GOP Rep.-elect Madison Cawthorn says he ‘absolutely’ regrets mocking liberals in post-election tweet

‘#My backbone is reinforced with bi-titanium’

The incoming congressman also appears to be unbothered by any potential policy differences he has with other lawmakers. #Cawthorn, who was partially paralyzed in a 2014 car accident and uses a wheelchair, cited his recovery from that event as a metaphor for his political resolve.

“I’m glad my backbone is reinforced with bi-titanium, because they’re going to try to bend me and break me a lot,” he said of fellow politicians — including from his own party — trying to influence him one way or another.

The move won’t change the outcome of the election, but it could further delay the inevitable affirmation of #President-elect #Joe #Biden’s victory over #Trump.

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

#Past controversies loom

#His #Democratic opponent seized on the post, and #Cawthorn later denounced #White supremacy as he came under fire for the post. #He told CNN he made a mistake by using the the term “the führer.”

“I was unaware that using a certain term describing an evil man — #Hitler — was offensive to people in the #Jewish community. #And if that did offend them, that is something I never meant to do,” he said.

#Cawthorn told CNN his posts were mischaracterized 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 have also alleged that he had forcibly kissed or touched them years ago, claims he has previously denied. #He told CNN he regretted actions he took and apologized to anybody he “made feel uncomfortable.”

“#Looking back, I wish I could have changed my actions. #If I made somebody 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 are gonna ask permission before they’re gonna try and touch her or trying to kiss her right. #But also, I want to live in a world where no, my son, if he tries to kiss a girl, he’s not going to be labeled as some kind of sexual predator.”

The new youngest member of #Congress

#Cawthorn says he’ll focus on issues affecting young people. #Among them are access to broadband, opioid addiction and even the environment, something #Republicans have traditionally been reluctant to address.

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

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

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

“#She did set an example that you can get involved as a young person in your twenties to make a difference in your country,” he said. “#That’s something that is inspiring and should inspire all #Americans across the board, regardless of political affiliation.”

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

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