 - Those who oppose Trump violently trashed the streets of hundreds of cities a few years ago by smashing store front windows, and setting streets on fire. Television reporters said ... "there's no evidence of violence" while flames burned the city in the background. Hey idiot ... tell me ALL about "violence" among the Trump camp. Such as? Maybe the riots on January 6 where the were countless pretenders and Far Right groups such as Antifa ... ? Every Democrat knows who's actually responsible, but they deny it.

[@utopianna]

Much respect for Professor Pape's work. In his analysis of the people who stormed the Capitol on Jan 6, in his breakdown of who the protesters were in terms of occupation or vocation I am reminded that we were provided that information before although the press has largely ignored it, as he said, and focused on the Proud Boys and their ilk. I do not find that odd at all. From my experience with business professionals, medical to merchants, I have seen a lot of Republican supporters. I have yet to hear, however, in any polls if a political party affiliation has been verified. One would assume that since the people in attendance were Trump supporters that they were also Republicans but how do we know that? And were they voting Republican prior to Trump or did he sway them to the party? Would also be good to know where they are now in their party affiliation. It is an important data point. Especially now that we see a lot of Republicans leaving Congress.

[@richardborowski6190]

Best spot on tv I’ve watched in months . 👍

[@FlowerM735]

Younger generation speak up vote against Donald Yrump??? 💙💙💙🦋🦋💙❤️

[@squishsquall3159]

Stop trying to "both sides" this scenario

[@MAYK1NG]

FOX, Rupert Murdough, Sean Hannity, Tucker Carlson and the blonde woman 0 their roles cannot be underestimated, Their nightly narrative which’s in total bad faith, supported this Unsurectionit movement. Dollars, dollar bills y’all.

[@jimako6]

And no accountability beyond ridiculous for fux spews despicable hosts

[@iv2sab512]

We really need to bring back the equivalent of the fairness doctrine.

[@IFKY]

100%. It's been a ruthless psy-op run on the gullible for years if not decades. Of course this is going to be the predictable result.

[@scotthullinger4684]

@@jimako6 - Those who oppose FOX of course oppose free speech, too. Such people hate the hosts mentioned, but they're not capable of explaining why, so they make up shit about them, and denigrate them as people because they're not capable of anything else. You speak of accountability. All I ask is ... accountable for WHAT? What have such people done which you disagree with? Give me a big long list of "such as ..."

[@chuckkottke]

The fuel and matches to this phenomenon is what I'm concerned about. A tornado doesn't just happen, there has to be pent up heat in the system and those swirling vortexes on the ground that link up to create a tornado. 🌪️

[@johnjaksich431k]

This is a sad story - Democracy is a means to a greater good!

[@guineapigzed]

It’s just mob rule. Keep taxing me.

[@zippyustar6350]

The honesty of being deeply deceitful to all. Violence seems to be spilling out the top of the boiling pot. You can’t punch smart into stupid.😂

[@geneahart5607]

This is complete insanity! All because one person is still walking around free.

[@johnmenapace1747]

What does it tell us about this mainstream, affluent, businessmen element of society in the USA; in short, is it money (or, perhaps, the absence of more and more of it for themselves) that is at the root of their anger and, consequent penchant for violence . . . as opposed to support for our Constitution and economic system per se?

[@Maggie-zr2ow]

From what I’ve seen it’s that money is harder to come by for them, and they’re having to share the pie with people they don’t believe deserve it as much as they do. They also see that their perceived power in society is no longer what it was. Generations not doing as well as their parents for the first time, and this threatens their sense of legacy. The wealth gap is increasing while the middle class dwindles, and the types of businesses that allowed people to make good money are changing rapidly. So do they look to the Democratic Party that offers the status quo, or to the Republican Party that’s offering a complete destruction and rebuilding of the status quo? About 25% of any given population has a mind that is partial to authoritarianism/fascism. Add in societal crisis and that percentage goes up as those people look for a strongman to solve the society’s problems. The Constitution isn’t protecting them now and giving them the life they truly want so why would they protect and honor it?

[@firstlast-gn5bo]

I dispute that money is harder for them to come by. Their stock buybacks exploded during the pandemic along with their profit margins. John is correct, It’s their greed addiction, the never ending ‘more’ that makes them say that. Doesn’t mean it’s true.

