‘Find Me the Votes’ with Dan Klaidman and Michael Isikoff
Jan 31, 2024
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Investigative reporters Dan Klaidman and Michael Isikoff discuss their book on the criminal case against Trump and his allies for election tampering in Georgia. They delve into the Jan. 6 committee's role, Sidney Powell's request for preemptive pardons, Rudy Giuliani's plan to access voting systems, and recent allegations against District Attorney Fani Willis.
The Fulton County case in Georgia reveals the extent of Trump's efforts to overturn the 2020 election results, involving a wide range of individuals and a racketeering conspiracy.
The podcast highlights the appalling abuse and threats faced by officials and their families in Georgia, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding democracy and the resilience of those who stood up to Trump's pressure.
Deep dives
Fulton County case: Ground zero for anti-democratic plot
The podcast episode focuses on the Fulton County case in Georgia, which is described as ground zero for arguably the most anti-democratic plot in history. It highlights the intensity and pressure of Trump's efforts to overturn the 2020 election results in Georgia, with a wide range of individuals involved in a racketeering conspiracy. The case connects various elements, from the pressure campaign on officials, such as Brad Raffensperger, to Sidney Powell's plans for criminal break-ins at election offices, including the alleged unauthorized access of voting systems in coffee county. The Georgia case illuminates the scope of Trump's attempt to manipulate the election.
The toll on individuals and threats to democracy in Georgia
The podcast emphasizes the human toll and consequences of Trump's actions in Georgia. It highlights the appalling abuse, threats, and violence that officials and their families faced, from death threats and racial attacks to sexual violence threats. The story goes beyond just the 2020 election aftermath, but also portrays the challenges faced by those protecting democracy in the face of such assaults and intimidation. It serves as a reminder of the importance of safeguarding democracy and the resilience of those who stood up to Trump's pressure.
The significance of the Fulton County investigation alongside federal probes
The podcast underscores the importance of the Fulton County investigation in parallel with the January 6th committee's work and the Justice Department's investigation. It highlights how state-level prosecutions, like Fawnie Willis' case, play a crucial role in protecting democracy and addressing the broader scope of criminality involved. Georgia's case covers a wide range, from lying to state officials, threats, and even the coffee county raid, providing a more comprehensive view than the federal probes alone. It represents a multi-front offensive to ensure accountability and defend the rule of law.
Fawnie Willis: A force of nature and meticulous trial lawyer
The podcast delves into the personality and characteristics of Fawnie Willis, depicting her as a force of nature and a highly skilled trial lawyer. She is described as larger than life, confident, and well-prepared, showcasing her abilities in the courtroom. Her backstory as the daughter of a civil rights figure and a prosecutor with high standards for herself and her team is explored. Her attention to detail and preparation are praised, and the potential impact of her disqualification on the case is highlighted.
During a late night press conference in August, an Atlanta-area prosecutor announced a sprawling criminal case against Donald Trump and his allies for their alleged efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 election in Georgia. In a new book, investigative reporters Dan Klaidman and Michael Isikoff tell the story of the events that led to that moment—and the local prosecutor behind at all.
Lawfare Editor-in-Chief Benjamin Wittes and Lawfare Legal Fellow Anna Bower spoke with Klaidman and Isikoff about the new details and insights revealed in their book, “Find Me the Votes: A Hard-Charging Georgia Prosecutor, a Rogue President, and the Plot to Steal an American Election.” In a wide-ranging conversation, they discussed the Jan. 6 committee's role in the Fulton County investigation, Sidney Powell's request for preemptive pardons in the aftermath of the 2020 election, Rudy Giuliani's plan to access to voting systems in Georgia, and recent allegations that District Attorney Fani Willis engaged in an improper relationship with one of her special prosecutors.