Oath and Honor: A Memoir and a Warning

Cheney receives a call from Speaker Pelosi, who invited her to join the Select Committee to Investigate the January 6 Attack on the US Capitol. Despite their political differences, Cheney accepted the invitation, understanding the importance of the investigation. She reflects on the challenges she knew the committee would face, including time constraints, executive privilege battles, and the need for forthright testimony. Cheney emphasizes the importance of conducting a nonpartisan and thorough investigation to uncover the truth about the events of January 6.

Cheney discusses the selection of members for the January 6 Committee. Speaker Pelosi and Leader McCarthy were responsible for nominating members. McCarthy nominated five Republicans. Cheney believed nominees Rodney Davis, Kelly Armstrong, and Troy Nehls might approach the investigation with an open mind. She felt that nominees Jim Jordan and Jim Banks posed conflicts of interest due to their close ties to Trump. Pelosi rejected Jordan and Banks, and McCarthy withdrew all five nominees, claiming partisanship.

Cheney’s narrative also mentions the recruitment of capable lawyers for the investigation, including Joe Maher and John Wood. She highlights the efforts to maintain a nonpartisan approach to the committee’s work, despite claims of partisanship by Trump’s allies.