Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) defended his fiery exchange with Teamsters President Sean O'Brien, saying he "had intentions of finishing it."
Mullin had read some posts on X, formerly known as Twitter, from O'Brien during a Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions hearing Tuesday. In these posts, O'Brien referred to the senator as a "clown" and a "fraud." O'Brien even went as far as to imply that he would challenge the senator to a fight. Mullin offered to fight in the Capitol during the hearing and stood up to approach O'Brien.
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"If I knew that was just a camera stand [in front], I was going to jump over the dais," Mullin said Thursday on The Benny Show, referring to the desk that senators sit behind during a hearing. "But I know I had intentions of finishing it. I was done. And I’m not trying to be a tough guy. That’s not what I’m trying to do. I just don’t, I mean this sincerely, I don’t like bullies."
The Oklahoma senator opened up and admitted he grew up with a speech impediment and leg braces which made him the target of bullying in his early years. Mullin would go on to compete professionally as a mixed martial arts fighter.
"So I had one choice in this to fight, and I have a real disdain for bullies. And I’ve always taught my boys the same thing," Mullin said. "You do not ever bully anyone, but you will step up every time you see someone bullying because not everybody has the skill set to stand up to bullies, I understand that. But those that have that, that do have the skill set, then I think you’re almost obligated to, because if not, these bullies are going to continue to move forward and they’re going to hurt people physically, and maybe even kill somebody at some point if no one ever stands up to them, because they’re always going to pick on the weakest prey.”
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O'Brien would later clarify that his post that read, "You know where to find me. Anyplace, Anytime cowboy," was really meant to imply a meeting over a cup of coffee. Mullin told reporters after the hearing on Tuesday that he would be willing to meet under those circumstances.
The Teamsters are fresh from their win against UPS, winning delivery drivers increased pay and benefits.