Despite having already moved all his stuff into the Speaker's office, House Republicans would not assent to giving Kevin McCarthy the gavel.
After three separate ballots, McCarthy could not get the 218 votes necessary to become Speaker. On the third ballot, Ohio Republican Jim Jordan had received 20 votes though Jordan himself cast his ballot for McCarthy.
Watching GOP disarray and McCarthy being fed humble pie is somewhat amusing, the fact remains nothing can get done in the House without a Speaker. Even if McCarthy somehow prevails, he is on thin ice from the get-go. McCarthy granted House Republicans the extraordinary concession that only 5 Republicans would be required to force a leadership vote. Under those conditions, he would be lucky to last a month in office.
As much of a quisling as McCarthy is, electing Jordan would be much worse. He will go full steam ahead in trying to impeach President Biden while opening select committees against Hunter Biden and Dr. Fauci not to mention against members of the January 6th Committee. Which is precisely what the MAGA base wants.
McCarthy says he's not giving up. But what happens if defeated, former President Trump abandons him? Trump notably declined to give McCarthy a further boost despite his previous endorsement and phone calls he has made on his behest.
The only little bit of good which might come out of this sordid affair that the voters could see fit to return Democrats to power in 2024. But by then a lot of damage will have been done.
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