After 11 ballots, the Republicans remain unable to elect a speaker and thus unable to organize the House. After passing comprehensive laws on a wide range of issues with a similarly small House majority under Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) during the last Congress, the Democrats remain united behind Hakeem Jeffries. They have delivered 212 votes for him 11 times.
‘I admit it: Like many liberals, I’m feeling a fair bit of MAGAfreude — taking some pleasure in the self-destruction of the American right.’
‘This time, there has been no significant dispute about policy — Kevin McCarthy and his opponents agree on key policy issues like investigating Hunter Biden’s laptop and depriving the Internal Revenue Service of the resources it needs to go after wealthy tax cheats. Long after he tried to appease his opponents by surrendering his dignity, the voting went on.’
‘Consider the phrase (and associated sentiment), popular on the right, “owning the libs.” In context, “owning” doesn’t mean defeating progressive policies, say by repealing the Affordable Care Act. It means, instead, humiliating liberals personally — making them look weak and foolish.’
‘And a substantial part of what has been going on in the House seems to be that some Republicans who expected to own the libs after a red wave election have acted out their disappointment by owning Kevin McCarthy instead.’
‘The irony is that the MAGA movement has succeeded beyond the wildest dreams of sinister globalists (if any exist) in making America the opposite of great. Right now the world really is laughing at us, although it’s terrified, too. America is still the essential nation, on multiple fronts. When the world’s greatest economic and military power seemingly can’t even get a functioning government up and running, the risks are global.’
‘I mean, even with a speaker in place, how likely is it that the people we’ve been watching the past few days will agree to raise the debt ceiling, even if failing to do so creates a huge financial crisis? And there may be many other risks requiring emergency congressional action even before we get to that point.’
‘Of course, the world is laughing even harder at Republicans, both the ultraright refuseniks and the spineless careerists like McCarthy who helped empower the crazies. For what shall it profit a man, if he shall lose his own soul, and still not gain enough votes to become speaker of the House?’
Thanks for all of the above to Paul Krugman, Opinion columnist since 2000 at The New York Times, and also a distinguished professor at the City University of New York Graduate Center. He won the 2008 Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences for his work on international trade and economic geography.
The Inflation Reduction Act provides for free ACIP-indicated vaccines for Medicare AND state Medicaid recipients as of 2023. Several times daily, without being political, I educate my patients on how the previous Congress was economically saavy enough to put more emphasis on disease prevention in this way, and how that saves all of us money and heartache. Most are surprised to learn that government can work for them, because that's not what they have heard from the awful talking heads for many years now. There's more to democracy than voting. We all can, and should, make the case when talking with others that government can work for us.
Thank you for your usual cogent and enlightening analysis. Have to say that I'm bemused but not really surprised that the disfunction is so obvious. Think Kasich had the right idea when he recommended yesterday that the moderates from both parties get together and propose a candidate -- as recently happened in the Ohio legislature (stunningly).
I strongly applaud Biden's choices for medals of honor and profiles in courage. What a tribute to many of the people who held the line under extraordinarily tough circumstances! My deepest thanks to all of them -- and those not (yet?) on the list such as the Georgia Gov and SOS, the Michigan, Arizona, and PA government and elections workers who contributed mightily -- we owe them more than words can express.
Have to say, the speeches supporting Hern and Donalds and Trump have been frightening in their reiteration of MAGA lies and Qanon conspiracies. The sickness, shared in impassioned tones makes clear that the house is infested with cuckoos and the nest needs a purging.
Three days, 11 bungled votes and still no Speaker. What is the definition of insanity? Oh, yeah, repeating the same action over and over and expecting a different result. As long as the Democrats hold it together and stand united behind Hakeem Jeffries there is a chance that 6 sane, responsible Republicans will either join us or state "Present" and Hakeem is our speaker. I've already emailed and called my Congressman's office asking for a resolution to change the House rules to read "The current Speaker shall remain in office until a new Speaker is elected and sworn in" In which case the House could function and get on with the business of legislating until the recalcitrant party elected a suitable candidate. Andy Biggs, Mo Brooks, Matt Gaetz, Jim Jordan, and Kevin McCarthy are not suitable candidates for Speaker of the House.
Kevin apparently has no pride, or no shame. Otherwise, he’d have removed his name from consideration after the third ballot. If this is any evidence of the type of leadership he would provide as Speaker, God help us if he were to win.
The label "legislative terrorists" keeps popping up to describe you know who. They haven't quite earned it yet but no doubt will soon to the nation's detriment.
Is there a way to break the impasse that would help the country during the next two years? Steve Schmidt's "The Warning" newsletter offers two intriguing scenarios, including one that would rid the House of those who aided the coup attempt. Both require non-crazy Republicans to do the unthinkable — work with Democrats now to neutralize the crazies and McCarthy.
