I watched all of the hearing yesterday, glued to the drama there on my laptop. The evidence is piling up and the snare is tightening. So many excellent witnesses and terrifying videos.
But I found myself focused on Stephen Ayres--family man, ordinary guy, Trump supporter, representative of so many of the easily duped who believed Trump's Big Lie and jumped on the call to "Be there! " at the Jan. 6 rally.
He wasn't a Proud Boy or an Oath Keeper. He was a sheep--following the crowd to the Capitol. And when Trump finally told the mob to go home, he went.
He says he's realized now that he was fooled by lies on social media. But he's lost his job, his house, and his life will never be the same.
I couldn't take my eyes off his wife, sitting behind him as he testified. I could certainly be wrong but watching the subtle shifting of her mouth as he spoke, led me to believe that he'll be lucky not to hear I TOLD you it was a bad idea for the rest of his life. Assuming they stay married.
I felt sorry for him. A true believer, not too bright, betrayed by his idol who is actually just a snake oil salesman, out for what he can get.
And I hope that idol meets justice at last. There is plenty of evidence.
