On January 6th, 2021, the world witnessed an insurrection at the United States Capitol building. It was a day that will be remembered as an attack on democracy, and a stark reminder of just how fragile democracy can be. In the months that followed the event, information about what happened on that day has been slowly trickling out, and many Americans are still waiting for answers.
One person who has been at the forefront of the investigation into the events of January 6th is Republican leader Kevin McCarthy. As the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, he has been instrumental in the ongoing investigation into the attack, and he has recently released a series of tapes related to the event. As a result, his approval rating has been surging, and he is now more popular than former Speaker of the House Paul Ryan was at a similar point in his career.
This surge in McCarthy’s approval rating is unusual, considering he is a Republican leader during a time when the party is deeply divided. However, it’s clear that his work on uncovering the facts surrounding the January 6th insurrection has been recognized by voters, and his approval rating has jumped as a result.
So, what exactly has McCarthy been doing that has made him so popular with voters? Let’s take a closer look.
McCarthy and the January 6th Tapes
In recent weeks, McCarthy has been releasing a series of tapes related to the events of January 6th. The tapes include phone calls and text messages between McCarthy and Donald Trump, as well as between McCarthy and other members of Congress on the day of the insurrection.
The tapes have been revealing, shedding light on some of the conversations that took place behind closed doors during the attack. For example, in one of the recordings, McCarthy can be heard begging Trump to call off the rioters, telling him: “I don’t know what’s going on, but you need to tell them to stop. This is not a peaceful protest.”
In another recording, McCarthy tells his GOP colleagues that he spoke to Trump and that the former president said: “Well, Kevin, I guess these people are more upset about the election than you are.”
The tapes have provided a window into the chaos and confusion that descended on the Capitol that day, and they have allowed voters to see how their elected officials responded to the unfolding events.
Why Has McCarthy’s Approval Rating Surged?
There are several reasons why McCarthy’s approval rating has surged since he started releasing the tapes related to January 6th. For one, many Americans are still looking for answers about what happened on that day, and McCarthy’s work on uncovering the facts has been seen as a positive step.
Furthermore, the tapes have allowed voters to see how McCarthy and other members of Congress responded to the insurrection. This transparency has been viewed positively by voters, who often feel that their elected officials are not held accountable for their actions.
Additionally, McCarthy’s actions have distinguished him from other members of his party who have been less willing to investigate what happened on January 6th. There has been a growing divide within the Republican party over the events of that day, with some members of the party denying that the insurrection even occurred.
McCarthy’s willingness to confront the truth and investigate the events of January 6th has set him apart from those in his party who have chosen to look the other way. As a result, his approval rating has climbed as voters recognize him as a leader who is willing to put the country first, even if it means taking on his own party.
Finally, McCarthy’s work on revealing the truth about January 6th has been seen as a positive step for democracy. The events of that day shook the foundation of American democracy, and many people are still grappling with the aftermath. McCarthy’s work on investigating the attack has been seen as a critical step in restoring faith in the democratic institutions of the United States.
How Does McCarthy Compare to Paul Ryan?
One of the most interesting things about McCarthy’s surge in popularity is how it compares to former House Speaker Paul Ryan. Ryan was one of the most prominent Republicans in the country during his time in office, and his approval rating was closely watched by political analysts.
At a similar point in his career, Ryan’s approval rating was hovering around 34%. In contrast, McCarthy’s approval rating is currently around 45%. This is a significant difference, and it highlights just how much McCarthy’s work on investigating the January 6th attacks has resonated with voters.
There are several factors that may have contributed to this difference. For one, Ryan was Speaker of the House during a time when the Republican party was in power, and many of his actions were viewed through a partisan lens. McCarthy, on the other hand, has been working to uncover the truth about January 6th in a more bipartisan way.
Furthermore, Ryan’s tenure as Speaker was marked by a number of controversial moves, including his failed attempt to repeal the Affordable Care Act. This likely had an impact on his approval rating, which never fully recovered.
McCarthy, on the other hand, has been viewed as a more pragmatic and level-headed leader during his time as Minority Leader. He has been willing to work with Democrats on several issues, including the recent infrastructure deal. This has helped to boost his approval rating and distinguish him from some of the more polarizing leaders within his party.
Conclusion
McCarthy’s surge in popularity is an interesting development in American politics, especially considering the current state of the Republican party. As a leader within a party that is deeply divided, McCarthy has been able to earn the trust and respect of voters by working to uncover the truth about January 6th.
His willingness to investigate what happened on that day has set him apart from his colleagues in the Republican party who have been less willing to confront the events of January 6th. As a result, his approval rating has surged, and he has become a more popular leader than former Speaker of the House Paul Ryan was at a similar point in his career.
Moving forward, it will be interesting to see how McCarthy’s work on investigating the January 6th insurrection impacts his career and the future of the Republican party. One thing is clear, though: he has earned the respect of many Americans for his efforts to get to the bottom of what happened on that fateful day.