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Question of the day
Thursday, Jan 5, 2023 - Posted by Rich Miller * Sigh…
* The Question: Illinois went through its own House leadership drama a couple of years ago, so I wonder if y’all have any advice for US Rep. Kevin McCarthy and the House GOP caucus? Snark is not particularly encouraged, but allowed.
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- JS Mill - Thursday, Jan 5, 23 @ 12:13 pm:
An immutable law of the universe is that you reap what you sow. Enjoy the karma Kevin and GOP.
- Thicc Offerman - Thursday, Jan 5, 23 @ 12:14 pm:
My advice: Find a new line of work.
- ChicagoVinny - Thursday, Jan 5, 23 @ 12:15 pm:
They should look to Alaska and Pennsylvania, where they ditched the insurrection caucus and found moderate consensus candidates enough Democrats could back.
- Ron Burgundy - Thursday, Jan 5, 23 @ 12:18 pm:
Unless they wish to continue the self-immolation, which is fine by me if they do, they are going to need McCarthy to step aside and try someone like Scalise.
- Paddyrollingstone - Thursday, Jan 5, 23 @ 12:18 pm:
JS Mill said what I was going to say, only better. Because of that, I’ll quote H.L. Mencken:
In this world of sin and sorrow there is always something to be thankful for; as for me, I rejoice that I am not a Republican.
- Pundent - Thursday, Jan 5, 23 @ 12:18 pm:
Was it James Carville who said, “when your opponent is drowning, throw them an anvil?”
- TheInvisibleMan - Thursday, Jan 5, 23 @ 12:20 pm:
I do have some advice for him.
But this is a family blog.
Luckily, I’m sure a lot of other people have given him the same advice recently.
- Michelle Flaherty - Thursday, Jan 5, 23 @ 12:20 pm:
Without Pelosi, the House Republicans don’t know what to do.
- Grandson of Man - Thursday, Jan 5, 23 @ 12:21 pm:
Maybe drop out. He has apparently little leverage. How can anyone trust him? He knew Trump instigated the insurrection but gladly accepts him and his support. Yet it’s not good enough for the patriots, to whom he reportedly made huge concessions but still can’t get the votes.
And they used to say Democrats were in disarray. To certain spinmeisters, it’s not embarrassing disunity and dysfunction but “democracy in progress.”
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, Jan 5, 23 @ 12:21 pm:
Speaker Scalise…
You can’t make Kevin happen.
The nihilists can’t be reasonable, they’re nihilist
- 47th Ward - Thursday, Jan 5, 23 @ 12:23 pm:
McCarthy can’t be Speaker. How would anyone negotiate with him? He can’t deliver the votes on anything.
The rot in the National GOP began when Newt Gingrich showed that showmanship mattered more than statesmanship. You can draw a straight line from the Contract with America to Kevin McCarthy’s failed leadership election.
The hold outs are not interested in governing and never will be.
- Commissar Gritty - Thursday, Jan 5, 23 @ 12:24 pm:
Broken clock theory
- CentralILCentrist - Thursday, Jan 5, 23 @ 12:24 pm:
Build.A.Coalition.
It’s high-time that “parties” become obsolete and legislators work together to represent their population and fulfill the oaths of their office (a bit wry, given that some cannot even swear to that yet…)
- Big Dipper - Thursday, Jan 5, 23 @ 12:26 pm:
It just shows how neutered Trump is that the far right is ignoring his explicit endorsement of McCarthy.
- DuPage Saint - Thursday, Jan 5, 23 @ 12:26 pm:
He should stand up and say the Speaker is the Speaker of the whole House so for the good of the country he is withdrawing.
Even if he won he would be hostage to those people and could never guarantee a majority on anything. I do not know why he would want the aggravation
- Anon 12:27 - Thursday, Jan 5, 23 @ 12:27 pm:
Advice for Rep. Kevin McCarthy: “Run for dem dar hills”.
Who would want to wrangle these 20 feral cats? My suggestion: The Honorable Speaker Q-Anon Shaman.
- Paddyrollingstone - Thursday, Jan 5, 23 @ 12:27 pm:
“The nihilists can’t be reasonable, they’re nihilist”
That must be exhausting.
