Rep. Matt Gaetz may be the most hated person in Congress right now by both sides. But the American people like what he’s doing.
A CBS News poll taken late last week revealed that 60% of respondents agreed with Gaetz and a majority of lawmakers in Congress that former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy needed to go.
That included clear majorities on both sides of the aisle.
In the news: Tucker Carlson Unloads On Sen. Lindsey Graham Over Call To Blow Up Iranian Oil Refineries
“We are winning the argument,” the Fort Walton Beach Republican said on X (formerly Twitter) in response to the poll.
Overall, 53% of Republicans supported McCarthy’s ouster, as did 67% of Democrats and 61% of independents.
Concerning ideology, 54% of self-described conservatives backed the change in leadership, while 70% of liberals and 58% of moderates concurred.
As to the reason, 75% of all respondents, and 80% of conservatives and 80% of Republicans, said McCarthy was not effective as speaker.
Meanwhile, 54% of Republicans and 54% of conservatives added that they wanted McCarthy out because he worked too much with Democrats.
As for the effect of McCarthy’s ouster, just 23% of total respondents, and 25% each of Republicans and conservatives believe ditching the former speaker will be “bad” for the country.
In the news: Ohio Rep. Jim Jordan, Louisiana Rep. Steve Scalise Rack Up Endorsements Ahead Of Speaker Election
Gaetz has maintained that the driving force of the rebellion he led against McCarthy was his broken promises, especially on allowing single-subject bills, cutting spending and controlling the national debt.
Respondents to the CBS poll agreed with that as well.
While the majority of Democrats and liberals did not want the next speaker to cut spending, those on the right and middle definitely want that.
On the right, 87% of conservatives and 84% of Republicans want the new speaker to lead efforts to reduce spending, as do 63% of moderates and 68% of independents.
McCarthy’s departure has set up a contest between House Majority Leader Steve Scalise and Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan for his job.
Gaetz has said the election could be held and decided by the end of this week.
Android Users, Click To Download The Free Press App And Never Miss A Story. Follow Us On Facebook and Twitter. Signup for our free newsletter.
We can’t do this without your help; visit our GiveSendGo page and donate any dollar amount; every penny helps