[@parrisprice5892]

Yup, insatiable greed for money, and the power dynamic to use money to get power, in order to get more money... GREEDY RACIST REPUBLIKKKANS

[@tammyjantzen9004]

It's the culmination of fear and outright lies fed to millions of people, for years, 24/7, by FOX, OAN, Newsmax, Alex Jones, Rush Limbaugh, etc. And they did it all for money. Then they unleashed dictator wannabe Trump & his minions on us. The likes of Bannon, Roger Stone, Stephen Miller, and the GOP. It's MAGA now. The Republican party is gone. The lies and despicable behavior is off the charts! Like Trump says, say it over and over again, and people will believe you. So many Christians worship him and believe he's the second coming.

[@tammyjantzen9004]

​​@@Maggie-zr2owIt's about white Nationalism. That's what they want. The far-right white Christian extremists, now the GOP, want to stay in power at all costs. They use the base, the poor... for votes only. They do nothing for them legislation-wise.

[@havabrownkittycat7107]

I figured most of the people rioting at the capital were upper middle class. The rest of us are too busy working and can’t afford to go to the “overthrow the government” party.

[@abeautifuldayful]

Political scientist Robert Pape gives the best timely and objective analysis three years later that I've seen yet. The main thing I learned I didn't know before, if true, is that there is possibly even more sentiment for political violence on the left than the right. What's needed are leaders to egg them on towards violence. It's easy to see who does that. It gets harder to see who might in the future if circumstances or leaders change on either side. Who could be waiting in the wings on the left or the right? That's the big question. Another question is how willing either side might be to use violence if or when egged on by leadership on both sides? I predict a much sadder future in that case.

[@cynthiapikoulas487]

Actually, he pointed out that the right is currently where Trump is egging people on with the Lies about the Election being Stolen. Trump also convinced people that our Democracy was at stake, and that they would lose this country. Far right propaganda from Trump and Alex Jones, blaming Democrats is the opposite. . Truth is, it was Trump's hype to keep himself in power and PURELY politically motivated. Trump is Toxicity at it's best. The Democrats are focusing on a peaceful TRANSITION and preserving our Democracy. That's a Fact. Trump committed sedition against the US. Trump committed crimes, and screams Witchhunt because he is being held accountable for his actions.

[@angelaomara8366]

FACTS AND EVIDENCES SHOWS THAT VIOLENCE HAS ONLY CAME AND STILL COMES FROM THE RIGHT.

[@intheshell35ify]

Trying to understand why a seemingly rational person would go Jan 6 is like trying to reconcile our violence as humans with the cool shix we do from time to time.

[@marklen2322]

That reminds me of Hitler

[@birdsndog5932]

Grew up in Germany. My German mother grew up during those years. Yes.

[@Erin-Thor]

There are videos of groups of 50-100+ white nationalists chanting “HEIL TRUMP‼️” At his rallies. Trump sees them, waves, smiles, gives a thumbs up sometimes and other times touches his heart. ♥️ And they media plays this down as fringe groups in the Republican Party, when it IS the Republican Party. DeSantis actively hires White Nationalists and KKK members in his advertising. He has been caught, they are terminated and DeSantis apologizes, then rehires different ones and the cycle repeats.

[@theophany150]

Yes, exactly. The naive types think we are just hurling insults! They do not know how closely right wingers often do imitate Hitler.

[@trishverdadan3756]

Trump admires Hitler, used to have Mein Kemf book at bedside. He uses Hitler quotes in his speeches. Wannabe Hitler.

[@amybair3205]

People are people. I’ve worked with many crazy doctors & nurses over the years. Everyone can name crazy business owners. Financial success &/or higher education does not equal a superior moral character, nor elevated intellect, social intellect in particular.

[@jazzypoo7960]

Great interview!

[@johnkelley1426]

While the grievances are real, the Jan 6th outburst was misplaced, misdirected. The US was founded on political violence, had a renewed birth in violence, strides in suffrage, labor protections, and civil rights were also achieved through violence. Political violence attacks when the government ACTS illegitimately. Modern examples include but are not limited to: congresses doing little except invest in stocks; courts turning back 50 years of rights, presidents/congress/DOD/DOS/NSC dragging the US into decades of pointless wars and then losing; 50 years of stagnant wages while the rich get richer. The wonder is what took so long for recent violence to emerge.

[@annien1434]

Thank you. Such a great interview.

[@brooklynnchick]

I hope that the SCOTUS will watch this and listen to this expert.

