Kevin McCarthy’s Post-Debt Ceiling Victory Rant Sparks Confusion, Jokes: ‘You Mad, Bro?’ (Video)
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Based on his words alone, House Speaker Kevin McCarthy couldn’t be happier that the U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation Wednesday night to raise the government debt ceiling and narrowly avoid the nation’s first-ever default. But his tone and body language seemed to tell a different story.
Speaking on C-SPAN after the vote, McCarthy’s vibe seemed to be at odds with his optimistic words about the passed legislation. 165 Democrats voted ‘yes’ to the bill compared to just 149 Republicans, implying the former party found the bill more beneficial than the latter. Reporters questioned McCarthy about the bipartisan nature of the voting, asking whether the Republican speaker regretted not pushing for deeper spending cuts and other hard-right demands to be included in the bill.
“This is great. I think it is wonderful that they voted for it,” McCarthy said, his pitch getting higher and higher with each passing word. “[The Democrats] are now on record. They can’t sit there and yell ‘this isn’t good.’ So I will bring something back tomorrow. Let’s get the rest of the IRS agents, the rest of the work requirements. Let’s cut more because we are in a big debt.”
“This is fabulous!” he continued. “This is one of the best nights I’ve ever [had] here. I thought it would be hard!” Check out the full video above (video from Acyn on Twitter).
As many people noted, and as you can see in the clip, McCarthy appeared to become angrier as he continued speaking. Some of his Republican constituents could be seen chuckling in the background. In response to the video, folks on Twitter had quite a bit of fun at McCarthy’s expense, with some joking that his role as House Speaker might be in jeopardy.
“Clearly he’s not at all incredibly worried that this will end his speakership whatsoever,” one user joked.
“He sure can hold his helium,” joked another.
Check out some of the best responses below:
Kev, you mad, bro?
— Anjali Deodhar "May hope and history rhyme"
(@anjali_deodhar) June 1, 2023
His pitch got higher and higher and higher
— Rex Chapman
(@RexChapman) June 1, 2023
Basically pic.twitter.com/2nsTEbxG9i
— Sam (@princesleeper) June 1, 2023
He sure can hold his helium
— Just Another Not Crazy Guy
(@DonaldCaseAZ) June 1, 2023
The lighting in this video is something else! It looks like Kevin McCarthy is starring in a hostage video. Downright funereal. pic.twitter.com/2jeI6S6juk
— Russell Drew (@RussOnPolitics) June 1, 2023
This dude is definitely under the influence of something.
— Dr. Amaya Deakins (@amayadeakins) June 1, 2023
Nothing says “this is great” like saying it over and over again, faster and faster, at a higher and higher pitch, while gesticulating frantically.
Clearly he’s not at all incredibly worried that this will end his speakership whatsoever.
Cool as a cucumber.— Jo
(@JoJoFromJerz) June 1, 2023
He’ll be selling reverse mortgages next week
— A Gent (@AcerbicGent) June 1, 2023
— Diana
(@Takethepwrback) June 1, 2023