After seeing the first week or so of the new sessions, it’s no wonder the average person is so down about how our government operates or fails to operate. Some things coming out of Capitol Hill lately can make your head spin.
Here are my favorite moments as the Republicans took over the House of Representatives.
McCarthy Begs His Way to Victory
It took 15 votes and four days for the House of Representatives to finally find a House Speaker, the longest the chamber has gone without a leader. After many concessions to gain support, Rep. Kevin McCarthy finally got his way. This was a complete embarrassment.
Rep. Kevin McCarthy of California (Photo by Popsync)
What this display showed Americans is these Republicans are not going to get along, and McCarthy was not a very strong leader. What made this a circus was Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida. He nominated former President Donald Trump on the seventh vote. Really? Is that what it came down to for the Republican-led chamber?
This was not a clear-cut vote. On the 15th vote, six GOP members voted “present” on the final ballot, and McCarthy just got by with 216 of 428 possible votes. This could be a prelude to what to expect from the conservative Republicans and the far-right radicals.
It’s a good thing for McCarthy that he won. He had already moved into the Speaker’s office before these rounds of voting even took place. Now, McCarthy is accountable to many people who helped him win. I guess this is what you call playing politics.
Santos is an Admitted Liar
George Santos ran a solid campaign, and the 34-year-old earned his first election victory in New York’s 3rd congressional district. Then, he dropped a bomb. Santos admitted freely that he lied his way to Capitol Hill.
Rep. George Santos of New York (Photo by Popsync)
Santos lied about parts of his resume that helped get him elected. He admitted to the New York Post and WABC radio that he fabricated some facts. On his resume, Santos said he worked directly with Citigroup and Goldman Sachs. Those were lies.
In addition, Santos claimed he had degrees from Baruch College and New York University. He admitted to the Post that he did not graduate from any college or university.
For his first week in Congress, Santos is facing an investigation by federal prosecutors and the Nassau County district attorney’s office. In response, what did Santos tell the media? “I have done nothing unethical.” He has to be kidding. Either he is delusional or thinks it’s OK to mock our election process. How can someone like this work in Congress? We must make an example of such conduct and show him the exit.
Boebert, Gaetz Wander the Halls
Rep. Lauren Boebert of Colorado and fellow Republican Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida had an embarrassing episode when they couldn’t find their offices. It made for some needed comic relief.
Rep. Lauren Boebert of Colorado and Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida. (Photo by Popsync)
With a small number of reporters on their coattails, Boebert and Gaetz began walking up a hallway when they discovered they had taken a wrong turn. “We’re lost,” Gaetz admitted. With this caught on various recording devices, social media teed off on the wayward pair. One user commented, “the blind leading the blind.” Give that person a thumbs-up.
Meanwhile, Biden and McConnell Appear Together
While the House of Representatives was bickering over a new speaker, a public meeting took place in Kentucky between President Joe Biden and Sen. Mitch McConnell in a rare photo-op between the Democratic and Republican leaders.
President Joe Biden and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (Photo by Popsync)
They came together with other lawmakers to discuss infrastructure improvements while visiting the Brent Spence Bridge that connects Kentucky and Ohio. Biden and McConnell announced $2 billion in investments to upgrade bridges nationwide.
Still, the timing couldn’t be better. It showed that while the Senate and the White House are capable of mutual agreements, the House looked in total disarray over something as easy as finding a new speaker.
Who is in charge? Donald Trump?
How much of an influence was Donald Trump as McCarthy desperately tried to garner enough votes to become House Speaker? Gaetz nominated Trump on the seventh ballot, be it a symbolic gesture. It was more like a total waste of a voice. Indeed, the House was technically within its means to nominate Trump since anyone in the US can be set, though it’s never happened before.
Former President Donald Trump. (Photo by Popsync)
McCarthy did credit Trump for his nomination, but that wasn’t necessary since Trump already gave credit to himself. With his supercharged ego, Trump claimed he convinced the 20 “Never Kevin” hard-liners to support McCarthy. Trump said, “I started calling them, getting people to agree with me and coming on board.”
How does this bode well for the far-right Republicans? While Trump may have a behind-the-scenes influence over House Republicans, don’t forget that many Trump-backed candidates lost in the mid-term elections. And Trump’s so-called force could be problematic for many GOP potential candidates.
At least until Trump goes to prison.