[@echaleagua]

@brooklynnchick the SCOTUS is mostly politically far right. They don't discuss law, they make it. And they LIE!! EX. Roe vs Wade. Those justices who lied when first interviewed said Roe was law for perpetuity, but then changed it!!!! as soon as they got seated by Trump. The other two, well, look up Robert Reich, this guy is an all knowing govt god

[@greggilquist1208]

What a compelling discussion, could watch it a few more times, on an important and frightening day..... Jan 6, three years ago was a work day. Some of us do not have our phones out at work. That day we did. Sept 11 happened just before the workday started for many Americans, we were all mostly at work Jan 6. The chilling part about business owners, architects, the 90 percent at the insurrection... (Chilling like the lady's Civil War question at CC's town hall). How bout the business owner at work that day, grinning with joy at the day's events, same individual whose reaction to a frail girl merely distributing Covid office procedures unannounced door-to-door, brought the police to our office... we can choose to be hyper-aware of violence, and be non-violent.

[@WoodstockG54]

If Trump were to see the inside of the White House again, knowing what Trump will do to the constitution, what options will the left have?

[@penny1518]

Excellent commentary, perspective. Thank you. Appreciate hearing something that is not a regurgitation.

[@foxyheart517]

I reference the 1992 Frontline documentary "The Betrayal of Democracy". The erosion of representative democracy has occurred for many many years and has paved the road to autocracy and all of it's attendant features including violence

[@timkasten343]

🇺🇸TRUMP4PRISON2024🇺🇸

[@markbeames7852]

And yet Justice Gorsuch, when he was a judge on the United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit, was cited in this Colorado decision with his case in 2012 citing Section 3 of the 14th Amendment. In that capacity, he wrote the panel opinion in Hassan v. Colorado. Hassan, a naturalized citizen, sued Colorado, arguing it was required to put him on the presidential ballot even though he was not a natural-born citizen and was therefore not constitutionally qualified to run for president. The Tenth Circuit ruled against him, with Gorsuch writing that states have “a legitimate interest in protecting the integrity and practical functioning of the political process” and that because of that, they can “exclude from the ballot candidates who are constitutionally prohibited from assuming office.” It’s that quote that makes its way into the Colorado Supreme Court opinion. It would very difficult for Gorsuch to vote against using the 14th Amendment in this current case involving the former president, Donald J. Trump.

[@andresmiguelcervantes4818]

The narrative, the media, the Murdochs.

[@Oceansta]

Outstanding interview. Really opens up a fresh perspective on the profile of the average Trump supporter.

[@jimmcleod8764]

I wonder if the fact that traveling to the capital costs $$ might help explain the unique demographic?

[@cdes68]

Are you all on meds? How come the main protagnists are still free to claim it did not happen?

[@daisymoonmccool8769]

This blew my mind and is terrifying.

[@user-gi2sv2pf4y]

Thank you

[@johnnydoe3603]

Never forget Jan 6th. 😢

[@robertbexar7777]

Hey Walter, what’s a victim to do when a bully (the Republican Party) hits you?

[@thatlittlevoice8292]

This guy was riveting.

[@user-rg4ez2ru2i]

We are heading towards becoming a new Somalia thanks to Cheeto Jesus

[@clenke0]

Its really our entire leadership, but xheeto doesn't help

[@user-wz2zw8wq2p]

@@clenke0President Biden & VP Harris are certainly not!

[@frany4417]

There's one party that is fueling the flames with their political rhetoric. The other party is trying to extinguish the flames by REPEATEDLY condemning political violence. That's what he said in his report. Considering 99% of the violence we've seen has come from the right. Kinda hard to BOTH sides this one.

[@lk3667]

When news programs include references to surveys and polls I think they owe it to Americans to prominently post a citation to the source and methods of those surveys and polls. Many of us wonder who exactly are they surveying? People with land lines that pick up random calls? Give us the sources. Quarterly surveys of whom exactly?

[@angelaomara8366]

Master degrees comes with specialization. Intelligence and character is individual. Your specialization doesn't measure your intelligence or your character.

[@kickywicky4616]

It's interesting how traditional his approach is, treating dissent as a pathological problem, not a political problem.

[@miltonthegreat6520]

History will judge Merrick Garland poorly, asking why he did nothing for two to three years.

[@Ron-rs2zl]

I agree to the extent that Garland sat on his hands for a year or more. Ironically he tried to avoid it looking political but now it's an election year and that bites at him a bit. We would be better off if this was behind us by a year.

[@theophany150]

Did nothing? Not sure we can say that at all. They pretty much had things figured out. I mean the J6 committee had things figured out, and they got the ball and ran quite a bit further.

