Despite a litany of headlines claiming dissension in the ranks, House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R–Bakersfield) is boasting the highest popularity of any leader in Congress, a new survey reports.
McCarthy also boasts an eye-popping amount of support among GOP voters, even after months of doom spelling by media commentators.
Driving the news: A survey by Rasmussen Reports finds McCarthy to hold a 42 percent favorability rating, running eight points higher than his Democratic counterpart, minority leader Hakeem Jeffries (D–N.Y.).
- In comparison, Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell has a favorable rating of 26% and an unfavorable rating of 64%.
- Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer’s rating is 37% favorable.
GOP finding plenty to like with McCarthy: McCarthy’s favorable rating of 66% among Republicans shows his strong support within his party, following deft negotiation strategy to maneuver a debt limit increase while forcing the Biden administration to swallow considerable spending cuts.
- McCarthy hinted at the possibility of impeachment hearings against President Joe Biden based on criminal allegations uncovered during GOP-led House hearings, which excited hard-line Republican supporters.
- Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R–Ga.), one of McCarthy’s fervent supporters, tweeted “Soon” in response to McCarthy’s comments about potential hearings.
