>

I have just woken up, I love it when they turn on their own.
They are a complete shitshow and are totally incapable of governing anything.
I am surprised there isn't a law saying most votes win if it gets to the 5th round, especially as this has already happened.
As Gaetz's letter to the Architect argued, correctly:

[T]he 117th Congress adjourned sine die, and a Speaker from the 118th Congress has not been elected. After three undeciding votes, no member can lay claim to this office.  
What is the basis in law, House rule, or precedent to allow someone who has placed second in three successive speaker elections to occupy the Speaker of the House Office? How long will he remain there before he is considered a squatter?  
Please write back promptly as it seems Mr. McCarthy can no longer be considered Speaker-Designate following today's balloting.

It seems correct that the Speaker's office ought to be vacant for now and, if not, the person with the strongest claim to it is actually Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, who's come in first in all three Speakership votes so far. >

This is one of the pettiest things I have ever seen in national politics. But, I am afraid to say it... Matt Gaetz is right. (I feel dirty) McCarthy is not Speaker and should not be in the office suite. Gaetz and his band of diehards better pray McCarthy does not become Speaker. I can only imagine the retribution. >


This is one of the pettiest things I have ever seen in national politics.

That was what I thought at first, too. But thinking about it some more, there's also a non-petty dimension to it. McCarthy's occupancy of the Speaker's office is (arguably) actively bolstering his Speakership campaign, by lending him an unearned aura of faux incumbency, institutional recognition and gravitas. When McCarthy summons Republicans to the Speaker's office to lobby them to vote for him, the office itself conveys a sense that McCarthy's victory is inevitable - that McCarthy is already Speaker in all but name. McCarthy would look much more vulnerable - much more challengeable - if he was operating out of any other office.
Companies spend $$$ for a "New York, NY," "San Francisco, CA," "London, UK" office address for a similar reason. The recognizable address conveys a sense of prestige and importance that, fairly or unfairly, a "Brisbane, CA" or "Yonkers, NY" address (for example) does not. >

You are absolutely right. And if you've ever set foot in that chamber it radiates power. From the incredible view to the weight of it's history. I'm calling it petty because if the AoC takes the letter seriously they will make McCarthy and his entire staff move. And if McCarthy wins the vote he'll have to move back. That is p e t t y. I love it. >

The imagery of the removals team taking the boxes back out of there after delivering them yesterday will be quite powerful too... >

This is funny seeing Republican infighting, but I just don't get the end goal. Do they think there is a serious chance they can win this speaker challenge? Maybe they just want national media attention or something. I just fail to see what the strategy could be. >

I don't think there is a grand political strategy here.
The ultra-MAGA Rs are motivated by grifting. And they've found that the best way to grift is to rile up the base by casting themselves in opposition to some powerful, insidious enemy, be it the "Deep State," Democrats, RINOs, liberals, immigrants, POC, China, or - now - Kevin McCarthy.
I honestly don't think they care either way who ends up in the Speaker's chair. They're not there to legislate or govern, after all. >


They're not there to legislate or govern, after all.

Pretty much this. When you frame it in the context of an ongoing purity test/war that the GOP hasn't stopped since 2010, it makes a lot of sense. And it's scary that there are apparently some who feel that McCarthy isn't obstructionist enough for their tastes.
The conservative sub is already calling McCarthy a RINO. I mean get that, with no sarcasm at all they're calling Me in McCarthy a RINO. >

Every one of these idiots thinks they're special and that the tiger they've hopped on won't eat them... Despite watching it gleefully consume the previous rider.
I've noted it before, but the American right has built a political movement that is actually an unstoppable doomsday device. And instead of trying to contain it or mitigate the damage it's doing, every incentive lines up behind firing it up even more and removing any and all safety features. >

Lmao. So NOW he cares about unauthorized subjects in the Speaker’s office? >

Couldn’t happen to a better deserving group of people. >

Why do we keep the republicans around?  All they ever do is make the country worse. >

And they better clean up all those pizza boxes, fucking squatters. >

Worst guy you know makes a good point!? Is this that meme come to life? >

I feel like the guy with the bong in the girl fight meme. >

The reply letter should be “why do you traffic underage girls across state lines and pay them for sex?” >

Because that’s what his constituents voted him back into office to do!
Or at least, that’s the conclusion I’ve drawn based on the massive 36% margin of victory they gave him in 2022 after he was credibly accused of trafficking a minor. >

I’m going to give his constituents the benefit of the doubt. Child sexual abuse isn’t a deal killer for a candidate who is perceived to be “owning the libs”.
I’m probably being too generous. >

Having moved away from his district a year ago, I can tell you that that is basically their feelings for him. "He's a straight shooter, owns the dirty libs like you! He would never do that!" >

I can’t believe McCarthy has fucked up so badly he has me agreeing with Sex Offender Butthead, but Gaetz is correct. >

Heartbreaking: The worst person you know just made a great point. >

Holy cow the right wing lunatics really hate McCarthy and yes, it is personal.
Edit: Spelling >

Breaking: US in panic over popcorn shortage >

Well, being from Florida Mr Gaetz, you should know that once squatters pick your land, they get to stay. It costs a lot of money to have squatters removed in Florida. I am so sick of these useless turds. >

there are cheaper ways >

Why is Gaetz still walking around free after being part of a coup and trafficking minors, for sex purposes, across state lines? My guess is because they are all criminals and can do whatever they want since they are 'in charge'.. >

Hey gaetz, why isn't your pedophile ass in prison?!  Stop trafficking children for sex! >

It's a legit question.