“Neocons Hate Challenges to Power”: Mike Pence Expresses “Deep Disappointment” Over Behavior of Fellow Republicans

Jo ShawNov 14, 2023

Minute Read

While participating in a national security and foreign policy event, Mike Pence received news of the Democrats and a few Republicans ousting the former Speaker of the House, McCarthy. Subsequently, during his address at the event covered by the Associated Press, Pence expressed his “deep disappointment” regarding the actions of certain Republicans.

McCarthy Had Angered Democrats

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McCarthy had repeatedly angered Democrats recently, including by launching an impeachment inquiry into Biden. They added fuel to the fire by giving them little time to read a stopgap spending bill to avert a government shutdown.

Republicans Partnering With Democrats

Pence said, “I am deeply disappointed that a handful of Republicans would partner with all the Democrats in the House of Representatives to oust the Speaker of the House.” He added, “I expect before the week is out, there will be more votes on who will be elected Speaker of the House.”

Matt Gaetz Led the Group

House Democrats, along with a faction of eight Republicans led by Florida Representative Matt Gaetz, ousted McCarthy in a 216-210 vote. Among the Republicans aligning with the Democrats were Bob Good of Virginia, Nancy Mace of South Carolina, and Matt Rosendale of Montana.

We Need a Speaker Who Will Fight

Republican Representative Bob Good has argued, “We need a speaker who will fight for something, anything, other than staying on as speaker.”

Ousting McCarthy Created Chaos

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The unprecedented action plunged the House into disarray just days after McCarthy avoided a government shutdown with Democratic backing, earning the anger of staunch Republicans in the process. Pence subsequently anticipated that the majority of Republicans in Congress would rally behind McCarthy again in the future.

It Wont Solve Any Challenges

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Mike Pence stated, “What troubles me about this is that none of this … is doing anything to solve the challenges that American families are facing in this economy,” Pence said. “None of it is doing anything to secure the southern border of the United States. None of this is doing anything to lower the cost of energy that’s putting a tremendous burden on American families.”

Republicans Are Always Fighting Themselves

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Trump responded to the news from his ongoing New York trial. He posted on his Truth Social Site, “Why is it that Republicans are always fighting among themselves, why aren’t they fighting the Radical Left Democrats who are destroying our Country?”

McCarthy’s Broken Promises

South Carolina Representative Nancy Mace, among the eight who opposed McCarthy, informed reporters that she cast her vote to oust him as the Speaker due to his failure to fulfill promises, particularly on initiatives related to improving access to birth control and others.

Made Deals With McCarthy

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“I’ve made deals with Kevin McCarthy, with the speaker, that he has not kept to help women in this country,” Mace said. “We have done nothing for them.”

Think Before You Plunge Us Into Chaos

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Oklahoma Rep. Tom Cole had voted against the ousting of McCarthy. “Think long and hard before you plunge us into chaos, because that’s where we’re headed,” he warned.

We’re Gonna Have to Sort Through That

After McCarthy was ousted, Rep. Cole told Fox News, “It took eight Republicans and every Democrat, you don’t know what’s next, you basically have created a chaotic situation,” Cole further said in the Fox News interview, “Now we’re gonna have to sort through that.”

Trump Told He Should Be Speaker

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Amid the speaker selection debate, former President Donald Trump entered the fray, informing reporters that numerous individuals had proposed him as a potential speaker, as there was no stipulation mandating that the House speaker must be a current member of Congress to secure the position.

Total Focus on Presidency

Later, when pressed by reporters, he declared he was focused on his election campaign for the Presidency. “What I can say is I will do what is best for the country and for the Republican Party,” he said to reporters. “We have some great, great people,” he added.

Three Weeks of Chaos

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For three weeks, the House grappled with turmoil following the ousting of McCarthy by hardline conservatives, a maneuver that thrust the Chamber into unprecedented uncertainty. Despite three unsuccessful attempts by Republicans to rally behind a new speaker nominee, they eventually elected Mike Johnson.

We’re Very Happy to Help

Trump later took the credit for Mike Johnson being newly elected as Speaker. “I just want to congratulate Mike Johnson. He will be a great Speaker of the House, and we were very happy to have helped,” Trump said to reporters outside a courtroom. “I’ve known him for a long time. He’s a tremendous leader and a tremendous man.”

Thank You to My Supporters

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“At this time yesterday, nobody was thinking of Mike,” Trump said. “And then we put out the word, and now he’s the Speaker of the House. So I want to just thank all of the supporters that I have, and I want to thank all the supporters that Mike has, and again, he’ll be a great Speaker. I think you’re going to be very proud.” Trump concluded as he spoke outside his courtroom in the ongoing NY fraud trial.

He Shouldn’t Have Betrayed His Voters

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People reacted online to Mike Pence’s comments and disappointment over the GOP’s defectors. One user posted, “maybe he shouldn’t have betrayed his voters.”