It was a troubled tour from start to finish. Controversial US representatives Marjorie Taylor Greene and Matt Gaetz, who represent Georgia and Florida respectively, travelled the country promoting “America First values” within the Republican Party.
The phrase references the foreign policy unveiled at the inauguration of former president Donald Trump – a politician of whom both MTG and Gaetz are staunch supporters.
However, the US tour of political rallies hasn’t exactly gone swimmingly. While on a beach, reportedly in California, comedian Walter Masterson approached the pair and made some remarks for a skit, which left them both visibly stunned.
“Everyone thinks you’re crazy! I don’t think you’re crazy,” Materson says in the clip, before turning to Gaetz. “People think you’re a paedophile. I don’t think you’re a paedophile at all!”
The comments come after Gaetz was placed under investigation by federal prosecutors over alleged sex trafficking and sex with a minor – allegations which the congressman has strongly denied.
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He has not been charged with any crimes.
It wasn’t the only headache for Gaetz and Greene when the tour stopped off in California, as not one, but three separate venues in the state cancelled plans to host the duo’s rally.
First, it was meant to take place in Orange County at the Pacific Halls Banquet and Event Center – that is, until general manager Javad Mirtavoosi told The Orange County Register that they “just want to stay clear of that”.
Then, it was announced that the event had moved to the Riverside Convention Center – until venue managers Raincross Hospitality Corp said it wouldn’t be going ahead there, either.
Third time lucky? Nope. The Anaheim Event Center – not to be confused with the Anaheim Convention Center – also cancelled the rally, with a city spokesperson saying that they have “a duty to call out speech that does not reflect our city and its values”.
After they were ridiculed for the unsuccessful bookings, Gaetz eventually confirmed that the rally would take place at Riverside City Hall, and where it finally happened.
Yet this wouldn’t be the last issue concerning Gaetz and Greene’s America First project, as Mother Jones reports that the political action committee (PAC) they set up to fundraise for the tour is running low on cash.
They say that the PAC raised $360,000 in the first two months of its existence, but new filings state that it now has just $13,000 to spend.
A total of $159,000 was used up between 1 July and 30 September, despite raising only $57,000, the outlet added.
Of course, the news has left Twitter users delighted:
— Paul Leigh (@Pleightx) October 16, 2021
WOMP WOMP https://t.co/CAeNRU0suT
— Martina Navratilova (@Martina) October 17, 2021
Morally AND financially. https://t.co/dL9tMEuO0o
— Shecky (What? That's not scary enough? Oy.) (@SheckyX) October 17, 2021
I cannot tell you the deep and profound gladness this brings to my heart. https://t.co/RfJ5JjIOdK
— Machine Pun Kelly (@KellyScaletta) October 17, 2021
Fantastic https://t.co/Vvf0AUE4TX
— Jake Gold fully vaccinated (@Jake0458) October 16, 2021
— Bill Janis (@BillJanis) October 16, 2021
— Funkasaurus (@Pretefunkera) October 16, 2021
At least they’re putting the ‘fun’ into fundraising because their difficulties are giving us a good laugh.