Democrats BYO to the House Floor
Florida Republican Kat Cammack stirred the pot during the sixth attempt to settle on a House Speaker. She accused House Democrats of sneaking in alcohol in the lower chamber in a speech that drew some jeers from the Democrats.
Rep. Kat Cammack of Florida (Photo by Popsync)
Among other things, Cammack said of Democrats, “they want us to fight each other. That has been made (clear) by the popcorn and blankets and alcohol and blankets that (are) coming over there.”
Some House Democrats took to Twitter to show off their bags and cans of popcorn, but there were no signs of alcohol. New York Democrat Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez said while the House voting was taking place, “if Dems took a shot every time McCarthy lost a Republican, we’d all be unconscious by now.”
Maybe this is what we should expect. Ultra-right-wing Republicans against drunk Democrats. What a pretty sight that would be.
And a Final Note
Since we’re focusing on the ridiculous, I can’t pass on this item. Republicans are up in arms over claims that Biden will confiscate gas cooking stoves. They jumped on comments by Richard Trumka, Jr., appointed by Biden as commissioner of the US Consumer Product Safety Commission. Trumka said to Insider that a ban on gas stoves was “on the table” because cooking appliances pose a hazard to health.
Rep. Ronny Jackson of Texas. (Photo by Popsync)
Perhaps, Trumka may have overstepped things a bit here. CPSC Chairman Alexander Hoehn-Saric later countered that the agency is looking at ways to cut indoor air quality hazards, but it’s “not looking to ban gas stoves.”
Yet, that didn’t prevent Republicans from making lame responses. Rep. Ronny Jackson of Texas insisted, “if the maniacs in the White House come for my stove, they can pry it from my cold dead hands.” Or Sen. Tom Cotton claims Democrats’ “desire to control every aspect of your life knows no bounds – including how you make breakfast.” Finally, Rep. Byron Donalds of Florida wrote on Twitter, “@JoeBiden, get your hands off our gas stoves!!!!”
It’s nice to know that Republicans are ready to cook up some sizzling ideas on this country’s major issues. Sorry, I couldn’t help myself.
Steve Dempsey has worked for a variety of news organizations for nearly 40 years. The majority of Steve's work came in sports, including covering the NFL, Major League Baseball, NBA, golf, and motorsports. Steve also wrote editorials in Opinion along with hosting a live-stream online show covering many topics. Steve is also an experienced web designer and CMS operator. He recently completed a web development boot camp named Coding Dojo.
Weird Start for House Republicans
After seeing the first week or so of the new sessions, it’s no wonder the average person is so down about how our government operates or fails to operate. Some things coming out of Capitol Hill lately can make your head spin.
Here are my favorite moments as the Republicans took over the House of Representatives.
McCarthy Begs His Way to Victory
It took 15 votes and four days for the House of Representatives to finally find a House Speaker, the longest the chamber has gone without a leader. After many concessions to gain support, Rep. Kevin McCarthy finally got his way. This was a complete embarrassment.
What this display showed Americans is these Republicans are not going to get along, and McCarthy was not a very strong leader. What made this a circus was Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida. He nominated former President Donald Trump on the seventh vote. Really? Is that what it came down to for the Republican-led chamber?
This was not a clear-cut vote. On the 15th vote, six GOP members voted “present” on the final ballot, and McCarthy just got by with 216 of 428 possible votes. This could be a prelude to what to expect from the conservative Republicans and the far-right radicals.
It’s a good thing for McCarthy that he won. He had already moved into the Speaker’s office before these rounds of voting even took place. Now, McCarthy is accountable to many people who helped him win. I guess this is what you call playing politics.
Santos is an Admitted Liar
George Santos ran a solid campaign, and the 34-year-old earned his first election victory in New York’s 3rd congressional district. Then, he dropped a bomb. Santos admitted freely that he lied his way to Capitol Hill.
Santos lied about parts of his resume that helped get him elected. He admitted to the New York Post and WABC radio that he fabricated some facts. On his resume, Santos said he worked directly with Citigroup and Goldman Sachs. Those were lies.
In addition, Santos claimed he had degrees from Baruch College and New York University. He admitted to the Post that he did not graduate from any college or university.
For his first week in Congress, Santos is facing an investigation by federal prosecutors and the Nassau County district attorney’s office. In response, what did Santos tell the media? “I have done nothing unethical.” He has to be kidding. Either he is delusional or thinks it’s OK to mock our election process. How can someone like this work in Congress? We must make an example of such conduct and show him the exit.
