Discussion on Trump's indictment in federal and state cases, Georgia's pardon system, and the use of RICO statute. Also covers failures in Hawaii's wildfire response, controversy over tsunami sirens, and the impact of Trump skipping the debate.
Former President Donald Trump is expected to turn himself in at the Fulton County Jail later this week to be booked, but it is unlikely he will spend much time there due to security concerns and poor conditions at the jail.
The indictment against Donald Trump and 18 others utilizes Georgia's Rico statute, which allows for the prosecution of individuals involved in a criminal enterprise, even if their actions may not be criminal on their own.
The distinction between the federal and state indictments against Donald Trump highlights the association between him and violence, emphasizing the importance of holding individuals accountable for their involvement in a conspiracy.
Deep dives
Fulton County Indictment: Trump to Turn Himself in at Jail
Former President Donald Trump is expected to turn himself in at the Fulton County Jail later this week to be booked. The jail, known as Rice Street, has a reputation for being overcrowded and having poor conditions. However, it is unlikely that Trump will spend much time there, as security concerns will likely expedite the process. The booking will include a mugshot, which is subject to the Open Records Act in Georgia. Trump is facing charges under Georgia's Rico statute, which is a broad law that allows for the prosecution of individuals involved in a criminal enterprise. Other public officials, such as state Senator Sean Still and Lieutenant Governor Bert Jones, are also facing fallout from the indictment. Still is under scrutiny for his role in the fake electors scheme, while Jones is being investigated by a special prosecutor to determine if he should face criminal charges. Governor Brian Kemp is walking a fine line between not wanting to be disloyal to Trump's base of supporters and distancing himself from the former president.
Using the Rico Statute in Fulton County's Indictment
District Attorney Fanny Willis is utilizing Georgia's Rico statute in the indictment against Donald Trump and 18 others. The Rico statute is an anti-racketeering law that allows for the prosecution of individuals involved in a criminal enterprise. It does not require a formal criminal organization, but rather a group of individuals working towards a common illegal goal. The statute allows for the inclusion of acts that may not be criminal on their own, as long as they are in furtherance of the conspiracy. This broad scope of the law gives prosecutors the ability to present a complete story of the criminal activity and hold individuals accountable for their actions.
Contrasting Indictments: Smith vs Willis
The indictments by Jack Smith and Fanny Willis present different approaches to prosecuting Donald Trump. While Smith's federal indictment focused on a narrow scope and did not include charges related to instigating violence, Willis's indictment puts violence front and center. Willis's case includes allegations of Trump and others spreading lies about the election outcome and election workers, leading to threats and violence against these individuals. The use of the Rico statute allows Willis to tie all these actions together within a broader criminal enterprise. This distinction highlights the association between Trump and violence, while also signaling the importance of holding individuals accountable for their involvement in a conspiracy.
Governor Kemp's Balancing Act
Governor Brian Kemp finds himself in a delicate position regarding the indictment of Donald Trump. Kemp is no ally of Trump, having been opposed by the former president in the last election. However, Kemp must navigate the thin line between not wanting to appear disloyal to Trump's base of supporters and distancing himself from the former president. Kemp is focused on his own political ambitions, potentially running for US Senate or even president in the future. He is trying to maintain some level of support while also focusing on 2024 and the false claims of election fraud that have been perpetuated.
Scheme to Overturn the Election by Fake Electors
The podcast discusses the scheme by Donald Trump and his allies to overturn the election by sending fake electors to vote for him. The indictment against Trump and 18 others details how they organized fraudulent slates of electors in seven targeted states. The goal was to mimic the procedures of legitimate electors and cast fraudulent votes for Trump. The podcast highlights that this coordinated effort includes multiple individuals facing criminal charges, and investigations are ongoing in some states. The discussion emphasizes the seriousness of this plot and the importance of holding those involved accountable.
Upcoming Republican Primary Debate and Trump's Absence
The podcast looks ahead to the upcoming Republican primary debate where nine of the 14 major candidates have already qualified. However, the front-runner, Donald Trump, has decided to skip the debate and opt for counterprogramming with an interview. The podcast explores the potential impact of Trump's absence, suggesting that it could create an opening for another candidate to gain attention among Republican voters. It highlights the importance of candidates emphasizing their electability and demonstrating why they can defeat Joe Biden. The discussion also touches on the broader state of the Republican Party and its continued alignment with Trump.
Ali Velshi and is joined by Political Investigations Reporter with The Guardian Hugo Lowell, former Rep. Val Demings (D-FL), Assistant Professor of Law at Widener University Quinn Yeargain, State Rep. Tanya Miller (D-GA), Charles Howard Candler Professor of Law at Emory University, Fred Smith, Jr., Opinion Writer at Washington PostJennifer Rubin, Political Reporter at The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Greg Bluestein, Reporter for The Wall Street Journal Jim Carlton, Senior Adviser at The Lincoln Project Stuart Stevens, Host of MSNBC’S ‘Politics Nation’ Rev. Al Sharpton
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