- New Day - Thursday, Jan 5, 23 @ 12:28 pm:
Kevin,
Time to move on. To quote Hamilton, “you don’t have the votes. No, you don’t have the votes.” You don’t have them. You won’t have them. Move your stuff out of the Speaker’s office and work on finding a compromise candidate who can get the votes.
Or, invest in popcorn stocks.
- ah HA - Thursday, Jan 5, 23 @ 12:31 pm:
Kindly move on Mr. McCarthy…
- MrGrassroots - Thursday, Jan 5, 23 @ 12:31 pm:
Credit former Speaker Michael Madigan with the ability to count votes and drop out before being humiliated.
#NeverMadigan crowd made that clear. The #NeverKevin crowd made it clear too, but he is refusing to walk away with his dignity intact. Sadly for him, this will be a harsh lesson for McCarthy.
- Moist von Lipwig - Thursday, Jan 5, 23 @ 12:34 pm:
He can gracefully “suspend” his campaign and allow Steve Scalise, or someone else, to take the mantle.
- JoanP - Thursday, Jan 5, 23 @ 12:34 pm:
At least Miller didn’t vote for Trump, like Gaetz did.
- Dirty Red - Thursday, Jan 5, 23 @ 12:34 pm:
You cannot agitate the minority into a movement about trolling and upsetting the establishment, take the reigns of power, and then be surprised to find yourself trolled and upset by the minority.
- Henry Francis - Thursday, Jan 5, 23 @ 12:39 pm:
My advice to McCarthy: keep at it, never give up (The former guy never would), you are the leader the HGOP deserves.
- Just Me 2 - Thursday, Jan 5, 23 @ 12:40 pm:
Watch Act II, Song 2 of “Hamilton.”
- Flying Elvis'-Utah Chapter - Thursday, Jan 5, 23 @ 12:41 pm:
Dude, at this point, that job ain’t nothing but misery and misery.
Somewhere, John Boehner just soiled himself, laughing so hard.
- Lucky Pierre - Thursday, Jan 5, 23 @ 12:41 pm:
Newt Gingrich and center left moderate Bill Clinton actually accomplished something that hasn’t been done since they left office
They actually compromised, secured the border and balanced the budget and actually had a surplus
Good times, hardly rot
- Pundent - Thursday, Jan 5, 23 @ 12:42 pm:
I will add that the GOP is in a real pickle here. McCarthy seems dug in as do those that stand in opposition. As noted above Madigan was wise enough to see the writing on the wall and avoid party drama. Regardless of the outcome here whoever is elected speaker will be weakened making the slim GOP majority even more perilous. But that’s what happens when you cow tow to the angry mob.
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, Jan 5, 23 @ 12:44 pm:
- Lucky Pierre -
Are you saying Gingrich should be Speaker, again?
- G'Kar - Thursday, Jan 5, 23 @ 12:44 pm:
Moderate Democrats and Republicans should work together to pick a moderate Republican speaker and agree to a set of House rules and committee assignments that would marginalize the extremes in both parties and reward bipartisanship.
I know, I’m a bit of an idealist, so I know this won’t happen.
- 47th Ward - Thursday, Jan 5, 23 @ 12:47 pm:
===Good times, hardly rot===
You deserve several more ballots of McCarthy losing LP. And I hope you get it, good and hard.
- H-W - Thursday, Jan 5, 23 @ 12:48 pm:
At some point, these recalcitrant politicians need to realize that recalcitrance accomplishes nothing. If you are representing recalcitrance, it speaks very ill of the U.S. Citizens you are representing. Shame on Mary Miller. Shame on those who forget what the job is actually about.
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, Jan 5, 23 @ 12:48 pm:
When a party is thrilled to have folks like Mary Miller in its ranks, that same party can’t be angered when Mary Miller is still the nihilist that she is.
Have I heard any elected Illinois GOPers denounce Mary Miller… ever?
I haven’t. Not ONCE.
McCarthy should leave, let Scalise lose the next 7-10 votes, then the caucus should decide to expel these nihilists, and once and for all show the party *they* have is done with these folks.
Then maybe the House can find a Speaker.
- Big Dipper - Thursday, Jan 5, 23 @ 12:49 pm:
==Newt Gingrich and center left moderate Bill Clinton actually accomplished something==
So womanizers work well together?
