A newly released Roger Stone video shows a longtime adviser and ally of former President Donald Trump dictating a memo that outlines a scheme to overturn the 2020 election results in favor of Trump. The video was obtained exclusively by MSNBC’s Ari Melber and aired on his show The Beat on Wednesday.
The Roger Stone video was recorded on November 5, 2020, two days after the election but before Joe Biden was declared the winner. Stone is seen in the passenger seat of a car, speaking to an aide on his phone. He instructs the aide to write down a memo claiming that state legislatures have the sole authority to decide who to send to the Electoral College, regardless of the certified voting results in their states.
Roger Stone Video – Explained
Stone argues that based on “overwhelming evidence of fraud,” Republican-controlled legislatures should send electors who “accurately reflect the president’s legitimate victory in their state, which was illegally denied him through fraud.” He also suggests that Trump’s team should lobby these legislatures to do so.
The memo echoes the false and baseless claims that Trump and his allies made for months after the election, alleging widespread voter fraud and irregularities that supposedly robbed him of a second term. These claims were rejected by dozens of courts, state officials, and even Trump’s attorney general and cybersecurity chief.
The Roger Stone video also reveals that Stone was involved in reviving the “Stop the Steal” movement, which mobilized Trump supporters to protest the election outcome and pressure state officials to overturn it. The movement culminated in the violent insurrection at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021, which aimed to disrupt the congressional certification of Biden’s victory.
Stone has been linked to some extremist groups and individuals who participated in the riot, such as the Oath Keepers and Alex Jones. He also spoke at a rally in Washington, D.C., on January 5, where he urged the crowd to “fight for Trump.” However, he has denied any role or knowledge of the attack on the Capitol.
Stone is a controversial figure convicted of lying to Congress, witness tampering, and obstructing a congressional investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election. He was pardoned by Trump in December 2020, shortly before he left office.
The Roger Stone video dictating the memo adds new evidence to the timeline of how early and how extensively Trump and his associates were plotting to subvert the will of the American people and undermine democracy. It also raises questions about whether Stone or others could face legal consequences for their actions.
Legal Implications
According to some legal experts, Stone’s video and memo could expose him to further criminal charges or civil lawsuits. For instance, Stone could be charged with conspiracy to interfere with or obstruct an official proceeding, such as the Electoral College vote or the congressional certification. He could also be sued by voters or state officials who were harmed by his actions or threatened by his supporters.
However, Stone could also argue that the First Amendment protected his video and memo as free speech or political advocacy. He could also claim that he acted on Trump’s behalf as his agent or adviser and that he had no intention or ability to carry out his plan. He could also invoke his presidential pardon as a shield against federal prosecution.
Ultimately, whether Stone will face any legal repercussions for his video and memo will depend on several factors, such as the evidence available, the jurisdiction involved, and the authorities’ political will.
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Political and Social Impact
Roger Stone’s video and memo also have significant political and social implications for US democracy and society. They show how deeply divided and polarized the country is over the election results and Trump’s legacy. They also reveal how vulnerable and fragile the democratic institutions and norms are to manipulation and subversion by powerful actors.
According to some polls and surveys, many Americans still believe that the election was stolen from Trump or that widespread fraud or irregularities existed. Many also support or sympathize with the insurrectionists who stormed the Capitol. These beliefs and attitudes seriously challenge the Biden administration, Congress, and the media to restore trust and confidence in the electoral system and the rule of law.
On the other hand, Stone’s video and memo also provide an opportunity for dialogue and accountability among different segments of society. They could spark a public debate and education about how elections work, how votes are counted, how electors are chosen, and how democracy functions. They could also prompt investigations and reforms to prevent future attempts to undermine or overturn legitimate election outcomes.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, Roger Stone video and memo are a disturbing reminder of how far some people are willing to go to overturn an election they don’t like. They are also a wake-up call for all Americans who care about democracy and justice. They demand attention, action, and vigilance from all stakeholders who want to protect and strengthen the democratic system and values.
