Fetterman Responds To Social Media Post After House Hearing
On Sunday, tensions rose between Sen. John Fetterman, D-Penn., and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., after Fetterman made comments comparing the House of Representatives to “The Jerry Springer Show.” The comments came following a heated exchange between Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., and Ocasio-Cortez during Thursday night’s House Oversight Committee hearing.
Fetterman, responding to CNN’s Jake Tapper, defended his remarks, stating that he was simply responding to the chaos that ensued during the committee hearing. He also pointed out that everyone on the committee is entitled to their own opinion on the matter.
Ocasio-Cortez fired back at Fetterman, accusing him of being a bully for making the comparison. She also expressed her disappointment in Fetterman not speaking up against the racist and misogynistic remarks made by Greene towards Rep. Jasmine Crockett, D-Texas.
The House Oversight Committee had convened to hold Attorney General Merrick Garland in contempt for refusing to comply with a subpoena regarding the audio recording of President Biden’s interview with a special counsel. However, the hearing quickly devolved into chaos.
I understand you likely would not have stood up for your colleague and seem to be confused about racism and misogyny being a “both sides” issue.
But I stand up to bullies, instead of becoming one.
And to the women of Pennsylvania: I’d stand up for you too.
Enjoy your Friday. https://t.co/cInF4YXO2y
— Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) May 17, 2024
Less than an hour into the hearing, Greene began taking shots at her Democratic colleague, Crockett, who had asked Greene if she knew the purpose of the hearing. Ocasio-Cortez then stepped in to defend Crockett, who Greene had insulted based on her appearance.
House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer attempted to regain control of the hearing amid the audible groans in the chamber. Ocasio-Cortez then made a point of order to have Greene’s words taken down, stating that her remarks were unacceptable and attacking another person’s physical appearance.
Despite Greene’s dismissive response, Ocasio-Cortez stood her ground, telling Greene not to “even play” and asserting that her feelings were not hurt. The tense exchange between the two representatives was just another example of the political division and hostility that has been on display in recent years.
The House Oversight Committee hearing and the subsequent comments made by Fetterman sparked further debate and discussion on the ongoing issues of chaos and civility within the House of Representatives. Both viewpoints – Fetterman’s and Ocasio-Cortez’s – were showcased in the media coverage of the incident.
The controversy also highlighted the ongoing tensions and divisions between political parties and the need for civility and respect in political discourse. Ultimately, the House Oversight Committee hearing and the subsequent reactions from Fetterman and Ocasio-Cortez serve as a reminder of the importance of professionalism and respect in political settings.