- H-W - Thursday, Jan 5, 23 @ 12:50 pm:
As to McCarthy and the GOP leadership, you have your majority. Work with the Democrats to secure your leader. Teach obstructionists that the vast majority of Congress is not-recalcitrant. Change the atmosphere through bi-partisanship.
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, Jan 5, 23 @ 12:51 pm:
===Moderate Democrats===
At NO time should any Dem bail out Republicans until the Caucus either expels the nihilist from the caucus or the Republicans as a caucus majority support a Dem Speaker.
Never get in the way from an opponent’s destruction
It’s better for the country if the party implodes as it’s going, as this party as constituted is being run by an extreme minority that wants the whole thing burned down.
- The Biggest Loser - Thursday, Jan 5, 23 @ 12:55 pm:
The biggest losers in all of this are Mary’s constituents. She is ineffective, irrelevant, and willful in her refusal to perform the tasks required by her elected office. It is sad, but this is what the party gets for blindly following people without a plan. She sure can stand at a press conference with the freedom caucus though. Bravo.
- Perrid - Thursday, Jan 5, 23 @ 12:57 pm:
I’m not entirely certain why the Freedom Caucus doesn’t like McCarthy, as to the suggestion that he just step aside for someone else. In IL the problem truly was about Madigan himself.
They’ve made all kinds of personal attacks against McCarthy, but mostly this seems like a temper tantrum because the most extreme members don’t want anyone to be able to corral them. As in, the crazy people want to be able to do crazy things without leadership telling them no. I don’t think McCarthy is the problem here.
- northsider (the original) - Thursday, Jan 5, 23 @ 1:00 pm:
0-for-7 Kevin.
- PublicServant - Thursday, Jan 5, 23 @ 1:03 pm:
Kevin’s last hope: Enough Democratic Reps get sick from all the popcorn they’ve been eating, that he sneaks in with a plurality.
- Nuke The Whales - Thursday, Jan 5, 23 @ 1:07 pm:
I would advise ten members of the House Republican Caucus to cut a deal with the Democrats. In exchange for what would amount to the rough equivalent of a Westminster system’s confidence and supply agreement, said Republicans would get plum committee assignments and a peace deal with the DCCC/other big wig Democratic committees/donors. The Alaska House’s Democratic/Reform Republican coalition comes to mind.
Why not a Republican speaker? When you’re providing 90% of the coalition (and got a roughly equal share of the popular vote when factoring in unopposed races), you don’t give the Republicans all the power.
- NI You - Thursday, Jan 5, 23 @ 1:08 pm:
Illinois = the “original” 19
- Walker - Thursday, Jan 5, 23 @ 1:11 pm:
Speaker’s need to start from some base of strength and not give it away. “ If you don’t commit to me you don’t get any committee spots you want,” rather than giving the plum spots to less than 10 percent of your caucus to get their votes. Why undercut your early supporters? My guess he’s gone now or pretty soon later.
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, Jan 5, 23 @ 1:12 pm:
===Republicans would get plum committee assignments and a peace deal with the DCCC/other big wig Democratic committees/donors. The Alaska House’s Democratic/Reform Republican coalition comes to mind.===
Narrator: There’s a primary race first.
It only works if the majority of the GOP caucus decides a deal can work. Otherwise it continues the fractured GOP, which I may not mind, but when you need to win a primary to keep your seat after voting for a Dem speaker when your own party has a majority… not a good play.
They can keep voting.
With respect.
Crazy times, but what exactly is the sane answer?
- Yooper in Diaspora - Thursday, Jan 5, 23 @ 1:12 pm:
Oswego Willy - how could the Republican caucus expel its nihlists?
It seems the Freedom Caucus is certain that the bully in the room wins, against the majority. Or at least gets to ensure McCarthy himself isn’t the choice candidate. The high of feeling powerful can seem to be an end in itself, even if it’s not a real victory.
- JS Mill - Thursday, Jan 5, 23 @ 1:13 pm:
Not for nothing, but Jeffries has the most votes and McCarthy stated that he didn’t need 218 to be speaker.
=They actually compromised, secured the border=
Yeah it was real “secure”.
- Medvale School for the Gifted - Thursday, Jan 5, 23 @ 1:13 pm:
=Nuke the Whales=
As Adam Kinzinger predicted yesterday, Kevin AMC mCarthy would do anything, or trade anything, to become speaker.
