Analysis: The real reasons why McCarthy fears a January 6 commission
“Given the political misdirections that have marred this process, given the now duplicative and potentially counterproductive nature of this effort, and given the Speaker’s shortsighted scope that does not examine interrelated forms of political violence in America, I cannot support this legislation,” said McCarthy.
Which doesn’t make any sense because, well, the legislation that would have created the commission was developed by Reps. Bennie Thompson (D-Mississippi) and John Katko (R-New York). And Katko had made clear that he was negotiating on behalf of and with the imprimatur of the Republican leadership.
So, what’s really going on here? Why would McCarthy throw Katko directly under the bus — sending a message to every rank and file Republican that the leadership has zero problem making you look like a fool if it behooves them?
Two reasons, actually.
“The President bears responsibility for Wednesday’s attack on Congress by mob rioters. He should have immediately denounced the mob when he saw what was unfolding. These facts require immediate action of President Trump.”
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“What I talked to President Trump about, I was the first person to contact him when the riots was going on. He didn’t see it. What he ended the call was saying — telling me, he’ll put something out to make sure to stop this. And that’s what he did, he put a video out later.”
The broader point here is that McCarthy has been VERY cagey about that January 6 phone call — and there continues to be questions about whether Trump and McCarthy have spoken about the call since January 6.
“Leader McCarthy has spoken to a number of people in — in large groups and small groups since the sixth about his exchanges with the President,” said Wyoming Rep. Liz Cheney (R) on “Fox News Sunday.” “I think it’s very important that, you know, he clearly has facts about that day, that an investigation into what happened, into the president’s actions, ought to get to the bottom of. And I think that he has important information that needs to be part of any investigation, whether it’s the FBI, the Department of Justice, or this commission that I — I hope will be set up.”
McCarthy has drawn the conclusion that there is no path to the House majority in 2022 that doesn’t run through total and complete support for Trump. And, selfishly, that the best way for him to ensure that he will be the choice for speaker if and when Republicans win the majority is to stand in total opposition to anything that tries to put blame for January 6 insurrection on Trump.
Combine those two factors and you see why McCarthy was willing to totally and publicly undermine Katko in support of both his personal and political ambitions. It’s transparent, yes. But McCarthy is playing hardball to keep his political career on track.
