MSNBC’s Nicole Wallace and the January 6th Committee Discussion

On Monday, Nicole Wallace of MSNBC engaged in what can only be described as a mental gymnastics routine alongside former Virginia Representative Denver Riggleman. Their conversation didn’t just highlight the different terminology used for “riots,” but also how the narrative varies between left and right perspectives.

While “rich” lacks a clear definition within Federal Law, it generally refers to acts of organized and violent rebellion against established authority. Riots, however, are typically characterized by a more spontaneous and localized kind of violence.

The media’s portrayal of the January 6, 2021, riots at the Capitol contrasted sharply with the events of 2020, wherein the Black Lives Matter protests led to significant financial losses and injuries among law enforcement. This framing was strategically utilized for political gains.

For instance, a recent Democratic ruling allowed a Colorado judge to state that he could not vote for former President Donald Trump, a sentiment echoed by a Democratic judge in Illinois but ultimately overturned by the Supreme Court.

Interestingly, those who frequently use the term “riots” have also insisted on labeling the left-wing rebellion in California, which targeted law enforcement, as something different from the Capitol events involving peaceful Trump supporters.

MSNBC appears to be a go-to platform for this kind of discourse. During the January 6th reporting, hosts and contributors, including legal analyst Joyce Vance, readily classified the events as a “massive rebellion.” Former MSNBC host Joy Reid consistently referred to participants as “rebels,” while others on “The Rachel Maddow Show” were inclined to use terms that framed the situation in a particular light.

On her show, Wallace maintained the use of “rebellion” in relation to January 6th but was cautious to reference Stephen Miller’s identification of both the January 6th events and certain protests against immigration enforcement as riots. Wallace remarked that the term “rebellion” is crucial in understanding the broader implications, especially considering Trump’s decisions regarding those involved in such acts.

Riggleman cautioned that the Trump administration is attempting to redefine the language surrounding January 6th, drawing parallels with criticisms from CNN journalist Aaron Blake, who also noted the broad usage of the term “riot.”

Wallace attempted to remind her audience that the LA riots didn’t quite meet the classic definition of a riot, while Blake pointed out that the terminology should extend beyond just the level of violence to consider intent and objectives.

The discussion suggests that until liberal institutions align with radical goals, they might avoid labeling organized actions against governmental targets as rebellions for purely political reasons.