All seems to be well with House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy and the GOP Party following leaked audio tapes that seem to show McCarthy disparaging then-President Donald Trump and intimating he should resign.
After speaking to his caucus on Wednesday, McCarthy received a “standing ovation” from his peers, who appeared to be rallying behind him.
McCarthy’s comments, which some believe suggest Trump’s actions and statements leading up to the January 6 breach of the Capitol represent criminal activity, is currently under review by the January 6 Select Committee.
Apparent division in the GOP ranks is concerning to the party, particularly on the eve of what looks to be a very promising midterm cycle. Therefore, McCarthy’s damage control meeting with House Republicans today was critically important.
The details of what was said have not yet been disclosed, but McCarthy’s speech ended with a standing ovation. News of the outcome was first reported by Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., who said to reporters: “Standing ovation and Kevin will be speaker.”
Though all were not overjoyed, the unity of the party was maintained.
Rep. Jay Obernolte, R-Calif., told Fox News: “He addressed them and I think the conference is satisfied.”
Top House Democrats responded with anger to news that McCarthy received a standing ovation.
“Republicans,” House Democratic Caucus Vice Chair Pete Aguilar, D-Calif., said, “continue to support the big lie, lie about everything else, lie when they’re caught, and then giving standing ovations.”
House Democratic Caucus Chair Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., said: “The radical right playbook is simple. It’s not complicated. It’s a five point playbook. Number one, lie. Number two, lie. Number three, lie. Number four, lie. Number five, lie again.”
Jeffries added that Republicans “lie with impunity. Facts don’t matter. Hypocrisy is not a constraint to their behavior. And they think that shamelessness is a superpower.”
Fox News reports that not all Republicans appeared to accept McCarthy’s explanation, citing Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., who, when asked if he has confidence in McCarthy, said, “No more or less than usual.”
Rep. Marjorie Green, R-Ga., was also subdued in her assessment of the day, saying that Gaetz was “rightfully” upset about the matter and that she “would like to hear an apology because I’ve had to be held accountable … for my words.”
Former President Donald Trump has not made a statement since McCarthy’s meeting with House members today, but is reportedly on good terms with McCarthy.
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