Rep. Patrick Kennedy responded Monday to the media uproar over the passionate speech that he gave on the House floor last week about Afghanistan, saying his fiery oratory was meant to cause debate.

[IMGCAP(1)]The Rhode Island Democrat told a local ABC affiliate that he took to the floor to speak about the measure to withdraw troops from Afghanistan. Kennedy supported the bill, but it was ultimately voted down — and the Congressman wanted the media, busy covering the scandal surrounding ex-Rep. Eric Massa (D-N.Y.), to pay attention to Afghanistan.

So, he got fired up.

“I understand there’s a certain amount of political theater and opportunity, and the press only covers it if you will raise your voice,” Kennedy said. “There would be no coverage had I not raised my voice, and there needed to be coverage or else it would have been drowned out.”

Submit your hot tips, juicy gossip or comments here.
Can’t get enough HOH? Get a midday dose of fun and gossip with HOH’s One-Minute Recess, delivered to your inbox daily. Sign up here — because everyone deserves more recess.