Special Poll
Former Speaker Kevin McCarthy offered insights on his unique relationship with former President Trump and his perspective on the 2024 election during an interview at the DealBook Summit. McCarthy emphasized his reluctance to criticize Trump on television, citing his belief that it’s not the right approach and acknowledging its effect on the former president’s disposition.
Their relationship, according to McCarthy, is characterized as “interesting.” He recounted not expecting Trump’s support when he was ousted as Speaker in October but revealed that they engage in candid conversations about their shared direction. McCarthy recognized Trump as an independent figure with his own viewpoints.
Despite occasional differences, McCarthy expressed his belief that the Republican Party would be stronger with Trump as the 2024 presidential nominee. He confidently asserted that if President Biden were the Democratic nominee, Trump would secure victory, leading to a successful night for Republicans.
However, interviewer Andrew Ross Sorkin challenged McCarthy’s optimism, referencing the California Republican’s criticism of Trump in the aftermath of the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot. McCarthy clarified that he didn’t claim Trump would be a “great” president but rather a better one than the current administration, ultimately benefiting the nation.
In a twist, McCarthy disclosed that he would advise Trump to select Nikki Haley, a Republican presidential candidate, as his running mate, offering an intriguing glimpse into the political dynamics and strategies at play within the GOP.