[CivBase]

That does not make this a coup. This is a riot. While there is no doubt that the rioters want the election results to be overturned, there is no indication that they have the ability or intention to use force to make that a reality.

These are angry people being disruptive and destructive. That's what a riot is. Calling it a coup is conspiratorial.

[SpicyLemonZest]

There are many indications that they have the intention to use force to make it a reality. There was one protester standing at Pence's spot in the chamber, demanding that he come back and deliver the election to Trump!

It's true that they don't seem to have the ability. But they didn't seem to have the ability to take over the Capitol building either. It's very dangerous to look at people trying their hardest to do a coup and dismiss it just because it'd be an uphill battle to make it work.

[CivBase]

One person shouting ridiculous demands does not a coup make.

[jacquesm]

Can we agree on a number then?

[CivBase]

I'd consider it a coup if there were an organized group with a remotely plausible plan for overthrowing the government.

[jacquesm]

Then we should be happy that they weren't a little bit more organized because then you might be looking at your elected officials as hostages. At this point in time their lack of ability should be counted down to luck, and nothing else.

[CivBase]

I agree that it's a good thing they weren't more organized. All riots would be more dangerous if they were more organized.

Not sure what to make of the "luck" comment. I suppose we're always lucky that bad things aren't worse than they end up being.