DONKEY: Rep. Keith Self Misgenders Lawmaker & Adjourns Hearing After Being Called Out

Summary

The Breakfast Club Podcast Summary
Episode: DONKEY: Rep. Keith Self Misgenders Lawmaker & Adjourns Hearing After Being Called Out
Release Date: March 12, 2025
Host: Charlamagne Tha God

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1. Introduction to the Incident

In this episode of The Breakfast Club, host Charlamagne Tha God delves into a recent political controversy involving Texas Representative Keith Self and Delaware Representative Sarah McBride. The discussion centers around an incident during a congressional hearing where Rep. Self misgendered Rep. McBride, leading to an abrupt adjournment of the session.

Key Quote:

Charlamagne Tha God [02:05]: "White supremacist violence is and always has been the number one threat to our society... I find joy in jokes."

2. Breakdown of the Congressional Hearing

The episode provides a detailed account of the hearing conducted by the House Foreign Affairs Committee on arms control and U.S. assistance to Europe. During the proceedings, Rep. Keith Self, serving as the committee chairman, incorrectly referred to Rep. Sarah McBride using the wrong pronoun.

Key Quotes:

Keith Self [03:36]: "National hearing came to an abrupt end yesterday after a Republican colleague misgendered newly elected Delaware representative Sarah McBride."

William Keating [03:49]: "Thank you, madam Chair."

As a response to the misgendering, Rep. McBride expressed her disappointment but maintained her composure, emphasizing her focus on economic issues rather than her gender identity.

3. Charlamagne’s Analysis and Commentary

Charlamagne offers a critical perspective on the incident, highlighting the unnecessary focus on misgendering over more significant policy discussions. He expresses frustration with the way the situation was handled, suggesting that Rep. Self's reaction undermines the importance of the actual issues at hand.

Key Quotes:

Charlamagne Tha God [02:05]: "I am a very unserious person because we live in the United States of anxiety. And I've been dealing with anxiety and panic attacks my whole life. And if it's one thing therapy has taught me, it's we must always find joy. And I find joy in jokes."

Charlamagne Tha God [05:45]: "I have to play white devil's advocate here because I understand where Mr. Self is coming from... It's all so confusing."

He questions the validity of Rep. Self's actions, pondering whether there were any official guidelines or memos instructing members of Congress on addressing transgender colleagues, especially in light of an executive order signed by President Trump limiting federal recognition to two immutable sexes.

4. The Bigger Picture: Policy vs. Cultural Exchanges

Charlamagne underscores the importance of prioritizing substantive policy discussions over what he perceives as petty cultural battles. He criticizes the adjournment of the hearing, arguing that focusing on pronoun usage detracts from more pressing national and international concerns.

Key Quotes:

Charlamagne Tha God [05:28]: "Keith Self, there's no reason to adjourn a meeting because you were challenged on calling Sarah a him... That panel is more important than whether or not Sarah McBride is referred to as Mr. or Ms."

Charlamagne Tha God [07:XX]: "You can't just take your balls and go home. And neither can Sarah McBride. Ironically, she's the only person in this situation with balls."

5. Concluding Thoughts and Final Critique

In his concluding remarks, Charlamagne commends Rep. McBride for maintaining her focus amidst adversity and criticizes Rep. Self for allowing personal discomfort to derail important legislative work. He emphasizes the need for elected officials to prioritize impactful issues over divisive cultural debates.

Key Quote:

Charlamagne Tha God [08:34]: "Please give Representative Keith Self the biggest hug. Big issues to deal with, guys. And girls. And girl guys. It's crazy. Well, thank you for big issues to deal with. That's what I'm saying. Thank you for that."

Charlamagne wraps up by juxtaposing the gravity of white supremacist violence with the triviality of the misgendering incident, advocating for a shift in focus towards meaningful societal challenges.

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Conclusion

This episode of The Breakfast Club provides a critical examination of a recent congressional incident, using it as a springboard to discuss broader themes of societal priorities, the impact of personal biases in politics, and the importance of maintaining focus on substantial policy issues. Through engaging commentary and incisive analysis, Charlamagne Tha God encourages listeners to reflect on the balance between cultural sensitivity and legislative efficacy.

Transcript

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Peace to the planet Charlamagne Tha God here. And I want you to know from Curtis, 50 Cent, Jackson and the executive producers of Power comes the explosive new season of the Stars original series Raising Kanan. In the riveting fourth season, slates have seemingly been wiped clean for Kanan, Rock and the rest of the Thomas family. However, in the eye of the storm, one very dangerous obstacle looms large. Unique is alive. Unique makes a volatile and violent return as he hunts to upend the lives of the Thomas family. Don't miss the season premiere of Raising Kanan. Watch now only on Starz and the Starz app.