Boebert, Gaetz Wander the Halls
Rep. Lauren Boebert of Colorado and fellow Republican Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida had an embarrassing episode when they couldn’t find their offices. It made for some needed comic relief.
With a small number of reporters on their coattails, Boebert and Gaetz began walking up a hallway when they discovered they had taken a wrong turn. “We’re lost,” Gaetz admitted. With this caught on various recording devices, social media teed off on the wayward pair. One user commented, “the blind leading the blind.” Give that person a thumbs-up.
Meanwhile, Biden and McConnell Appear Together
While the House of Representatives was bickering over a new speaker, a public meeting took place in Kentucky between President Joe Biden and Sen. Mitch McConnell in a rare photo-op between the Democratic and Republican leaders.
They came together with other lawmakers to discuss infrastructure improvements while visiting the Brent Spence Bridge that connects Kentucky and Ohio. Biden and McConnell announced $2 billion in investments to upgrade bridges nationwide.
Still, the timing couldn’t be better. It showed that while the Senate and the White House are capable of mutual agreements, the House looked in total disarray over something as easy as finding a new speaker.
Who is in charge? Donald Trump?
How much of an influence was Donald Trump as McCarthy desperately tried to garner enough votes to become House Speaker? Gaetz nominated Trump on the seventh ballot, be it a symbolic gesture. It was more like a total waste of a voice. Indeed, the House was technically within its means to nominate Trump since anyone in the US can be set, though it’s never happened before.
McCarthy did credit Trump for his nomination, but that wasn’t necessary since Trump already gave credit to himself. With his supercharged ego, Trump claimed he convinced the 20 “Never Kevin” hard-liners to support McCarthy. Trump said, “I started calling them, getting people to agree with me and coming on board.”
How does this bode well for the far-right Republicans? While Trump may have a behind-the-scenes influence over House Republicans, don’t forget that many Trump-backed candidates lost in the mid-term elections. And Trump’s so-called force could be problematic for many GOP potential candidates.
At least until Trump goes to prison.
Democrats BYO to the House Floor
Florida Republican Kat Cammack stirred the pot during the sixth attempt to settle on a House Speaker. She accused House Democrats of sneaking in alcohol in the lower chamber in a speech that drew some jeers from the Democrats.
Among other things, Cammack said of Democrats, “they want us to fight each other. That has been made (clear) by the popcorn and blankets and alcohol and blankets that (are) coming over there.”
Some House Democrats took to Twitter to show off their bags and cans of popcorn, but there were no signs of alcohol. New York Democrat Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez said while the House voting was taking place, “if Dems took a shot every time McCarthy lost a Republican, we’d all be unconscious by now.”
Maybe this is what we should expect. Ultra-right-wing Republicans against drunk Democrats. What a pretty sight that would be.
And a Final Note
Since we’re focusing on the ridiculous, I can’t pass on this item. Republicans are up in arms over claims that Biden will confiscate gas cooking stoves. They jumped on comments by Richard Trumka, Jr., appointed by Biden as commissioner of the US Consumer Product Safety Commission. Trumka said to Insider that a ban on gas stoves was “on the table” because cooking appliances pose a hazard to health.
Perhaps, Trumka may have overstepped things a bit here. CPSC Chairman Alexander Hoehn-Saric later countered that the agency is looking at ways to cut indoor air quality hazards, but it’s “not looking to ban gas stoves.”
Yet, that didn’t prevent Republicans from making lame responses. Rep. Ronny Jackson of Texas insisted, “if the maniacs in the White House come for my stove, they can pry it from my cold dead hands.” Or Sen. Tom Cotton claims Democrats’ “desire to control every aspect of your life knows no bounds – including how you make breakfast.” Finally, Rep. Byron Donalds of Florida wrote on Twitter, “@JoeBiden, get your hands off our gas stoves!!!!”
It’s nice to know that Republicans are ready to cook up some sizzling ideas on this country’s major issues. Sorry, I couldn’t help myself.
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About The Author
Steve Dempsey
Steve Dempsey has worked for a variety of news organizations for nearly 40 years. The majority of Steve's work came in sports, including covering the NFL, Major League Baseball, NBA, golf, and motorsports. Steve also wrote editorials in Opinion along with hosting a live-stream online show covering many topics. Steve is also an experienced web designer and CMS operator. He recently completed a web development boot camp named Coding Dojo.