Some quick thoughts on the impeachment trial. There is talk of Trump using a "free speech" defense. Even if you or I could legally say anything we want with impunity (we can't), that would still be irrelevant, since impeachment is a political (not legal) act....

Besides, conservatives used to believe that words matter and that "ideas have consequences." They do! Remember when Trump told the Proud Boys to "stand back and stand by," at a debate? What I'm saying is that this is bigger than just what Trump said on Jan 6 at the rally...

It's not just words, it's also actions. Back in August, I predicted almost exactly how Trump would sell his the lie that he actually won the election. The fundamental and intentional lie that Trump 'won' is partly to blame for what happened on Jan. 6. https://www.thedailybeast.com/a-nightmare-election-night-scenario-that-i-bet-you-havent-thought-of

During a debate, he told the Proud Boys to "stand back and stand by..." That is part of the story. It's not just what he said on Jan. 6.

Trump cheered a MAGA caravan that ambushed a Biden bus in Texas. He used his words to cheer on the dangerous actions of his fans. He rewarded them with praise. https://www.thedailybeast.com/trump-cheers-on-maga-calvary-that-ambushed-biden-bus?ref=home

Trump also advanced the bogus notion that Mike Pence and Congress had it within their power to decertify a presidential election (or send it back to the states). This was a lie, and it almost had lethal consequences.

The night before the rally (Jan. 5) Trump sent a now-deleted tweet that I interpreted as using the crowd to threaten Republicans to vote his way the next day. At the time, I said it was "pretty close to fomenting violence." https://twitter.com/mattklewis/status/1346589263308222464 It was more than "close."

During the Jan. 6 rally, Trump said a lot of dangerous things. But one thing that is probably underrated is how he lied to entice the crowd to go to the Capitol. "We are going to walk down there, and I'll be there with you," he said.