Crisis

TL;DR

President's attack on Capitol prompts calls for 25th Amendment, resignations, and impeachment.

Transcript

welcome to beg to differ the bulwark's weekly roundtable discussion featuring civil conversation across the political spectrum from center left center right i'm mona charon syndicated columnist and policy editor of the bulwark i'm joined by our regulars bill gallston of the brookings institution and the wall street journal linda chavez of the niska... Read More

Key Insights

• 🤨 The attack on the Capitol has raised concerns about the misuse of the military for illegal purposes and the need for accountability.
• 🤙 There is division within the Republican Party regarding how to respond to the president's actions, with some calling for immediate action and others advocating caution.
• 🇺🇸 International observers are alarmed by the events unfolding in the United States and the potential implications for democracy worldwide.
• ⛽ The role of social media and misinformation in fueling extremism and violence is under scrutiny.
• 🪡 The need for political accountability and the potential for a fracturing of the Republican Party are topics of discussion.
• 🏈 The events of January 6th have further exposed the deep polarization within American politics.
• 👊 The actions of individuals, such as Congress members and media personalities, are being scrutinized for their role in instigating and supporting the attack on the Capitol.

Questions & Answers

Q: What action did Eric Edelman and other ex-secretaries of defense take?

They published an op-ed warning against the military's involvement in illegal activities and calling for a halt to any interference in American elections.

Q: Can the military refuse to carry out an illegal order from the president?

Yes, the military is obligated to disobey any illegal orders, such as interfering in domestic elections or violating the laws of war.

Q: What is the difference between the military and the National Guard?

The military is under the authority of the Pentagon, while the National Guard can be mobilized by the president for domestic purposes. The president has the power to call out the National Guard in the District of Columbia.

Q: Why did some Republican politicians vote against certifying the election results?

Some Republicans, such as Josh Hawley and Ted Cruz, objected to the certification based on claims of election irregularities. However, the objections were widely criticized as baseless and an attempt to overturn the will of the voters.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Former Secretary of Defense Eric Edelman orchestrated a letter signed by all living ex-secretaries of defense warning against the military's involvement in illegal activities.

• There is discussion about a "soft" 25th Amendment or bypassing direct orders from the president and following Vice President Pence's lead.

• Concerns are raised about the president's control over the nuclear codes and the possibility of ongoing violence.

• Republican leaders are divided on how to respond, with some calling for immediate action while others remain cautious.