Despite no longer holding the position of House Speaker, Kevin McCarthy displayed the traits that propelled him to power during a talk at Georgetown University. The event, titled “How Strong Is Our Democracy,” saw McCarthy engaging with critical questions from students, including one about his relationship with former President Donald Trump. McCarthy defended himself by denying he had turned his back on democracy, despite appearing at Mar-a-Lago with Trump shortly after blaming him for the Jan. 6 Capitol riot. McCarthy also downplayed his vote against certifying President Joe Biden’s election, saying it was merely a challenge that did not aim to overturn the result.
During the talk, McCarthy shifted blame onto former Speaker Nancy Pelosi for politicizing issues during her tenure and criticized the response to the Jan. 6 insurrection. He also pushed back against accusations that Trump poses a threat to democracy, suggesting that attempts to keep Trump off the ballot amounted to undemocratic behavior. McCarthy lamented the increasing tribalism in American politics, attributing it to the proliferation of news outlets that cater to specific audiences. He cited the presence of multiple factions within Congress as evidence of this growing divide.
McCarthy’s softer side emerged when he acknowledged the impact of news outlets on political polarization. He highlighted the lack of unity within parties, jokingly stating that even if he had his own party with only eight members, he could still become speaker. McCarthy also addressed the circumstances of his ouster, attributing it to a personal vendetta by Rep. Matt Gaetz, who led a group of Republicans in voting against him. McCarthy alluded to Gaetz’s alleged misconduct involving a 17-year-old but later backtracked from the accusation, highlighting the lingering bitterness from his removal.
As the talk neared its end and more students lined up to ask questions, McCarthy offered to extend his stay to accommodate them. This gesture echoed his approach of engaging with diverse audiences and prioritizing interactions over official duties. McCarthy’s willingness to address challenging inquiries and defend his decisions underscored his resilience in the face of criticism. Despite the loss of his leadership role, McCarthy demonstrated a continued commitment to discussing political issues and engaging with the public, showcasing a mix of charisma, defensiveness, and a desire to challenge prevailing narratives.
