Georgia and Arizona officials testify at Jan. 6 committee hearing | June 21
CBS News・2 minutes read
Former President Trump pressured state officials to overturn the 2020 election results, but faced resistance from Arizona Speaker Bowers for being unconstitutional. The pressure campaign included threats, protests, and false claims of voter fraud, highlighting the impact on election integrity and democracy.
Insights
- Former President Trump pressured state officials to overturn the 2020 election results, but Arizona House Speaker Bowers resisted, deeming it unconstitutional and illegal.
- Despite Trump's claims, Arizona's audit found no evidence of fraud, highlighting his efforts to influence state election officials to alter results.
- Witnesses detailed Trump's pressure tactics on state officials, emphasizing threats, intimidation, and protests to reverse election outcomes.
- The scheme to replace legitimate electors with fake ones involved Trump, his campaign, and the RNC, with legal and White House counsel concerns about its legality.
- Witnesses faced threats, harassment, and intimidation due to false election fraud claims, with Trump's persistence in promoting the "big lie" disrupting lives and democracy.
Get key ideas from YouTube videos. It’s free
Recent questions
What were the main themes discussed at the hearing?
The main themes discussed at the hearing revolved around former President Trump's pressure tactics on state officials to overturn election results, the lack of evidence of fraud in Arizona's audit, and the broader impact of Trump's efforts to influence state election officials. Witnesses testified against Trump's scheme to subvert democracy by creating fake electors, highlighting the threats and pressure exerted on state officials to reverse election outcomes. The hearing emphasized Trump's persistence in pushing false election claims and the dangerous public pressure faced by state officials.
How did Arizona House Speaker Bowers respond to Trump's pressure campaign?
Arizona House Speaker Bowers resisted Trump's pressure campaign to replace electors, deeming it unconstitutional and illegal. Despite Trump's claims that Bowers acknowledged the election was rigged and that he won Arizona, Bowers stood firm against the pressure tactics to alter election results. Bowers asked for evidence to support claims of fraud but found none provided, leading him to reject the legal theories presented by Trump's associates. Bowers emphasized the rule of law and his oath in declining to support decertification of electors, highlighting his commitment to upholding the integrity of the election process.
What legal strategies did Trump's campaign employ?
Trump's campaign employed legal strategies such as attempting to convince state legislators to appoint Trump electors despite losing the popular vote. Efforts included pressuring state officials through social media, protests, and threats to reverse election outcomes. The campaign aimed to create fake electors and replace legitimate ones, coordinating with the RNC to organize these efforts in swing states. Despite the lack of evidence to support their claims, Trump and his allies persisted in pushing conspiracy theories about voter fraud, leading to threats against election workers and challenges in dispelling misinformation.
How did Secretary Raffensberger respond to Trump's claims of fraud in Georgia?
Secretary Raffensberger refuted Trump's claims of fraud in Georgia with evidence from investigations, proving the falsehood of the allegations. Despite wanting President Trump to win the 2020 election, Raffensberger emphasized the successful and smooth election process in Georgia, confirming Joe Biden's victory by approximately 12,000 votes. Raffensberger and Mr. Sterling conducted frequent briefings to counter disinformation and clarify the truth about the election process, facing challenges due to the wide-reaching platform of President Trump's false claims. Despite threats and pressure, Raffensberger stood firm in following the law and constitution, highlighting the importance of upholding election integrity.
What impact did Trump's false claims have on election workers?
Trump's false claims of election fraud had a significant impact on election workers, leading to threats, harassment, and intimidation. Witnesses like Andrea Shea Moss faced false accusations and attacks, affecting their lives significantly. The witness and her mother, Ruby Freeman, experienced loss of reputation, security, and safety due to the false accusations made by President Trump during a call with Secretary Raffensberger. The witness gained weight and stopped going out, while her mother had to leave her home for safety, showcasing the detrimental effects of the lies on their lives. The harassment and threats faced by election workers highlighted the dangers of spreading misinformation and the importance of protecting those involved in upholding election integrity.
Related videos
FRONTLINE PBS | Official
Democracy on Trial (full documentary) | FRONTLINE
FRONTLINE PBS | Official
Plot to Overturn the Election (full documentary) | FRONTLINE
The Jaipur Dialogues
India Amasses 10000 More Soldiers on China Border Near Kailash Mansarovar | India Under Attack?
CNN
Reporter asks mom going to prison for Jan. 6 if she blames Trump. Hear her response
Late Night with Seth Meyers
Panicked Trump Desperately Backpedals on Abortion After Shock Arizona Ruling: A Closer Look