Senate Minority Chief Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) gave a telling nonanswer to a query about his ethical boundaries that circulated broadly on social media Thursday.
“You’re recognized for taking part in a ruthless fashion of politics. The place do you draw your ethical crimson traces?” Axios’ Jonathan Swan requested the Kentucky Republican in an interview.
McConnell joked that “my spouse thinks I’m a very nice man” after which mentioned he was “shocked to listen to such a remark.”
“I’m completely snug with the way in which I’ve performed my political profession,” he added when Swan pressed once more, saying he’d be joyful to answer particular examples.
Swan then cited McConnell’s speech in February 2021 following the second impeachment vote over former President Donald Trump’s position within the lethal riot on the U.S. Capitol.
“You mentioned Donald Trump’s actions previous the Jan. 6 riot have been ‘a disgraceful dereliction of obligation’ and that he was ‘virtually and morally accountable’ ― your phrases ― ‘for frightening the occasions of that day,’” Swan informed the senator.
“How do you go from saying that to, two weeks later, saying you’d completely help Donald Trump if he’s the Republican nominee in 2024?”
McConnell mentioned it shouldn’t be stunning that he would help the nominee of his get together and that he feels an obligation to take action.
Swan then puzzled if there was something a Republican nominee may do to lose McConnell’s help.
The senator prevented answering, responding solely: “I say many issues I’m positive many individuals don’t perceive.”
The trade drew sharp rebukes from commentators on-line, lots of whom interpreted McConnell’s response as an indicator of his fealty to his get together over the nation.
See extra of the reactions beneath.
