Silence and Deflection Mark Top Republicans Commemorating Jan 6
How things change! Only a year back, we saw how many Republicans joined Democrats when they reacted to the Capitol insurrection with horror and dismay. Not only did they denounce the violence unleashed by the rioters, but they also came down heavily on Donald Trump as well for provoking the violence with allegations of “stolen” elections.
One year down the line, Republicans are seen far less muted and apologetic about the horrific violence. Yes, some of them did acknowledge the terror that was perpetrated by the rioters, but they soon resorted to Democrats bashing. Many of them stayed away from observances organized at the Capitol while there were still others who avoided making any comments. It’s a sign of the chemistry in a party still dominated by the former president.
How Republicans Chose To Avoid The Commemoration
Top congressional leaders from the party chose to skip the commemoration events held on the 6th at the Capitol. The Minority Leader in the House, Kevin McCarthy chose not to appear or make any statements. Mitchell McConnell, the Republican Senate leader chose to be in Atlanta where he attended the former senator Johnny Isakson’s funeral. Yet, he was the one to deliver a very fierce condemnation of Trump after the rioting.
A moment of silence in honor of law enforcement officers was attended by only two Republicans in the House chamber. One of them was Rep. Liz Cheney of Wyoming who has been reduced to being an outcast in her party for being critical of Trump. The other Republican to attend was Dick Cheney, the former Vice President, Liz Cheney’s father.
The Marked Change Of Stance
McConnell had called Jan. 6 “a dark day for Congress and our country” in a statement right after the rioting which saw the Capitol being stormed by Trump loyalists who wreaked havoc by brutalizing police officers using force so that the Congress could be stopped from doing its work.
In what marks the change of view, he was also critical of the Democrats whom he accused of politicizing the attacks. He has attacked the Democrats who he says are attempting to exploit the anniversary to advance their narrow policy goals which were on their radar long before the rioting incident.
This marked a significant shift from his stance last year when the Senate voted not to impeach Trump. A year ago, McConnell had termed Trump’s tacit support for the rioters “a disgraceful, disgraceful dereliction of duty.” Today, McConnell seems to be far more forgiving, not as critical of Trump as he was even a year ago.
Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham, the former president’s friend and ally like McConnell was sharp in his criticism of Trump immediately after the attack. “All I can say is count me out. Enough is enough,” he had said a year back. However, on Thursday, Lindsey blended shock and partisan attacks while speaking on the occasion.
While expressing his dismay at a mob that had stormed the US Capitol at such a critical moment—the presidential elections being certified and speaking of her apprehensions of the possibility of terrorists infiltrating the attacks, he still politicized the matter. He said that the speeches made by President Biden and Vice President Harris were more of an attempt to help a failed presidency find its feet rather than a solemn remembrance of a dark day in America’s history. Lindsey Graham now accuses the Democrats of using the Jan. 6 attacks as an excuse to halt radical electoral reforms.
A Stoic Silence
Some other candidates bracing themselves for 2024 maintained a conspicuous silence. It only highlights the complicated power politics they are having to deal with in their party where Trump is still very much in charge. Again, Trump still enjoys the support of large sections of the primary-voting electorate, a factor that compels them to stay silent.
What is truly shocking is how former Vice President, Mike Pence refrained from releasing a statement. This was although Pence had to run for his life while escaping from rioters chanting “Hang Mike Pence!” It’s a stunning portrayal of how political compulsions make our politicians bury their conscience.
Pence did say that the former president and he won’t ever “see eye to eye” as far as the events of Jan. 6 are concerned. He has also defended how he rejected Trump’s demands of overturning the election results—a step beyond his scope of powers. Yet, in the same breath, he accuses the media of reporting the attacks in a manner that demean Trump supporters. He also calls the media coverage an attempt to divert attention from the failed agenda of the Biden administration.
Even prominent Republicans who have had very successful careers like the former Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo chose to say nothing. After all, it’s him who’s preparing the groundwork for the 2024 campaign where the Trump administration’s successes will be highlighted. The former Ambassador to the United Nations, Nikki Haley found herself isolated among her party’s base after sharply criticizing Trump immediately after the riots. She says that she’ll stay away from running for the GOP nomination if Trump opts to make a comeback.
Trump’s Domination Of The GOP
The transformation of the GOP into Trump’s backyard was most visible when former Vice President Dick Cheney visited the Capitol unexpectedly to stand by his daughter, one of the most prominent anti-Trump voices in the US today.
Cheney has been glib as he assesses how the Republican leadership has handled the anniversary. He is bitterly disappointed by the failure of his party men “to recognize the grave nature of the January 6 attacks and the ongoing threat to our nation.”
Conclusion
The American democracy is at a crossroads. The attack on the Capitol wasn’t just an incident of rioting. It was an attack on the very ideals the great American nation stands on. The time has come to be heard. It’s time to step ahead and raise our voices. The time has come to protect the American tradition of democracy and keep alive the values of tolerance and acceptance.
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