The January 6th Committee’s letter to Kevin McCarthy is a good reminder of what Republicans were saying shortly after January 6th, 2021. For example, on January 13th, 2021, McCarthy said the following in a speech to the House:
The President bears responsibility for Wednesday’s attack on Congress by mob rioters. He should have immediately denounced the mob when he saw what was unfolding. These facts require immediate actions by President Trump: Accept his share of responsibility. Quell the brewing unrest. And ensure President-Elect Biden is able to successfully begin his term.
What we saw last week was not the American way. Neither is the continued
rhetoric that Joe Biden is not the legitimate president. Let’s be clear, Joe Biden will be sworn in as the President of the United States in one week because he won the election.
On January 19th, 2021, Mitch McConnell said the following (video here):
…There is no question that President Trump is practically and morally responsible for provoking the events of that day.
The people who stormed this building believed they were acting on the wishes and instructions of their president.
And their having that belief was a foreseeable consequence of the growing crescendo of false statements, conspiracy theories, and reckless hyperbole which the defeated president kept shouting into the largest megaphone on planet Earth.
…President Trump is still liable for everything he did while he was in office, as an ordinary citizen, unless the statute of limitations has run, still liable for everything he did while in office, didn’t get away with anything yet – yet.
We have a criminal justice system in this country. We have civil litigation. And former presidents are not immune from being held accountable by either one.
It’s worth reading the full speech. It’s no wonder that McConnel (tepidly) supports the January 6th committee.
The Republican Party had a perfect opportunity to rid themselves of Trump, but chose not to. Just don’t forget what they said before cooking up a cynical strategy of denial about January 6th.