President Joe Biden did not have anything positive to say after the House of Representatives was unable to elect a speaker.
Biden commented on the issue while speaking with reporters outside the White House before departing for a trip.
CNN’s Betsy Klein reported that Biden called the result “embarrassing.”
He added, “It’s not my problem. I think it’s embarrassing the way it’s taking so long.”
President Biden, reacting publicly for the first time to House GOP speaker race drama, told reporters it’s “embarrassing” and “not a good look” on the world stage. "It’s not my problem. I think it’s embarrassing the way it’s taking so long." (1/3)
— Betsy Klein (@betsy_klein) January 4, 2023
Additionally, Biden asked, “How do you think this looks to the rest of the world? Coming out of … the first time we’re really getting through the whole history related to Jan. 6, things are settling out, and now, for the first time in 100 years?… It’s not a good look, it’s not a good thing.”
He continued, “This is the United States of America and I hope they get their act together.”
Watch Biden’s comments below:
Biden on the House speaker election:
— JM Rieger (@RiegerReport) January 4, 2023
"How do you think this looks to the rest of the world? … for the first time in 100 years, we can't move? … it's not a good look, it's not a good thing, it's the United States of America, and I hope they get their act together." pic.twitter.com/i7xdYaOhI7
The House failed to choose a speaker on Tuesday after Republican Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) failed to win following three ballots.
“This isn’t about me,” McCarthy said.
He added, “This is about the conference now because the members who are holding out … they want something for their personal selves.”
The Washington Post explained that 19 Republicans “remained dug in against McCarthy, voting for four other Republicans on the first ballot before switching their support to Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) during the second and third ballots. Rep. Byron Donalds (R-Fla.) joined the group on the third and final round of voting, bringing McCarthy’s opposition to 20.”
However, McCarthy is receiving support from former President Donald Trump.
In a post on Truth Social Wednesday, Trump wrote, “Some really good conversations took place last night, and it’s now time for all of our GREAT Republican House Members to VOTE FOR KEVIN, CLOSE THE DEAL, TAKE THE VICTORY, and WATCH CRAZY NANCY PELOSI FLY BACK HOME TO A VERY BROKEN CALIFORNIA,THE ONLY SPEAKER IN U.S. HISTORY TO HAVE LOST THE ‘HOUSE’ TWICE! REPUBLICANS, DO NOT TURN A GREAT TRIUMPH INTO A GIANT and EMBARRASSING DEFEAT.”
Trump gives the green light to republicans this morning on Truth Social to vote for Kevin McCarthy. pic.twitter.com/4jiOjBKVxa
— Global Roots Post (@globalrootspost) January 4, 2023
The post continues, “IT’S TIME TO CELEBRATE, YOU DESERVE IT. Kevin McCarthy will do a good job, and maybe even a GREAT JOB – JUST WATCH!”
