Former Speaker Kevin McCarthy urges acceptance of election results for 2024 presidency
- Former Speaker Kevin McCarthy emphasizes the importance of accepting the upcoming presidential election results.
- His statement comes amidst concerns about some Republicans refusing to commit to accepting the election outcome.
- McCarthy's call aims to maintain faith in the democratic process regardless of the election outcome.
Kevin McCarthy, a former Republican US House speaker, said Americans should accept the results of the November presidential race. This comes as tensions rise following Donald Trump's campaign finance violation conviction in New York, which could worsen election integrity concerns. McCarthy, who is considered moderate, was removed as speaker last year and has since left Congress. He stated on CNN that everyone should respect the election outcome, which is expected to be between Joe Biden and Trump. This contrasts with some Republicans, like Marco Rubio, who are hesitant to commit to accepting the results. McCarthy, a Trump ally, visited the former president after the Capitol attack in January 2021. However, he now opposes the Republican narrative that questions the US electoral system's integrity, especially when conservative candidates lose. After Trump's conviction in New York, Democratic congressman Jamie Raskin suggested impeaching Trump if he wins the November vote. Other Democrats, like Hakeem Jeffries, emphasized the importance of a peaceful transfer of power in America. Jeffries blamed the extreme right wing of the Republican party for election denialism. Trump has also stated he would accept the November vote if it's fair. He plans to appeal his conviction in New York before his sentencing on July 11. McCarthy urged moving past election disputes. McCarthy stressed that all Americans should accept the election results, criticizing Democrats for challenging past Republican presidents. He previously supported efforts to challenge Biden's victory and objected to certifying election results from Arizona and Pennsylvania. McCarthy denied trying to overturn the election outcome and claimed his objections wouldn't have changed the results. He also backed a Texas lawsuit to invalidate votes in 2020, despite no evidence of widespread voter fraud. McCarthy believes Trump will seek the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, and he would support him for a second term.