An Indian TV (and Benicia, CA) View of the Insurrection

As part of my occasional commentary on U.S. and international affairs for a major Indian broadcaster, WION (World is One News), the channel interviewed me on January 6 as part of its report on that day’s D.C. insurrection. To my mind, it did a fine job (linked below) in its coverage of the exploding events.

I’d asked WION to forward me the clip so I could do a self-critique of my interview performance, in preparation for future chats. (Verdict: naive about what Trump intended in his rant that day. Inadequate emphasis on his four years of incendiary language. Minor factual errors. Too many “ums.”)

But what a blast from the past, as recent as it was. And much, much more important, which is why I’m posting this: My, how the world has changed simply since January 6. Impeachment was just a matter of conjecture that day. And only constitutional scholars were familiar with the insurrectionist-punishing Section 3 of the Fourteenth Amendment, which Congress could employ to block Trump from seeking re-election in 2024.

We now know the mob came perilously close to Vice President Mike Pence and other officials. We’re learning of some rioters’ deadly plans – including those of a bullhorn-blasting leader and Trump/QAnon cultist who considers even Pence a “child-trafficking traitor” – to “capture and assassinate” officials.

January 6 was a day of infamy, ranking with far deadlier Pearl Harbor and 9/11 because it was an assault from within rather than from abroad. But it’s also the day a vicious slap in the face reminded us how crucial the days and years ahead are for our democracy. That’s a vital step toward saving it.

So here’s WION’s report, including my view from Benicia, California. Apologies for some glitchy footage and gaps toward the end.

Five days to Inauguration Day.