The NPR Politics Podcast Is Trump's Whataboutism Defense Enough Cover For GOP Acquittal?
Feb 13, 2021
The legal team's arguments centered on whataboutism, suggesting that political rhetoric often includes fight metaphors. They claimed that Trump's rally speech didn't incite violence and questioned the Democrats' legal standards in the impeachment process. Tensions rose as opinions divided among Republican senators, with several breaking party lines during the trial. The podcast also highlights the final moments of the trial, the emotional farewell to Officer Eugene Goodman, and the critical importance of swing votes in determining Trump's fate.
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Whataboutism Defense
- Trump's defense team used a whataboutism argument, showing Democrats using similar rhetoric.
- They presented montages of Democratic politicians using the word "fight" to defend Trump's speech.
Effectiveness of Whataboutism
- This whataboutism strategy has proven effective for Republicans in past political events.
- It likely resonated with some Senate Republicans in this impeachment trial as well.
Focus on January 6th Speech
- Trump's defense focused on the January 6th speech, arguing he didn't explicitly incite violence.
- They claim people were already preparing to attack the Capitol before Trump even spoke.