You’d think defenders, or minimizers, of January 6 would have to choose: either (1) the rioters were duped by federal agents into engaging in mayhem at the U.S. Capitol; or, (2) they were patriots acting out of commendable passion for the future of the country.

But three years later, defenders are still saying both (here is a Republican congressman who is all in on Theory 1). It seems like it doesn’t matter much, as long the rioters are being absolved of responsibility and/or being praised.