58 Comments
Dec 15, 2021Liked by Ari Melber

Today's newsletter was amazing, you have such a wonderful way of explaining everything in such detail. I read it twice, I didn't want to miss anything new that you hadn't reported before. The former guy knew every detail of what was happening and what the plan was for January 6th. He was loving every minute of the whole insurrection, because he was the instigator. Michael Cohen did say he talks in code, so I'm sure he did send many "messages" to his minions. I hope and pray that the DOJ will pursue these treasonous criminals, and hold them accountable. There is so much evidence against them, but the time is now. They have gotten away with so much for years. Our democracy is in such danger, and it's terrifying. Thanks again Ari!!!🙏

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Dec 15, 2021Liked by Ari Melber

Wow, Trump’s minions used PowerPoint to plan coup d’état?  They (Trump and his fellow traitors) knew what they were doing and brought in key players to plan and carry out this insurrection (coup d’état).  I have not heard of this traitor (former army colonel), Phil Waldron.  You made a good point that I never thought about and clearly explains how/ why Trump always skates through his legal battles (not writing down plans for a crime) and evades any legal consequences. Because of this, the offense comes off as a "hearsay". 

I am no legal expert like you, Ari but I still think that Trump and his followers should be held accountable (punished) for treason, insurrection (coup d’état) and other crimes.  This PowerPoint should be (is) one of the evidence to support the insurrection planning. 

I cannot wait to read on historical lessons and policy options in your future newsletters.

Our democracy is truly on shaky ground and if no actions/ drastic measures are not taken to maintain democracy, I am afraid that our country will be run/ ruled by authoritarians.

I will never see PowerPoint the same again🤔

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Dec 15, 2021Liked by Ari Melber

I don't think I'll ever truly understand how anyone could entertain these ideas to illegally hold on to power. It's like Trump tapped into people's worst impulses and they decided to go with it. You also touched on what I was wondering, which was who knew what was coming on Jan. 6? Did they really think it would work? And who will be left to prevent it the next time? Yeah, I'm convinced there'll be a "next time."

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founding
Dec 15, 2021Liked by Ari Melber

Thank you for another clear presentation of the facts. What is most worrisome to me is Congress’s involvement, or complicity, in this coup attempt. They received this PowerPoint on Jan.5? Those who are complicit need to go. They need to be voted out. This comes on the heals of Raphael Warnock’s brilliant and sobering speech about voting rights to the Senate yesterday. For those who did not hear it, he talks about how the Senate did change rules of the filibuster to save the economy last week, and they must change the rules again for democracy, to pass voting rights legislation, to secure elections, to prevent any more shenanigans.

I appreciate all your wonderful reporting on The Beat and here. Thank you, Ari.

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I appreciate that you will not let this coup story disappear. I don’t believe our country is apathetic rather we are in crisis overload. The fact that Republicans continue to downplay the coup attempt and all the other crises makes Trump and his allies words no less apocryphal. That level of obvious dishonesty is what disturbs me. It’s like some kind of crazy shared delusional state. What happened to reality and ethics?

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Why are the people in charge not screaming TREASON! at this point? Anyone involved in this coup no matter how small should be tried for treason! Thank you for your great explanation! We can always count on you!

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All of this strikes me as straight out of the Hitler playbook. His first coup attempt failed, he landed in jail and while there wrote Mein Kampf. Upon his release, he promotes his book, gathers supporters, creates his own militia (brown shirts), and has his people start to infiltrate local government. The disinformation about immigrants is spread, he starts his own newspaper, and these “alternative facts” become reality. Although everyone knows they are supporting lies, an entire country accepts the new reality. And little by little the humanity in every individual is worn away…it would break my heart to see a replay of this in America. Just remember, in a Vanity Fair interview of Donald Trump in the 80’s, Trump claims to have a book of all of Hitler’s speeches in his bedside table drawer. He also says that if he ran for President, it would be on the Republican ticket, because “they’ll believe anything”.

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“…extreme, dangerous, and profoundly un-American.” Perfect statement of truth. Thanks for keeping this on the front burner. We have a network of masterminds-including far right media disinformation specialists- strategically implementing a coup. In plain sight. A vision too many Americans either strongly support or are indifferent to because they can’t see the big picture. Only their personal interests. The enemy within is prevailing and it’s perplexing the majority of Americans seem powerless to act. Interested to know what you think could be done, besides laying out facts and truth, which you so expertly do.

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I cringe at the way we tiptoe around Trump’s January 6 attempted coup and his ongoing attempts to overthrow this democracy. We talk about him not sending emails and not having visible handprints—did we not hear him on the phone with Raffensperger? There is no accounting of people who are in jail for less. Trump is always the beneficiary of all these lewd, political and financial acts. There are those who say January 6 was practice. I say 2016 was practice, and it worked. Mueller did not really investigate the Russian interference. He was thwarted by the Trump administration, Republican lawmakers, and that propaganda channel: FOX NEWS. There are those who have been inching towards overthrowing this government and having another try at the Civil War for years. That Power Point by Waldron was quite explicit. This country exists today for ONE reason, I believe; that former VP Dan Quayle was able to reach Pence. Morally and Emotionally. Had Pence been willing to do ANY of what he was instructed, even this area of communication wouldn’t exist. We have to stop tiptoeing.

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Hi Ari…Thank you as always for your detailed analysis of the Trump train wreck! It’s just unbelievable how this man has gotten away with so much and walks free while all his minions protect him…why???

I’m tired of these Trump supporter who’ll fall on the sword for him while this country is falling apart.

Sorry for the rambling

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wow...imagine if they found such a Power Point in Hillary's emails....

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Americans that don't believe our country is in the midst of a most dangerous political climate to destroy our nation, should wake up, smell the coffee, and keep an eye on what is going on behind the scenes (of course also read this outstanding newsletter piece, awesome🤯). I particularly don't want us to get distracted by the side show clowns (Bobeart, Greene, Cawthorne, etc.) but pay attention to who is keeping quiet staying on the down low. That is who is dangerous!☣

These people who are willing to go to prison for Trump are only the pawns in this horrific Chess game.

Stay safe stay well!🥰🦋

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Wow Ari, if ever there was a newsletter that everyone needs to read, this would be it. Well done! Thank you. 🙏

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Is it just because there is no direct evidence? Or is it because the country is reluctant to prosecute a former President? Innocent until proven guilty? Trump Foundation, Trump University, Trump Corporation, Cohen, Stone, Manafort, the list goes on.

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When does it become a treasonable offense to plot a coup against our government? I agree it’s possible to try again - what would stop them. Is the past history of other countries repeating itself in the in our great democracy ? How can more aggressive moves be made now to deter these actors I fear that those involved will do anything to protect themselves and their actions prove that they are not invested in our democracy but have another agenda. If the media is saying Trump might run again why entertain that possibility because if that is a reality all is lost all is lost. If I defy cour order the laws would I be free waiting a trial no bail ? If your a parent you know when you require rules to be followed and don’t immediately reinforce has no meaning. Why are we so soft on these players when the stakes are sooo high Ari anyone answer these concerns

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Those suffering from "Trump Mania" somehow felt they were above the law and that the American people would happily accept whatever Trump said. They were all mistaken and should now be held responsible for participating in an insurrection and attempted coup!

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