Joe Biden is finally ready to work with lawmakers he previously labeled as MAGA Republicans.
As soon as Republicans won the House majority in the midterm elections, Biden called Kevin McCarthy, congratulated him, and expressed his willingness to work with him for the next two years.
McCarthy is likely to become House Speaker; so Biden will need his support to pass bills in the House of Representatives.
Biden Eats His Own Words
Before the elections, Biden suggested Republicans would damage the US economy after winning the House, adding that GOP leaders would force him to suspend Social Security measures. Yet, when Republicans officially won the House, Biden changed his tune immediately.
Biden said he called McCarthy to congratulate him on the Republicans’ success in House elections. Furthermore, Biden stated he is ready to work with House Republicans to help American families.
The president was willing to work with McCarthy at a time when he consistently lashed out at the congressman in the build-up to midterm elections. For a long time, Biden criticized McCarthy for having a soft corner for former President Trump, calling him a MAGA Republican.
After the midterm elections, Biden noted he had not talked much with McCarthy, but he would be talking to him really soon.
Biden further added he wants to make Americans’ lives better; so he is ready to work with both Democrats and Republicans to serve Americans.
‘THE RIGHT DIRECTION’: Rep. Kevin McCarthy reveals details of post-election phone call with President Biden. https://t.co/04rwOJVsOn pic.twitter.com/hMQ80ZCfb5
— Fox News (@FoxNews) November 11, 2022
Throughout the election campaign, Biden was vague in defining MAGA Republicans.
Sometimes he suggested MAGA Republicans are those who deny election results, but other times, he slammed Republicans as MAGA people for taking conservative stances on any issue.
Biden established that MAGA Republicans are in the minority in the GOP. Likewise, Biden claimed he does not agree with Republicans on various issues, but they are honorable and decent people.
NEW: @POTUS releases statement congratulating @GOPLeader on Republicans winning the House majority.
He also calls last week's midterms "a strong rejection of election deniers, political violence, and intimidation."
— A.J. Bayatpour (@AJBayatpour) November 16, 2022
Biden Trying to Reconcile with Republicans for Political Gain
Meanwhile, Biden has tried not to call Republicans (who can play a critical role in passing legislation from the Senate) MAGA. For instance, the White House refused to label Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell as a MAGA Republican, despite being asked about it.
When a reporter asked White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre if McConnell qualifies as a MAGA Republican, she refused to answer directly. Instead, Jean Pierre responded Biden only wants Republicans to condemn the January 6 attack on Capitol Hill.
In addition, Biden is trying to reconcile with McCarthy as the latter is enjoying the support of Trump to become House Speaker. Republicans’ majority in the House also means Biden’s reelection is in danger.
A party ruling the House after the midterm elections is likely to make a significant impact on the outcome of the upcoming presidential election by passing or blocking bills, per the political situation of the country.
