Senator John Kennedy (R-La.) once again demonstrated his ability to challenge witnesses during Senate hearings, this time taking aim at Dr. Benjamin Keys, a Professor of Real Estate and Finance at the Wharton School.

The exchange occurred during a recent hearing and highlighted inconsistencies in Keys’ arguments on climate change and homeownership.

The Louisiana senator opened by referencing an essay Keys had written for the New York Times titled “Climate Change Should Make You Rethink Homeownership.” Kennedy asked Keys directly, “Did you write that?” Keys confirmed that he did.

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Kennedy then probed further, questioning whether Keys himself owned a home. Keys admitted that he did and added that his home was located in a flood zone.

Kennedy responded, “Have you sold it?” Keys acknowledged that he had not, prompting Kennedy to quip, “Oh, well, you’re telling everybody else to sell theirs.”

The exchange underscored what Kennedy described as hypocrisy among some climate activists who advocate drastic measures for others while failing to follow their own advice.

Keys’ admission that he owns a home in a flood-prone area contrasted sharply with the themes of his essay, which argued for reconsidering homeownership due to climate risks.

Kennedy didn’t stop with Keys’ personal decisions. The senator brought up a July 2024 tweet attributed to Keys, which read, “Honestly, the biggest long-term political problem the Democrats have is that they don’t know how to talk to low-information morons.”

When asked about the tweet, Keys denied authorship, claiming the words were not his.

Kennedy pressed further, saying, “Yes, you did,” and questioned whether Keys might have liked or retweeted the post. Keys admitted it was possible he had interacted with the tweet, prompting Kennedy to ask, “Oh, do you often like tweets you don’t agree with?”

This line of questioning put Keys in a difficult position, as Kennedy highlighted inconsistencies in his testimony and actions.

The senator concluded with a remark that solidified his point: “You can’t make this cat walk backwards, Professor.”

Brought to you today by Senate Democrats: A climate extremist who tells people to sell their homes . . . but still lives in his. pic.twitter.com/noeEnx3347

— John Kennedy (@SenJohnKennedy) December 18, 2024

The hearing was a microcosm of broader debates surrounding climate policy and public trust in experts.

Kennedy’s pointed questions revealed a disconnect between Keys’ public recommendations and his personal practices.

Critics of climate alarmism argue that such inconsistencies undermine the credibility of advocates who fail to align their actions with their warnings.

Keys’ acknowledgment that he owns a home in a flood zone while urging others to reconsider homeownership due to climate risks aligns with similar criticisms leveled at high-profile climate activists.

Public figures who make dire predictions about rising sea levels, such as former President Barack Obama, have faced scrutiny for owning waterfront properties.

The senator’s exchange with Keys also touched on the cultural divide between policymakers and average Americans.

By highlighting Keys’ alleged description of ordinary voters as “low-information morons,” Kennedy underscored concerns that some elites hold dismissive views of those they claim to represent.

Senator Kennedy’s questioning of Dr. Keys spotlighted inconsistencies in the professor’s climate change narrative and personal practices.

Through his characteristic sharp wit and thorough interrogation, Kennedy exposed key issues that resonate with many Americans who feel disconnected from elite-driven climate policies.

The exchange not only provided a moment of levity but also underscored broader questions about accountability and authenticity in public discourse.