Crockett speaks out about fight in Congress with Marjorie Taylor Greene

CNN
17 May 202406:51

Summary

TLDRCongresswoman Jasmine Crockett accused her Republican colleague, Marjorie Taylor Greene, of racism following a heated exchange during a late-night House oversight committee meeting. Greene mocked Crockett's appearance, leading to an attempt to strike her comments from the record, which failed. Crockett defended her response, stating Greene's pattern of breaking decorum rules and arguing that she must not be a 'doormat' in Congress. Greene dismissed the criticism, claiming her remarks were factual, not personal attacks. The incident has sparked discussions on decorum and personal attacks in political discourse.

Takeaways

  • 🗣️ Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett accused her Republican colleague, Marjorie Taylor Greene, of being racist after a contentious committee meeting.
  • 🕒 A late-night House oversight markup was disrupted for nearly an hour due to Greene mocking Crockett.
  • 😡 Crockett attempted to have Greene's comments struck from the record, but the motion failed, and Greene was allowed to continue her remarks.
  • 🤔 Crockett sought clarification on the committee's rules regarding personal attacks, questioning if discussing someone's appearance would be considered engaging in personalities.
  • 🔥 In response to Greene's behavior, Crockett described Greene as a 'bleached blond bad belt,' a comment that gained significant attention online.
  • 👍 Crockett expressed no regrets about her choice of words, stating that Greene continually breaks the rules of decorum and needs to be held accountable.
  • 💬 Greene dismissed the criticism, claiming that her comments were not personal attacks but facts, and accused Crockett of bringing up color in the committee.
  • 🤔 Crockett argued that Greene's comments were racist, as they followed a pattern of personal attacks on women of color in Congress, associating their appearance with negative stereotypes.
  • 🤝 House Speaker Mike Johnson commented on the situation, calling it regrettable and emphasizing the importance of maintaining decorum in the House.
  • 🚫 There are suggestions that some members might have been drinking during the incident, but Crockett stated she would not participate in rumors without facts.

Q & A

  • What was the reason for the nearly hour-long delay during the late-night House oversight markup?

    -The delay occurred after Marjorie Taylor Greene mocked Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett, leading to a contentious exchange.

  • What did Marjorie Taylor Greene say to Jasmine Crockett that was considered mocking?

    -Greene commented on Crockett's appearance, specifically mentioning her 'fake eyelashes,' which was seen as a personal attack.

  • What was the attempt made by some members to address Greene's comments?

    -A motion was made to strike Greene's comments from the record, but the vote to do so failed, allowing her to continue her remarks.

  • How did Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett describe Marjorie Taylor Greene's behavior?

    -Crockett described Greene as someone who breaks the rules of decorum repeatedly and suggested that her behavior is racist.

  • What was the failed motion proposed by the members during the committee meeting?

    -The failed motion was to take down Ms. Greene's words from the record, which would have led to her being removed from the committee room for the rest of the hearing.

  • What did Congresswoman Crockett say in response to being criticized for her language used against Greene?

    -Crockett stated that she has no regrets because Greene is the type of person who will take advantage if given an inch.

  • What was the context of Crockett's description of Greene as a 'bleached blond bad belt'?

    -Crockett used this description during a request for clarification on the committee's ruling, in response to Greene's previous comments about her appearance.

  • Why did Congresswoman Crockett call Marjorie Taylor Greene racist?

    -Crockett felt that Greene's comments about her appearance were part of a pattern of racist behavior, as similar comments were never directed at non-black women.

  • What was the response from House Speaker Mike Johnson regarding the situation?

    -Speaker Mike Johnson called the situation regrettable and stressed the importance of maintaining decorum during committee meetings.

  • How did Marjorie Taylor Greene defend her comments about Congresswoman Crockett?

    -Greene claimed that her comments were not personal attacks but simply stating facts, and she denied being racist.

  • What was the reaction of Congresswoman Crockett to the suggestion that some members might have been drinking during the meeting?

    -Crockett stated that she would not participate in rumors without facts, but she did not believe alcohol was necessary for Greene to be unhinged.

