Lies, Politics and Democracy: J. Michael Luttig (interview) | FRONTLINE

The former federal judge J. Michael Luttig, who counseled then-Vice President Mike Pence's team in the days before the 2021 U.S. Capitol attack, spoke to FRONTLINE ahead of his anticipated House Jan. 6 committee appearance.

“The plan was to overturn the election through the exploitation of what I've called the institutions of democracy and the instruments and instrumentalities of our democracy,” Luttig told FRONTLINE in a May 25, 2022, interview — his first for television.

Luttig served on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit from 1991 to 2006. Prior to his time on the bench, Luttig was assistant counsel to the president under Ronald Reagan and clerked for then-judge Antonin Scalia and for Supreme Court Justice Warren Burger. He also served as assistant attorney general in charge of the Office of Legal Counsel in the Department of Justice under George H.W. Bush. After leaving government service in 2006, he entered the private sector, where he has worked for both Boeing and Coca-Cola. He is currently retired.

#FrontlineInterview #MichaelLuttig #January6

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CHAPTERS:
Rising Concern During the 2016 Elections - 0:00:00
The Trump Presidency - 0:08:25
The 2020 Election - 0:18:01
Initial Response to the 2020 Election Results - 0:25:42
Growing Concern of a Constitutional Crisis - 0:48:33
A Call From Richard Cullen - 1:00:39
“We need to help the vice president.” - 1:21:44
An “Assault From Within” - 1:48:42
The Jan. 6 Attack on the Capitol - 2:02:35
A Call from the Vice President - 2:08:27
The Response to the Events of Jan. 6 - 2:15:22
A “Clear and Present Danger” - 2:27:48
The Twitter Thread - 2:35:21

[schnder]

Federal judge J. Michael Luttig is such an important voice at this time. I admire his careful, thoughtfulness in every answer. I am in awe of you and your wife for your thoughtful response to what was happening before you and your careful response. I admire you, both, so much.

[beechnut]

This whole series is incredible. Every American should watch it. Thank you Frontline! And this interview with Judge Luttig is perhaps the best of the bunch.

[michael]

Thank you Sir for your Honesty, respect and knowledge of our Constitutional Construct and your willingness to protect and defend the rule of Law at a most trying moment in our history. You are the true definition of a Patriot. May God bless you! 🙏 You are a shining example of courage! The world thanks you!

[melissaverduin]

Thank you Mr.Luttig! We need more people like you speaking out! Because they will take you more serious because you're a judge & lawyer that respects our Constitution & the rule of law!🇺🇸

[SM-SaMo]

Thank you PBS/Frontline & Judge Luttig for a great interview that kept my attention the whole time! What an honor to have listened intently on your every word Judge Luttig!

[ScottMarc-RT]

The spirit and words of J Luttig are so needed in these fractured times. Inspirational man. Incredible interview of such historical importance. Thank you.

[makila]

As a non-native English speaker and writer for decades, I am heartened by Mr Luttig’s words about words. I too check and recheck even though I’m instinctively sure of their meaning. I assumed I did that because of a hidden insecurity about my command of English, though in my heart I know that I want to convey the precise meaning of my thoughts. Words are so important. Thank you for your entire contribution.

[josephinepaulino]

Judge Luttig is such an honest man. I'm laughing so hard just hearing what he had to go through in opening a twitter account and sending it out. He called his son desperately, to help him, with great objection. Until the judge threatened him to leave him out of his will. I am still laughing while I am writing my comments. I love you Judge, and God Bless You. Take care.

[lmansur]

I am an immigrant since 1974, and am an American Citizen. This interview has taught me so much and I am so grateful to understand the depth of what America is all about. I listened intently to the full interview. This wonderful judge is very clear and a great teacher for anyone who wants to learn about our democracy and what it takes!

[valdi]

I forgot to thank Judge Luttig for speaking out for the good of the country. Also PBS for airing this interview. I only hope people will view this interview and start listening to all the podcasts that have come to this conclusion and are trying to help save democracy same as the judge.

[Tammy_]

This is a man America can not afford to loose. I pray he has some young constitutional lawyers soaking up everything, everytime he speaks. I am in aw of Judge Luttig.

[goldensolitude]

Thank you, Judge Lutieg, for your service to the country. Your words of. Wisdom have helped me articulate to others my view in this day and age.

[StudioMYJ]

Wonderful to hear someone who actually does choose his words carefully before speaking!!

[Roxyutube]

Every single word of every single minute was as Riveting & Captivating as was his testimony at the January 6th hearing on June 9th, 2022. Thank goodness for men like Judge Luttig. Integrity & honesty at the highest level. It was good to see him smile and break a short laugh at the end. Bravo! There is a Hero in our Midst! Thank you Judge Luttig for sharing this, your monumental experience on those fateful days before and after January 6, 2022! Thank you for you!🙏🏻

[patriciaroberts]

The absolute best man I have heard from concerning Jan 6. All Americans need to hear this. What a brave, moral American.!

[evaanportillo]

This interview was amazing. Good questions and amazingly thoughtful and insightful answers. Nice to know there are people like him around. Loved this.

[trower]

"The most serious thing I have ever had to think about." Thank God for true patriots.

[colleenrossartist]

I AM DEEPLY, PROFOUNDLY GRATEFUL TO HAVE LISTENED TO THIS MAN'S SOUL--HE IS A HUMAN--HE IS A MAN WHO MADE CHOICES N HIS LIFE AND MORE THAN EVER WE NEED TRUTH--TRUTH----AND ALL THIS SCREAMING, LYING MUST STOP

[beinghere]

I deeply appreciate your thoughtfulness and integrity, and that of your wife. Bless you for being and engaging with one another and all of us. I am grateful for you both. Bless us all. Thank you and your wife so very much 🤗

[josephinepaulino]

No one couldn't said it any better than Judge Luttieg. He took the words right out of my mouth. An intelligent statement coming from this honorable man.