Business

CNBC’s Santelli rants about NY Times and other critics of congressional Constitution reading

Jeff Poor Media Reporter
Font Size:

It’s no secret that some congressional Democrats aren’t particularly thrilled that the Constitution was read on the floor of the House of Representatives on Thursday. Rep. Jerrold Nadler, a New York Democrat, objected on the grounds it was being read “like a sacred text.”

Some media have been against this gesture as well. A Wednesday New York Times editorial called it “a presumptuous and self-righteous act.”

But on CNBC’s Thursday “Squawk Box,” CME Group floor reporter Rick Santelli, who is viewed by many as the father of the Tea Party movement, railed against their objections.

“Oh my God. We’re wasting so much money. You know this reading stuff is way overrated – whether it’s the Constitution — or reading scores in the U.S., or reading bills,” he said sarcastically. “A complete waste of time – come on. This is the digital age.”

He noted the hypocrisy of members of Congress who were sworn in to uphold and protect the Constitution (at least most of them) but pushed back against the idea of having it read on the chamber floor.

“You know what then – here’s what I want to know – then why did they all swear to that when they took their jobs yesterday? What a bunch of hypocrites.”

“Squawk Box” co-host Joe Kernen offered his view on how he thought some members of Congress viewed the document.

“Some swear to and some swear at it, I think,” Kernen said.

Watch: