Missourians Respond To Insurrection On Capitol Hill

By Steve Kraske,

Danie Alexander, Chris Young, Mackenzie Martin

Published January 7, 2021 at 5:52 PM CST

Trump supporters try to break through a police barrier, Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, at the Capitol in Washington. As Congress prepares to affirm President-elect Joe Biden's victory, thousands of people have gathered to show their support for President Donald Trump and his claims of election fraud.(AP Photo/John Minchillo) — Trump supporters try to break through a police barrier, Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, at the Capitol in Washington. As Congress prepared to affirm President-elect Joe Biden's victory, thousands of people gathered to show their support for President Donald Trump and his claims of election fraud.(AP Photo/John Minchillo)

U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver shares his account of pro-Trump extremists seizing the Capitol, and the ramifications of yesterday's insurrection for Republicans.

Rep. Emanuel Cleaver II hours after pro-Trump extremists seized the Senate Chamber. Political scientists share their insights on the significance of this event and the aftermath they predict.

Rep. Cleaver echoed other elected officials calling yesterday's events a "coup d'etat attempt." Cleaver placed the blame for the mob's actions on outgoing President Trump, calling the insurrection "the most embarrassing day for the United States in its history." Audience members shared their thoughts and reactions as well.

Long-time political watchers analyzed what the fallout could be for Republicans in general and several, like Missouri Senator Josh Hawley in particular. Professor Peverill Squire called this "without question one of the most disgraceful episodes certainly we have witnessed in our lifetimes."

U.S. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver II, D-Kansas City
Bob Beatty, professor of Political Science at Washburn University
Peverill Squire, professor of Political Science at the University of Missouri

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Steve Kraske

When I host Up To Date each morning at 9, my aim is to engage the community in conversations about the Kansas City area’s challenges, hopes and opportunities. I try to ask the questions that listeners want answered about the day’s most pressing issues and provide a place for residents to engage directly with newsmakers. Reach me at steve@kcur.org or on Twitter @stevekraske.

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Danie Alexander

As senior producer of Up To Date, I want our listeners to hear familiar and new voices that shine light on the issues and challenges facing the myriad communities KCUR serves, and to expose our audiences to the wonderful and the creative in the Kansas City area. Just as important to me is an obligation to mentor the next generation of producers to ensure that the important conversations continue. Reach me at alexanderdk@kcur.org.

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Chris Young

Chris Young is an Assistant Producer for KCUR’s Up To Date. Contact him at chrisy@kcur.org.

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Mackenzie Martin

Whether it’s something happening right now or something that happened 100 years ago, some stories don’t fit in the short few minutes of a newscast. As a podcast producer and reporter at KCUR Studios, I help investigate questions and local curiosities in a way that brings listeners along for adventures with plot twists and thought-provoking ideas. Sometimes there isn’t an easy answer in the end – but my hope is that we all leave with a greater understanding of the city we live in. Reach me at mackenzie@kcur.org.

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