#785 Musings Beyond the Bunker (Thursday November 2)
Good morning,
So the House of Representatives finally has a Speaker. The choice of Louisiana Republican Mark Johnson can only be looked upon as a success by the far-right extremists that held Kevin McCarthy in check and ultimately pushed him out, following that up by gumming the works until they got what they wanted. While the more moderate Republicans finally acknowledged there was a limit to their appetite for a standoff, opting to coalesce around someone to get the House moving again, this is not a good day for America. A few thoughts on this choice:
1. The extreme wing of the Republican party successfully demonstrated that they would do anything to thwart election of a Speaker who might be more moderate and/or capable of making compromises to keep government going. The problem with the total capitulation to the crazies is that the extremists clearly are in control and are emboldened to further mischief.
2. Make no mistake of Mr. Johnson’s position on social issues. He opposes abortion rights and same-sex marriage.
3. He is an election denier and not just a follower. He was one of the leaders of the attempt to overturn the validity of the 2020 election. He signed a legal brief in a lawsuit attempted to overturn the 2020 election and helped Trump formulate the objection to vote certification.
4. The most important person in the room was Donald Trump, who cratered Representative Emmer’s candidacy, as a “RINO” (Republican in name only). This was Trump’s candidate.
5. Johnson opposes funding Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression.
6. He served on President Trump’s impeachment defense team.
7. The chance that a government shutdown will occur is materially greater now that a MAGA Republican beholden to the extreme right controls the agenda.
8. Democrat Jamie Raskin notes that the new speaker has “much better manners” but “is a MAGA extremist in substance.”
I CAN’T HELP BUT THINK, “WHAT IF?”
I really wonder why this conversation didn’t happen:
Hakeem Jeffries (HJ): Look, you don’t like the far right any more than we do. How about you pick a candidate (and I include Kevin McCarthy in that list) and we’ll deliver enough votes to close the gap?
Tom Emmer (TE) or other leader: You’re not going to get much from us. It would be political suicide.
HJ: Look, it’s likely the Democrats lose the Senate and win back the House. I’ll ask for something small and will give you the same if/when we’re in control. How about we waive the Hastert rule?
TE: Deal, but don’t tell Donald.
Have a great day,
Glenn