Fight Smart: J6 Pardons & A Wake-Up Call for Moderates
Trump’s January 6th pardons, their dangerous implications for democracy, and why moderates must refocus and fight smarter in the face of exhaustion and division.
I woke up yesterday feeling uneasy, exhausted, and bracing for what I knew was coming. Trump’s inauguration—a moment meant to honor the peaceful transfer of power—felt more like a campaign rally than a unifying moment for the nation. His speech was as divisive and combative as expected, filled with grievance and self-interest rather than any real effort to heal the country.
It was frustrating to watch Biden uphold the traditions of civility with a gracious welcome in the morning, only for Trump to turn around and use the moment to publicly trash him during the inaugural address.
By the end of the day, though, it wasn’t the speech that stayed with me—it was the news of the pardons. Trump pardoned thousands of January 6th rioters, including violent criminals who attacked police officers and stormed the Capitol. These were people who sought to overturn democracy itself, now absolved not because justice demanded it but because of their loyalty to Trump.
The exhaustion deepened. After everything we fought for in 2024—every call, every knock on a door, every sleepless night—how could this be the reality we now face?
We Need Resolve
I know I’m not alone in feeling this way. Many of us poured everything into the fight last year to keep Trump out of office. We rallied, we organized, and we left it all on the field. Yet he still won. This is who America chose. The weight of that loss, combined with the blatant injustice of these pardons, makes it hard not to feel defeated.
And yet, giving in to exhaustion isn’t an option. Rest is necessary, but we cannot surrender the fight. Different people can carry the torch on different days, but the fight itself must continue.
History doesn’t change because of loud voices; it changes because of steady hands.
Our task is not to fight fire with fire but to bear witness to a better way. The answers won’t come from shouting over one another but from lives rooted in integrity, humility, service, courage, and justice.
This is a call to build something lasting—to turn the frustration and heartbreak of this era into momentum for a better one.
The Consequences of January 6th Pardons
These pardons are not just an insult to justice—they are a threat to the rule of law and a chilling precedent for the future. By absolving individuals who engaged in political violence, Trump sends a clear message: loyalty to him excuses even the gravest acts of insurrection.
This isn’t just about rewriting the history of January 6th; it’s about normalizing violence as a political tool. Pardoning these criminals emboldens others who might consider similar actions. It undermines accountability, weakens democracy, and signals that the rule of law is conditional at best.
Polling from Protect Democracy shows that 73% of Americans—including 54% of Republicans—oppose pardons for those convicted of assaulting Capitol Police officers. We have the numbers on our side. The American people see this for what it is: a dangerous abuse of power.
We should push this issue and make sure every voter knows how Trump spent his first day back in office.
Fighting Smarter: A Step-by-Step Checklist
It’s going to be a long four years. To fight smarter, we need a focused, strategic framework that prioritizes what matters and avoids burnout. Here’s how we can stay effective:
Pick Fights That Matter: Focus on issues where public opinion is already on our side, like the January 6th pardons. Highlight how Trump’s worst actions undermine democracy and public safety. We must prioritize our battles, not swing at every passing headline.
Ignore the Distractions: Don’t waste energy reacting to every outrageous statement or symbolic gesture. Freaking out about Greenland or similar distractions only drains our focus and alienates persuadable voters.
Keep the Message Simple: Emphasize clear, relatable narratives. For instance, “Today, Trump pardoned criminals and did nothing to lower your cost of living” is a message that resonates broadly. Avoid overly complex arguments that dilute the impact.
Mobilize Strategically: Use polling data to target key demographics and swing areas. Invest in states and districts where we can make a real difference. Know where the fight is winnable.
Take Turns: Burnout is real. Create systems where different groups or individuals can step up at different times. Build a network of “tag teams” to ensure the fight continues even when some need to rest.*
Build Coalitions: Moderates and centrists must unify and find common ground with other pro-democracy groups. Work together on shared goals and leave smaller ideological differences for another day.
Stay Rooted in Integrity: Don’t stoop to Trump’s level of chaos and dishonesty. Be better. Speak the truth and act with conviction. People are drawn to leaders who embody the values they champion.
Push for Accountability: Keep the focus on Trump’s abuse of power, the corruption of his government, and its impact on ordinary Americans. Anti-corruption is the name of the game.
Celebrate Wins: Recognize progress when it happens, no matter how small. Momentum builds when people see their efforts making a difference.
Plan for the Long Game: Democracy isn’t saved overnight. Commit to a sustained effort, knowing the fight for accountability and justice will take time.
A Call to Action
I’m still tired. You probably are too. But exhaustion can’t be the end of this story. We must find ways to channel that fatigue into action. Different people can take on the fight at different times, but the fight itself cannot pause.
The January 6th pardons are a wake-up call. They remind us that democracy doesn’t protect itself—we must protect it. Day by day, action by action, word by word, we can push back. We can insist on accountability, demand justice, and fight for a democracy that upholds the rule of law.
Because if we don’t, who will?
Let’s Meet IRL
*One thing you can do today: my buddy Heath is hosting the Principles First Summit in a month. It’s the best political event in America… no joke. I can’t wait to be fired up by the incredible speakers and attendees. I hope you join us.