When the week started no one was expecting the January 6th Committee to make the news, but it did today with the testimony of Cassidy Hutchinson, a one time senior aide to former White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows. Here are 4 observations of her testimony.
1. Defeated Former President Trump is as Bad As You Think He is....And Worse
Over the years, Trump has been described as "a spoiled toddler". When Mike Pence refused to go along with his scheme to block certification of the 2020 election, Trump told him, "I don't want to be your friend," as if he were in kindergarten. And now thanks to Hutchinson we now know that he throws ketchup at the wall when things don't go his way.
But it is much worse than that. We also now know that Trump not only knew his supporters were armed but that he didn't care they were armed because, "They're not here to hurt me." However, the same could not be said for Pence and Nancy Pelosi and Trump was fine with it.
It also turns out that Trump really did want to go down to the Capitol with the insurrectionists but the Secret Service said no. But Trump doesn't like the word no and when he heard it, he tried to physically accost a Secret Service agent and wrest the steering wheel of the presidential limo from him. Hutchinson stated under oath that Trump said, "I'm the 'effing President, take me up to the Capitol now!"
In light of this testimony, how can any Republican be prepared to support Trump for another White House bid or any elected office?
2. Republicans and Conservatives Will Continue to Rationalize & Justify Trump's Behavior
But of course Republicans and conservatives will continue to support Trump's re-election bid. Fox News anchor Martha MacCallum excused Trump's temper tantrums claiming that throwing his lunch was "not wholly out of character." Standards among conservatives have been sufficiently lowered that someone who is in the habit of throwing things in anger is perfectly acceptable behavior from a U.S. President. At least Democrats gave some pause after revelations of Minnesota Senator and 2020 presidential candidate Amy Klobuchar's temper and her habit of throwing objects at her staff came to light.
It is worth noting that MacCallum did not attempt to excuse Trump not caring his supporters were armed, physically accosting a Secret Service and attempting to take control of the presidential limo in order to oversee a coup. But I am sure others will find a way to do so. Paging Tucker Carlson.
3. Republicans and Conservatives Will Vilify Cassidy Hutchinson, But Not Under Oath
After today, Cassidy Hutchinson's life will never be the same. Whatever political ambitions within the Republican Party are gone. This is the least of her problems. She will likely have to live under armed guard for years to come possibly for the rest of her natural life. The source of this danger will come from Republicans and conservatives who will besmirch her and motivate Trump supporters to threaten grievous harm against her. What else can one expect from a group of people who worship Kyle Rittenhouse as a hero?
There will also invariably be Republican politicians and conservative media figures who will dispute Hutchinson's testimony, call her a liar and demand she be prosecuted for perjury. But not one of them is going to testify under oath to that effect. Those who will see fit to condemn Hutchinson have spent the past 18 months or so claiming Trump won the 2020 election, all they know how to do is lie in front of the camera. The question remains is if Hutchinson's testimony will motivate others to tell the truth.
4. How Many More Surprise Hearings Will The January 6th Committee Convene?
Before yesterday, the January 6th Committee wasn't expected to convene again until after Fourth of July weekend. The answer to that is how many people are willing to come forward and come forward with credible testimony? If it is a lot then it could be a question of the January 6th Committee managing the process. In which case, they might have to extend hearings. You can only surprise people so often, but in a fluid situation such as this where the stakes are so high they can always say there's more to come. At least until the midterms that is.
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