Staff Reports
Matt Gaetz (R-FL), a furious Florida lawmaker, expertly shut down a CNN anchor who falsely accused him of voting against a defence budget plan. Gaetz, ever the showman, assured the frazzled anchor, Abby Phillip, on live television that he had voted for the defence rule both times. Phillip had to gently confess her error before concluding the interview.
https://x.com/FFT1776/status/1706327681959158184?s=20
The mainstream media should take note of Phillip's embarrassing error and remember that not all ardent conservatives in the House voted to kill the defence bill. Six Republicans, led by House Rules Chairman Tom Cole (R-OK), blocked the bill in two rounds of votes. Reps. Andy Biggs (R-AZ), Dan Bishop (R-NC), Eli Crane (R-AZ), Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA), and Matt Rosendale (R-MT) were among the five others. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy's (R-CA) attempt to forwards the budget measure without reaching agreement on a continuing resolution to avert a government shutdown.
https://rumble.com/v3kp1fg-gaetz-humiliates-cnn-host-with-fact-check-on-live-tv-abby-this-is-going-to-.html
Gaetz, who is leading a small but outspoken group of Republicans calling for a harsher approach in negotiations, including denying financial help to Ukraine, has emerged as the face of opposition to McCarthy's shutdown tactics. Speaker McCarthy boldly took on Gaetz and his allies last week, asserting that he had the backing of a sizable portion of the GOP caucus.
Democrats are offering McCarthy a route out of potential embarrassment while Gaetz keeps the speaker's feet to the fire. In exchange for terminating the investigation into President Joe Biden's impeachment and guaranteeing that funding to Ukraine will continue, they offer to withdraw their move to vacate. While this may temporarily preserve McCarthy in office, it will probably make it more difficult for him to mobilise the GOP caucus for future votes.
The enquiry into President Biden's alleged involvement in his son's business activities is being led by conservative lawmakers Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH) and Rep. James Comer (R-KY), on whose backing Speaker McCarthy is banking to maintain his post. Additionally, McCarthy enjoys the occasionally erratic support of former President Donald Trump, who has questioned McCarthy's devotion during a hectic primary season.
