Sleepwalking Into Autocracy | Interview: Liz Cheney
Dec 9, 2023
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Former GOP Rep. Liz Cheney discusses the dangers of Trump's return to power and the implications for American democracy. Topics include Trump's central role in planning events on January 6th, his authoritarian tendencies, unethical actions of the new Speaker of the House, and colleagues' motivations and justifications.
The podcast reveals Donald Trump's central role in planning the events of January 6th and his determination to stay in power if elected again.
The episode emphasizes the importance of conservatives recognizing the danger Trump poses and building a new party distinct from the Trump Republican Party to safeguard democratic principles.
Deep dives
The Scope of Donald Trump's Actions
The podcast episode discusses the events leading up to January 6th and highlights the overall plan by Donald Trump to seize power. It explores his attempts to pressure state legislators, the Justice Department, and the Vice President to overturn the election results. The episode emphasizes that January 6th was the culmination of these efforts, revealing Trump's intention to stay in office beyond his term if elected again. It also highlights his willingness to ignore court rulings and the danger he poses by disregarding the Constitution.
Donald Trump's Central Role
The podcast reveals Donald Trump's central role in planning the events of January 6th. Despite input from others, including suggestions to deploy the military or rerun elections in key states, Trump was at the forefront of pressuring the Vice President and being involved in the fake electors plot. The episode dismisses claims that January 6th was a mere rally spun out of control and underscores the evidence that Trump intended to stay in power. His actions, including refusing to condemn the mob, demonstrated his determination to remain in office.
The Need for Action and Future of the Republican Party
The podcast episode calls for action to prevent a Trump victory in future elections. It stresses the importance of conservatives recognizing the danger he poses and building a new party distinct from the Trump Republican Party. The episode also acknowledges concerns about the policies of the Biden administration, but emphasizes the urgency of focusing on the real threat posed by Trump to safeguard the country's democratic principles. It highlights the necessity of speaking up and working together across party lines to preserve the republic's peaceful transfer of power and avoid a slide into dictatorship.
What would a second Trump presidency mean for American democracy? Former GOP Rep. Liz Cheney is raising the alarm in her upcoming book Oath and Honor, A Memoir and a Warning, and she joins Steve Hayes to discuss:
-Trump’s Army
-Mike Johnson’s unconstitutional turn
-Why Trump’s return to power could spell the death of the republic