At a press conference earlier this week, Mitch McConnell was asked how many black women worked for him, and his answer was just as wrong as expected, saying that he hadn’t “checked,” so he didn’t know.  The question came from journalist Pablo Manriquez, and the Kentucky Senator’s response has caused quite a stir on social media in the aftermath.

When Manriquez got his turn to speak, he asked the GOP representative: “How many black women do you have on staff?” McConnell’s answer was, “Actually, I haven’t checked, we don’t have a racial quota in my office. But I’ve had a number of African American employees, both male and female, over the years, in all kinds of different positions, including speechwriter.”

The question was sparked by the controversy around Joe Biden’s announcement that he would be nominating a black woman for the Supreme Court, an unprecedented decision. He called it a “long overdue” political move, but of course, McConnell and other Republicans are less supportive of the idea. McConnell’s answer to a simple question about his staff clarifies precisely where he would stand on such a nominee, and the video is being widely criticized on social media.

The most extensive critique of McConnell’s response is his dismissal of, and his apparent disdain for, inclusionary practices in workspaces. Fred Wellman, a political consultant, responded by saying, “It’s the casual racism for me.” Journalist Susan Bordson noted that “Seeking out diversity of lived experience on one’s staff is a positive hiring practice in any org.”

“Mitch McConnell is the only politician in DC who can commit a horrible gaffe once a week and then reset the next day like a racist groundhog day,” read one comment posted by Adam Parkhomenko, a political consultant. Lastly, writer Steve Silberman said, “Translation: the people in Mitch McConnell’s office can be any colour they want, as long as they’re WHITE.”

Reporter: “How many Black women do you have on staff and how are they informing your decision” on Biden’s SCOTUS nominee?

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell: “I haven’t checked, we don’t have a racial quota in my office.” pic.twitter.com/MdyuqDzwjc

— The Recount (@therecount) February 1, 2022