Whether or not it was an attempted coup depends only on what the intentions of the “rioters” were. So, what do you think their intentions were in storming the chambers of our legislative branch just as the results of an election were being certified? Was their intent not to disrupt the peaceful transition of power and overturn the results of an election to keep “their guy” in power?
Honestly I think the best argument for it not being a coup attempt is that these people had been deluded into thinking they were trying to thwart a coup attempt from the other side. Because, you know, Biden stole the election. Or whatever.
Not a great look either way. But the fact that it was inarguably an incompetent and generally shambolic effort, or that much better organized people have executed much more effective coup attempts elsewhere in space and time, doesn’t mean it wasn’t a coup attempt.
Honestly I think the best argument for it not being a coup attempt is that these people had been deluded into thinking they were trying to thwart a coup attempt from the other side. Because, you know, Biden stole the election. Or whatever.
Not a great look either way. But the fact that it was inarguably an incompetent and generally shambolic effort, or that much better organized people have executed much more effective coup attempts elsewhere in space and time, doesn’t mean it wasn’t a coup attempt.