U.S. Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) finds himself at the center of controversy as allegations of sexual misconduct and potential campaign finance violations come to light. This development follows a recent appearance by former Republican House Speaker Kevin McCarthy on Fox News, where he made comments linking Gallego to his close association with former Congressman Eric Swalwell.
During his appearance on Fox News with Jesse Watters, McCarthy highlighted Gallego’s role as chairman of Swalwell’s presidential campaign, noting their frequent travels together. “Typically, on foreign trips, both Republicans and Democrats are accompanied by their spouses,” McCarthy remarked. “However, these two traveled extensively alone, which raises questions that warrant further investigation.”
In addition to these mounting allegations, Gallego faces a significant credibility challenge. He has claimed ignorance of any misconduct involving Swalwell, despite allegations of Swalwell’s inappropriate behavior and extramarital affairs. Many find this assertion difficult to believe, given the widespread awareness of such rumors among political circles.
It has become increasingly clear that knowledge of Swalwell’s alleged indiscretions was no secret. Members from both sides of the political aisle, along with various media outlets, have acknowledged awareness of these rumors, painting a picture of a long-standing open secret.
Gallego’s response to these issues has drawn criticism. Rather than acknowledging the rumors, he has consistently denied any awareness of misconduct, portraying an image of Swalwell as an upstanding figure in his interactions with him. This stance has been likened to an ineffective attempt at feigning ignorance, reminiscent of the fictional television character Sergeant Schultz.
When he should have said, I never heard a word about any misconduct, but sure, I heard the rumors about the affairs. Everyone did. But Eric’s private life is his private life. That’s between him and his wife — instead, Ruben is all: Nope, nope. Never heard a word. Assumed he was Ward Cleaver because, around me, he was always Ward Cleaver.
Talk about crawling way, way out on a thin, thin branch…
I’m sorry, but it’s just not credible for Gallego to say he never heard anything about Swalwell’s extramarital activities, especially when the two of them are best friends.
The good news for Gallego is that he’s a Democrat who, unlike Swalwell, is not in the way of Democrats holding power somewhere.
As I wrote immediately after the Swalwell scandal broke, the only reason the media took him out was that his standing in the California governor’s race could hand that office to the GOP. It’s no coincidence that Democrats and the media covered up for Swalwell when he was a useful Trump-smearer. But costing Democrats the governorship in California? Sorry, Eric, you gotta go.
Gallego is a Democrat Senator in a purple state. No way the media pursue this to a point where he or the Democrat Party’s hold on that U.S. Senate seat is ever put in jeopardy.
