Cheney, a Wyoming Republican who faces a Trump-backed qualifier later this summer, acknowledged it would certainly be an “easier way” to look away. But he also said that everyone has a responsibility to address the threat to democracy posed by Trump.
“No party, no people and no nation can defend and perpetuate a constitutional democracy if it accepts a leader who has fought with the rule of law, the democratic process or a peaceful transfer of power, with the Constitution itself.” he said.
Cheney went on to say that “the full picture is coming to light” of Trump’s actions thanks to the commission’s January 6 investigation into almost a year. “It has become clear that the efforts that Donald Trump oversaw and participated in were even more creepy and threatening than we could have imagined,” he said.
Speaking directly to her own party, Cheney said it could be “painful for Republicans to accept it”, but said GOP members had to make a choice.
“Republicans can not be as loyal to Donald Trump as they are to the Constitution,” he said, to applause.
Turning to a more promising tone, Cheney said she was encouraged by some of the things she encountered last year, including those who were willing to testify publicly before the selection committee.
“Especially young women – young women who seem to instinctively understand the danger of this moment for our democracy. And young women who know it is up to them to save it,” Cheney said. “And I am incredibly moved by the young women I met who came to testify before the committee on January 6.”
Cheney specifically praised former White House aide Cassidy Hutchinson, who testified before the selection committee a day earlier.
“Her superiors – men many years older – many of them are hiding behind executive privileges, anonymity and intimidation. But her bravery and patriotism yesterday were formidable,” Cheney said. “Little girls all over this great nation see what it really means to love this country and what it really means to be a patriot.”
“I want to talk to every young girl who is watching tonight,” the MP concluded. “The power is yours, and so is the responsibility … These days, for the most part, men rule the world – and it really doesn’t go that well.”
