Pelosi: I Don’t Think Kevin McCarthy Has What it Takes to Be House Speaker
California Democrat touts Democrats' strength in the midterm elections
House Republican leader Kevin McCarthy doesn't have what it takes to succeed her as speaker, according to outgoing Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
House Republicans officially captured the next House majority Wednesday — albeit by one of the narrowest margins in modern history — more than a week after last Tuesday's elections avoided a so-called “red wave.”
McCarthy is seeking votes among fellow Republicans to become the next speaker when the new Congress convenes in January.
Asked if her fellow Californian has what it takes to be speaker, Pelosi said, “No.”
“No, I don't think he has it. But that's up to his own people to make a decision as to how they want to be led or otherwise,” the outgoing speaker said in an on-camera appearance on CNN. “What is important, though, is that this election has been a victory for the people, for the candidates who had the courage to run in the face of any predictions, for the grassroots people, VIPs, our volunteers in politics, knocking on millions of doors to get out the vote. Don't ever underestimate.
“Now, see, I'm a former party chair, so I own the ground. You have to own the ground. And owning the ground took us to the place that we are now, much closer to victory than anyone would have predicted,” she added. “And, of course, our president, President Biden, and President Obama being out there to make people aware of the importance of this election, and that the prospects were that we could win to offset some of the punditry that were wedded to the past, when we know elections are about the future.”
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