Local GOP Political Analysts, Professor, Journalists Discuss Insurrection At U.S. Capitol

Rioters climb the west wall of the the U.S. Capitol.

Jose Luis Magana / AP

After a long night at the U.S. Capitol, Congress has certified President-elect Joe Biden’s electoral victory.

But in the aftermath of the violent riot that unfolded hours before the certification, instigated by President Donald Trump, many are still in shock, calling the uprising an attack on democracy.

Thousands of pro-Trump supporters stormed the Capitol grounds Wednesday afternoon, following a “Save America March” where President Trump talked about the importance of showing strength and encouraged the crowd to march to the Capitol as Congress was in session to count Electoral College votes for the 2020 presidential election. Authorities have confirmed that four people are dead following the violent attack.

On Thursday’s edition of  “Closer Look,” show host Rose Scott talks with two journalists, a professor and two Atlanta-based Republican political analysts. The guests reflect on the insurrection, share their thoughts on President Trump’s role in triggering the violence, and the next steps the Republican Party must take to unify the party and the nation.

Guests:

  • Tia Mitchell, the Washington correspondent for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
  • Denis O’Hayer, host of the WABE podcast “Political Breakfast
  • Illya Davis, director of the New Students & Transition Programs and professor of philosophy at Morehouse College
  • Cory Ruth, a political analyst and the CEO of Mergence Global
  • Julianne Thompson, a longtime political analyst and president of the Atlanta-based MSN strategies

To listen to the full conversation, click the audio player above.