House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) is knocking a reporter for asking an âinappropriateâ question about his bid to be the next speaker.
During a press conference on Wednesday, CNNâs Manu Raju asked the California Republican about his apparent struggle to lock in the 218 votes necessary to become speaker.
âWhy has it been so hard for you to get 218 votes to become speaker when you have President Trump, apparently, lobbying on your behalf. Youâve been meeting with members of the Freedom Caucus but the votes just arenât there. Why is it so hard for you?â he asked.
McCarthy shot back, âHave you spent any time with my conference?â
âYou know whatâs amazing to me? Here we are with the most important thing on spending, and I can always count on you for the most inappropriate question,â he added.
McCarthy then moved on to another reporter.
Watch the video below:
McCarthy is aiming to become the speaker when Republicans will be in the majority in the House.
However, he has apparently struggled to win the support of the 218 lawmakers.
Former President Donald Trump has reportedly been calling lawmakers to urge them to vote for McCarthy.
The New York Times notes Trump âhas had little success to date in moving lawmakers over to Mr. McCarthyâs side.â
âMr. Trump, according to people close to him, is not entirely sold on the notion of Mr. McCarthy as a strong speaker,â it explained. âBut he considers Mr. McCarthy better than the alternative, including improbable scenarios in which the job instead might go to a moderate who can draw some votes from Democrats, or in which a handful of Republicans defect and help to elect a Democratic speaker.â
Still, McCarthy has voiced optimism that he will be able to secure the votes required to be speaker by Jan. 3 when the vote will take place.
