The George Santos thing (sorry, out of words on this disaster) is rippling outwards, causing collateral drama.
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Santos, who was elected to represent New York’s 3rd district in the House of Representatives, recently admitted to lying about his background and resume.
Now, other politicians are weighing in and squaring off over Santos’s falsified credentials.
Namely, former Hawaii Representative Tulsi Gabbard and current Georgia Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene are at odds about how to treat Santos; Gabbard skewered Santos during an interview on Tucker Carlson Tonight, whereas MTG defended Santos.
Which of the two poles, the for-, or against-Santos, gains more traction will likely contribute to Santos’s decision about whether to resign or whether to simply assume office in January as planned.
A Recap of Santos’s Lies
Santos constructed a thoroughly false image of himself during his campaign for Congress.
Santos lied about everything from his education to his work history to his ethnicity.
For example, Santos said he had a bachelor’s from Baruch College. He does not have a bachelor’s from Baruch College.
Santos said he worked for Goldman Sachs and Citigroup. He did not work for Goldman Sachs or Citigroup.
Santos said he is Jewish. He is not Jewish.
Santos said he owned 13 properties. He does not own 13 properties.
Granted, the lies Santos chose to tell, the character he chose to portray, is indicative about who is perceived as eligible for public office in America.
In many respects, well-to-do college graduates, with Wall Street jobs and mini real estate empires, have monopolized the path to public office. Elites dominate both parties. Which is a shame given that elites are rarely in touch with, or work on behalf of, the interests of the common American.
You’d think someone with Santos’s background would be more likely to be a viable candidate for public office – given that his true background is consistent with the average American who does not possess a college degree, who does not work for Goldman Sachs, who does not own multiple properties.
Regardless, Santos lied egregiously and comprehensively about who he was and what he is done. That’s disqualifying, in my view. And apparently, in Tulsi Gabbard’s view.
Tulsi Takes the Offensive, MTG Takes the Defensive
Gabbard, who was filling in as host on Tucker Carlson Tonight, pursued Santos without mercy. “All of these lies that you’ve told, not just one little lie, or one little embellishment – these are blatant lies,” Gabbard said. “My question is, do you have no shame?”
MTG was quick to stand up for Santos, however, saying that Gabbard showed Santos “no grace.”
“Tulsi says that George’s actions on the House floor are what is most important, but George has not even had the chance to take action for his district on the House floor because he isn’t even sworn in yet.” Right, some brilliant analysis from MTG there, who criticized Gabbard for her voting history as a Democrat.
Santos will want support from Republicans not named Marjorie Taylor Greene if he hopes to keep his congressional seat.
MTG is simply not credible and rarely coherent.
Frankly, MTG’s support may do more harm than good (although ironically, MTG’s non-baccalaureate background should have given Santos’s inspiration to embrace his humbler educational background while running for Congress).
Ultimately, Santos’s fate is not going to be up to Tulsi Gabbard or MTG – but to Santos himself, who should consult heavily with his constituents in northern Long Island about how to proceed.
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Harrison Kass is the Senior Editor at 19FortyFive. An attorney, pilot, guitarist, and minor pro hockey player, Harrison joined the US Air Force as a Pilot Trainee but was medically discharged. Harrison holds a BA from Lake Forest College, a JD from the University of Oregon, and an MA from New York University. Harrison lives in Oregon and listens to Dokken.
