The mentor of Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) reprimanded the House GOP leader in remarks to The New Yorker in a story on McCarthy’s ongoing campaign to become speaker of the House next year with a new small GOP majority.
Former Republican representative Bill Thomas (CA) called his former “protege” a liar in an interview with journalist Jonathan Blitzer. McCarthy was previously criticized harshly and negatively by Thomas for his association with Donald Trump following the Capitol brawl on January 6. For more than ten years, the two Republicans collaborated, with McCarthy beginning his career under Thomas.
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Thomas, 81, gave an even more disparaging assessment of McCarthy, saying, “The Kevin McCarthy who is currently, at this moment, in the House isn’t the Kevin McCarthy I worked with.”
McCarthy was characterized by Thomas as a chameleon who would lie to achieve what he wanted.
Kevin can essentially be anything you want him to be. He tells lies. If required, he will adjust the lie. How can anyone believe his word?” questioned the Republican.
Thomas asserted that McCarthy never desired to discuss policy matters, preferring to focus on relationships that would be advantageous to him politically.
Thomas referred to the popular collegiate fraternity member as “the guy who ends up selling life insurance, persuading folks they require it.”
McCarthy already faces doubts about his ability to become speaker of the House as he is up against a challenge from Rep. Andy Biggs (R-AZ), among others, who have called for new leadership. McCarthy’s criticism comes from a man who many consider to be a mentor.
McCarthy’s ability to serve as speaker is also questioned by Thomas, who criticizes the Republican for pledging probes and to pursue political foes rather than advance legislation.
“He has previously stated that he will pursue the Attorney General as soon as he is elected speaker. Why would you want to strive your entire life to be Speaker in order to pursue someone? What do you serve? John stated.
