House Republicans announced their latest nominee to be the next speaker of the House on Tuesday evening, but their press conference devolved into booing, shouting, and verbal barbs aimed a reporter who dared to ask about their efforts to overturn the 2020 election in concert with multiply-indicted former president Donald Trump.
According to Mediaite, ABC News congressional correspondent Rachel Scott was the reporter who asked speaker designate Rep. Mike Johnson (R-LA) about his role in trying to void the results of the 2020 presidential race.
“Mr. Johnson, you helped lead the effort to overturn the 2020 election result. Do you—”
Scott was quickly drowned out by House Republicans who laughed, booed, and heckled the reporter while Johnson shook his head at her.
80-year-old Rep. Virginia Foxx (R-NC) — who stood next to Johnson at the podium along with Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-CO) — had the loudest response, yelling, “Shut up! Shut up!” before Johnson moved on to the next question.
Reporter: You help lead the effort to overturn the 2020 election results, do you—
Republicans: *boo* shut up pic.twitter.com/L7R5fwhpIi
— Acyn (@Acyn) October 25, 2023
Scott later recounted the moment she asked her question.
I asked the Mike Johnson if he stands by his efforts to try to overturn the 2020 election.
Members started boo’ing.
I also asked if he would support more aid to Ukraine and Irael.
“Go away! Go away!” one member shouted.
“We’re not doing any policy tonight,” Johnson said.
— Rachel Scott (@rachelvscott) October 25, 2023
Reaction on Twitter to how the Republicans acted was swift and understandably harsh. Take a look:
This clip should haunt your dreams. It’s a political party gleefully hitting rock bottom without the slightest regard for democracy. https://t.co/5ZWEMTJZSt
— Rex Huppke (@RexHuppke) October 25, 2023
This is haunting. This is a sick and depraved vision of America. I am at a bit of a loss of words. https://t.co/Ko7PwHrOYu
— Ben Meiselas (@meiselasb) October 25, 2023
These are not serious people. And they don’t give a damn about American democracy. https://t.co/s8coWpARXE
— David Corn (@DavidCornDC) October 25, 2023
This audio is so telling, and defining. There's a euphoria to tonight for Johnson and Republicans, but he'll regret this. It's not even manufactured grace, it's dismissive of reality – on a most critical matter with significant implications for 2024. https://t.co/LCbFcJQNvH
— David Jolly (@DavidJollyFL) October 25, 2023
Elected Republicans are terrified that Americans will remember exactly who they are. https://t.co/3AIg1ldHki
— Jon Cryer (@MrJonCryer) October 25, 2023
Looks like my colleague @rachelvscott hit a nerve. Well done.
The surest sign that you have asked the right question is when the powerful congressman you asked it of—and his buddies—try to shut you down and shut you up.
It’s a perfectly legitimate question. Why won’t he answer? https://t.co/nu6sMFxhV6
— Terry Moran 🇺🇸 (@TerryMoran) October 25, 2023
