Global Courant
Speaker of the House of Representatives Kevin McCarthy (R-California) was one of several people calling for New Jersey Sen. Bob Menendez (D) to resign, but it only took two words to change his mind.
Menendez was charged with bribery last week. On Saturday, McCarthy called for the senator’s resignation. saying the indictment was “very damaging” and that the evidence presented by prosecutors “seems pretty black and white.”
But McCarthy seemed to freak out Tuesday after CNN’s Manu Raju asked him a timid question: “You think George Santos Who is indicted on federal criminal charges, should also resign?”
The partisan divide in the House of Representatives is very narrow – 221 Republicans to 212 Democrats – and McCarthy needs every vote he can get.
So after Raju pointed out the hypocrisy of asking a Democrat to resign and a Republican to fight their charges in court, McCarthy decided that Menendez should also be presumed innocent until proven guilty.
“I think George could have his day in court, and I think Menendez could have his day in court,” he said.
Raju then reminded McCarthy of his previous comments, saying: “Mr. Chairman, why do you think Menendez should resign?”
McCarthy immediately freaked out.
“It could be his choice what he wants to do, yes,” he said.
You can watch the clip below.
Although many Democratic lawmakers to have suggested that Menendez resignHe refuses to do this.
In the meantime, Business insider notes that no Republican senators have called for him to resign, and that some, such as Tom Cotton of Arkansas, have even expressed their support.
