Republican elected deputy Madison Cawthorn says he “absolutely” regrets mocking liberals in the post-election tweet

‘My backbone is reinforced with bi-titanium’

The new congressman also doesn’t seem to mind any potential political differences he has with other lawmakers. Cawthorn, who was partially paralyzed in a car accident in 2014 and uses a wheelchair, cited his recovery from that event as a metaphor for his political resolve.

“I am happy that my backbone is reinforced with bi-titanium, because they will try to bend and break me a lot,” he said of other politicians – including his own party – trying to influence him. one way or another.

The move will not change the outcome of the election, but it could further delay the inevitable claim of President-elect Joe Biden’s victory over Trump.

And while Cawthorn cast doubt on the record number of popular votes that Biden received, he told CNN that he hopes to work with the president-elect, saying he thinks “we can modernize our country together”.

Previous controversies are approaching

His Democratic opponent grabbed the post, and Cawthorn later denounced white supremacy when attacked for the post. He told CNN that he made a mistake in using the term “the führer”.

“I didn’t know that using a certain term to describe a bad man – Hitler – was offensive to people in the Jewish community. And if it offended them, it’s something I never intended to do, ”he said.

Cawthorn told CNN that his posts were out of character and directly denied that he is a white supremacist.

“I want people to know, I’m definitely not a Nazi. I’m not a white supremacist,” he said. He added: “I hate white supremacy, I hate racism.”

At least two women also claimed he had kissed or forcibly touched them years ago, says he previously denied it. He told CNN that he regretted his actions and apologized to anyone who “made him feel uncomfortable”.

“Looking back, I wish I had changed my actions. If I made someone feel uncomfortable in a situation, that is never my goal,” he told CNN.

“You know, I want to live in a world where, if I have a daughter, people will ask for permission before trying to touch or kiss her properly. But also, I want to live in a world where not, my son, if he tries to kiss a girl, he will not be labeled as a kind of sexual predator. “

The new youngest member of Congress

Cawthorn says he will focus on issues that affect young people. Among them are access to broadband, addiction to opioids and even the environment, something Republicans have traditionally been reluctant to address.

“I believe that as a Republican you can love God, love weapons and hate greenhouse gases,” said Cawthorn.

Although from opposite sides of the political spectrum, Cawthorn’s future superlative as the youngest member of the new Congress inevitably draws comparisons to Democratic Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York, currently the youngest US representative.

Cawthorn said he disagrees with Ocasio-Cortez’s progressive policies, but credits her, saying he was inspired by her to run for Congress.

“She set the example that you can get involved as a young man in your twenties to make a difference in your country,” he said. “This is something that is inspiring and should inspire all Americans in general, regardless of political affiliation.”

He also says he expects more young Republicans to follow him to Congress.

“I feel immense pressure to represent the coming Generation Z Republicans,” he said. “I want reinforcements to come after me. I don’t care how old you are, but I would love to be surrounded by more young Republicans.”