Women over 50 play a key role in defending democracy while examining the January 6 attack on the US Capitol. Through their experience, wisdom and leadership, these women show the world that success has no shelf life.
Take, for example, Republican Representative Liz Cheney of Wyoming, 55, the vice chairman of the United States commission investigating the 2021 attack and the potential role of then-President Donald Trump. She has opposed Trump in a way that many members of her Republican party have not.
“In our country, we do not swear an oath to any person or to any political party,” the deputy said congressman said: during her opening speech at a committee hearing. “I say this to my Republican colleagues who defend the indefensible: one day Donald Trump will be gone, but your dishonor will remain.”
Rep. Cheney has even received support from the left, who may disagree with her on the policy but praise her for standing up to members of her own party. It’s a huge risk, politically. She could very well lose her primary for her home seat in Wyoming. But some analysts believe that by making such a bold statement to champion democracy, she is charting a path to run for president in 2024, something Rep. Cheney has not ruled it out publicly.
Know Your Value emphasizes Rep. Cheney and others as part of her “50 Over 50” initiative to shed light on women ages 50, 60, 70 and older who are destroying age and gender norms. This week, in partnership with Forbes, we highlight just a few women, all 50 and older, defending democracy during the January 6 hearings.
Here are a few other women worth paying attention to:
Democratic Representative Zoe Lofgren of California, 74
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As a law student in 1974, the Democrat helped the House Judiciary Committee draft the Watergate charges against President Richard Nixon. And now Rep. Lofgren is one of four lawyers on the committee investigating the January 6 attacks, and she is taking a leading role.
Rep. Lofgren recently told Know Your Value what she believes is the biggest distraction from the hearing yet, saying it is unbelievable about the “depth of the plot and the persistence of the former president in his bid to stay in power.” .” She added: “Even though he knew he was losing, even though he knew the fraud allegations were false, he was making untrue that he was apparently willing to go to great lengths just to stay in power no matter what the constitution demanded of him what American democracy demanded of him.”
Ruby Freeman, Election Officer, 63
Freeman and her daughter recently gave emotional testimony before the committee a few weeks ago† They described an onslaught of online harassment and threats after President Trump and his allies falsely accused her of entering counterfeit ballots through voting machines while working for the Fulton County Elections Board on Election Day.
“I don’t feel safe anywhere. Nowhere,” said Freeman, speaking boldly. “Do you know what it feels like to have the President of the United States targeting you? The President of the United States is supposed to represent every American. Not to target one. He focused on me. A proud American citizen who stood up to help Fulton County hold elections in the midst of a pandemic.
Nominations for the 2022 Know Your Value and Forbes “50 Over 50” list are open† If you know a woman who is actively stepping into their power in their sixth decade or beyond, we’d love to hear from you! Go here for more details†