[Hunter]

I'm Hunter, host of Hunting for Answers on the Black Effect Podcast Network. Join me every weekday as I share bite sized stories of missing and murdered black women and girls in America. Stories like Erica Hunt, a young mother vanished without a trace after a family gathering on 4th of July weekend 2016. No goodbyes, no clues, just gone. Listen to Hunting for Answers every weekday on the Black Effect Podcast Network, iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Damien Hirst]

Do you remember what you said the first night I came over here? Ow goes lower. From Blumhouse TV, iHeart podcasts and Ember 20 comes an all new fictional comedy podcast series. Join the flighty Damien Hirst as he unravels the mystery of his vanished boyfriend. I've been spending all my time looking for answers about what happened to Santi and what's the way to find a missing person Sleep with everyone he knew, obviously. Listen to the hookup on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to your favorite shows.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

I'm Mark Seale.

[Mark Seal]

And I'm Nathan King.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

This is Leave the Gun, Take the Cannoli. The five families did not want us to shoot that picture.

[Mark Seal]

This podcast is based on my co host Mark Seale's best selling book of the same title. Leave the Gun, Take the Cannoli features new and archival interviews with Francis Ford Coppola, Robert Evans, James Caan, Talia Shire and many others.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Yes, that was a real horse's head.

[Mark Seal]

Listen and subscribe to Leave the Gun, Take the Cannoli on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

And so we are in a state of emergency. Okay, White supremacist violence is and always has been the number one threat to our society. But I'm also very proud that my wife is white man. The Breakfast Club, bitches. All right, Charlene, please tell me, why was I your donkey of the day? Well, donkey of the day for Wednesday, March 12, goes Representative Keith Self of Texas. Now, I am fully aware that I am not mature enough to have certain conversations because my default setting is laughter, okay? I am a very unserious person because we live in the United States of anxiety. And I've been dealing with anxiety and panic attacks my whole life. And if it's one thing therapy has taught me, it's we must always find joy. And I find joy in jokes, okay? In this situation with Representative Keith Self gave me great joy. I laughed a lot. Because Keith Self decided to abruptly adjourn a congressional hearing on Tuesday after being challenged for referring to Representative Sarah McBride of Delaware as a man. Now, maybe you don't know, don't show, or don't give a that Sarah McBride is the first openly transgender lawmaker in Congress, okay? That is a fact in the Europe subcommittee of the House of Foreign affairs panel. By the way, I have no idea what that is, but it sounds fancy. That panel was in the middle of a hearing on arms control and US Assistance to Europe when his chairman, Representative Keith Self of Texas, introduced his colleague by calling Sarah McBride. Mr. Let's go to 6 ABC News for the report, please.

[Keith Self]

National hearing came to an abrupt end yesterday after a Republican colleague misgendered newly elected Delaware representative Sarah McBride.

[William Keating]

I now recognize the representative from Delaware, Mr. McBride.

[Damien Hirst]

Thank you, madam Chair.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Ranking member.

[Keith Self]

As you just heard, Texas Republican Keith Self, the chairman of the House Foreign affairs committee, addressed McBride as Mr. McBride hit back by responding. Thank you, Madam Chair. McBride made history last year by becoming the first openly transgender person elected to Congress. After the exchange, Massachusetts Representative William Keating defended his Democratic colleague.

[Nathan King]

Mr. Chairman, you are out of order. Mr. Chairman, have you no decency? I mean, I've come to know you a little bit, but this is not decent.

[William Keating]

We will continue this.

[Nathan King]

You will not continue it with me unless you introduce a duly elected representative the right way south.

[Keith Self]

Then immediately adjourned the meeting. McBride says she was disappointed and was prepared to move forward with questions for the subcommittee.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Now, let the record show I believe Representative William Keating of Massachusetts is trying to be funny. Okay? He wanted Keith Self to repeat himself for the same reason I wanted Keith Self to say it again for my own personal enjoyment. And you heard Keith Self. He doubled down and. Can we hear it again one more time? Right. Can we hit. I only heard in full. Let me hear it in full.

[William Keating]

Nice. The representative from Delaware, Mr. McBride.

[Damien Hirst]

Thank you, madam Chair. Ranking Member Keating, also wonderful.

[Nathan King]

Chairman, could you repeat your introduction again, please?

[William Keating]

Yes, it's a. It's a. We have set the standard on the floor of the House. And I'm simply.

[Nathan King]

What is that standard? Mr. Chairman, would you repeat what you just said? You introduced a duly elected representative from the United States of America. Please.