But it appears that the ads would prefer to take their chances not helping McCarthy.
- Grandson of Man - Thursday, Jan 5, 23 @ 1:14 pm:
“Moderate Democrats and Republicans should work together to pick a moderate Republican speaker”
What, and end the enjoyment House Democrats are experiencing now? America and the world are seeing repeated Republican failure. How many election court cases, recounts, candidate election losses, midterms, Speaker votes has MAGA cost Republicans?
But totally agree and wish House members of both parties would strike a deal to elect a Speaker who will make the legislative body function.
- Dysfunction Junction - Thursday, Jan 5, 23 @ 1:17 pm:
==Moderate Democrats and Republicans should work together to pick a moderate Republican speaker and agree to a set of House rules and committee assignments that would marginalize the extremes in both parties and reward bipartisanship.==
Or, just six Republicans can cross over and cast their votes for Mr. Jeffries. That would allow the never-Kevins to show the seriousness of their convictions and/or let the more moderate Republicans show how much they value bipartisanship.
Assuming that can’t happen, I hope the Dems just keep doing what they’re doing until the Republican electorate understands the slow motion trainwreck they’ve helped to create over the past decade.
- Steve Rogers - Thursday, Jan 5, 23 @ 1:17 pm:
This reminds me of when Abraham Lincoln ran for U.S. Senate in 1855. He secured 45 votes from the Illinois General Assembly. The incumbent James Shields got 41, and Lyman Trumbull 5. No candidate getting a majority. The vote went several more times with no real change. By the 7th round, most Democrats ditched Shields for Joel Matteson, while many of Lincoln supporters went for Trumbull. By the 9th round, Lincoln got only 15 votes. Lincoln then released his supporters to vote for Trumbull, who was a former Democrat, but aligned with Lincoln as an anti-Nebraska-bill supporter. Matteson was a Douglas supporter. Lincoln swallowed his pride, knowing that Trumbull and he thought alike, despite coming from different parties. Lincoln’s gesture made him the defacto leader of the nascent Republican Party, putting him in the position to challenge Douglas directly in 1858, and of course again in 1860.
The advice to Kevin: Lincoln saw the handwriting on the wall that he wasn’t going to win, but worked to elect someone who agreed with him but was acceptable to the holdouts.
For the truthful snark, Kevin is no Abraham Lincoln and never will be. Good luck with your irrelevancy.
- View from the Cheap Seats - Thursday, Jan 5, 23 @ 1:17 pm:
I am running out of popcorn.
- Pot calling kettle - Thursday, Jan 5, 23 @ 1:20 pm:
Ideally, a compromise with the Dems that would isolate the 20 Republicans who do not understand how Congress is supposed work. The Dems should demand bi-partisan agreement before investigations of stuff like “Biden’s son’s laptop” can move forward.
Realistically, McCarthy should walk away; he is not “owed” the Speakership. His entitled attitude makes him unfit for the office.
The Dems should let the circular firing squad play out. Whoever wins the Speakership will not be able to get much done as various small groups of Republicans will take advantage of whatever rules are crafted to bring in the recalcitrants. There will be so much chaos, the Dems will regain the House majority (and likely retain the Presidency) in 2024.
- The Way I See It - Thursday, Jan 5, 23 @ 1:21 pm:
As much as it pains me to agree with Matt Gaetz he is right when he says that McCarthy cannot be trusted.
At this point, the job is not one that is worth having. McCarthy has given all the ground on deposing the speaker. Why would the holdouts give that up to a different candidate? Whoever is the next speaker will be hostage to Lauren Boebert and the entire crowd. There is nothing but misery that is going to come from that.
- Three Dimensional Checkers - Thursday, Jan 5, 23 @ 1:23 pm:
You can’t negotiate about policy or the functioning of government with nihilists and insurrectionists. So don’t. Maybe you fail, but at least you have your dignity.
- DuPage - Thursday, Jan 5, 23 @ 1:24 pm:
He should give up. He has already made too many promises to the extremist Republicans to try to get their votes. He is too compromised now to govern the house effectively. He would be a puppet with those few extremists pulling his strings.
- Medvale School for the Gifted - Thursday, Jan 5, 23 @ 1:26 pm:
I’m going try this again, without typos.
