The Republican Party no longer exists. It has degenerated into radical factions who are not interested in governing or moving the country forward. They have no real agenda, no platform and no serious policies. I am not inclined to recommend that Democrats throw them a lifeline. I simply do not trust these charlatans.
*Oh, it would take six Republicans, not five, to reach the required 218 (212+6).
It is the TRUMPLICAN party and has been since they gave up trying to argue with Dear Leader sometime between 2016 and 2018 when they lost yet again. (Remember: in a fair and just system, the electoral college would have been abolished after The Emacipation Proclamatiom rendered it all but obsolete. Hillary Clinton would have won.)
Nearly all of the ten that voted for Trump's 2nd impeachment are now gone. The new ones haven't been tested so we don't know for sure, but the trend for Republicans has been consistently more & more extreme. Hopefully enough would be willing to come up with a compromise candidate acceptable to the Democrats.
It’s all about the $$. When they make a public show of turning their back on the “Ex” and their base, they also cut off their main source of revenue. I believe Adam K. got a new gig on CNN and we know what happened to Cheney.
Daniel, alas, I think you are right. I kept hoping there would be a voice of common sense among the Republicans when the role was called, maybe a few more "present" votes and a vote or two for Jeffries, so perhaps Jeffries could win, and most could say they didn't vote for him. The whole mess would be over and the House would have a decent moderate who can cross the aisle. That didn't happen which means, there is no common sense among the Republican toddlers and this mess will continue in all its crappy nonsense.
I don't think they'll come forward voluntarily. From the MAGAt perspective has NOTHING to do with governing.
1. Power. Pecking order.
2. Attempt to avoid indictments for insurrection.
3. Allocation of RNC and PAC funds.
4. Any interference by Democrats is seen as an act of war. We don't have standing to give them any advice. When they are desperate, they'll deal. Predicate is desperation..
That's what I thought too, that we need 6 to reach 218. Unless Dr. Reich means the electee plus 5 more. I guess the prospective speaker could vote for her-himself
True, I think 6 abstentions would give Hakeem the Speakership. maybe the dumb bunnies of the twenty won't figure this out - I think the concept is beyond the concept of Boebert, Gaetz, Greene, and Jordan
How do you manage to have factions in a party that does not appear to stand for anything? Do you believe in magic? Very uncharted territory here methinks.
There is no party as I noted in my post. There are just individual factions (groupings, tribes, enclaves) that roam the halls of the Capitol feasting on Fox News PR opportunities.
Janet, you have laid out just what we can expect. The Republican toddlers have no idea about how to govern and figure they will keep raking in the bucks for their bad behavior, and unless something changes, they will. That is, until those giving them the "donations" start losing on Wall Street because no one cares about our economy anymore and stops investing. The MAGAs are not smart people no matter where they went to school. As toddlers, they only know what they want, what they hear from Tucker et al, and whatever Trump, who is less bright than they tells them to do. I think, alas, that Dems need to rescue our nation, not just the House from the crazies (and they are crazy). They are out of control toddlers who have not been told "no" often enough. They are mean, selfish, demanding, and unworthy of the positions they have been given. We the People need to start showing their constituents what those MAGAs have in store for them and that they care nothing for those who voted for them. That is going to be a tough job, but it must be done.
Many here have done an excellent job of describing "them" -- meaning the minority of 20 Republicans who refuse to support McCarthy, plus their allies who might number a few dozen. But it's a mistake to lump all elected Republicans into the same category.
The failure of MAGA candidates across the country demonstrates that their support, such as it ever was, is collapsing. Ironically, that's why this gang of 20 has the power it has. If better candidates had run, the Republican majority would be larger and could afford to have 20 votes for someone other than McCarthy.
The corollary to this is that, aside from those in ruby red districts, the Republicans who did win are those who distanced themselves from MAGA. For example, Pennsylvania's first district went solidly for Biden (by double digits), but also re-elected Republican Brian Fitzpatrick. There are at least 20 districts that voted for both Biden and a Republican representative.
