Fox New Geraldo Rivera accused Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) of “torturing” Kevin McCarthy during the drawn-out bid of the California Republican for speaker of the House.
“Why in the world did you and 19 of your colleagues abuse the speaker, your speaker, speaker-designate Kevin McCarthy?” Rivera asked Gaetz on Thursday’s “Hannity” broadcast.
“What is that for? What do you want to achieve?” added Rivera.
Gaetz, who led a right-wing group of GOP lawmakers who opposed McCarthy’s bid to the 15th ballot, did not rule out characterizations of torture. “So, first of all, I have some constituents in the military who can talk to you about real torture,” he said. “I don’t think getting 15 votes is enough.”
A right-wing Florida congressman reiterated why he held McCarthy back for so long, citing, among other reasons, his opposition to the omnibus spending bill.
Rivera proposed Gaetz’s “filibuster” answer to him describing himself “to the American people as a wise legislator,” which is not associated with “flamboyant” and “confrontational” publicity.
“I made a substantive argument for change in the process and you call me flamboyant and confrontational?” Gaetz is back.
Hannity paused to calm down, telling Rivera that Gaetz had “answered your specific questions about what he’s up against.”