Why these star witnesses could steal the Jan. 6 hearings spotlight

The future of our democracy hangs in the balance. Here are five things to watch for as the hearings begin. [View in browser]( [Image]( June 9, 2022 THE LATEST [Alternate text] Why these star witnesses could steal the Jan. 6 hearings spotlight]( by Joyce Vance and Barbara McQuade Today, millions of Americans will tune in to watch the first in a series of Jan. 6 hearings co-chaired by Rep. Bennie G. Thompson and Rep. Liz Cheney. But while lawmakers may get top billing, the real stars of the show will be the numerous witnesses brought to Washington to tell America exactly who was involved in the plot to overturn an American presidential election. "By the end of the multiple hearings scheduled for June, we are likely to become very familiar with people at the center of the 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol," [write Joyce Vance and Barbara McQuade](. "One challenge for the committee is to capture the attention of an American public that has grown accustomed to watching riveting legal dramas on television, where thrilling narratives unfold and resolve in an hour. Committee members have promised new information with a gripping multi-media format. It will need be as compelling as any episode of 'Law and Order.' But while some audiences will treat the hearings like entertainment, the committee’s work is deadly serious. This is no ordinary cliffhanger — the future of our democracy hangs in the balance." Read [the five things Vance and McQuade will be watching for]( as the hearings begin, and check back in to follow along with MSNBC's [live blog coverage]( of tonight's event. TOP STORIES [Alternate text] [Dean Obeidallah]( [Fox News' refusal to air the Jan. 6 hearings is disturbing]( Fox News has chosen to shield its audience of millions from the truth. This is dangerous, to say the least. [Read More.]( [Glenn Kirschner]( [Why the DOJ's 'investigative sloth' could actually be a smart Jan. 6 play]( An unprecedented series of crimes may call for an unprecedented investigative approach. [Read More.]( [Steve Benen]( [Controversial DeSantis aide belatedly registers as foreign agent]( The Florida Republican is back in the news for unfortunate reasons.Read More.]( [Ja'han Jones]( [11-year-old Uvalde survivor's testimony should evoke widespread shame in Congress]( Miah Cerrillo had to cover herself in her classmate's blood and play dead with hopes the Uvalde gunman would pass her. [Read More.]( TOP VIDEOS [Alternate text] [All In]( [Rep. Raskin: Jan. 6 hearings will spur 'multiple breakthroughs and epiphanies']( [Hallie Jackson]( [Trump, Ivanka and Don Jr. to testify in New York investigation on July 15]( [All In]( [He won't talk to the Jan. 6 panel. So why is Mo Brooks talking to Chris Hayes?]( [Andrea Mitchell Reports]( [Documentarian with 'detailed firsthand knowledge' of Proud Boys' plan to testify at first Jan. 6 committee hearing]( MORE FROM MSNBC [Alternate text]   Tonight, join MSNBC for special coverage of the January 6th hearings. You'll be able to watch the hearings in full, with expert analysis led by Rachel Maddow, Joy Reid, and Nicolle Wallace. They'll be joined by Ari Melber, Chris Hayes, and Lawrence O'Donnell to help you make sense of it all. Watch "The January 6th Hearings: The House Investigates," beginning tonight at 7 p.m. ET on MSNBC, also available on Peacock.   Sunday, MSNBC presents the final episode of "Devil's Advocate: The Mostly True Story of Giovanni Di Stefano," a three-part Sky Original series following the famed attorney's journey to disgraced conman. The series explores Di Stefano's rise as a lawyer representing the who's-who of the criminal world, from Charles Manson to Saddam Hussein, and the epic investigation that unraveled the true identity he hid behind schemes, deception and lies. Watch the third and final episode of "Devil's Advocate: The Mostly True Story of Giovanni Di Stefano" Sunday at 10 p.m. ET on MSNBC and streaming on Peacock, where you can also catch up on episodes one and two.     [Image] [Image]   [Privacy]( [Unsubscribe](listvar=sub_daily)