OPINION
‘Scum’: GOP Congressman Faces Angry Backlash After Grilling Whistleblower Rick Bright About His Blood Pressure
Rep. Markwayne Mullins (R-OK) spent his time during the hearing to interview whistleblower Dr. Rick Bright about his high blood pressure. While many members of Congress were asking questions about the investigations into hydroxychloroquine, the national stockpile, the administration’s lack of response to early warnings about the coronavirus and how to protect Americans.
The conservative plumber demanded details from Dr. Bright on why he was on medical leave from his new position at the National Institute of Health, where he transitioned after being ousted at the Department of Health and Human Services. Dr. Bright explained that being ousted, thrust into the spotlight and attacked by conservative media has been more stress than he’s accustomed to experiencing as a doctor.
Mullin then asked why Dr. Bright could appear before Congress but not go to work at the NIH. Mullin didn’t give Dr. Bright time to respond to the question but witnesses are generally subpoenaed to appear before Congress. Bright explained he was taking his vacation time to deal with the Congressional hearing.
The internet swiftly responded to Mullin, calling him out for what they called embarrassing, cruel and an unnecessary line of questioning that didn’t get to the bottom of why over 83,000 Americans have died from COVID-19.
Moments later Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar attacked Dr. Bright, saying he isn’t showing up to work when he’s needed the most. It’s an ironic claim given Azar and Trump removed Bright from his position. If he was so necessary, it’s unclear why Dr. Bright was removed.
You can see their responses below:
how unusual…a gop rep attacking the witness instead of asking substantial questions
— Beth Becker 👠👠 (@spedwybabs) May 14, 2020
“You’re well enough to come here today, but not go to work.”
The man just says his blood pressure was high. 🤦🏾♀️🤦🏾♀️🤦🏾♀️
— Chantay Berry (@iamchanteezy) May 14, 2020
.@RepMullin, a former plumber and talk radio host from Oklahoma, is getting right to the issues affecting frightened Americans in a global viral pandemic: a congressional whistleblower's blood pressure and salary. #DrBright
— John Charpentier (@snpsandsnRNPs) May 14, 2020
@RepMullin you are a vial POS how dare you make fun of someone with high blood pressure. You are a asshole. How do you sleep at night.
— Denise Lynn (@lynnmarie4109) May 14, 2020
Why is Mullin allowed to harangue Dr. Bright about his taking medical leave and smear him regarding his high blood pressure? That was disgusting.
— (((antiantisemite))) (@Tristanshouts) May 14, 2020
The Republicans are making the worst showing I’ve ever seen. Some guy is trying to hammer Dr Bright about his high blood pressure. And now trying to seize Dr Bright’s attorney’s documents!
— Shelley Webb ³³°¹ (@shelleyaw123) May 14, 2020
Ur scum. Doubting dr bright. Questioning his blood pressure and functioning. The issue is the admin terrible response to the virus. U republicans r killing us with ur disrespect for science. Shame on u.
— Susan Martin (@selfcurledgirl) May 14, 2020
So is .@RepMullin there to try to make Dr Bright look bad? What is the purpose of his questions? What does Dr Bright's high blood pressure have to do with trumps incomptency. Mullin must be up for re-election #VoteHimOut
— Surviving Trump Times (@Trump_Rhymes) May 14, 2020
Just typed that.
What a prick. Im on blood pressure meds too- im 8 months preg, have survived heart failure, am living through a pandemic, and my husband is deployed. But i can spay a cat because that was my job.
— Amanda Maners (@maners_amanda) May 14, 2020
Mr Mullin is an as*hat. He is intentionally trying to raise Dr Brights blood pressure. He has no right to that line of questions, saying Dr Bright is "deceiving the American public".
— Sheila W (@Divscotty) May 14, 2020
Watch @RepMullin make an ASS of himself attacking a man for high blood pressure after he was removed from his job for no reason
Let’s see Millington removed from Oklahoma https://t.co/fdlqpn8ZkI
— tubsjmh (@tubsjmh) May 14, 2020
I’m with you there… let’s constantly interrupt a man who’s got high blood pressure and infer he’s faking his high BP situation!
