McCarthy stumbles to victory
A deal with the Devil?
By Christopher Wittich, Washington
1/7/2023 8:44 am
After more than a dozen failed ballots, Kevin McCarthy looks ready to do anything and promise anything to become Speaker of the US House of Representatives. Now he is, and his inner-party opponents will demand their price.
This election victory could not be surpassed in terms of drama. In the meantime, the nerves were so raw that there was even physical violence. The Republicans were actually already sure in the 14th ballot – we have it. But then it wasn’t enough again. They wanted to adjourn again, to Monday. But then one of the toughest opponents, Matt Gaetz, votes against the postponement. He then goes to McCarthy, who strides towards his faction and then everyone hurriedly looks for their voting cards again. There is no adjournment, there is a 15th vote. McCarthy gets the necessary majority, McCarthy is the 55th speaker of the House of Representatives.
The 57-year-old from California succeeds Nancy Pelosi. The Democrat also came from California and was previously the only woman in this job. McCarthy must have paid a heavy price. The details are not yet known. But in Washington’s recent chaotic days, it has become clear that the dissidents will demand a lot. Among other things, they wanted to ensure that one member of parliament is sufficient for a vote of no confidence against the speaker, i.e. himself. They demanded elementary influence on the legislation and the agenda. It won’t be long before the deviants claim their prize. Because they have known their power. They could paralyze an entire parliament for four days.
The MPs were sworn in shortly after McCarthy’s election and are now getting to work. Republicans’ first target? Slow down the policies of Democratic President Joe Biden. He’s been giving them too much money for a long time. This deadlock requires unity – something the Republican faction has failed to recognize in recent days. They have only two years before the House of Representatives will be re-elected.
Kevin McCarthy now has power over the hammer, which as an instrument symbolizes power. It can be a turbulent two years on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC.