In Washington today, supporters of President Trump gathered to hear speakers, including the President himself, assert the fantasy that Trump won the Presidential election. Later, large crowds of pro-Trump demonstrators, most unmasked, massed on the steps of the US Capitol and began breaching its public entrance, threatening the security of the building and the lawmakers within. The National Guard, which has been deployed at the request of DC Mayor Muriel Bowser, is unarmed.
Inside the Capitol, a joint session of Congress had been attempting to certify the count of the 50 state electoral college electors, to officially declare Democrat Joe Biden the President-elect. The normally pro forma process has been marked by objections from a minority of Senate Republicans who argue, without evidence, that the November elections were fraudulent. The proceeding were later interrupted when the Capitol building was breached by pro-Trump protesters. Security forces put the building on lock down, used teargas to clear demonstrators out of the building and evacuated lawmakers to safer quarters.
For a discussion of the constitutional process that was supposed to play out in the halls of Congress today -- and which will likely resume when order is restored --Tom is joined by Kim Wehle, a constitutional expert and a professor at the University of Baltimore School of Law. She is the author of several books, including How to Read the Constitution -- and Why, and What You Need to Know About Voting -- and Why.
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