Demonizing the opposition, insisting they're all Qanon extremists bent on destroying democracy, is not only inaccurate it's self-defeating. If you know nothing about the opposition you are ill-equipped to engage with them. And engaging with them is the heart of the matter -- that's what representative democracy is all about.
Mr. Reich's proposal is the only viable solution to the problem at hand. I personally would approach it from the other side, and seek to get more Republicans and fewer Democrats to support a moderate Republican for Speaker. That would also maintain the Republican majority, which they are entitled to under our democratic system since they won more seats.
Agreed. From what I have read in NYT and other news posts is the "20" referred to are a small band of alt right maniacs including Jim Jordan, Matt Gaetz, and Loren Boebert. They are to the right of McCarthy and maybe even Trump. The Republican party is so skewed today it's hard to pick out the bad guys from the really bad guys and the off the planet evil guys. Dr, Reich, I believe, was referring to 40 or so of 105 Republicans elected who don't fall into my 3 catagories. You are correct, there are so many different groups of Republicans today that we can't pack them all in one bucket. As a Californian who has watched Kevin McCarthy's wimpy career for years, I hope he is not named House Speaker. He is a weak, grovelling coward, with no moral compass. He is guided solely by the need for power, recognition, and of course money. He is from Bakersfield which if you've never been there is a mid-sized city in Kern County with the Sierra Nevada's to the East, the Tehachapi's to the South, and the Coastal Range West. It is a hilly, dry, agricultural center. McCarthy, so far as I can determine hasn't done a damn thing to better the lives of his constituents. The constituents are farmers, ranchers, with a large number of Hispanic workers. Good people but not great thinkers. They vote Republican because.......great granddaddy did, everyone knows that liberals only care about city folks, and, well because. In my opinion, we the Democrats have never presented a viable candidate who listened to what these people really need - water, affordable hired hands, and help with selling their produce (both plant and animal. Talking to them about the needy and the homeless are things to which they can't relate. Helping them get, and responsibly use water, supporting co-ops that work for them and just listening and making laws to help and the Democrats could take over in a heartbeat. We need to gain the trust of all Americans, not just write them off as dyed in the wool REDS.
While I have not seen anything to like about anything in the Republican agenda - wait, they don't even have a platform - I think you are dead on correct about the way Democrats need to approach white rural Americans. I have a lot of paternal family in central Kansas. You can count the number of black people in St. John - Great Bend on the fingers of one hand. They don't have homelessness there. They are not evil, dark people because of this; it's just that people place priority on things that are close to them. They DO suffer from the monopolistic controls of Big Agra and the meat packing industry. They have to work harder and harder for less and less. They don't fathom the situation in big cities, and much of what they see on TV is pretty scary - and not just on Fox News. When I was there for a reunion last year, on hearing I was from the Seattle area, many asked me if it was terrifying to go out at night. They thought the Black Lives Matter demonstrations were still going on there, and that it was anarchy on the streets. Living in an urban area, I have a better sense of the realities of the situation and that it was never like that, and I am also able to feel the same anger and frustration at the police attitude toward and flagrant abuse of African Americans. But for people far removed from that, it's harder to see. Democrats should never weaken their stance on the issues of homelessness, racism, hate groups, police violence, etc., but we need to also emphasize what's really wrong with the economy and have a clear agenda on how to break the power of corporations and the filthy rich on all aspects of our economy and government, and how we're going to address the problems that white rural Americans face as well. The Republicans have no plan for any of this.
Thank you very much for this response, I agree we need to hang on to our position to protect and give needed assistance and training to the homeless, the neglected, the under served. I just want us to be more inclusive, We are a large party and by and large a caring party. We do not need to be disdainful of persons who also have needs, though much different from we city dwellers. the Republicans have made an art of appealing to the most disgusting portion of our national character. No one is totally without bias (I dislike, without even knowing them, greedy, rich, white men and some bitchy white women too - excluding myself of course who could fall into the class of bitchy old white women (:-)) You also make a profound statement about the lack of even distribution of news. The GOP and their panderers did an excellent job of portraying the BLM movement as a bunch of unruly thugs demanding money and destroying everything in sight, while we urbanites, who actually witnessed them, were aware they were an orderly, well managed group with legitimate grievances.
