Sen. Lindsey Graham: Removing McCarthy Would Be a Disaster for the Republican Party
During an interview with NBC’s “Face The Nation,” Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) expressed his support for House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) and warned that removing him from his position would have dire consequences for the Republican Party. Graham stated, “I think Kevin is the right guy at the right time. The only way he loses his job is if a handful of Republicans join up with the Democratic Party to fire him. That would be a disaster for the future of the Republican Party. That’s not gonna happen.”
Graham emphasized McCarthy’s strong support within the party, highlighting his efforts to avoid a government shutdown and his commitment to helping Ukraine. He also acknowledged McCarthy’s demand for border security measures in exchange for assistance to Ukraine.
McCarthy has faced criticism from members of his own party after collaborating with Democrats to pass a stopgap funding bill. The bill, which some Republican hardliners considered favorable to Democrats, would maintain current funding levels for 45 days and allocate $16 billion for federal disaster assistance.
‘Absolute Waste of Time’
Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) announced his intention to oust McCarthy from his leadership position, calling for new trustworthy leadership. McCarthy, however, remains unfazed by Gaetz’s efforts, stating, “That’s nothing new. He’s tried to do that from the moment I ran for office. Yes, I’ll survive. You know, this is personal with Matt.”
U.S. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) speaks with reporters on Capitol Hill in Washington on Sept. 19, 2023. (Madalina Vasiliu/The Epoch Times)
Reactions from House Republicans and Democrats
Rep. Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.) criticized Gaetz’s plan to vacate McCarthy’s speakership, describing it as “a diatribe of delusional thinking.” While Lawler agreed with Gaetz on the need to cut funding, he emphasized the importance of a gradual reform process. Rep. Jason Smith (R-Mo.) expressed concerns that Gaetz’s plan would require Democratic support, potentially empowering the opposition.
“It’s an absolute waste of time if he brings a motion to vacate,” Mr. Smith told Fox News. “The only way a motion to vacate could be successful is if Matt Gaetz did exactly what he yells that Speaker McCarthy [is] doing, and that’s working with the Democrats.”
Former House Speaker Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) dismissed Gaetz’s influence, stating, “You’re wasting your time on that guy, because he has no sway in the House of Representatives, except to get on TV and raise money on the internet.” Pelosi advised Democrats to follow the lead of House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.).
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) confirmed that she would vote against McCarthy, expressing her support for Jeffries. However, she emphasized that it is the responsibility of the Republican Conference to address their own leadership issues.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) in Washington on Dec. 8, 2022. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)
Bill Pan contributed to this report.
How has McCarthy’s collaboration with Democrats to pass a stopgap funding bill to prevent a government shutdown affected his standing within the Republican Party
Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) faces a threat of ouster from his position, as some members of the Republican Party express their dissatisfaction with his leadership. However, Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) has come forward to voice his support for McCarthy, warning that removing him would be disastrous for the party.
In an interview with NBC’s “Face The Nation,” Graham made it clear that he believes McCarthy is the right person for the job at this crucial time. He stated, “The only way he loses his job is if a handful of Republicans join up with the Democratic Party to fire him. That would be a disaster for the future of the Republican Party. That’s not gonna happen.”
Graham emphasized McCarthy’s strong support within the party, pointing out his efforts to avoid a government shutdown and his commitment to helping Ukraine. McCarthy has been instrumental in preventing a government shutdown by collaborating with Democrats to pass a stopgap funding bill. However, this move has drawn criticism from some hardline Republicans who view the bill as favorable to Democrats.
Despite the criticism and the threat of ouster, McCarthy remains unfazed. Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) has announced his intention to remove McCarthy from his leadership position, calling for new trustworthy leadership. McCarthy responded to Gaetz’s efforts by stating, “That’s nothing new. He’s tried to do that from the moment I ran for office. Yes, I’ll survive. You know, this is personal with Matt.”
The Republican Party is currently facing challenges and divisions, with different factions vying for influence and control. The issue of leadership is crucial in navigating these challenges and unifying the party. Removing McCarthy from his position as House Speaker could potentially deepen these divisions and weaken the party’s position. It is essential for the party to maintain stability and unity in order to effectively advance its agenda.
In conclusion, Sen. Lindsey Graham’s support for Kevin McCarthy as House Speaker is significant in the face of growing criticism and efforts to remove McCarthy from his position. Graham warns that such a move would be disastrous for the Republican Party, emphasizing McCarthy’s support within the party and his commitment to important issues. As the party navigates challenges and divisions, it is crucial to prioritize stability and unity in order to effectively advance its goals.
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