SURPRISE: Republican Speaker Goes All-in for Ukraine
McCarthy voices support for embattled nation during stop in Israel
While some of the loudest voices in his Republican majority continue to oppose US support for Ukraine — to the surprise of many — House Speaker Kevin McCarthy came out forcefully in support of such aid.
McCarthy made his surprising comments during a bipartisan congressional visit to Israel.
Although the Biden administration has been supporting Ukraine since the start of Russia’s illegal and brutal full-on invasion last year, some of the loudest voices on the political right have been opposing such military assistance, including one of McCarthy's top backers on the right, Rep Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia.
McCarthy, however, made no secret of his stance behind Ukraine, when a Russian reporter shouted a question during a press event in Jerusalem.
“We know that you don’t support the current unlimited and uncontrolled supply, so weaponry and aid, to Ukraine. So can you comment, is it possible if, in the near future, the U.S. policy regarding sending weaponry to Ukraine will change?” the reporter asked.
McCarthy, at first seemed unsure of just what was being asked before launching into his reply.
“The sound here isn’t good. Did he say I don’t support aid to Ukraine? No, I vote for aid for Ukraine. I support aid for Ukraine. I do not support what your country has done to Ukraine,” the California Republican said. “I do not support your killing of the children either. And I think for one standpoint, you should pull out. I don’t think it’s right. We will continue to support because the rest of the world sees it just as it is.”
McCarthy's remarks became a subject of discussion on MSNBC's Morning Joe.
“Wow. As a frequent critic of Kevin McCarthy, I just want to say, ‘That was amazing,’ Richard Haass, and also much needed in terms of how some Republicans were very carefully parsing their words about aid to Ukraine, and that’s saying it mildly,” said co-host Mika Brzezinski. “This was resounding. And in an incredible situation, too.”
A veteran American diplomat, Richard Haass, who was appearing on the program, agreed.
“Well, it was good for several reasons,” said Haass, a longtime president of the Council on Foreign Relations, before adding, “One, it was a great message to Russia, for them to hear, because they’re saying the Republicans aren’t going to support aid. They’re wrong.
“Indeed, the administration is confident they have the votes when this comes up again in the summer or fall. It was also good that he said it in Israel,” added Haass, a top advisor to Secretary of State Colin Powell during the Bush administration. “Because Israel has been hedging its bets all along between Russia and Ukraine.”
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