EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
US politicians faced severe backlash this week after a series of major gaffes, highlighted by a viral Senate mix-up over college basketball.
Politicians from both parties had a rough week as slip-ups and unpopular messaging sent floods of unwanted attention their way.
Chief among this week’s gaffes was Republican Missouri Sen. Eric Schmitt’s botched attempt to accuse former special counsel Jack Smith of perjury during Tuesday’s Senate testimony — a basketball mix-up that unraveled as cameras captured the stunned reaction of Republican Alabama Sen. Katie Britt seated beside him.