Both scenarios make sense in a rational world, which of course means they're as likely as Lauren Boebert proposing a ban on assault weapons. But they're worth a read:
Professor, you have covered the repub craziness of Congress failing to vote in a repub Speaker of the House. Kevin McCarthy and TFG don’t understand NO. This quote says it all: “Bulwark podcast host Charlie Sykes told Alex Wagner Tonight, He or she is going to be the mayor of Crazytown.” Next door to Crazytown lives the Democratic party and possibly some sane repubs who want to defect. In the meantime we hope the public is paying attention to President Biden and the Dems governing. Including some movement on immigration policies and changes. Outside of that insanity, the world still turns. And on January 6, we will remember what our hearts will never forget: the January 6 Insurrection and with our President, we honor the heroes.
Just as they were trying to procedurally overturn the 2020 election in the Senate, before their mob interrupted.
If the Supreme Court legitimizes 'the independent legislature theory' and removes state constitution checks and balances from state regulation of elections, then in 2024, gerrymandered state legislatures can overturn Federal elections on their own. Guess who's funding the amicus briefs in favor.
Why would you bargain with extremist, virtual insurrectionists? Republicans are reaping what they sowed. It would be hysterical if it wasn’t our democracy.
George Conway is accurate with his spot-on quote but, is too kind. Instead of a new rule requiring only one vote to oust the leader it should be one vote to enact the TSTS ("Too Stupid To Serve") rule. If put to the test right now it would give the Dems somewhere around 400 seats.
Charles Dickens’ novels have some unforgettable characters. One of them is Uriah Heep from David Copperfield.
Dickens couldn't have known that he was describing the prototype of the most common and currently successful variety of modern Anglo-American politician.
Uriah Heep is the very incarnation of hypocrisy. He pretends humility. In fact, he is not humble at all. He is highly ambitious. He wants wealth. He wants rank and position. He requires power and influence. He is morally blind. He continues his nefarious and dishonest activities. His maliciousness is a form of motiveless malignity against human happiness itself, for he positively delights in it.
Please insert the name of Republican leader Kevin McCarthy or any of his allies.
More important than McCarthy's lack of skill as a negotiator, is his total lack of integrity, dependability, lack of interest in promoting the common good, decency, and, apparently, his lack of management skills. If House Republicans were the managers of a private concern, they would all be fired. They are the problem, not part of the solution.
Astonishing, but not! I wish that 6 brave Republicans would vote for Hakeem Jeffries and this dangerous situation of "minority rule" could be averted.
The memory of watching the insurrection is still fresh in my mind.
I'm still wondering why Gaetz hasn't been indicted yet. How long will it take to indict insurrection caucus members?
SNIPPETS
‘I admit it: Like many liberals, I’m feeling a fair bit of MAGAfreude — taking some pleasure in the self-destruction of the American right.’
‘This time, there has been no significant dispute about policy — Kevin McCarthy and his opponents agree on key policy issues like investigating Hunter Biden’s laptop and depriving the Internal Revenue Service of the resources it needs to go after wealthy tax cheats. Long after he tried to appease his opponents by surrendering his dignity, the voting went on.’
‘Consider the phrase (and associated sentiment), popular on the right, “owning the libs.” In context, “owning” doesn’t mean defeating progressive policies, say by repealing the Affordable Care Act. It means, instead, humiliating liberals personally — making them look weak and foolish.’
‘And a substantial part of what has been going on in the House seems to be that some Republicans who expected to own the libs after a red wave election have acted out their disappointment by owning Kevin McCarthy instead.’
‘The irony is that the MAGA movement has succeeded beyond the wildest dreams of sinister globalists (if any exist) in making America the opposite of great. Right now the world really is laughing at us, although it’s terrified, too. America is still the essential nation, on multiple fronts. When the world’s greatest economic and military power seemingly can’t even get a functioning government up and running, the risks are global.’
‘I mean, even with a speaker in place, how likely is it that the people we’ve been watching the past few days will agree to raise the debt ceiling, even if failing to do so creates a huge financial crisis? And there may be many other risks requiring emergency congressional action even before we get to that point.’
‘Of course, the world is laughing even harder at Republicans, both the ultraright refuseniks and the spineless careerists like McCarthy who helped empower the crazies. For what shall it profit a man, if he shall lose his own soul, and still not gain enough votes to become speaker of the House?’
Thanks for all of the above to Paul Krugman, Opinion columnist since 2000 at The New York Times, and also a distinguished professor at the City University of New York Graduate Center. He won the 2008 Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences for his work on international trade and economic geography.
The Inflation Reduction Act provides for free ACIP-indicated vaccines for Medicare AND state Medicaid recipients as of 2023. Several times daily, without being political, I educate my patients on how the previous Congress was economically saavy enough to put more emphasis on disease prevention in this way, and how that saves all of us money and heartache. Most are surprised to learn that government can work for them, because that's not what they have heard from the awful talking heads for many years now. There's more to democracy than voting. We all can, and should, make the case when talking with others that government can work for us.