Outlines

00:00

🗣️ Tension in Congress: Crockett Accuses Greene of Racism

Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett confronts her Republican colleague, Marjorie Taylor Greene, with accusations of racism after a contentious committee meeting. The meeting was disrupted when Greene mocked Crockett, leading to a heated exchange and an attempt to strike Greene's comments from the record, which failed. Crockett later clarifies that she did not react immediately but sought to follow proper procedure. She defends her description of Greene as a 'bleached blond bad belt' and argues that Greene's behavior is a pattern of disrespecting decorum, citing previous incidents including Greene wearing a MAGA hat during the State of the Union address. Crockett emphasizes her role as a representative and her unwillingness to be a 'doormat', referencing Michelle Obama's quote about rising above low behavior.

05:02

🔍 Racism Allegation: Crockett Explains Her Stand

Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett further explains her accusation of racism against Marjorie Taylor Greene. Crockett details how she has received derogatory comments associating her appearance with negative stereotypes, particularly from supporters of former President Trump. She points out that Greene's comments about her fake eyelashes and AOC's intelligence are part of a broader pattern of racist and sexist remarks directed at women of color in Congress. Despite Greene's denial of bringing up color, Crockett maintains that her comments were indeed racist. House Speaker Mike Johnson's response to the situation is mentioned, highlighting the importance of decorum, but his full statement is not included in the provided script.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett

Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett is a key figure in this video script, representing a Democratic member of the U.S. Congress. She is central to the narrative as she accuses her Republican colleague, Marjorie Taylor Greene, of racism following a contentious committee meeting. Her actions and statements are integral to the theme of political discourse and decorum within the committee.

💡Marjorie Taylor Greene

Marjorie Taylor Greene is a Republican member of the U.S. Congress who is portrayed in the script as having a contentious relationship with Congresswoman Crockett. Greene's comments, which are perceived as mocking and racist by Crockett, are a focal point in the video's exploration of inappropriate conduct in a formal political setting.

💡Racism

Racism is a significant concept in the video, as it is the charge leveled by Congresswoman Crockett against Marjorie Taylor Greene. The term refers to discrimination or prejudice based on race, and in this context, it is used to describe the perceived intent behind Greene's comments about Crockett's appearance.

💡Committee meeting

A committee meeting is a formal gathering of members of a legislative committee to discuss and make decisions on specific issues. In the video, the committee meeting is the setting where the conflict between Crockett and Greene unfolds, highlighting the importance of decorum and respect in such settings.

💡Decorum

Decorum refers to the proper conduct and order expected in formal settings, especially in legislative bodies. The video script discusses the lack of decorum displayed by Marjorie Taylor Greene during the committee meeting, which is a central theme in examining the behavior of political figures in public forums.

💡Mocking

Mocking is the act of ridiculing or making fun of someone in a disrespectful manner. In the script, Marjorie Taylor Greene is accused of mocking Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett, which is a key event leading to the accusations of racism and the broader discussion about respectful behavior in political discourse.

💡Point of order

A point of order is a procedural move made during a legislative session to address a perceived breach of parliamentary rules. In the video, a point of order is raised to take down Greene's words, indicating a formal objection to her comments during the committee meeting.

💡Failed vote

A failed vote refers to a situation where a proposed action or motion does not receive enough support to pass. In the script, there is mention of a failed vote to strike Greene's comments from the record, illustrating the political dynamics and the consequences of the conflict.

💡Personal attack

A personal attack is a form of criticism that targets an individual's personal characteristics rather than their arguments or actions. The video script describes how Congresswoman Crockett felt personally attacked by Greene's comments about her appearance, which she perceives as racially motivated.

💡MAGA

MAGA stands for 'Make America Great Again,' a slogan associated with former President Donald Trump's political campaign. In the script, the reference to MAGA America suggests a particular political ideology or group that Crockett claims has a history of making racially charged comments about her appearance.

💡Hearing room

A hearing room is a space where legislative hearings take place. In the context of the video, the hearing room is where the interaction between Crockett and Greene occurs, and it is where the issues of decorum and personal attacks are brought to the forefront.

Highlights

Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett accuses Republican colleague Marjorie Taylor Greene of being racist after a contentious committee meeting.

A late-night House oversight markup was derailed for nearly an hour after Greene mocked Crockett.

Greene's comments included mocking Crockett's fake eyelashes, causing a disruption in the meeting.

An attempt was made to take down Greene's words as a point of order, which was deemed unacceptable.

A failed vote occurred to strike Greene's comments from the record, allowing her to continue her remarks.

Crockett sought clarification on the committee's ruling regarding personal attacks during the meeting.

Crockett made a motion to strike certain words, leading to further tension in the committee.

Crockett expressed her frustration with the committee's handling of Greene's behavior.