John, your family in KS really is isolated from the real world! That must be tough. To believe that cities are always in upheaval and all that caused by Black people, who I am sure scare them. I don't know how to even reach them because they live in the Fox Not Really News bubble. The union movement could help the meat-packing industry, but for a lot of white rural people, unions are the enemy and will cause the factories to go out of business. They don't realize that they are in business there because it is cheap and the meat is right nearby and won't cost a lot to ship. It is taking that next step in thinking and reasoning so many choose not to take. It is Democrats who want better affordable internet for those areas and want working roads, railroads, and other infrastructure as well as open working hospitals and good schools there. Dems also pass farm bills that try to help subsidize their crop and meat production while Republicans want to give them nothing. Yet, they vote for the Republicans who do nothing to improve their situation. Those scared white rural folks have been called "the real Americans" by people like Sarah Palin yet they support candidates who would choose to bring down our democracy. It is incomprehensible! I don't know how Democrats can even reach this crew because it seems they don't want to be reached and it is so easy to go along with their Republican representatives at the various levels and blame Democrats, city dwellers, and unions for all their troubles than to look at what they themselves are doing or not doing.
Fay, I finally got to your comment. It is an excellent assessment of Kevin McCarthy, a non-entity who believes he deserves whatever he wants, just because and will hang on to the bitter end, whatever and whenever that is. He does not care about his constituents. He just uses them to get to a seat of power he believes he should rule and plans to rule with an iron fist even though few of his colleagues actually like or trust him. Most vote for him because they feel they have to. It makes no sense because he has lost 11 ballots with no evidence he will do better unless he has figured out a way to buy more people's votes with appalling concessions he should never have to make to a group of horrible human beings who want to rule even more than he does. They know they will never be elected, but they want to stand behind the throne and do the crazy dance every day to be sure nothing of any value happens in the House, can't serve the people, you know; it makes them first-class citizens and can't have that! Oh, where are the 6 who could just vote for Jeffries, get this whole pile of crap moved, and get a decent human being in as Speaker, a man who will actually respect them and not take revenge on them for not being McCarthy's good little boys and girls. Where is the courage? Where is the integrity within the Republican ranks? I keep hoping it is there somewhere, but not even a peep yet.
I too, hope that 6 Republican s find the backbone to do what's best for the Country. If it destroys what's left of the Republican Party they can start an new political party called the "Fiscal Conservative Party" or the "Party of Responsibility". Being a Liberal Progressive or maybe even a Democratic Socialist myself I would never vote for them, but at least I'd respect them. And they'd have a whole bunch of like-minded voters. As has been pointed out many times the Party of Trump has no platform, or at least not one they wish to make public. They really loved Trump's authoritarian bent, and staying in office with no oversight for as long as they choose. No wonder they idolize Vladimir Putin. If Xi Jinping weren't Chinese they'd idolize him too.
The McCarthyites are quite extreme, too -- after all, they include MTG -- & McCarthy has shown himself to be feckless with no moral compass, who would be absolutely disastrous as Speaker. Only a small minority of 15-40 Republican members are decent & patriotic enough that the Democrats can work with to come up with a mutually acceptable candidate.
Jerry, I would be OK with Brian Fitzpatrick, although I have no idea if he would take the job. Someone like him could make the needed bridge. The problem is that the Republicans living in reality often hide themselves (you know, their light under a basket) so it is hard to know who they are and what they have to offer. Someone should be keeping a record. Maybe Nancy Pelosi has that information. She has an amazing memory and ability to understand people. She could be approached while walking in the halls and people might not suspect.