=Nuke the Whales=
As Adam Kinzinger predicted yesterday, Kevin McCarthy would do anything, or trade anything, to become speaker.
But it appears that the Dems would prefer to take their chances not helping McCarthy.
- Anon221 - Thursday, Jan 5, 23 @ 1:32 pm:
I, too, am hoping that some of the moderate Republicans take a stand and cross over and vote for Jeffries. It may affect their ability to be re-elected, but it is in the best interest of our country to get back to governing. And some of their constituents may actually appreciate that (banned punctuation). The Republicans will still have a majority and a voice in the House, and the “Freefroms” will be further isolated.
- Old Henry - Thursday, Jan 5, 23 @ 1:33 pm:
One of the most important aspects of being a leader is the ability to count. MJM knew how to count
- Because I said so... - Thursday, Jan 5, 23 @ 1:35 pm:
I think Roland Burris still has room on his headstone.
- Dotnonymous - Thursday, Jan 5, 23 @ 1:35 pm:
If at first you don’t succeed…try and try… until you quit for a cushy private sector job.
- froganon - Thursday, Jan 5, 23 @ 1:36 pm:
I’m tired of the popcorn and the spectacle. If six or more Repubs. would tell the rebels if McCarthy doesn’t win the next round, their votes will go to Jeffries in the following rounds. The deal with the Dems excludes any assignments for the 20 obstructionists, no debt ceiling block and whatever else they can work out with the Dems that doesn’t shut the country down.
- Joe Bidenopolous - Thursday, Jan 5, 23 @ 1:37 pm:
AOC claimed that her convo with Gosar was about what it would take to get a few Dems to support McCarthy, so maybe R’s breaking for Jeffries or some sort of coalition R Speaker is possible.
But. Any R Speaker who got elected with D votes would be primaried and probably lose, so that’s a gig with a less-than-2-year shelf life.
And. Any Republican who crossed over for Jeffries would immediately become a pariah to the true believers and get a primary too.
So in order to do either of these two things, there would have to be some real profiles in courage from some Republicans.
That’s why it won’t happen.
- JoanP - Thursday, Jan 5, 23 @ 1:45 pm:
On to the 9th vote . . .
- Henry Francis - Thursday, Jan 5, 23 @ 1:58 pm:
==Ideally, a compromise with the Dems that would isolate the 20 Republicans who do not understand how Congress is supposed work. The Dems should demand bi-partisan agreement before investigations of stuff like “Biden’s son’s laptop” can move forward.==
I can’t see that happening. The republicans aren’t going to agree to anything that could impede their investigations. That is all they got for the next 2 years. And that is mainstream Republicans, not just the current 20 nuts.
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, Jan 5, 23 @ 2:01 pm:
===how could the Republican caucus expel its nihlists?===
No seat in the Caucus. They don’t have to welcome them in their caucus.
Further, no committee assignments in the congress? Why not. Carrots and sticks and such.
- Paddyrollingstone -
That’s well played. Tip my cap.
- Lincoln Lad - Thursday, Jan 5, 23 @ 2:04 pm:
In truth, whomever gets named speaker today or next week will not likely complete a year in that role before being pulled out or resigning. This won’t be a one time thing… there is no good choice for the republicans to make. The caucus is that divided.
- SWIL_Voter - Thursday, Jan 5, 23 @ 2:14 pm:
No advice from me. Continue to twist in the wind Kev. Reap what you sew. You built this
- Annonin' - Thursday, Jan 5, 23 @ 2:14 pm:
Right now it seems like the nation is better off without a Speaker. Few less days for the whacks to pursue their “Hang Hunter, Balance the Budget, BorderGate, FauciFinale Plan”. We are another day closer to pitchers and catcher reporting and the 2024 elections.
- Gruntled University Employee - Thursday, Jan 5, 23 @ 2:24 pm:
Kevin, it’s only been 3 days, stay the course. Heck, our last Governor held out almost 2 years on a budget. Of course he eventually went down in flames but that’s some quality stubbornness.
- Rudy’s teeth - Thursday, Jan 5, 23 @ 2:41 pm:
All credit to Shakespeare—-
Somehow “Double Double Toil and Trouble” flew through my head spurred on by Congresswoman Mary Miller’s antics.
Whatever happened to collaborate and cooperate?
