After 15 ballots, untold contortions, genuflections, and compromises of his integrity, Kevin McCarthy finally achieved what he’s long coveted: becoming Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives.
Reflected in the number of ballots, he also became leader of a group of recalcitrant and ungovernable Republican representatives — just one now able to call for a vote to oust the speaker. McCarthy will lead with a gun to his head.
In a speech to the chamber after finally securing the role he so desired, McCarthy said, “As Speaker of the House my ultimate responsibility is not to my party. Our responsibility is to our country.”
While their responsibility is to the country, McCarthy’s flip-flops and compromises have unfortunately ceded power to a small group of the most conservative members of the Republican party. Their agenda does not reflect and will not benefit the broad needs of the American people.
We can expect gridlock the next two years.
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