Boebert, Hannity have heated exchange over McCarthy vote, alternative speaker picks, 'game show?'

McCarthy's bid for speaker has been blocked by Boebert and a small coalition of conservative Republicans.

Published: January 5, 2023 7:55am

Updated: January 5, 2023 9:12am

Fox News Channel host Sean Hannity and GOP Rep. Lauren Boebert got into a heated exchange Wednesday night over the conservative firebrand's opposition to House Republicans electing Rep. Kevin McCarthy as speaker.

"Kevin McCarthy has 202 ... votes. Your side has 20," Hannity said to Boebert, arguing the overwhelming number of House Republicans for McCarthy, compared to the opposition's numbers.

"If I'm going to use your words, and your methodology and your math, isn't it time for you to pack it in?"

McCarthy has received more than 200 GOP votes in all six of the House elections for speaker this week.

Boebert, of Colorado, and a group of as many as 20 other other conservative, anti-establishment House Republicans have consistently voted against McCarthy, preventing him from reaching the 218-vote threshold to be elected speaker. Voting will resume Thursday.

Hannity told Boebert three times that she was "not answering" his question about when her side would give up.

"He does not have the votes," said Boebert, raising her voice while Hannity attempted to have her answer his question.

"And we are hearing from many people who are voting with Kevin McCarthy who are very supportive of what we're doing and they are cheering us on, so there are more for us than are against us, and they are waiting for Kevin to cave."

Hannity interrupted: "Can I finish? You don't have the votes and it's time to withdraw."

Boebert responded: "Well, Sean, he needs 218, and he does not have 218,"

Said Hannity: "Neither do you."

Boebert floated the idea of nominating former President Donald Trump for speaker after Hannity mentioned how Trump, a close ally of the 20 anti-McCarthy Republicans, endorsed the California lawmaker.

"Is this a game show? We're going to pick Jim Jordan one day, Donalds the other day, Trump the other day," Hannity said, referring to how the rebel Republicans nominated Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) on Tuesday and Rep. Bryon Donalds (R-Fla.) on Wednesday.