Rep. Liz Cheney’s Book Reveals GOP’s Role in Trump’s Post-Election Efforts

Introduction

Former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy is contemplating his political future after being ousted by a hard-right revolt within his own party. However, he may find it difficult to ignore the revelations from Rep. Liz Cheney’s new book, “Oath and Honor: A Memoir and a Warning.” In the book, Cheney exposes President Trump’s attempts to stay in office despite losing the 2020 election to Joe Biden. The book, set to be released soon, has already made headlines due to its damning excerpts, particularly regarding McCarthy and other Republican colleagues.

McCarthy’s Cowardice

Cheney accuses McCarthy of “cowardice” for his inability to stand up to Trump. According to the book’s excerpts, McCarthy privately admitted that Biden had won the election, even receiving confirmation from Trump himself. However, McCarthy publicly denied Biden’s victory. Additionally, after the Capitol riot on January 6, McCarthy condemned the violence while simultaneously supporting his party members who voted against certifying the electoral votes from states won by Biden. This would have triggered a “contingent election” where the winner is chosen by the House of Representatives. Cheney exposes McCarthy’s contradictory actions.

Republicans as Enablers and Collaborators

Although Cheney primarily focuses on Trump as the central antagonist in her book, she does not spare other Republicans from criticism. She labels them as “enablers and collaborators” who blindly followed Trump’s false claims. Cheney specifically calls out McCarthy and his successor, Mike Johnson, for their roles. She expresses shock that McCarthy visited Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort to reconcile with him shortly after the Capitol attack. Cheney’s book also highlights Johnson’s involvement in filing an amicus curiae brief in a case seeking to invalidate Electoral College votes from states won by Biden. Despite objections, many Republican House members, including McCarthy, signed the brief. Cheney exposes their loyalty to Trump at the expense of democratic principles.

Cheney’s Disillusionment

Cheney’s disillusionment with her Republican colleagues is evident throughout her book. As the former House Republican Conference Chair, she recalls working with Johnson and witnessing his efforts to curry favor with Trump. However, she particularly criticizes Johnson for his role in the amicus curiae brief. According to the excerpts, Cheney overheard a colleague exasperatedly say, “The things we do for ‘Orange Jesus.'” While Johnson denies using those terms for Trump, the revelations in Cheney’s book have sparked denials from various spokespersons.

A Departure from Family Legacy

Cheney’s trajectory within the Republican Party took a drastic turn in late 2020 and early 2021. As the third-ranking Republican in the House, she had aspirations of becoming the first Republican woman elected speaker. Her parents, who were both involved in politics, coauthored a book on speakers in history. Cheney’s father, Richard, even had the potential to become Speaker himself. However, Cheney’s resistance to Trump’s actions, including her role in the House Select Committee to Investigate the January 6 Attack on the Capitol, caused a rift within the party. Despite her parents’ support, Cheney’s future in the GOP remains uncertain.

Read More of this Story at www.npr.org – 2023-12-02 10:00:27

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