Republican lawmaker Andy Harris crashes out after crowd laughs at his diesel price argument: ‘You are rude!’

Republican Representative Andy Harris drew laughter during a debate while explaining high gas prices. Energy costs have become a contentious issue ahead of the midterm elections, and the two candidates in Maryland’s First Congressional District are expected to address them. Harris and Democrat challenger Dan Schwartz were asked about President Donald Trump’s recent deal with Russia for diesel fuel.

“Making a deal with Russia to lift sanctions on their diesel when they are actively working with Iranian forces to kill our troops is not only wrong; it’s disgusting,” Schwartz said. “And it follows the pattern of this administration pardoning criminals.” The audience didn’t interrupt Schwartz, but they reacted strongly when Harris answered.

“The facts are diesel prices have gone up. There’s no question about it. Why has it gone up? Because the Democrats have environmental regulations,” Harris said. The debate hall then erupted with groans and laughter at the Maryland 1st district congressman and chair of the right-wing House Freedom Caucus.

Harris’ night couldn’t get any rougher

Harris, who is seeking a ninth term in the House, complained to the crowd, “This is the problem. You all say you believe there’s a First Amendment, but only if you agree with you.” He then singled out a crowd member who interrupted him. “You should let me finish the sentence, ma’am. You’re rude.”You should let me finish the sentence, ma’am. You are rude!”

Glenna Heckathorn, president of the League of Women Voters of the Mid-Shore and the debate’s moderator, told the crowd to remain civil. “It’s very important that you guys are able to hear from both of us tonight,” Schwartz said. Harris didn’t oblige. “My people aren’t interfering with Mr. Schwartz,” Harris said. “It’s only one way.”

However, Harris lost his composure again after the debate ended while speaking to reporters outside the hall. Many were recording the interview on their phones. Still, Harris singled out a journalist named Cat Murphy, a data reporter at Capital News, and threatened her with legal action if she recorded him on video.

“You do not have my permission to record. If you record, we will refer you to prosecutors,” Harris told the reporter. “Everyone in here is recording,” Murphy responded. “Why am I not allowed to?” The lawmaker responded, “But you are not allowed to,” Harris responded. “We are in a two-party state. You are not allowed to.”

Harris repeatedly referenced Maryland’s all-party consent law, the Maryland Wiretapping and Electronic Surveillance Act, which makes it unlawful for any person to “willfully intercept any wire, oral, or electronic communication.” However, the law protects only private conversations, not situations like a public official granting interviews to accredited journalists. Murphy pointed out that she was not the only one recording, and they didn’t require any press registration.

“I actually know the law well,” Mr. Harris said. When the reporter persisted, he instructed someone offscreen to confiscate her camera. “In fact,” he said, “get an officer in here.” He then left the hall without taking any of the reporters’ questions.