Staff Reports
During a recent appearance on CBS News's Face the Nation, Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) unexpectedly discussed her willingness to assist Matt Gaetz in his endeavor to unseat Kevin McCarthy from House leadership. When questioned about the prospect of supporting Gaetz's move to remove McCarthy from his leadership position, AOC responded, "We would need to address that situation as it arises. Speaker McCarthy has displayed considerable weakness." She proceeded to critique McCarthy's decision-making on various issues, including abortion rights, climate change denial, and fiscal responsibility.
There are "absolutely" grounds for an effort to oust Speaker McCarthy with a motion to vacate, as some Republicans like Rep. Matt Gaetz have threatened, Rep. @AOC says. When asked if she'd vote in line with Gaetz, she says: "We would have to cross that bridge when we get to it." pic.twitter.com/eQ9MP1HrOY
— Face The Nation (@FaceTheNation) September 24, 2023
AOC acknowledged the existence of valid reasons for initiating a motion to vacate the speaker's chair. However, she also voiced apprehension about the ongoing turmoil within the Republican Party, remarking, "We are presently witnessing a highly disordered state within the Republican Party, and we must avoid allowing chaos to take hold in Washington." While she didn't explicitly commit to supporting Gaetz, she also didn't outright dismiss the idea, stating, "I believe that's a decision we would make if and when the situation arises."
Matt Gaetz has been an outspoken critic of McCarthy, advocating for McCarthy to adhere to specific demands, including discontinuing stopgap spending measures and launching investigations into the Biden family. Gaetz warned McCarthy that failing to comply with these demands would result in a motion to remove him from his position. Gaetz has also accused McCarthy of prioritizing special interests over the needs of the American people.
Whether AOC will ultimately align with Gaetz in his campaign to oust McCarthy from House leadership remains uncertain. Nevertheless, her comments indicate a willingness to consider the possibility in the future. With the Republican Party currently experiencing internal divisions, the potential alliance between AOC and Gaetz could add another layer of complexity to McCarthy and the GOP's struggles. As events continue to unfold, it will be intriguing to observe the impact of AOC's statements and Gaetz's efforts on the party's power dynamics.
