Many Republicans and Dems have dismissed the notion that Jan. 6, investigation and hearings, will have any significant impact on the midterm elections.Multiple Democratic strategists and Republican members of Congress denied the idea that voters might be more motivated than they were because of Jan. 6 Committee’s actions. Instead, they pointed to “much larger” issues such as the economy which they believe will play a greater role in November.
The Jan. 6 Committee is comprised of 7 Democrats, 2 Republicans, Rep. Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.) and Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-Ill.). It was part of an investigation into the Jan. 6 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol by former President Donald Trump supporters.
This hearing is likely to be one of many televised hearings by the committee. The next two are already scheduled for Monday and Wednesday next weeks.
Jessica Tarlov, a Fox News contributor and Democratic strategist, echoed Khanna’s sentiment.
She said that the “much larger” issues facing voters would be Roe v. Wade’s possible overturning by the Supreme Court and the ongoing debate about guns after the massacre at Uvalde Elementary School in Texas that resulted in the deaths of 19 students and two teachers.
Marshall and Tarlov both predicted that it would be “very likely” that Republicans would win control of House of Representatives in November. However, they were divided on what this meant for the investigation.
Tarlov expressed confidence that the committee would complete its work by November. Marshall however suggested that the investigation, even if it was not complete, “wouldn’t continue” after the House is under Republican control.
Despite the grim outlook for Democrats’ chances of winning, each member praised the efforts of the committee in conducting the investigation.
Tarlov stated that the committee serves a purpose and that Jan. 6 was “a stark reminder” of where the Republican Party stands today.
The Republicans acknowledged that other issues, including the economy, would be the main focus in November but had a negative view of the committee.
Rep. Mo Brooks is running for the Senate seat of retiring Sen. Richard Shelby, R-Ala. He has not yet responded to a subpoena. Brooks claimed that the work of the committee was “a propaganda effort” and “akin the Russian collusion hoax.”
Brooks, who agreed with Marshall and Tarlov, predicted that voters would care more about high gas prices and inflation and the possibility of a recession than about Jan. 6.
Rep. Brian Mast, R-Fla., suggested that Washington, D.C.’s January 6 focus, rather than issues affecting Americans every day, could drive voters to the Republicans.
Mast called the committee “a distraction, misdirection and a sleight-of-hand” before predicting that Republicans would win the midterms, ending the “inherently unjust” process of the committee.
