Anderson Cooper Gives Ex-GOP Lawmaker A Blunt Reality Check On Republican ‘Shame’

CNN’s Anderson Cooper reminded former Rep. Charlie Dent (R-Pa.) that Republicans have little “shame” these days after the ex-lawmaker suggested senators would act appropriately on the confirmation of Matt Gaetz as attorney general.
Dent, who served on the House Ethics Committee for eight years and chaired it for two, told Cooper the committee’s report on the now-former Florida congressman should be released.
“Ordinarily, when a member of Congress resigns because of a scandal, they usually go away quietly. They go about the business of reconstructing their lives, relationships with family members and their reputations,” Dent said on CNN Tuesday night, per a clip captured by Mediaite.
“They don’t get elevated to the attorney general of the United States, the top law enforcement officer of the country.”
He added, “The United States Senate — as part of their official record and official duties in this confirmation process — want to see this report before they vote on this really important position.”
Cooper interrupted, “Congressman, you do know you are referring to a time when there was shame.”
Gaetz resigned from Congress last week after President-elect Donald Trump announced he would nominate him for attorney general. Gaetz must be confirmed by the Senate, which will be led by the GOP, to serve.
Gaetz’s departure effectively ended an ethics committee investigation into his alleged misconduct, including sex trafficking and illicit drug use. It reportedly took place just days before a damaging report was set to be released.
He was previously investigated by the Justice Department on sex trafficking allegations but was not charged.
The ethics committee is expected to meet Wednesday to discuss what to do with its report on Gaetz.
Dent published an MSNBC op-ed on Tuesday calling for the report to be made public. “Don’t let Matt Gaetz escape accountability,” he titled it.
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Senate Republicans, under pressure from Trump, are reportedly divided on whether they need to view the findings before the confirmation process.