Greene dismissed criticism, arguing that her comments were factual and not personal attacks.

Crockett clarified her delayed reaction to Greene's comments, emphasizing the importance of process.

Crockett described Greene as someone who takes advantage of leniency and breaks decorum rules.

Crockett defended her use of strong language against Greene, stating she has no regrets.

Crockett was asked about the possibility of alcohol influencing the situation, to which she responded she would not participate in rumors without facts.

Crockett called Greene racist for her comments, associating personal attacks with racial stereotypes.

Crockett explained that Greene's comments were part of a pattern of racial insensitivity from the MAGA community.

Greene denied bringing up any reference to color, contradicting Crockett's account of the committee meeting.

House Speaker Mike Johnson commented on the situation, calling it regrettable and stressing the importance of decorum.

Transcripts

00:00

Tonight, Congresswoman

00:00

Jasmine Crockett is not backing down,

00:03

calling her Republican colleague

00:05

Marjorie Taylor GREENE racist

00:06

after a contentious committee meeting.

00:09

A late night House oversight

00:10

markup last night was derailed

00:12

for nearly an hour

00:13

after GREENE mocked Crockett.

00:15

You can see for yourself.

00:18

Do you know we're here for

00:20

you know we're here.

00:22

I want you.

00:22

You know what you're here for.

00:24

Well, you don't want to talk about.

00:25

I think your fake

00:26

eyelashes are messing up.

00:27

This ain't nothing. Oh, no, no.

00:29

This order, Mr.

00:31

Charles. Beneath even more.

00:33

Your order of your committee.

00:35

Order, please.

00:37

Is a point of order.

00:38

We have a point of order, Mr. Lynch.

00:41

I do have a point of order,

00:42

and I would like to move to.

00:43

To take down Ms.. Greene's words.

00:46

That is absolutely unacceptable.

00:48

How dare you?

00:49

A little slap

00:50

in the face of another person.

00:52

Are your feelings her words down?

00:54

Oh. Oh, girl, Baby girl.

00:57

Oh, really?

00:58

Don't even play, baby girl.

01:00

I don't think we are going to move.

01:02

And we're going to take your words down

01:03

for a second.

01:03

That motion.

01:06

Now, after that,

01:07

there was a failed vote to strike

01:08

Greene's comments from the record,

01:10

and she was allowed

01:10

to continue her remarks.

01:12

And that's

01:12

when Crockett stepped back into the fray.

01:16

I'm just curious,

01:17

just to better understand your ruling,

01:19

if someone on this committee

01:21

then starts talking about somebodies

01:24

beliefs, blond, bad built,

01:25

butch body,

01:26

that would not be engaging

01:28

in personalities. Correct.

01:29

What now,

01:32

Chairman?

01:33

I make I make a motion

01:34

to strike those words.

01:36

Order!

01:38

Order! Trying to get clarification.

01:39

Look at.

01:40

Calm down, Calm. No, no, no, no.

01:42

Because this is what do proceed.

01:44

I'm sorry.

01:45

You're not recognized. Mr..

01:47

I hear you with your yelling.

01:48

Oh, wait, calm down.

01:49

No, please call me to calm down,

01:51

because y'all have gone down in there.

01:53

You're out of control,

01:56

man.

01:56

Dogs didn't have.

02:00

GREENE brushed off

02:01

any criticism

02:02

that she got over the last 24 hours

02:03

writing this.

02:05

AOC is an intelligent

02:06

Jasmine Crockett has fake eyelashes.

02:09

These aren't attacks on personalities.

02:11

These are just facts.

02:14

Congresswoman, thanks for being here.

02:16

First of all,

02:17

I wonder

02:18

in that moment in the hearing room,

02:20

why did you react the way that you did

02:22

to the comment that Marjorie

02:23

Taylor GREENE made about you?

02:27

So I want to clarify

02:29

that I

02:29

actually did not react instantaneously.

02:33

I actually was trying

02:35

to allow the process to work.

02:36

So you heard from AOC,

02:38

who is our vice ranking member,

02:40

and you heard it from Jamie Raskin,

02:42

who's our ranker

02:43

as we attempted to go through the process

02:46

and there was an agreement

02:47

and of course, Marjorie

02:49

had to be Marjorie,

02:50

and she refused to actually apologize.

02:54

Therefore, I needed clarification as to

02:56

why the chairman refused

02:59

to actually take our words down,

03:00

which meant that she would be kicked

03:02

out of the committee room

03:03

for the rest of the hearing,

03:05

which would have been appropriate.

