U.S. Reps Susie Lee (D-NV) is followed by Rep. Jahana Hayes (D-CT) and other freshmen House Democrats as they arrive at Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell's (R-KY) office to deliver a letter "urging him to end the shutdown" on Capitol Hill in Washington, U.S., January 16, 2019. REUTERS/Yuri Gripas
(Washington, DC) – Rep. Susie Lee is facing backlash after video surfaced of her saying Pete Hegseth made her want to “beat the s— out of him,” a remark critics say undercut her own message about bipartisanship.
The comment reportedly came shortly after Lee spoke about working across the aisle and finding common ground. That timing made the remark an immediate target for opponents, who argued it showed a different tone behind closed doors.
Hegseth has become a frequent lightning rod in Washington, drawing sharp criticism from Democrats and strong defense from conservatives. Lee’s remark added a personal edge to that fight.
Supporters may dismiss the comment as a frustrated aside, but critics are likely to keep pointing to it as an example of overheated political rhetoric from lawmakers who publicly call for civility.
The fallout gives Republicans a new opening to attack Lee and Democrats more broadly on tone, especially as candidates in both parties try to sell voters on unity while campaigning in an increasingly hostile political climate.
