Chaos in the House Can Be Short-lived

10/6/23

As far as electing a new Speaker of the House, the choice for Republicans is really easy — or should be. Republicans can continue on a path of chaos by trying to cater to the extreme right wing of their party, or they can do the right thing and put forth a candidate who could be supported by the majority of House members. Ultimately, that’s what is going to happen, so why not cut to the chase? Why prolong this dysfunction any longer than necessary?

Like many, I wasn’t all that surprised about Kevin McCarthy’s ouster as Speaker, nor was I particularly displeased by it. He had proven to be an unreliable partner by walking away from the deal he had made with Biden prior to the last continuing resolution. The turmoil in the Republican party is of its own making, and as such, it’s not the Democrats’ obligation or responsibility to bail the Republicans out. Realistically, though, getting a new Speaker is in everyone’s interest, and getting there will require a candidate who’s acceptable to at least some members of the Democratic caucus. Ultimately, this outcome will have to be the end game. Why not get there sooner, rather than later?

The American people need a functioning Congress; and it’s hard to see how Republicans acting on their own can deliver that. Put another way, without some Democratic support, Republicans don’t…