POLITICS

Sen. Schmitt's Failed Jack Smith Gotcha Moment Dominates Capitol Hill

7 sources · 19 articles

During a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing, Sen. Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.) attempted to question former special counsel Jack Smith about attending an NBA game, but confused two different basketball teams in his line of questioning. Schmitt showed no remorse for the mix-up, defending his questioning tactics while facing widespread criticism from Democrats and media commentators.

NEWSchmitt defended his actions and expressed no remorse; he stated his job is 'to ask questions' despite the public failure; he was confronted on camera about the 'embarrassing' moment and reportedly responded defensively to reporters.

Left16

Left-leaning outlets characterized the incident as a humiliating gaffe that backfired spectacularly. They highlighted Schmitt's use of the slur 'dirtbag' against Smith, noted criticism from Sen. Klobuchar, and emphasized that Fox News analyst Brit Hume and CNN anchor Kaitlan Collins delivered harsh verdicts on Schmitt's failed attempt.

PWPolitical Wire2hEric Schmitt Defends Mix-Up That Led to Viral Gaffe RSRaw Story8h'You don't even make sense': Fury as CNN conservative defends MAGA senator's epic flop TDThe Daily Beast10hFox News Star Brit Hume Delivers Brutal Verdict on MAGA Senator Eric Schmitt's Jack Smith Fiasco TDThe Daily Beast12hGOP Senator Confronted on ‘Embarrassing’ Flop in New Video TDThe Daily Beast14hHumiliated GOP Senator Makes Cringe Comeback to Botched Moment TDThe Daily Beast15hKaitlan Collins Sums Up Goon’s Humiliation With One Brutal Line TDThe Daily Beast18h‘Yelling’ MAGA Senator Eric Schmitt Schooled on CNN by Amy Klobuchar After Embarrassing Conspiracy Flop RSRaw Story26hMAGA senator throws tantrum after epic gaffe in Jack Smith hearing: ‘Quote me on it!'PNPBS NewsHour26hWATCH: Schmitt suggests Jack Smith perjured himself about a basketball game, but mixes up 2 teams CNCBS News27hWatch: Sen. Schmitt appears to confuse basketball teams while calling Jack Smith a "dirtbag"RSRaw Story27hEven Politico trolls outraged Republican for handing Jack Smith a win TDThe Daily Beast28hMAGA Senator Humiliates Himself With Botched Gotcha Moment RSRaw Story28h'Will never be VP': Critics see GOP senator's ambitions crater in 'perjury trap' bellyflop TNThe New Republic28hGOP Senator Tries to Trap Jack Smith—and Gets Every Detail Wrong RSRaw Story29hFireworks as MAGA senator hurls 'dirtbag' slur at Jack Smith — then gets schooled RSRaw Story29hGOP senator buried in scorn as Jack Smith gotcha moment instantly falls apart

Center3

Center outlets reported factually on the mix-up and Schmitt's reflection afterward, noting he claimed his role was simply to ask questions. They covered the broader fallout and accusations that he attempted to launch a conspiracy narrative that 'unwound' during the hearing.

THThe Hill8hRaskin rips Schmitt questioning of Jack Smith: 'He's basically disgraced himself'THThe Hill8hSchmitt on mix-up at Jack Smith hearing: 'My job is to ask questions'THThe Hill10hSchmitt faces fallout after debunked Jack Smith narrative