Allow me to play Devil's Advocate for a minute

[brooklynite]

If I was Trump's criminal defense attorney I would make the following argument:

1. Trump believed he had won the election.

2. Trump was given CONFLICTING opinions on whether the election was fair. We can point to legal and academic sources that supported his belief that the election was stolen.

3. Trump was given opinions from his legal team that the States had the ability to rescind their electoral vote certifications.

4. Under the Electoral Count Act, the House and Senate CAN reject a State's electoral count certification.

5. Trump believed that if the electoral count certifications could be rejected or even delayed, the key States would act to rescind and change their certifications in his favor.

6. Trump believe a large PEACEFUL protest in front of the Capitol would encourage VP Pence and/or Republican Congressmen and Senators to challenge or reject the electoral vote certifications.

7. Trump knew nothing about planned violence by the Oath Keepers or Proud Boys, and if any of his WH or campaign staff or members of Congress were involved in planning/supporting such violence, it was never discussed with him.

Where is there solid evidence that contradicts this theory?

[Ninga]

1. Hearings not concluded.

[elleng]

2. Watch committee evidence.

[underpants]

3. Suddenly the smartest man in the world didn't know anything