Kevin McCarthy defends his ability to speak for GOP
Since House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy suggested in a televised interview that the House Republicans' Benghazi investigation is politically-motivated, some in his party have suggested the GOP caucus needs a better representative to serve as House speaker.
McCarthy on Wednesday acknowledged that his comments about the Benghazi investigation were a mistake, but he insisted he could effectively serve as the most public fact of the House GOP.
"Look, I think I've been very clear when it comes to Benghazi -- I could have said it in a different manner, yes," McCarthy told reporters. "And I think at any given time, somebody could always say something better. Over time, we'll prove that we have a very good message."
"I think the job of the speaker is to be a team captain, all part of a team," he continued. "We've got a lot of members inside this conference that lead a very good job of getting the message out, and we will continue to do it."
House Oversight Committee Chairman Jason Chaffetz, R-Utah, told CBS News this week that he's running against McCarthy to serve as speaker to ensure the House GOP effectively counters President Obama's message.
"The president is a very gifted communicator, and he uses that bully pulpit and just the right time," Chaffetz told CBS News' Steven Portnoy. "But we also have a message, and the speaker is given that podium and people will listen. But you have got to go out and win that."
McCarthy on Wednesday also followed up on another eyebrow-raising remark he made -- when asked by Fox News what grade he would give outgoing Speaker John Boehner, McCarthy said he'd give him a B-minus.
On Wednesday, standing right next to Boehner, McCarthy joked, "You've got to understand, I think that's the highest grade I ever got. So B-minus."
Boehner also responded to the critique: "I'm not into grading people, and the gentleman from California has got his opinion," Boehner said. "I'm sure others have higher opinions and lower opinions."