Washington politicians and Hollywood celebrities share a peculiar fondness for self-congratulatory awards. President Biden recently elevated this practice to new heights of absurdity by awarding Liz Cheney, former Wyoming representative and staunch Trump critic, the Presidential Citizens Medal. This recognition, shared with Rep. Bennie Thompson, was bestowed for their leadership of the House Select Committee on the January 6 Attack.
Regardless of one's perspective on the events of January 6th, the committee's prime-time hearings undeniably fell short of expectations. The promised conclusive evidence that would permanently derail Donald Trump's political career never materialized. Instead, the American public witnessed a costly and time-consuming spectacle that yielded little of substance.
The committee's efforts, ironically, seem to have diminished rather than strengthened public perception of Trump's culpability for the January 6th riot. Polls indicate a slight decrease in the percentage of Americans who hold Trump directly responsible following the hearings. This outcome raises questions about the effectiveness and objectivity of the committee's approach.
Cheney's intense focus on Trump, bordering on obsession, arguably cost her a seat in the House. Her earlier concerns about actions taken against Trump during the Russiagate investigation, which she likened to a coup, seem starkly contrasted with her later pursuit of the former president. The January 6th committee hearings featured a procession of former White House officials and Capitol Police officers, often lauded by a panel of Trump-critical Democrats and two Republicans, Cheney and Rep. Adam Kinzinger. The entire process raised concerns about its impartiality and ultimate purpose.
During the committee's televised hearings, Cheney lost her primary election by a significant margin. Her unwavering focus on Trump, to the exclusion of other pressing issues like the border, the economy, and alleged Biden corruption, likely contributed to her political downfall. Even Kamala Harris's campaign attempted to leverage Cheney's anti-Trump stance, demonstrating the extent to which her political identity became intertwined with opposition to the former president.
Had Cheney chosen a different path, perhaps prioritizing her party and constituents over her personal vendetta against Trump, her political trajectory might have been different. Instead, her fervent pursuit of Trump ultimately led to her losing a position of power. Now, instead of a seat in Congress, she holds a symbolic medal awarded by a departing president.
What lies ahead for Liz Cheney remains uncertain. Perhaps she will follow in the footsteps of other controversial figures and pursue a media career. One thing is clear: her influence within the Republican Party has significantly diminished, a consequence of her choices and priorities.
