The scariest part of Jan. 6 was what almost happened after the violence

As the election draws near and people consider the pros and cons of the two major candidates, I have to confess: For me, one event stands out in bright lights, one that I cannot forget — and it is Jan. 6, 2021. I’m not thinking so much about the violence that broke out on that day, terrible as that was. Those actions were quickly condemned by people from across the political spectrum, by Democrats of course but also by Republicans such as then-Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (Kentucky), Sen. Ted Cruz (Texas), former South Carolina governor Nikki Haley and Sen. Lindsey Graham (South Carolina).

To me, the most frightening aspect of what happened on Jan. 6 was not the event outside the Capitol but the one inside it — after the violence had ended and order had been restored. The House reconvened that night to certify the election results that had been sent forward from the states. Remember, this was after dozens of objections in many of the states had been considered and rejected and dozens of court cases had been filed and dismissed. After all those legal procedures had been followed, after a violent assault on the Capitol, Donald Trump and his allies still urged his supporters to reject the results, reject electors, and in effect nullify the election. And a majority of House Republicans — 139 of them — readily assented and voted against certifying the election. Had they had enough votes, well, we don’t know what would have happened; it’s possible Trump could have managed to stay on as president.

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