© Provided by Washington Examiner The week that was had several monumental stories take over the news cycle, ranging from the start of the George Floyd murder trial to the WHO/China report on the origins of COVID-19 to corporate America's reaction to Georgia's voting reform, culminating in Major League Baseball pulling the All-Star Game and draft from the Peach State.
It also contained absurd moments, led in large part to April Fools' Day, a rogue First Dog of the White House, and the bizarre Matt Gaetz scandal.
Here are some of the top quotes of the week.
"You will learn that on May 25, 2020, Mr. Derek Chauvin betrayed this badge when he used excessive and unreasonable force upon the body of Mr. George Floyd. That he put his knee upon his neck and his back, grinding and crushing him until the very breath, no, ladies and gentlemen, until the very life was squeezed out of him."
- Prosecutor Jerry Blackwell at the start of the Derek Chauvin murder trial
"Let me say clearly that as far as WHO is concerned, all hypotheses remain on the table. This report is a very important beginning, but it is not the end. We have not yet found the source of the virus, and we must continue to follow the science and leave no stone unturned as we do. Finding the origin of a virus takes time, and we owe it to the world to find the source so we can collectively take steps to reduce the risk of this happening again."
- WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus after the release of a WHO/China report on the origins of COVID-19, which appeared to dismiss the Wuhan lab leak theory
"Here we have more of the dehumanizing phase of cancel culture.
Repeat lies over and over until the population takes them as 'truth'.
False, disturbing & disgusting language coming from a former US Senator."
- Former Mandalorian actor Gina Carano after former Sen. Heidi Heitkamp accused her of being a "Nazi"
"It is imperative that the American people know the progress that is being made to save their lives and livelihoods.
To that end, we urge you to hold virtual 'teach-in' events in your districts to lift up the life-saving resources contained in the American Rescue Plan. The teach-in will help people understand how they can benefit from the various provisions of the bill."
- Speaker Nancy Pelosi asking House Democrats to hold "virtual teach-ins" with constituents to promote the $1.9 trillion COVID-19 spending package signed into law earlier this month
"I don't think it's a coincidence that tonight, somehow, the New York Times is leaking this information, smearing me, and ruining the investigation that would likely result in one of the former colleagues of the current DOJ being brought to justice for trying to extort me and my family."
- Rep. Matt Gaetz, a Florida Republican, after it emerged he was being investigated for possible sex trafficking. He has subsequently claimed his family is the victim of an extortion plot.
MATT GAETZ DEFIANT: I'M NOT RESIGNING
"Every word of this is false. It IS a #BidenBorderCrisis. It's a humanitarian crisis. It's a health crisis. It's a national security crisis. And Dems are desperately trying to COVER IT UP. They're #Gaslighting you."
- Sen. Ted Cruz's response on Twitter to a video released by Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez in which she spoke about the border.
"I don't think the American people gave them a mandate to drive our country all the way to the political Left. I'm going to fight them every step of the way."
- Sen. Mitch McConnell on the Biden infrastructure plan
"I think you have to give them a lot of attention. I always, also, you can have good children, but if they start with the drugs, alcohol, cigarettes . I've said it for years to them. So far, it's had a pretty good impact."
- Former President Donald Trump on raising children, taking a swipe at Hunter Biden's addiction-related problems
"Well, that's a decision they made. I think it's a mistake. . They should listen to Dr. [Anthony] Fauci, the scientists, and the experts. But I think it's not responsible."
- Biden to ESPN about the Texas Rangers opening their stadium to full capacity for their 2021 home opener
"There was dog poo on the floor. It's unclear which dog was responsible for it,"
- A White House pool report, informing the press corps one of the presidential pooches made a mess in a hallway en route to a morning walk on the South Lawn
"Pool was indeed totally fooled but takes comfort in the fact that none of FLOTUS' staff recognized Dr. Biden in disguise either."
"The pool laughed. FLOTUS, laughing, and visibly pleased with her prank, returned to her cabin."
"The ice cream bars - vanilla with a hard chocolate coating - were delicious."
- A first lady pool report on the reaction to Jill Biden's April Fools' prank during which she disguised herself as a flight attendant
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"Over the last week, we have engaged in thoughtful conversations with Clubs, former and current players, the Players Association, and The Players Alliance, among others, to listen to their views. I have decided that the best way to demonstrate our values as a sport is by relocating this year's All-Star Game and MLB Draft."
- MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred Jr., relocating the All-Star Game and draft from Georgia in protest of the state's new voting law
Tags: Matt Gaetz, Infrastructure, Nancy Pelosi, Mitch McConnell, Joe Biden, Georgia, Jill Biden, Major League Baseball, George Floyd
Original Author: Washington Examiner Staff
Original Location: 'The ice cream bars ... were delicious': Quotes of the week