Former Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell had a notable disagreement with Senator Ted Cruz recently. On Monday, Cruz described Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Kerr’s remarks as “dangerous,” especially in relation to ABC’s handling of comments around the late conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
McConnell referenced Cruz’s take, noting that it reminded him of the film *Goodfellas*. “Well, my colleague Ted Cruz said it looked like Goodfellas. Personally, I think he probably does it right,” McConnell shared on social media. It seems he found the comparison fitting as discussions about government involvement in media unfolded.
“There’s no need to like what someone says on television to agree that the government shouldn’t be involved here,” he continued.
Cruz has emerged as a significant conservative voice and a supporter of Trump. His comments came after Kerr criticized ABC for not taking action against Jimmy Kimmel, who had made remarks about a young person accused of harming Kirk.
In a conversation with a conservative podcaster, Kerr condemned Kimmel’s comments, labeling them “really, really sick.” He also indicated that if ABC doesn’t respond to the backlash, the FCC might intervene.
“We can do this in an easy or difficult way,” Kerr stated, suggesting companies could find ways to address the situation concerning Kimmel.
Cruz was apprehensive about Kerr’s remarks, suggesting they carried an implied threat. He made comparisons to *Goodfellas*, quoting a line about a bar and a hidden menace: “A lovely bar here, if something happens, it’s a shame.” He expressed concern that the government shouldn’t threaten media with removal from airwaves for disagreeable comments.
Meanwhile, Senator Rand Paul criticized Kerr’s comments during an appearance on NBC. He deemed such government interference “absolutely inappropriate” and vowed to resist any efforts to regulate speech.
However, not all Republicans shared this sentiment. Some libertarian conservatives supported ABC’s choice to alter Kimmel’s airtime. Acknowledging that while people have the right to speak freely, they still must adhere to workplace conduct.
Senator Mark Wayne Mullin voiced his own dissent on CNN, arguing that Kerr’s threats were vague and that Kimmel’s jokes were out of line. He believed that ABC’s decision was influenced by Kimmel’s habit of making unkind comments about the administration.
