Oddly enough, I think the job of Speaker would be perfect for Trump, because he would transform into a mainly ceremonial post. Trump could leave all the decision-making to others in Congress. He could host political and world leaders, use his voice to pressure lawmakers to act on certain issues, and be a major force in the political world - without really having to be involved in the messy details of governing. That's sort of exactly what Trump wants to do in life - be a good host. I saw that in my visit to Mar-a-Lago back in 2016.
I’m with Denise. I felt a total sense of relief hearing your nerd note. From what I’ve seen in movies, mob bosses are generally great hosts till you cross them then out come the flying monkeys to do all the dirty work. No thanks 😳
I asked a number of Democrats about that. What if you are opening Pandora's Box here? They just shrugged their shoulders and basically said, you know what, this guy was awful. It probably won't be much different.
Judging from the incompetence of every one of Gym Jordan’s committees, he will get less than nothing done… and the less the deranged GQP gets done, the better off America is.
Sometimes I wonder how much Trump is pulling strings behind the scenes. I feel like it’s good for him that McCarthy got ousted. He can claim he can be a stabilizing force to ride in on a white horse and bring order back to the Republican Party.
So the GOP could nominate someone more conservative, who would likely split the caucus again, or someone moderate, who might get some Democratic votes. Which do you think it will be, Jamie? Also, the Democrats could put up someone besides Jeffries, couldn't they? Someone more conservative, who might get a few Republican votes from swing districts?
I think Stefanik can step up in the leadership, but I don't see her being a candidate for Speaker. Now maybe all hell breaks loose and she becomes a candidate later - that's possible.
Jamie,
Thanks for making this mess understandable. I look forward to your newsletter every weekday (and lately weekend) mornings.
I had to chuckle when I re-read this morning's newsletter, because it was a reminder of how many lawmakers I listened to on Tuesday.
"Nerd note: the rules for House Republicans don’t allow members of the GOP leadership to serve if that person is under indictment for a felony."
Oh, thank god!
Oddly enough, I think the job of Speaker would be perfect for Trump, because he would transform into a mainly ceremonial post. Trump could leave all the decision-making to others in Congress. He could host political and world leaders, use his voice to pressure lawmakers to act on certain issues, and be a major force in the political world - without really having to be involved in the messy details of governing. That's sort of exactly what Trump wants to do in life - be a good host. I saw that in my visit to Mar-a-Lago back in 2016.
I’m with Denise. I felt a total sense of relief hearing your nerd note. From what I’ve seen in movies, mob bosses are generally great hosts till you cross them then out come the flying monkeys to do all the dirty work. No thanks 😳
It feels like this is the first time we've seen the Democrats act how the Republicans would have. Gloves off. What an event for you to witness.
Also, that muse of history. I didn't realize it took that long.
Last weekend's antics by McCarthy around the shutdown really really really aggravated the Democrats. They already had no respect for McCarthy.
I'm kind of proud to see them actually do it. Feels like a shift. However, as much as I didn't like KM...I dislike your potential replacements too.
I asked a number of Democrats about that. What if you are opening Pandora's Box here? They just shrugged their shoulders and basically said, you know what, this guy was awful. It probably won't be much different.
Judging from the incompetence of every one of Gym Jordan’s committees, he will get less than nothing done… and the less the deranged GQP gets done, the better off America is.
It does feel like a win-win. Shows the minority still holds some power. Feels like something you'd see in the UK parliament.
A truly historic day, and a historic post… well done, Jamie!
Thank you Jamie!!!
Sometimes I wonder how much Trump is pulling strings behind the scenes. I feel like it’s good for him that McCarthy got ousted. He can claim he can be a stabilizing force to ride in on a white horse and bring order back to the Republican Party.
Jamie - does the presidential line of succession just skip to Patty Murray or does Patrick McHenry get a shot? I guess not.
Since McHenry has not been elected, that slot is open. So, Patty Murray right now would be in line behind the VP
So the GOP could nominate someone more conservative, who would likely split the caucus again, or someone moderate, who might get some Democratic votes. Which do you think it will be, Jamie? Also, the Democrats could put up someone besides Jeffries, couldn't they? Someone more conservative, who might get a few Republican votes from swing districts?
Jeffries isn't going anywhere. And there won't be a coalition Speaker. I think the GOP will go with either Scalise or Jordan
Rats. Scalise isn't well, and Jordan isn't sane.
Not Stefanik, really?
I think Stefanik can step up in the leadership, but I don't see her being a candidate for Speaker. Now maybe all hell breaks loose and she becomes a candidate later - that's possible.