Centrist House Republicans are far from displeased by Speaker Kevin McCarthy’s abrupt pivot on the matter of holding a formal vote to kickstart the GOP’s impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden. In fact, some are breathing a sigh of relief.
One centrist Republican candidly expressed, “I think it is better if he is doing this than making everyone take a vote on this. I am not sure a vote would have passed.” This sentiment underscores the cautious stance taken by certain Republicans who harbor reservations about the party’s investigations, given the absence of a direct link between the president and his son Hunter’s business dealings.
Another moderate Republican echoed this viewpoint, asserting that they weren’t concerned about the potential negative impact of an impeachment inquiry on their constituents. They boldly stated, “I’m not [concerned]. The Bidens are a hot mess, and people see that.”
Notably, less than two weeks prior, McCarthy had declared his intention to hold a vote on launching an impeachment inquiry. However, following his recent announcement, a spokesman for McCarthy confirmed the absence of any plans to conduct such a vote.
Representative Kelly Armstrong (R-N.D.) acknowledged that centrist members of his party are likely relieved not to be put on the spot with an impeachment inquiry vote, characterizing it as a “tough vote.” Nevertheless, he also recounted how his constituents consistently advocated for such a vote.
Regarding McCarthy’s reversal, Armstrong drew a parallel to former Speaker Nancy Pelosi and House Democrats, emphasizing that they had set a precedent by launching an inquiry into then-President Donald Trump without a formal vote. He quipped, “Pelosi gave us the playbook. You can look at it as hypocrisy or say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.”
