Petulance Over Patriotism
What a mess
When future generations learn how a speaker of the House was ousted for the first time in American history, an obvious question will be, “Why?” The answer will not be anything of substance on policy or even politics. Instead, it will be the sad indictment of a once-serious political party that has descended into a level of dysfunction that would be laughable if its implications weren’t so dire.
Kevin McCarthy was always a weak leader who ruled through appeasement rather than principle. He embodied the party of Trump. He sought power for power’s sake and lacked any coherent vision or agenda to implement. Now, he is destined to be the answer to a trivia question asked with derision and disbelief.
But the rot that McCarthy rendered in the House is much bigger than the man himself, bigger even than the position he so briefly and ignominiously held. The forces leading up to this searing juncture were years in the making. They represent the predictable conclusion to a cynical plot by reactionary elements in this country to intentionally infect the government with the virus of vindictiveness.
Elected officials should act in service to the needs of the people. But for years, Republicans have acted in service to the booking agents of Fox News, who eagerly elevated the most extreme and nihilistic voices. Moderation, thoughtfulness, and even the desire to legislate were treated as useless impulses, if not outright signs of weakness. Democrats were demonized. Expertise was excoriated. And performative poppycock was praised. These have been the evolutionary pressures that were reshaping the Republican Party even before Trump. And like an asteroid from outer space, his arrival sent dissenting voices in the party on a quick path to extinction.
There is no way to predict what might result from the self-inflicted anarchy that now roils the House of Representatives. Debating how long this state of affairs will last or who might emerge as a new speaker will dominate headlines for the next hours and days, or possibly longer. There will be an attempt by Republicans to blame Democrats for not bailing out a man who is about as trustworthy as a loan shark. But these smokescreens are unlikely to fool the public. The American people will get to see clearly the epic fail of those who were supposed to be in charge.
As news reports characterize the ouster vote as orchestrated by “hard-right Republicans,” the public should also keep in mind that this is but a distinction of degree. By the standards of the past, almost the entire GOP caucus would be considered “hard right,” which is why we’re in this mess to begin with.
If you cultivate chaos, there’s a good chance you’ll be swept up in the maelstrom. This is a party that devours itself and threatens the nation as it lurches toward infighting, intemperance, and possibly — eventually — irrelevance.
The Steady newsletter is supported by the Steady community. Please consider subscribing if you aren’t already a member.
How's THIS for a theory: The MAGA/Sedition caucus pushed for the vote to remove McCarthy specifically because they know that they don't have a replacement. They WANT to paralyze government even more than it already is, and a House without a Speaker will not be able to pass any legislation including, just by way of two examples, funding for Ukraine or another continuing resolution. They want to government to fail so that they can justify their opposition to anything that the government does.
I get hopeful when I hear t*** being repremanded by a Judge; and General Miley speaking out, and Mccarthy being kicked out of a job he never should have had. Then I see new "tr*** for Pres. 2024" sunscreens on TWO cars in my town and I sigh....... do these people really want a dictator to take over our country? 3 big steps forward, idiots still watching fox "news".....