Dick Cheney, a longtime Democratic bogeyman, became an ally opposing Trump

WASHINGTON – Then-Rep. Adam Schiff didn’t recognize who was standing next to then-Rep. Liz Cheney as the two chatted on the House floor after a moment of silence on the first anniversary of the Capitol attack on Jan. 6, 2021.

Lawmakers were still wearing masks because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Schiff, a California Democrat, who investigated the Capitol riot with Cheney, a Wyoming Republican, said she eventually introduced the “older gentleman” standing nearby: her father, Dick Cheney.

“I turned and said, 'I'm sorry, Mr. Vice President, I didn't recognize you with the mask!’” Schiff, a former House member who is now in the Senate, told USA TODAY. “I thought he was another House member. I'm sure I shook his hand and told him that I appreciated his being there.”

The scene might have prompted a second or even third look from anyone who lived through President George W. Bush's administration: Democrats approached their longtime Republican adversary to offer their thanks and best wishes.