This here is what’s described in the accompanying press release as a "re-enactment" of Jeff Merkley’s swearing in ceremony in the Old Senate Chamber.

And yes, that is indeed Dick "The joke just writes itself" Cheney. I’m sure this wasn’t awkward or anything. Upstart Democrat from one of the most liberal states in the union shaking hands in at gunpoint (twice!) with the poster boy for the last eight-years of cloak-and-dagger incompetence—a man who packs buckshot into the faces of the people he likes. Nope. Couldn’t possibly be weird.

Three questions:

1) I’ve heard of Civil War re-enactments and even re-enactments of Vietnam jungle battles played out with paintball guns. But photo re-enactments of a handshake? Who knew?

2) Do you think immediately after this photo was taken Merkley shoved a middle finger in Cheney’s face while his children kicked his shin?

2) Do you think it burns when you pee after you touch Cheney?