“We face an internal threat that we have never faced before, and this is a former president trying to unravel the foundations of our constitutional Republic,” said Cheney, vice chairman of the House committee. “And he is aided by Republican leaders and elected officials who have become volunteer hostages of this dangerous and irrational man.”
Cheney, a Wyoming Republican facing a Trump-backed primary rival in late summer, acknowledged it would certainly be an “easier path” to look the other way. But he also said everyone has a responsibility to face the threat to democracy posed by Trump.
“No party, no people and no nation can defend and perpetuate a constitutional republic if they accept a leader who has been at war with the rule of law, with the democratic process or with a peaceful transition of power, with the Constitution itself.” she said.
Cheney went on to say that “the full picture” of Trump’s actions is being seen thanks to the Jan. 6 committee’s investigation for nearly a year. “It has become clear that the efforts that Donald Trump oversaw and in which he participated were even more terrifying and threatening than we could have imagined,” he said.
Speaking directly with his own party, Cheney said it could be “painful for Republicans to accept,” but said GOP members must choose.
“Republicans can’t be loyal to Donald Trump and loyal to the Constitution,” he said, amid applause.
Turning to a more hopeful tone, Cheney said she has been encouraged by what she has found over the past year, including those who have been willing to testify publicly before the select 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’s up to them to save it,” Cheney said. “And I’ve been incredibly excited about the young women I’ve met who have come forward to testify at the Jan. 6 commission.”
Cheney specifically praised former White House aide Cassidy Hutchinson, who a day earlier gave a shocking testimony before the select committee.
“His superiors, men many years older, some of them hiding behind executive privileges, anonymity and intimidation. But his courage and patriotism yesterday were incredible to see,” Cheney said. “The girls of this great nation are seeing what it really means to love this country and what it really means to be a patriot.”
“I want to talk to all the girls watching tonight,” the congresswoman concluded. “The power is yours, and so is the responsibility … These days, for the most part, men run the world, and it’s really not going that well.”