[William Keating]

I will. The representative from Delaware, Mr. McBride.

[Nathan King]

Mr. Chairman, you are out of order. Mr. Chairman, have you no decency? I mean, I've come to know you a little bit, but this is not decent.

[William Keating]

We will continue this.

[Nathan King]

You will not continue it with me unless you introduce a duly elected representative the right way.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

I have to play white devil's advocate here because I understand where Mr. Self is coming from. Because I, too, have been wondering what to do in this situation. Because as Keith Self explained on social media, and I'm quoting him here, it is the policy of the United States to recognize two sexes, male and female. Why? Because one of President Trump's early moves of his second term was to sign an executive order that the federal government would only recognize two sexes, and they were not changeable. Okay, an executive order was signed. It's right there in black and white. I don't know what to do in this situation. It's all so confusing. So, William Keating, you getting frustrated with Mr. Self when all he's doing is what your boss told him to do? Did a memo go out telling members of Congress what to do in this situation after Trump signed that executive order? Of course it didn't. So I'm not really upset at Keef Self for doing what the President told him to do. What I am upset about. And the reason I'm giving Keith Self donkey today is, is because he adjourned the session. See, these petty culture wars are hurting democracy. You heard me say earlier that they were in the middle of a hearing on arms control and US Assistance to Europe. I kind of know what that is. I believe I know what that means. But I know one thing for sure. That panel is more important than whether or not Sarah McBride is referred to as Mr. Or Ms. And you know, who knows that better than anyone? Sarah McBride. See, on other occasions, Republicans presiding over the floor and in hearings have either tried to stay away from the issue by referring to Sarah as the member from Delaware, even though the custom is to refer to lawmakers as gentlemen or gentlewomen. I actually like them just referring to her as the member from Delaware, even though I don't know if Sarah has had their member surgically removed. But Sarah rarely discusses or calls attention to her identity. Okay. This is how she conducted herself on her campaign and in her first Months of Congress. She prefers to talk about economic issues. And that's what I want all you elected officials to do. Focus on the actual issues that impact our world. Okay, Keith Self, there's no reason to adjourn a meeting because you was challenged on calling Sarah a him. When William Keating says, you out of order, say, well, hey, the president signed an executive order and that's what I'm following. But to take your ball and run home because your ego got bruised. Come on, man, grow up. You a member of Congress. We got bigger issues to deal with. You can't just take your balls and go home. And neither can Sarah McBride. Ironically. Ironically, she's the only person in this situation with balls. So you're right, Keith, but you're also wrong. Please give Representative Keith Self the biggest. He hugs. Big issues to deal with, guys. And girls. And girl guys. It's crazy. Well, thank you for big issues to deal with. That's what I'm saying. Thank you for that.

[Keith Self]

Donkey today.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

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[Hunter]

I'm Hunter, host of Hunting for Answers on the Black Effect Podcast Network. Join me every weekday as I share bite sized stories of missing and murdered black women and girls in America. Stories like Erica Hunt, a young mother vanished without a trace after a family gathering on 4th of July weekend 2016. No goodbyes, no clues, just gone. Listen to Hunting for Answers every weekday on the Black Effect Podcast Network, iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Damien Hirst]

Do you remember what you said the first night I came over here? Ow. Go slower. From Blumhouse TV, I Heart PodC and Ember20 comes an all new fictional comedy podcast series. Join the flighty Damien Hirst as he unravels the mystery of his vanished boyfriend. I've been spending all my time looking for answers about what happened to Santi and what's the way to find a missing person? Sleep with everyone he knew, Obviously. Listen to the hookup on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to your favorite shows.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

I'm Mark Seal.

[Mark Seal]

And I'm Nathan Kang.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

This is Leave the Gun, Take the cannoli. The five families did not want us to shoot that picture.

[Mark Seal]

This podcast is based on my co host Mark Seals best selling book of the same title. Leave the Gun, Take the Cannoli features new and archival interviews with Francis Ford Coppola, Robert Evans, James Caan, Talia Shire and many others.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Yes, that was a real horse's head.

[Mark Seal]

Listen and subscribe to Leave the Gun, Take the Cannoli on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Cheekies]

Hey y'all, it's your girl, Cheekies, and I'm back with a brand new season of your favorite podcast, Cheekies and Chill. I'll be sharing even more personal stories with you guys and as always, you'll get my exclusive take on topics like love, personal growth, health, family ties, and more. And don't forget, I'll also be dishing out my best advice to you on episodes of Dear Cheekies. It's going to be an exciting year and I hope that you can join me. Listen to Cheekies and chill season four on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcast, or wherever you get your podcast.