Social media commenters ridiculed Rep. Eric Swalwell after the California Democrat appeared to refer to the almighty as “God herself” during an interview on Saturday.
The moment: Swalwell appeared on MSNBC to discuss former President Donald Trump, who earlier in the day won a second impeachment acquittal.
- “We could have called God herself and the Republicans weren’t going to be willing to convict,” Swalwell said.
- Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell’s objected to convicting Trump, echoing the sentiments of the majority of Senate Republicans who argued it is unconstitutional to impeach and try a president who has already left office.
- Only seven GOP senators voted to convict Trump, who was acquitted on a 57-43 vote.
The reaction: Swalwell, who served as one of the House managers for Trump’s second impeachment trial, was roundly mocked by right-leaning Twitter users, some of whom made reference to Swalwell’s entanglement with a female Chinese spy.
The context: Swalwell is a frequent whipping boy for conservatives on account of his over-the-top wokeness — especially his strident male feminism — and gaffe-prone style.
- In November 2019, Swalwell went viral following an incident dubbed “Fartgate,” when he appeared to release gas during an interview with MSNBC’s Chris Matthews.
- But a more serious criticism emerged after an Axios report detailed his involvement with communist spy Fang Fang, who helped his 2014 congressional campaign with fundraising and staffing.
- Swalwell denied the accusations of uncontrolled flatulence and has declined to confirm or deny a sexual relationship with Fang.