I have to take issue with the idea that they "deserve more seats." Gerrymandering your way to more uncontested Congressional seats is not necessarily a true indication of popular will or democratic principles.
After all the right has done, and the numerous bad faith efforts of Republicans over the past decade or more, I don't think it should still fall to Democrats to step up and solve Republican's own self contrived crisis.
We tried to warn them at every step of the way that electing people who have no interest in having a functional government would in fact lead to a broken government. And now here we are.
McCarthy was a fool to ever attempt to negotiate with the Insurrectionist Caucus. Unfortunately, he has once again put his own personal political ambition above doing the right thing for the country.
Crystal, the problem is that if Republican toddlerism screws our government, thus, our people, Democrats will suffer most because many of our constituents are poor, people of color, marginalized by society, and experience many health issues due to their situation. A lot of the Republican toddlers are white, privileged, have some money, often own homes, but think they are desperate and want to go along with every stupid thing their Republican "leaders" put forward. That makes Dems the ones who just have to do the rescue. Our problem in the past when Dems have done the rescuing is that they didn't stand up and crow about it, so the pathetic little white folks in middle America didn't know it. They thought their "heroes" had done the trick. That's what Fox Not Really News told them, right, and they would know, right? I do think if 6 courageous Republicans just voted for Jeffries, this whole bunch of crap could be left behind and it would be a win-win because clearly Democrats will need to work with Republicans to get anything done. It would help marginalize the crazy Republican wing that shouldn't even be in Congress at all due to their insurrectionism. It would set aside Kevin McCarthy who is truly a non-entity despite all the lies that have been told about him by his possibly bribed supporters. That would be ideal, but we need integrity and Courage and neither of those these days are plentiful among Republicans. I understand there are around 18 Republicans who won in Democratic districts. 6 of them should have the guts to stand up for the Democrats who voted for them (who knows why). I know I am dreaming, but in reality, I am hopeful.
Crystal, you are completely right that Republicans do not "deserve more seats". Gerrymandering grossly distorts popular will and is contrary to democratic principles.
That being said, it is how districts have been drawn and the eelction results are what they are. As a member of the party that respects election results and is committed to abiding by the rules as they are, I believe the Speaker should be of the same party as holds the most seats. For the 118th Congress, that's the Republican party.
I also believe that since we all live in the same country, we all have a stake in having a functional legislature. What's happening now is like a house on fire. If you want to protect your own house, you need to help put out the fire next door, even if you don't like your neighbor and disagre with them about everything.
You are right, Ruth, but they have to be recalled in their own districts. Therefor each of those districts will have to find at least one intelligent, sane, civic minded person to replace the total idiot they elected. Our Constitution does not allow for other solutions. I have too much respect for the Constitution - despite the errors of the Supreme Court, to want to ignore it.
Fay, yes, we will have to work it district by district, although I think we the people could start getting a broad message out covering a set from a whole state or region so the people can see it is not only their fool that needs to be replaced but a bunch who have joined together to make their lives miserable. We need recruiters who can find those decent people who will be needed. We need to get people to realize they don't have to settle for the worst this nation has to offer. I too, value the Constitution and will value it even more when the ERA is certified (as it should have beeen 2 years ago) and women are actually included in the Constitution, something Alito assumed we were not. What a jerk!
I am still holding my breath and hoping against hope that the AMERICAN wins, as JEFFRIES is beating McCarthy 212:201! C'mon republicans! Prove how much "you're sick of _rump!"
They have had so many chances to rid themselves of _rump disease, now they have little miniature _rump that are uncomfortable and full of hate and have no interest in governing Our Country. Wake up American people, our democracy is worth saving, stop voting for these insurrections, election denying traitors.
