The defense will be about BLM protests, and it will be infuriating

[edhopper]

They will show a lot of clips of violence during the summer of BLM protests. And then play out of context clips of Democrats supporting the protests and denouncing the police.
This will be the Right Wing Talking Point. If Trump is responsible for the Capitol Riot, why weren't these Democrats charged with the same thing.

Yes, this falls apart logically and legally, but that doesn't ever matter with the QGOP.

[Wounded Bear]

1. Yep, whataboutism for all...

[Freddie]

2. The Whataboutism Defense

Predictable and infuriating.

[ZenDem]

3. I don't think they could.

I don't believe you can use "whataboutism" in court. BLM and Democrats aren't on trial and not related to the Impeachment trial.

But...I'm not a lawyer, so...not exactly sure how this differs from a "normal" trial.

[edhopper]

6. This isn't a court

they don't have to make legal arguments. They need to give coverage to GOP Senators to acquit.

Their Constitutional arguments weren't about the Constitution.

[Mister Ed]

15. Yep, that's the distinction.

In court, I wouldn't get far with a defense that went, "Sure, I robbed the bank, but lots of other people have robbed banks too!"

In the impeachment trial, the crux of the matter is that a sitting president attempted to overthrow the U.S. government! No Democratic politician anywhere has ever been attempting to overthrow the government by voicing support for BLM.

[Stallion]

21. Still subject to evidentiary rulings including relevancy and materiality

the issue will be whether there are 50 votes to uphold a ruling of irrelevancy or immateriality of a line of questioning or evidence

[mucifer]

13. They will use Chicago as an example. The mayor and the governor waited a long time

before calling in the national guard.

But, the riots were not BLM. It's not the same as the protests. But, I believe the repubs will sway a lot of Americans with this racist talking point.

[bigtree]

4. it will be ridiculous

...hardly a surprise.

Don't waste emotion on it.

[Dream Girl]

5. Black People!

Boo!

[uponit7771]

7. +1,

[edhopper]

8. Yes

I should mention, most of the Democrats they show supporting the BLM protests will be black.

[Solly Mack]

16. Yep

[blm]

9. The worst violence and ALL the copkillings were RightWing extremists

using the BLM protests as cover.

https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2020-06-17/far-right-boogaloo-boys-linked-to-killing-of-california-lawmen-other-violence

https://www.startribune.com/police-umbrella-man-was-a-white-supremacist-trying-to-incite-floyd-rioting/571932272/

https://www.wsls.com/news/virginia/2020/07/27/police-richmond-riots-instigated-by-white-supremacists-disguised-as-black-lives-matter/

[edhopper]

10. Do you think facts

will get in the way of them.

[blm]

11. We still push back.

[mucifer]

14. Lots of damage to property in Chicago was not right wing. But, also not BLM

[andym]

12. These talking points for Trump supporters are already on Fox News

arguments need to be destroyed. They will try to link the BLM protests with the anarchist riots in Portland, and various looting incidents that happened under the cover of the BLM protests. Already has been on Fox News, so they won't need to do much work.

Here's a try to counter what is likely to be seen in their videos which will almost certainly feature looting and attacks:
"Even riots where public buildings are attacked or stores looted are not remotely in the same league as a violent insurrection with murderous intent against Congress to overturn an election, the will of the people, all catalyzed by a President's lies in order to stay in power. It's only luck that our representatives were not killed. Of course, rioters who committed crimes should be punished under the law-- that is not legitimate protest-- and rioters who attempt sedition under Trump's leadership with criminal intent against the very foundation of our country should be punished more severely, as the punishment must fit the crime. Those who egged on the insurrectionists bear the ultimate responsibility."

[WyattKansas]

17. All those in the media and news outlets should demand Republicans...

To define what 'antifa' really means and why they themselves oppose anti-fascism, when the slimy bastards use it as an excuse for their own violent behaviors. And do NOT ever allow them any breathing room with their 'antifa' BS strawman excuse ever again!

[Thomas Hurt]

18. Hopefully, the managers will "inoculate" or at least try to inoculate against this bee ess.

[wryter2000]

19. I won't be watching

Can’t risk throwing something at the tv

[Stallion]

20. There Have Been and Will Be Evidentiary Rulings on the Basis of Relevancy and Materiality

I don't think that line of inquiry will be allowed

That's the purpose of the Chief Justice in the proceeding (Roberts has waived participation since Trump is no longer President and Roberts has been replaced by Senator Patrick Leahy)