[@firstlast-gn5bo]

I read he went to The Hague in August of 21 to meet with Smith. Smith was injured and couldn’t relocate right away.

[@courtneybrubaker9738]

Already has. I wish Jack were in the position.

[@DennisMoore664]

Well that wasn't at all disturbing!

[@stephenharper6638]

IKR? Spring is coming, just retired and planning a fishing trip. But, "Hey, the constitution, democracy, human rights are on the line!"

[@johncromwell2529]

Greatinterview

[@donelson52]

Very interesting Thank you

[@robertduster8508]

I think reason oat keepers and other groups were spotlighted, was they had a plan, and were potentially more dangerous.

[@northernhills863]

(17:31) "I think that's there's a hope, I think, by many people that 'Oh, we just need to wait out tRump, or somehow tRump will just disappear for a variety of reasons and then everything will be simply fine'... I think that's missing the forest through a very BIG tree of tRump, but I think it's missing the general landscape that we've now moved into." --Robert Pape, Chicago Project on Security and Threats So here's my question: if 'waiting it out' is not going to result in a solution to the current Right-Wing violent political expression, then what are the options? In my opinion, the core problems are the death of the Fairness Doctrine, the explosion of access to toxic disinformation media, and the helplessness of the FCC to enforce rules of public broadcast on non-broadcast media in this country... AND laws that seemingly fail to levy criminal consequences on someone who obscenely, knowingly, and blatantly LIES in ways that incite violence.

[@Johnjohn-rr5dn]

Absolutely 💯 💙💙💙

[@eddieo6466]

Great insight!

[@chiron14pl]

The findings presented here are truly frightening

[@Horribilus]

I’m am horrified by this, despite my moniker. It’s an epidemic of narcissism. Cluster B personalities, as they are called, now are an increasingly larger demographic. The product of the child rearing styles of latter half of the twentieth century.

[@Mt0428]

You mean abuse, it’s the product of being abused.

[@sherrytaha9268]

Thank you Robert Pape and Ammanpour and Co for giving facts and sounding the alarm in a most unsettling scenario. What are we do to about it now? One might have hoped that facts would change people's minds, but it seems that there is no agreement on what the 'facts' are........... Surely there is something both sides can unite behind? One might have hoped that something would be the preservation of unity and a viable democratic country. ? ?

[@mindofown]

excellent explanation

[@charvaka9526]

At 11:00 it is stated that of the parcticipants at 1/6 , "fully half were doctors, lawyers, architects etc. .... white collar", a gynecologist from Boston, CEOs Then at 13:50 the figure becomes 90%. "Half" 50% became 90%. Did I miss something?

[@user-gf5lz2vm1d]

I think he is referring to actual numbers at the rally being 50 percent affluent and then he is talking about the media missing the true makeup by focusing on the ten percent…so 90 percent are left out of being understood. Not sure though.

[@charvaka9526]

Thanks. That's a start.@@user-gf5lz2vm1d

[@annesandstrommusic7538]

50% were professionals. 90% were not associated with groups like Oath Keepers.

[@kkklawyer]

Trump's Insurrection Movement!

[@ceceliaroberts1475]

Wishing I was in college again to study this problem of political differences.

[@leonwaltemate6152]

Way back in history, a large number of people were rooting for John Dillinger. For some reason, that came to mind.

[@crithon]

well, the one thing about the "business owner" profile, well, how else can someone spend money to stay in DC, take a trip to the capitol ON A WEDNESDAY! There's money to be spent, and also mini-tyrant isn't uncommon for business, there's a lot of profile with these characters that gets fascinating, especially the 35 year olds. Like Britney Spears first husband was live streaming. A guy who peaked in his early 20s and now is at rally, there's a whole "Divorce dad" profile of them.

[@trishverdadan3756]

And incels, disgruntled males living with mother.

[@patriciajump9511]

Too many confounding factors to draw the conclusions he is. The rioters were extremes. And doctors have the money to pay for trips to DC as well as control over their work schedules, too. They won't come up short for the rent money and won't get fired for taking unscheduled time off. Extremes are not representative, even if they are suggestive, of widespread nationwide approval of violence.

[@maremma14]

Listen carefully @ 0.50 - 1.10. Prof. Pape did national surveys as well as gather data on the J6 rioters.

[@jellybean6778]

Good point, but the ones studied are representative of A group of the business leaders and elites on the right who are willing to participate in that type of attack, the ones who have no clue what a representative democracy is, and think they are too smart to have been conned.