Republican senators threw two of President Donald Trump’s most endangered nominees a badly needed lifeline. Former Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (Hawaii) and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. didn’t grab on.
Key Republicans were stunned Thursday when Gabbard, Trump’s nominee for director of national intelligence, and RFK Jr., Trump’s pick for HHS secretary, rejected multiple entreaties that would have boosted their confirmation prospects.
Republicans were practically begging Gabbard to call NSA leaker Edward Snowden a traitor. Another pleaded with RFK Jr. to reject his previous claims linking vaccines to autism. The GOP senators made it clear that doing so would help them — and other Republicans — get to a yes on their nominations.
The two nominees, however, refused to give these Republicans the answers they wanted to hear. In some cases, the senators may have been simply seeking political cover that would make it easier for them to justify a “yes” vote.
It was very much a “help me help you” situation.
“I thought that was going to be an easy softball question, actually,” Sen. James Lankford (R-Okla.) told us of his bid to convince Gabbard to more forcefully denounce Snowden.
Lankford even told Gabbard that Intelligence Committee members, as well as the IC workforce, want to hear her acknowledge that Snowden is a traitor. No dice.
Sen. Todd Young (R-Ind.), a crucial swing vote, echoed Lankford and told Gabbard it “would be helpful for the way you’re perceived by members of the committee” to say Snowden is a traitor. Gabbard still refused.
The fallout: When we asked Lankford if this was problematic for Gabbard’s confirmation chances, he responded: “I think there are a lot of questions after it, yeah.” Keep in mind that Lankford had already said he’ll support Gabbard.
And Young, who said at the hearing it was “notable” that Gabbard wouldn’t say Snowden harmed national security, was cryptic when we asked about her.
“I think I’ve got — for now, at least — all the information I need,” Young told us.
One possible silver lining for Gabbard: Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine), a swing vote, told us she was “happy” with Gabbard’s responses to her questions, noting that Gabbard said she wouldn’t recommend Snowden be pardoned.
As for RFK Jr., he has serious problems with Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.). Cassidy, a medical doctor, gave RFK Jr. multiple chances to disavow his unfounded claims linking vaccines to autism. Cassidy was visibly frustrated when the nominee refused.
“Man, if you come out unequivocally, vaccines are safe, it does not cause autism — that would have an incredible impact,” Cassidy said. “That’s your power. So what’s it going to be?”