- Rich Miller - Thursday, Jan 5, 23 @ 2:55 pm:
- Politix - Thursday, Jan 5, 23 @ 3:02 pm:
==As Adam Kinzinger predicted yesterday, Kevin McCarthy would do anything, or trade anything, to become speaker.
But it appears that the Dems would prefer to take their chances not helping McCarthy.==
He is king of empty promises. Someone with a credibility problem is finally being held accountable in DC.
- JoanP - Thursday, Jan 5, 23 @ 3:10 pm:
and there will be a 10th vote.
Better order some more Garrett Popcorn: https://www.chicagotribune.com/dining/ct-food-democrats-eat-garretts-during-speaker-of-the-house-vote-20230105-3izg46udwrfurbhomchwai7mdy-story.html
- Amalia - Thursday, Jan 5, 23 @ 3:13 pm:
secure the tv and movie rights to this version of VEEP so you can tell your story. Make sure you have exactly who should play whom. Boebert? Cecily Strong Donalds? Keenan Thompson. and you Kevin, Will Farrell.
- 47th Ward - Thursday, Jan 5, 23 @ 3:16 pm:
===Will Farrell.===
Disagree. Steve Carell is a much better choice to play McCarthy.
- TheInvisibleMan - Thursday, Jan 5, 23 @ 3:17 pm:
I really hope we get to 12 before the weekend.
I want to see the artistic ability that is applied to the old “Electric Company” count-to-12 pinball machine music.
- MisterJayEm - Thursday, Jan 5, 23 @ 3:27 pm:
“I wonder if y’all have any advice for US Rep. Kevin McCarthy and the House GOP caucus?”
I would suggest to Rep. McCarthy that he resolve himself to remove his name from nomination after some fixed number of failed votes.
(I would have suggested to him that that fixed number of failed votes be no more than three (3), but he’s a grown man and can pick a number of his own.)
To the House GOP caucus, I would advise that they learn from this the consequences of being a notoriously untrustworthy person — and the consequences of aligning oneself with someone who is infamous for being untrustworthy.
– MrJM
- From DaZoo - Thursday, Jan 5, 23 @ 3:51 pm:
Advice: find someone else who your caucus considers “trustworthy” before the Dems find 12 GOP to simply vote “present”.
- Lurker - Thursday, Jan 5, 23 @ 4:03 pm:
The definition of insane.
- Dysfunction Junction - Thursday, Jan 5, 23 @ 4:42 pm:
==Advice: find someone else who your caucus considers “trustworthy” before the Dems find 12 GOP to simply vote “present”. ==
Oh wow, that’s right (banned punctuation). They don’t need Republicans to actually vote for Jeffries. They just need votes for “present.” Come on GOP, give your country a present so we can get on with governing and some of your new folks can get sworn in.
- Zoomer - Thursday, Jan 5, 23 @ 4:57 pm:
While I don’t have any advice here, I find Rich’s stipulation of
“Snark is not particularly encouraged, but allowed.”
to be humorous.
It’s been a while since I’ve been on CapFax. I miss this.
- Been There - Thursday, Jan 5, 23 @ 5:44 pm:
===== Moderate Democrats and Republicans should work together to pick a moderate Republican speaker and agree to a set of House rules and committee assignments that would marginalize the extremes in both parties and reward bipartisanship.
I know, I’m a bit of an idealist, so I know this won’t happen.=====
The Dems should wait it out for awhile. Let the GOP implode. But after awhile it’s going to take a toll on both sides of the aisle. I don’t think anyone (including staff??) gets paid until there is a speaker. That can’t go on for long unless some laws are broken.
In the long run the Dems should look to find a consensus speaker that will give them some committee assignments and rules they can live with. They will have to swallow hard but they haven’t even come close to some of the exhausting days the IL
GA and staff have endured over the years.
- Tom Keane - Thursday, Jan 5, 23 @ 5:45 pm:
Just so thankful to live in Illinois, well run , fully funded and the only thing missing is we all can’t be on public pensions
- Pundent - Thursday, Jan 5, 23 @ 5:50 pm:
=Moderate Democrats and Republicans should work together to pick a moderate Republican speaker and agree to a set of House rules and committee assignments that would marginalize the extremes in both parties and reward bipartisanship.=
Little if any trust remains and whatever “favors” might be offered will do little to make up for the avalanche of manufactured investigations and inquiries the Republicans seem intent on launching. Because the guy that was gleefully willing to be their ringleader in all of this is now seen as “too moderate.”
The GOP as a party made the decision to wander into the wilderness some time ago. I think it’s now dependent on the party to find their way out.
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, Jan 5, 23 @ 5:50 pm:
===Just so thankful to live in Illinois===
If you refuse to leave yourself, then the fool in that is not Illinois… but you.
:)
===In the long run the Dems should look to find a consensus speaker that will give them some committee assignments and rules they can live with===
How in this possible given the national political climate can that be possible without dozens and dozens on either side losing seats?
The GOP would have to flat out surrender but a majority, while having the majority, for it to work.
It’s so toxic, bailing out the GOP is considered bad, even if it’s good for the country
- Pundent - Thursday, Jan 5, 23 @ 6:36 pm:
=It’s so toxic, bailing out the GOP is considered bad, even if it’s good for the country=
Yep. And I’m sure there’s someone out there that could torture this into some sort of “both sides” problem. But I can’t see how the blame here falls anywhere other than where it belongs and that’s squarely on the GOP.
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, Jan 5, 23 @ 6:46 pm:
===But I can’t see how the blame here falls anywhere other than where it belongs and that’s squarely on the GOP.===
Depends on what is traded, no?
The reason compromises work is that neither side can be made whole, and that’s enough toxicity in these times that makes “taking pause” the simplest position.
- Been There - Thursday, Jan 5, 23 @ 6:55 pm:
==== It’s so toxic, bailing out the GOP is considered bad, even if it’s good for the country====
I am not an expert at all on how other states congressional districts are drawn but there could possibly be enough in safe districts to put members on this. But then again those are the least likely to go along. I can see enough Dems to do it if the price is right (possible committee chairs and rule changes, etc) . The GOP primaries can be much more toxic though.
- Been There - Thursday, Jan 5, 23 @ 7:00 pm:
I know the Dems have said they won’t help out the GOP but what happens if DC becomes like Illinois did when Rauner was Gov? Biden still needs to raise the debt ceiling whenever that comes up along with other issues. Illinois basically limped along because of the federal courts. I don’t think that can or will happen at the fed level.
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, Jan 5, 23 @ 7:02 pm:
===I can see enough Dems to do it if the price is right (possible committee chairs and rule changes, etc) . ===
… and vote for a GOP speaker.
Over 130 GOP members last caucus thought there was fraud in the last election
You think a Dem is gonna get a pass for working with a party that has yet to expel those who sought a pardon for actions against the United States?
===The GOP primaries can be much more toxic though.===
Aiding the election denying party for a chairmanship?
I’d like to see that Dem primary.
- Medvale School for the Gifted - Thursday, Jan 5, 23 @ 7:07 pm:
Kevin McCarthy has demonstrated two nights in a row that he is at least able to engineer an adjournment resolution, despite significant opposition.
- Been There - Thursday, Jan 5, 23 @ 7:18 pm:
==== ===The GOP primaries can be much more toxic though.===
Aiding the election denying party for a chairmanship?
I’d like to see that Dem primary.====
There are some Dems that could take that vote and survive. I am not saying the ones taking the vote get the gravy. Some are going to retire, etc. Basically a calculated lame duck for them. It would have to be orchestrated carefully by Jeffries.
But it’s no where near time yet. Let alone soup. Let them stew for awhile.
- Grandson of Man - Thursday, Jan 5, 23 @ 7:21 pm:
Even what is offered by McCarthy isn’t enough for extremists. It’s said there might be “concessions regret” where too much has already been given away in negotiations. The hand of providence is guarding us, for now, through the failure to give the Speakership to 20 or so legislators.
- Pundent - Thursday, Jan 5, 23 @ 9:05 pm:
=what happens if DC becomes like Illinois did when Rauner was Gov?=
Took a long time for that to happen and when it did we didn’t have a lot of “burn it all to the ground” nut jobs standing in the way. The Dems had a majority so there’s that and more than a few sensible Republicans (thankfully) they could appeal to. This is different and has been festering for a lot longer. And the folks standing in the way simply good care less about governing or the consequences that may come from any of this. The party could have nipped this in the bud years’ ago and chose not to. There was no tolerance for Adam Kinzinger but plenty for Mary Miller.