In an interview with Jonathan Karl of ABC News, former president Donald Trump defended the Jan. 6 rioters “Hang Mike Pence!” chants.
Trump repeated his false election claims while asserting: “Well, the people were very angry. It’s common sense, Jon. It’s common sense that you’re supposed to protect. How can you, if you know a vote is fraudulent, right, how can you pass on a fraudulent vote to Congress?”
Offering justification for the mob that was determined to execute his vice president is horrific.
Ardent Trump supporters, such as Rep. Lauren Boebert, should be asked if they are willing to unequivocally condemn these statements. This would be an opportunity to demonstrate that their commitment to nonviolence and the Constitution is stronger than their fealty to the former president.
There is great risk in supporting a candidate who seems incapable of seeing the humanity in the people with whom he disagrees.
Terry Hansen
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