I am so Very weary of a handful of miscreants wielding so much power and too little intelligence or impulse control like spoiled unruly children with the capacity to wreak so much harm on the American people I survived the Nixon years,Reagonomics and both of the Bush's lies and propaganda.Trump completely traumatized me with his unbearable ignorance and behemoth ego Lies and punishment is not the way forward and young people are dying in unprecedented numbers because of many of the lies they perpetuate
I was so relieved when Biden took over and his progress has been remarkable
We need Grown ups running our government and I am not taking about age
I pray they come to their senses and realize they have the capacity to do great good and carry that legacy instead of what they are embracing for attention and instigating discordance like it won't hurt innocent and undeserving people
I couldn’t agree more, Karen. I said this yesterday and will say it again: this is a continuation of The Insurrection for them. I think six sane republicans should vote for Jeffries and we have a coalition government which has the capacity to shut down the showmanship of these blackmailers. Many of them are under investigation and have no business in the House anyway. They’re criminals and are dangerous to our country. They want to overthrow the government and institute chaos. A coalition government could be a good thing. I think the dems could pull it off if they aren’t gleeful and lord it over the republicans. For it to work there would have to be obvious respect.
Both Jordan & McCarthy are unacceptable & anybody else from or favored by the seditious Freedom Caucus. Find a candidate mutually acceptable to Democrats & the least extreme of the Republicans. You already know the names of most of the people I'd consider (although it keeps growing).
I agree with your predictions, and in addition, the MAGAts would likely place the full "blame" on the Biden Administration and/or Democrats in general, and refuse to take any responsibility for he chaos they create.
I can never go back to the "threads", after I read the comments. I have no idea why. Someone (could have been you) advised me once before, but I forgot what they said! Do you know how I can fix this?
It is tricky & inconvenient. Some things you can try... click on original "comment", whether it's yours or somebody else's. Above this comment it should say "thread", which you can click on, & it goes to original comment on thread. Problem is there can be scores of comments on that 1 thread, especially if it's the leading thread, & it sometimes seems like you're scrolling forever before you get to the comment you're looking for.
Another problem for those of us on a smartphone is that we often run out of lateral room & to continue the conversation we have to click on "cont'd" (or something like that) to get onto another space, but when we want to go back where we left off, either by clicking on the back arrow or where it says to go back to the discussion, we are usually tossed back to the beginning of the thread or somewhere in-between, & have to scroll a long ways before we get back where we left off. It can be frustrating & discouraging.
I'm always on my computer, but it keeps happening. I subscribe to six substacks, but it only happens on two of them. FRUSTRATING! (Bob, if you see this, can you please help us?)
What you describe will take a "Profiles in Courage" moment. Are there 40 or so in the GOP who still have enough independence, integrity, courage and guts to do the right thing ?
We saw what happened to Cheney and Kintzinger - the message is pretty clear.
It is also clear that the Trump influence on Congress is ending and these folks will have to take one fork in the road or another. History will judge them for the decisions they make at this juncture.
It only takes 6 moderate Republicans to form a coalition with Democrats and elect a moderate non-MAGA, non-Freedom Caucus, non-radical right wing extremist, Speaker.
Agree, it only takes 6. The post indicated that Reich had identified about 40 who were candidates for the next chapter of "Profiles in Courage."
It's a little early in the game for independent minded GOP to break ranks. My hunch is that there will be some movement after the stalemate lasts a week or so.
Jim, the Republican MAGAs care little or nothing for what history says about them as long as it says something. Their egos are huge and any time their name is mentioned, they puff up a little larger, almost to a ghastly size. The MAGAs are toddlers who have been shaped into demanding whiny, lying brats and it is hard to reason with toddlers. Most parents put them to bed when they get that fussy. What can we do with these toddlers? We need to find out if there are a few adults on the Republican side of the aisle we can get to help Dems put them to bed until this insanity is over, and a worthy person is elected.
I can't rely on history to judge them. If they win, they write it. We don't need the Republican Party. Let them implode. Don't help them, not even a lifeline. Once the Party of the crazies and the insurrectionists crumbles, perhaps some sane moderates will resurrect it or create a new "Whig" Party.
George, as a mental exercise, I try to figure out how a whole political party turned into fools, hateful people, clowns, and toddlers. I honestly don't get it. What do they get from their bad behavior? It must be something gooey and sweet because they are addicted to it.
Yes, Ruth, I ask that question too or a variation. How did we get here and how can half our government, one almost entire political party, be so uncaring about the people who voted them in, who they represent. And why aren’t those voters incensed by their representatives’ callous behavior! As long as voters accept so called leaders who do not make their lives better, that’s what they will get. And they will blame the Democrats. Are we leaving Democracy behind?
Irenie, yes, I honestly don't understand the love the constituents have for the Republicans who have done nothing for them and in fact, have done everything they can to keep programs and funds from coming to their districts and states. What happens to people that they will choose to vote for liars, cheaters, and people who care nothing about the job they are in since it gives them a whole lot of power to use against the people. It's really crazy!
"By my rough count, there are some 40 Republican Representatives — many from purple districts — who might be willing to vote with Democrats in selecting a Speaker."
Trump won't become irrelevant. He holds one form of blackmail they won't ignore. He will threaten a third party run which would ensure they lost. He's lose too but it's all about revenge and retribution.
If we can find a centrist on either side of the aisle who is willing I look out for the interests of the working and middle class, as well as the rights of all Americans, they’ve got my support.
Sir, I believe this can be achieved. If the Democrats act wisely, and with humility rather than gloating, and with an emphasis of the important work that needs to be done, they can convince a number of the Republicans to "jump ship." -- to at least become independents.
Thomas, I think that is possible, but it must be handled very delicately because many Republicans have forgotten who they are and what they stand for, even the least right-wing among them.
Janet, I am hopeful that a positive deal can be made that Dems and a few Republicans with integrity can agree to to avoid Jordan, McCarthy, and the rest of the MAGAs.
Catch her on the 11th Hour tonight. Boebert showed how the 20 are living in a different universe and haven’t a desire to work with anyone. Just the “rules” they want. Never explained what those rules are. Said they were willing to keep up the fight until the cherry blooms!
Terry, Boebert and the others are toddlers who have no idea how to govern. Heck, they don't even really know what they want because they not only have no sense of what the consequences will be for each of their poorly planned actions, they don't care. Why should they care when the bulk of Republicans out here in the world love whatever their toddlers are doing and if there is a problem, they can convince themselves with little to no effort that the Democrats did it. The Republican party has drawn to itself the weak-willed, poorly informed, the willing to be led and pushed around as long as they don't have to do anything, racist, misogynistic, homo/transphobes who glory in their whiteness are the constituents, the toddlers they put into office, and the leadership they install. How does one get child-adults to grow up when the last thing they want is to be responsible for their words and actions?
Janet, I certainly feel for you. I was following from AZ and so hoping Mr. Frisch would win! He must be a good man. Cannot believe anyone could vote for Boebert - she talked nonstop and said nothing. Made a fool of herself - very scary ideas!!
Terry, Yes, Boebert is pretty ignorant, but she does have a big loud mouth and will say pretty much whatever comes to it whether it makes sense, is reasonable, or not, and it usually is not. I keep wondering both what is wrong with her and then how anyone could possibly vote for her, and in Colorado!
Jim and Janet, Amen!! McCarthy has nothing to offer anyone but a spineless hollow wreck of a human being. ?Gag, why would anyone even vote for such a slug for a post as important as Speaker?
This current state of affairs might be just the impetus moderate Rs need to assert themselves and slap down the MAGA/Freedom Caucus wackos who have been wielding an inordinate amount of power. If moderate Rs form a coalition with Dems to elect a moderate R Speaker, they can restore power to the center and relegate the ignorant, nihilistic liars and attention-seekers back to the fringe where they belong.
Robert, I am wondering how long it will take for the grown-ups to step in and put the toddlers to bed by picking a decent Republican moderate just as you describe. I hope there actually is someone Democrats actually respect and would want as Speaker. We'll see.