03:07

Now, the part that I think really kind of

03:09

frankly caught

03:10

the Internet afire is

03:11

when you described GREENE

03:14

in this request for clarification

03:17

as a bleached blond bad belt.

03:20

But everybody had

03:22

to look at my notes to read.

03:25

Any regrets about that kind of language,

03:28

especially given

03:29

that you were trying to make a point,

03:31

frankly, about decorum

03:32

in the hearing room?

03:35

I have no regrets, and I'll tell you why.

03:37

Because Marjorie Taylor

03:38

GREENE is the type of person

03:39

that if you give her an inch,

03:41

she'll take a mile.

03:42

And the fact that they continue

03:43

to allow her

03:44

to break the rules of decorum

03:46

over and over and over,

03:47

whether it's the State of the Union

03:48

that the president is delivering

03:50

and she's wearing a MAGA

03:51

hat or otherwise.

03:53

The reason that she didn't have

03:54

committee assignments before

03:56

was because she did not know

03:57

how to conduct herself

03:58

as a member of Congress.

03:59

And so if I just sit there and say,

04:02

Oh, well, Marjorie said it about me,

04:04

what's to stop her to continue

04:06

to do it again and again?

04:08

And at the end of the day,

04:09

I was elected

04:10

as a representative of Congress.

04:12

But that doesn't mean

04:13

that I'm supposed to be

04:14

somebody who's a doormat.

04:16

But Michelle Obama famously said,

04:18

when they go low, we go high.

04:19

Are those days basically over?

04:24

I don't know that

04:25

we can even call this a low.

04:26

I mean, she goes to hell.

04:28

And then I do my best to remind her

04:31

as to why she should not cross me.

04:34

So one of your colleagues,

04:35

Jamie Raskin,

04:36

actually suggested

04:38

that some members

04:39

might have been drinking.

04:41

Others have said that as well,

04:43

making that suggestion,

04:44

That's a pretty serious allegation.

04:46

Do you think that

04:47

that played a factor here?

04:49

I think when Marjorie Taylor GREENE,

04:50

it doesn't require alcohol

04:52

for her to be unhinged.

04:53

I'll be perfectly honest.

04:55

I don't know.

04:56

I don't have any facts to that.

04:57

So I won't say

04:59

and I won't participate in rumors

05:02

when I don't have any facts behind it.

05:04

So you also called GREENE racist

05:07

for what she said about you.

05:09

Why is that? Yeah.

05:12

Because as I've received

05:14

so many amazing compliments

05:16

from MAGA America

05:18

throughout my time in Congress,

05:21

a lot of times when I would go viral,

05:23

instead of them

05:24

trying to address

05:25

the things

05:26

that I laid out

05:27

in a very factual way,

05:29

what they would try to do was say,

05:30

Oh, look at her hair, or look at her

05:32

nails or look at her lashes.

05:34

And they would all then associate

05:37

anything that I do

05:38

as a form of beautification

05:40

with being quote unquote, ghetto.

05:42

And so to me,

05:43

she was just basically repeating

05:46

the nonsense that MAGA world

05:48

is constantly putting out there,

05:49

because I am not

05:50

the only woman in Congress

05:52

that wears lashes.

05:53

And there are women on her

05:54

side of the aisle

05:55

that wear lashes as well,

05:56

as well as hair extensions.

05:58

But she's never felt like that was a dig

06:01

that she needed to take at anyone

06:03

except for me,

06:04

a black woman who sits on the committee.

06:06

And then, of course, she went after AOC

06:08

and called her unintelligent,

06:10

a brown woman that sits on the committee.

06:13

CNN actually asked her for

06:14

comment,

06:15

and this is a statement that we received.

06:17

She said The only member that brought up

06:18

any reference to color

06:20

was Congresswoman Crockett.

06:22

She's putting that on you.

06:26

I brought it up

06:27

when when we were in committee.

06:29

It definitely did not come up.

06:30

When I was asked about

06:32

whether or not I felt like

06:33

she was being racist.

06:34

I told the truth,

06:36

which was absolutely yes.

06:37

But ultimately in committee,

06:39

that was not part of the conversation

06:40

whatsoever.

06:42

So House Speaker

06:42

Mike Johnson weighed in on all of this.

06:44

He called the situation regrettable.

06:46

He stressed the importance of decorum.

06:48

Here's part of his statement.

06:50

He said, It's