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Internet praises Liz and Dick Cheney for being only Republicans to attend Jan 6 event

In the iconic photo, Dick and Liz Cheney were the only two Republicans to attend Pelosi's moment of silence, which all GOPers skip

If you ever wanted a sign of just how divided the US Congress is right now, look no further than the January 6 memorial event. As Speaker Nancy Pelosi marked a moment of silence to begin the day's events, she was joined by all her Democratic colleagues, but only one Republican, Liz Cheney. The Wyoming Congresswoman was joined by her father, former VP Dick Cheney for the moment, which all other House Republicans chose to skip.

It's no surprise it has come to this, Cheney along with Rep Adam Kinzinger are the only two Republicans to cross the aisle and join the Select Committee investigating the insurrection. Since the beginning, all other Republicans, including Leader Kevin McCarthy have denounced the investigation and refused to call the events of the day an insurrection. The divide is so deep, the Republicans barring Cheney have chosen to skip the January 6 events, while attacking the Democrats for attending.

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Their approach has angered many online, but perhaps the most scathing attack came from none other than the former VP himself. Speaking to reporters at the Capitol, Dick Cheney said, "It's not the leadership that resembles any of the folks I knew when I was here for ten years." He also said the party "failure to defend the constitution" for the way they have handled January 6. 

Two Cheneys join iconic photo

The photos from the event are likely to go down in history, as the two Cheneys occupy an otherwise empty right side of the House chamber. Kinzinger did not join in because he was on "baby watch", with his wife due to give birth very soon. "Once again everyone, would have loved to have been on the house floor, but I have a baby making his entrance into the world at any moment. God bless @Liz_Cheney and VP Cheney for going. Sad others didn’t. Stoked to be a dad," he tweeted. Earlier he tweeted he was there "in spirit". 

Other Republicans have chosen to completely ignore the events planning to commemorate the day, with many taking to social media to attack the Democrats for doing so. Responding to the lack of turnout, Liz Cheney said, "I think it’s a reflection of where our party is. … very concerning." After the moment of silence, several House Democrats could be seen walking up to the former VP and shaking his hand. 

The moment did not go unnoticed, and social media was quick to praise the Cheneys for doing the right thing while taking shots at the GOP for their absence. 

'Never have imagined that the Cheneys would earn my respect'

"I was never a Cheney fan, but my opinion has now changed," one user replied to the photo. Another commented, "Liz Cheney is really working overtime to change the entire perception of her family legacy and I'll be damned if she isn't succeeding." One user tweeted, "The House just finished a moment of silence for January 6 and honoring the fallen officers who protected the Capitol. The only Republicans that showed up were Liz Cheney and her father Dick Cheney. That literally says it all. The GQP are the party of death, lies and treason."

"Apparently, Dick Cheney and Liz Cheney were the only 2 Republicans seated in the House to hear Nancy Pelosi's January 6th commemorative speech. If that doesn't confirm to you where the GOP stands on continuing with a Democracy, what is it going to take?" one person asked. Another angry user tweeted, "Goddamn f-----g traitorous GOP Congress can't even honor the officers who saved their lives. Thank you Liz and Dick Cheney." One person replied, "I could never have imagined that the Cheney’s would earn my respect. They did today."