Janet, the trick to finding the 6 Republicans needed to work with Dems to find a reasonable Speaker, they have to be courageous and have a spine. Those two things are not present in many Republicans these days. I can only hope there are six and that there is one who could actually be a reasonable Speaker Dems could get behind. That's exhausting just thinking about it.
It’s also about their district and how gerrymandered, and therefore the party, locally and at state matter. That’s why we have Ohio today as it is. Gerrymandered and reinforcing people like Jordan.
I don’t think there are 6 Republicans who have such a spine, but if there are enough that weren’t planning on sticking around after this Congress and who don’t live in deeply red areas such that they would greatly fear for their lives, that might be enough.
There is no bottom. The GOP is a fascist wasteland of lies, grift and performative belligerence. These are the death throes of pale, male, stale America and I am here for it.
Wish I had a clue who those five might be. This is irresponsible behavior; the nation is at risk by adversaries who could take an opportune moment of chaos to attack our nation. I find myself most uncomfortable with waiting day after day with no House sworn in to make decisions as needed with the threat that this behavior could continue for weeks. We the people deserve better from our elected officials. Perhaps the sun will rise on a better day tomorrow. McCarthy is giving away too much power to the MAGA extremists and if that is the price he is willing to pay, he needs to step away and let other avenues to a solution emerge. You have suggested very viable and reasonable alternatives. Let’s hope he lets his ego accept failure and move on.
Any Republicans who joined in this plot would be subjected to the most vicious retaliation imaginable. I would like to remind you that the metal detectors have been removed at the House, and we’re talking about a couple hundred Crusaders whose Jerusalems are protecting the rich from taxation at all cost and representing the psychotic wing of firearms owners. Lord knows how many of them already showed us their true colors on January 6th.
"If every House Democrat joins them, only five House Republicans could elect the next Speaker. Surely there are five who believe in governing?"
No there aren't. The Republican core belief is that tax cuts for the wealthy are a fundamentally good thing. I was watching yesterday as a hapless young Congressman (from Utah?) was expressing great frustration about the failure to elect a Speaker, and the antics from the far right. He was a moderate. Then all of a sudden, he stopped his tirade, looked straight at the camera, and said something along the lines of "Bottom line, we just gotta stop runaway government spending!"
So there it is. Even moderate House Republicans will never share power with Democrats, because Democrats may just do what needs to be done: AFTER 4 DECADES OF SUPPLY-SIDE BS, JUST RAISE THE FRIGGIN' TAXES ON RICH PEOPLE AND CORPORATIONS.
So, let's not worry about it too much, sit back and enjoy the spectacle of Republicans slitting each other's throats. We must focus on 2024.
This fragmented divide that separates Mexico from our own country has been a source of political controversy for decades. President after president has had this problem dumped in their laps with no real solution to the problem. One obstacle that hasn't been addressed lies in the territory's history. At one point back in the early 1800s the country of Mexico owned in part or in total the following: California, Nevada, Utah, New Mexico, Arizona, Colorado, and portions of Oklahoma, Kansas, and Wyoming. At one time this area was the homeland of the Mexican people. Mexico ceded these territories to the United States at the end of the Mexican-American war that culminated on February 2nd, 1848. That date is when our border problems began. It's almost as if we don't want to find an answer to the problem. There wouldn't be an issue if the Mexican Government would patrol their side and keep immigrants from attempting to enter the United States. Even today the thought line in the Mexican mindset still sees the state of Texas as being a territory of Mexico. As a result of the treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, Mexico ceded 55% of its territory to the United States. Just look at the names given to the cities in the area, San Francisco, Los Angles, Sacramento, San Diego, Fresno, San Bruno, and many others. The Southwestern United States is really old Mexico, so to speak. No wonder these people want to enter this country, they have a deep-seated desire to go home. The western United States has a deep Mexican heritage that should be embraced not ignored. Since 2015 this country has absorbed a total of 1,481,000 immigrants, that we know of, who have crossed into the United States from the Mexican side of the border, and half that number again, made up of Indian and Chinese immigrants who have entered via alternative ports. Trump had this issue and he did little to nothing in an effort to stop the flow of people crossing our Southern border. Yet even today, on the floor of the House in front of the entire country, accusations were hurled at President Biden accusing him of incompetency with regard to the way he has handled the border problem. At times I wonder why Republicans even bother to flush, they seem to like the stuff so much. The blame game only goes as far as intelligence will allow it to travel. The line drawn in the sand runs right down the center walkway in the House of Representatives and it distinguishes the Democrats from the stone throwers. Glass Houses?
