MSNBC host Stephanie Ruhle surprised Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-Colo.) to “get real” as lawmakers try to pontificate about the lofty political ideals she claims are behind her refusal to support Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) is Speaker of the house.
Ruhle alerted viewers at the outset to an unusual Wednesday night interview with Boebert on MSNBC.
“I want you to know that we don’t give you a free pass to talk about conspiracy theories, we don’t give you a free pass to talk about lies that have been spread at other times,” Ruhle explained. However, he added, the interview will be an attempt to “find out what is preventing Congress from starting the work of the American people. That’s why we’re talking to them tonight.”
Ruhle then repeatedly pressed Boebert on why he and other extremists blocked McCarthy’s bid for speaker. He failed on Thursday to win a record 11th vote to be named speaker as Republican extremists and his allies blocked his success.
“We want to fundamentally change the way Washington, DC, operates,” said Boebert, who blamed McCarthy for the “red wave” that once materialized when the Republicans failed to run away with November’s midterm elections.
“Look, Kevin McCarthy has been in charge for 14 years. What do you have to show for that?” Boebert asked, without explaining what he thought he should do.
“We don’t just choose people who can raise funds and just rubber-stamp people into office,” he added. “It’s not what we chose to do…. This is us… actually using our votes, and I believe our Founding Father intended it to be this way.
Ruhle replied: “Okay, our founding father is not here. So let’s be real and let’s be practical.”
Ruhle pointed out that “most Republicans with” McCarthy and the latest candidate of the Republican opposition, Rep. Byron Donalds (R-Fla.), Garner only 20 votes. He asked how such a man could “unify” the Republicans, which Boebert claimed was his goal.
Ruhle also pointed out that House Republicans are dead in the water until a speaker is chosen. The voter said, “Go on, I voted for you to get something done,” said Ruhle. “How are you willing to wait?”
Boebert replied: “As some of my friends say, we can be here until the cherry blossoms bloom.”
Check out the interview here: