Former Republican Sen. Pat Toomey faces scrutiny from CNBC host Joe Kernen for his decision not to vote for either Vice President Harris or former President Trump in the upcoming election.
Former Republican Sen. Pat Toomey of Pennsylvania found himself under fire from CNBC host Joe Kernen on Tuesday for his stance on the upcoming presidential election, where he announced he would not vote for Vice President Kamala Harris or former President Donald Trump.
During an appearance on CNBC's "Squawk Box," Kernen challenged Toomey's assertion that his decision was not tantamount to giving a vote to Harris. "It is a binary choice," Kernen argued. "So a vote not for Trump is a vote for Harris."
CNBC Host Grills Former GOP Senator for Election Stance
Toomey, who retired at the end of 2022, defended his position, stating that he had supported Trump in previous elections but lost faith in him after the Jan. 6 Capitol insurrection. "When you lose an election, and you try to overcome the results so that you can stay in power, you lose me. You lose me at that point," Toomey told Kernen.
Despite acknowledging the binary nature of the election, Toomey maintained his intention not to choose between the two candidates. "My choice is not," Toomey asserted. "I have the choice, and you and I are just going to disagree on this."
CNBC Host Grills Former GOP Senator for Election Stance
Kernen pressed Toomey further, asking if he would support Trump if the election came down to a single vote. Toomey replied that he found it acceptable to abstain from supporting either candidate.
The CNBC host pointed out the significant tax increases proposed under Harris' economic plan, which Toomey acknowledged but also stressed that he was not endorsing Harris' platform. He argued that Republican control of the Senate was crucial to counter the policies a Harris administration might pursue.
CNBC Host Grills Former GOP Senator for Election Stance
Toomey expressed concern that the "left wing" had gained control of the Democratic Party, citing Harris' choice of Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as her running mate. He emphasized the importance of Republicans maintaining control of the Senate to mitigate potential damage from a Harris presidency.
Kernen countered that Harris could still implement her far-left policies through executive orders and appointments, even with a Republican Senate. Toomey acknowledged the potential for executive overreach but insisted that the Senate could exercise its confirmation powers to mitigate such actions.
CNBC Host Grills Former GOP Senator for Election Stance
The exchange between Toomey and Kernen highlights the deep divisions within the Republican Party, particularly among those who are disaffected with Trump and the direction the party has taken under his influence. Toomey's decision to remain neutral in the upcoming election underscores the challenges facing Republicans as they attempt to navigate the post-Trump era and search for a way forward in an increasingly polarized political landscape.
