Guest Rick Hasan, professor of law at UCLA and director of the Safeguarding Democracy Project, discusses the indictment of Trump and 18 others for a criminal conspiracy to disenfranchise Georgia voters. Topics include the logistical challenges of the case, the role of race, Trump's press conference, and the potential division among the American people in response to the charges.
Fulton County DA Fani Willis charged Donald Trump and 18 others with a criminal conspiracy to disenfranchise Georgia voters in the 2020 election, highlighting Trump's pattern of going after those who challenge him.
Fani Willis, an independent prosecutor with no ties to the governor or federal government, cannot be controlled or fired by Trump and remains unfazed by his attacks, showcasing her role as a key figure in holding Trump accountable.
Deep dives
Key Point 1: Donald Trump and 18 co-conspirators charged with criminal conspiracy to disenfranchise Georgia voters
The Fulton County District Attorney, Fannie Willis, announced that Donald Trump and 18 co-conspirators have been charged with engaging in a criminal conspiracy to overturn Georgia's 2020 presidential election result. The indictment alleges that the defendants formed a criminal racketeering enterprise instead of following Georgia's legal process for election challenges.
Key Point 2: Fannie Willis as an independent force in the case
Fannie Willis, the Fulton County District Attorney, is highlighted for being independent from external influences. With no ties to the governor or the federal government, she cannot be controlled or fired by Trump even if he becomes president again. Trump's attacks against Willis, particularly targeted at black women, are highlighted as part of his pattern of going after individuals who challenge or oppose him.
Key Point 3: Challenges and implications of the case
The case against Trump and the co-conspirators faces several challenges. The complexity of coordinating 19 defendants, 41 charges, and substantial evidence poses logistical difficulties. Time is also a significant obstacle, as bringing the case to trial and reaching a resolution before the 2024 elections seems ambitious. Additionally, if Trump were to run for and be elected to office, the criminal proceedings against him could potentially be halted for the duration of his presidency.
The fourth shoe dropped this week, when Fulton County DA Fani Willis announced Donald Trump’s latest indictment, charging the former president, along with 18 others, for engaging in a sprawling criminal conspiracy to disenfranchise Georgia voters. Trump has been responding by lashing out against Willis and voters in Atlanta, Philadelphia, and Milwaukee.
Guest: Rick Hasan, professor of law at UCLA and director of the Safeguarding Democracy Project.
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