— BOB! (@whitegryphen) May 14, 2020
Is he the one asking Dr Bright why he can’t manage his blood pressure? And inferring that he shouldn’t be getting paid if he can’t handle his stress? What a complete and total jerk.
— Helen (@prsgrlks) May 14, 2020
When a man risks his own safety and career to stand up and try to save lives, what you should really do is interrogate him about his blood pressure and vacation days
— Jaynie's Got a Bun (@FreeGirlNowNYC) May 14, 2020
@RepMullin line of questioning is raising this nurse's blood pressure, the disrespect is STUNNING to me.
— helenanurse (@christianainmt) May 14, 2020
Rep. Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) says he has "a hard time understanding" how Dr. Bright could have high blood pressure while at the same time handle a pandemic and congressional testimony.
Pretty gross line of questioning.
— Brian Tashman (@briantashman) May 14, 2020
Omg Mullin’s questioning is even making my blood pressure rise that was ridiculous
— Chase Laudenslager (@News2Chase) May 14, 2020
@RepMullin what an ass. Hope all your kids see how nasty you are to a man with high blood pressure illegally removed from his job. Shame on your personal attack.
— Paula Doubleday (@MsDayTwo) May 14, 2020
#mullin holy crap? Seriously 😒 leave the guy alone about his health , of course he has high blood pressure #DrBright
— Beachgal10 (@melissa_yoby) May 14, 2020
FYI, to the gentleman from OKLAHOMA, Coming forward and telling the truth helps lower that blood pressure.#DrBright
— Tammi (@TLaTela) May 14, 2020
@RepMullin
hey asshole let the DOCTOR finish a sentence. What the hell is wrong with you? interrogating the doctor about his blood pressure? #mullinisadick— Pierre Infecto (@InfectoPierre) May 14, 2020
I bet 75% of those old fkrs are on blood pressure meds so … that’s irrelevant af.
— ❄️ GoͦtͭJaͣniͥeͤ? ® 🌊📚🐢💨 (@GotJanie) May 14, 2020
Mr. Mullet doesn't know ANYTHING about high blood pressure.
— Honorable Mention (@headlines_see) May 14, 2020
@RepMullin why are you focusing on Dr. Bright blood pressure rather than the dire warning he is sharing about danger to the health of the American public?
— Anne Frank Zappa (@FlyerFrightened) May 14, 2020
Wow that guy is a real dick #hearings on #CNN I mean a real ass. Oh so you have high blood pressure? Prick….I bet I know what party he is…Walden you are a Ass Hole…oh wait a whole ass
— Lucie`°•.♥.•♪♫ ღ¸♪• (@hidingout2) May 14, 2020
I would like to hear what Dr. Bright has to say about the preparedness of the US, but the GOP line of questioning is going like this:
GOP: Did you have eggs for breakfast? I heard you have high blood pressure, DID YOU HAVE EGGS FOR BREAKFAST?— Bored Accountant (@don_accountant) May 14, 2020
Did you miss Mr. Mullin a few minutes ago??
— Robin Anne (@Robinanne59) May 14, 2020
The line of questioning from the majority of Republicans on the committee has been awful. But Mullin's was particularly enraging and disgusting.
— Kimberly Tyda (@Kimberly_Tyda) May 14, 2020
Rather than inquire abt the COVID-19 response, OK Rep. Markwayne Mullin viciously attacked & berated Dr Bright about his health
I guess that’s what you get when you elect someone w/ an Associates degree in applied sciences in construction technology
He’s their best & brightest?
— Mel 🆘 the Enforcer (@Fah_Lo_Me) May 14, 2020
With that line of questioning isn’t Mullin stepping all over the HIPPA laws? It’s stunning just how disgusting that man is.
— moi (@moiaussi1980) May 14, 2020
@RepMullin so, Mr. Trump says to Mr. Mullin “who’s a good boy, huh? You’re a good boy! Such a good boy!”
— neoGeezr (@rrrobert12) May 14, 2020
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