Thank you for your usual cogent and enlightening analysis. Have to say that I'm bemused but not really surprised that the disfunction is so obvious. Think Kasich had the right idea when he recommended yesterday that the moderates from both parties get together and propose a candidate -- as recently happened in the Ohio legislature (stunningly).
I strongly applaud Biden's choices for medals of honor and profiles in courage. What a tribute to many of the people who held the line under extraordinarily tough circumstances! My deepest thanks to all of them -- and those not (yet?) on the list such as the Georgia Gov and SOS, the Michigan, Arizona, and PA government and elections workers who contributed mightily -- we owe them more than words can express.
Kevin is looking like Charlie Brown, believing Lucy will not pull the football out this time.
Have to say, the speeches supporting Hern and Donalds and Trump have been frightening in their reiteration of MAGA lies and Qanon conspiracies. The sickness, shared in impassioned tones makes clear that the house is infested with cuckoos and the nest needs a purging.
Three days, 11 bungled votes and still no Speaker. What is the definition of insanity? Oh, yeah, repeating the same action over and over and expecting a different result. As long as the Democrats hold it together and stand united behind Hakeem Jeffries there is a chance that 6 sane, responsible Republicans will either join us or state "Present" and Hakeem is our speaker. I've already emailed and called my Congressman's office asking for a resolution to change the House rules to read "The current Speaker shall remain in office until a new Speaker is elected and sworn in" In which case the House could function and get on with the business of legislating until the recalcitrant party elected a suitable candidate. Andy Biggs, Mo Brooks, Matt Gaetz, Jim Jordan, and Kevin McCarthy are not suitable candidates for Speaker of the House.
Kevin apparently has no pride, or no shame. Otherwise, he’d have removed his name from consideration after the third ballot. If this is any evidence of the type of leadership he would provide as Speaker, God help us if he were to win.
The label "legislative terrorists" keeps popping up to describe you know who. They haven't quite earned it yet but no doubt will soon to the nation's detriment.
Is there a way to break the impasse that would help the country during the next two years? Steve Schmidt's "The Warning" newsletter offers two intriguing scenarios, including one that would rid the House of those who aided the coup attempt. Both require non-crazy Republicans to do the unthinkable — work with Democrats now to neutralize the crazies and McCarthy.
Both scenarios make sense in a rational world, which of course means they're as likely as Lauren Boebert proposing a ban on assault weapons. But they're worth a read:
https://open.substack.com/pub/steveschmidt/p/kevins-end?r=57fmo&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
Professor, you have covered the repub craziness of Congress failing to vote in a repub Speaker of the House. Kevin McCarthy and TFG don’t understand NO. This quote says it all: “Bulwark podcast host Charlie Sykes told Alex Wagner Tonight, He or she is going to be the mayor of Crazytown.” Next door to Crazytown lives the Democratic party and possibly some sane repubs who want to defect. In the meantime we hope the public is paying attention to President Biden and the Dems governing. Including some movement on immigration policies and changes. Outside of that insanity, the world still turns. And on January 6, we will remember what our hearts will never forget: the January 6 Insurrection and with our President, we honor the heroes.
Jan 6 2023
GOP burning down the House procedurally.
Just as they were trying to procedurally overturn the 2020 election in the Senate, before their mob interrupted.
If the Supreme Court legitimizes 'the independent legislature theory' and removes state constitution checks and balances from state regulation of elections, then in 2024, gerrymandered state legislatures can overturn Federal elections on their own. Guess who's funding the amicus briefs in favor.
Why would you bargain with extremist, virtual insurrectionists? Republicans are reaping what they sowed. It would be hysterical if it wasn’t our democracy.
George Conway is accurate with his spot-on quote but, is too kind. Instead of a new rule requiring only one vote to oust the leader it should be one vote to enact the TSTS ("Too Stupid To Serve") rule. If put to the test right now it would give the Dems somewhere around 400 seats.
Charles Dickens’ novels have some unforgettable characters. One of them is Uriah Heep from David Copperfield.
Dickens couldn't have known that he was describing the prototype of the most common and currently successful variety of modern Anglo-American politician.
Uriah Heep is the very incarnation of hypocrisy. He pretends humility. In fact, he is not humble at all. He is highly ambitious. He wants wealth. He wants rank and position. He requires power and influence. He is morally blind. He continues his nefarious and dishonest activities. His maliciousness is a form of motiveless malignity against human happiness itself, for he positively delights in it.
Please insert the name of Republican leader Kevin McCarthy or any of his allies.
More important than McCarthy's lack of skill as a negotiator, is his total lack of integrity, dependability, lack of interest in promoting the common good, decency, and, apparently, his lack of management skills. If House Republicans were the managers of a private concern, they would all be fired. They are the problem, not part of the solution.