Democrats have a unique opportunity here if they want it. Obviously, the easiest and most likely option is to stay out of it. But whoever eventually wins the speakership is going to beholden to the crazy right if they go that route. Dems could find someone (McCarthy is desperate, or someone decent) and make an array of demands - clean debt ceiling bills, limits on investigations, etc - in exchange for their votes. They would simultaneously look like the adults in the room and neuter the far right to some degree, making Biden and the Dems' lives much easier the next 2 years. Basically, Dems could become the most powerful minority house delegation ever by using McCarthy's desperation against him.
that would not be as fun and entertaining as what is happening now, but it would be the smart play. maybe mccarthy grows a spine in the new year and goes nuclear against the trumpers. him giving concessions to dems instead of the insurrectionists would be a great way to neuter them. it would be a huge FU to gaetz and would be most hilarious. dems could demand all of the house chairs. "how bad do you want this kevin"? haha. but at the least they should demand some of them...especially judiciary, since thats what gym jordan wants so bad. of course, he is a weasel and i would not trust him to honor any promises made to any dems.
i suspect AOC went to five-head to reassure him that they would not cut a deal with mccarthy and that the dems will not help him. that would be the machiavellian move because it keeps the reps fighting with each other. insurrectionists dont have to worry about cutting a deal b/c they know dems will not either.
I wonder if the 20 or so holdout would eventually vote present so Mccarthy could b speaker. Dems should just hold firm and watch the sht show unfold.
That would be rational but that will likely lead to a even bigger revolt among the Republican caucus. There will be calls both in and without Congress calling McCarthy a RINO traitor and guarantees him a primary challenge. A bolder speaker might risk that if it secures his power but the one thing very obvious is that McCarthy isn't bold. Frankly at this point for much of the Republican caucus they are probably happier being in the minority. Many of them clearly aren't interested in doing stuff like pass legislation. MTG hasn't had a committee assignment for most of the last two years and she and her supporters seem OK with that. I think her and many others are happier being back benchers who just crticize the Democrats adn their own leadership rather than actually do the work of governing.
If 20 Republicans just vote "present" and Democrats all vote for Jeffries that means Jeffries is the Speaker. I think that is very unlikely but at this point not something that could be completely ruled out.
Edward Norton is a Pocahantas descendant. Trump, call Edward Mr. Pocahantas. Come on, Trump. I know you want to. Trump may be saving that card for when Edward says something bad about him in the press. "PocaPelosihantas and Mr. PocaNortonhantas should get a room together."
don’t know why McCarthy would even want this job at this point He already agreed to a vacate proposal where a measly 5 votes is all it takes to force a full vote on whether he should be ousted as Speaker among other things, and it’s still not enough. this is what happens when u decide to slop around in filth in order to try and appease the MAGA cult now you’re a national embarrassment and a joke
There's only so much concessions u can give to the far right. Mccarthy at this point should play kingmaker and pick his closest ally to b the candidate for speaker and hope the votes goes through. The extremist do not like Mccarthy
It's kinda mind blowing that there's actual votes for Byron Donald's. Man only been in congress for like 1 term, what r his qualifications to b given that much power as speaker of the house? being a black republican?