Donald Hodgins
I realize the composition of the nationalities making up the immigrant population varies greatly.
It might also help if we stopped creating policies that did damage to our neighbors to the south, such as the despicable War on Drugs that helped give rise to the drug lords and making life untenable for many people. Perhaps we could also work toward protecting people in Central and South America from exploitation by American corporations. If we could finally see that we have an obligation to be good neighbors and that the whole hemisphere would benefit from that. Policies that would allow for other countries to flourish might help slow the flow of undocumented people.
Perhaps if we address the problems they find worth fleeing from and help them to make their lives more productive, remove the reason to leave and replacing it with better reasons to stay.
I'm old enough to remember the days of the "banana republics" that we helped to create and supported. They'd be stupid to trust us again. Especially with our major corporations and billionaires so tightly in control of many of our legislators.
Trust is a funny thing. By coming to our country and entrusting their very lives to us, I really believe there is enough trust still there for us to make a difference. Look at today's Republican party, I hope the day will come when we can trust them again. But watch where you step those banana peels are slippery little suckers, watch your 6.
Donald, I stand by my post. Despite our best intentions, our corporations and billionaires and their lackeys in Congress would weasel their way into bed with the leaders of each country and get busy feathering their own nests. Do any of them help those who most need it? The poor who cannot go to school because they're too busy scrabbling for their next meal? The poor who die because they have no protection from the gangs, drug cartels, and the military? They come to the USA because there are jobs and schools. They trust us here because, once admitted legally, they have a chance for a better life. I lived in Mexico and I saw it. When I returned to the US, I shared a condo with a hardworking young woman whose family was among the poorest of the poor of Guatemala. She was able to send money and gifts to move them out of the grinding poverty and into a better life.
Looking closer to home, how much help have we been to Puerto Rico? There are people who still don't have electricity or clean water. There are roofs still covered with tarps. How many years has it been?
Nope. I wouldn't trust us as far as I could throw us. Not until we learn that the problem isn't Republican v. Democrats, or left v. right, but rather it's top v. bottom.
Stand by your thoughts. My question is, how long do you think the the rest of the Americas from below our border will stay in their present state of being untouchable and beyond our help? There is a point in every bad situation where things turn around. If we turn our backs on the plight of the country's below our Southern border and the immigrants continue to come here in the numbers we are seeing at present where is the fix?
The U.S. has a legal obligation to respect and honor its own laws, including humane and competent processing of asylum seekers. Plus, accepting asylum seekers helps our economy grow, by bolstering our workforce with younger workers that will be paying into our Social Security system and caring for our elderly citizens.
I complete agree with that thought, however there should be a limit to the number of people we let into our country. I feel asylum seekers should take the first step in coming here by applying at the US embassy in their home country. After they have been vetted the asylum issue can go to the next level and a better control system that would mean a safer induction into our country could be implemented.
I naturally was referring to the countries that "Have" an embassy in their country. I know as you seem to be aware of the fact that our embassies are at a premium. To say the idea of using our government's out posts is nuts only reflects upon your lack of understand of the problem. I didn't mean it would solve the problem I just thought it would lessen it. The more we chip away at the amount of immigrants illegally crossing our Southern border or other ports of call, the less of a problem there is to deal with. The Cubans and others that have no embassies to speak of will have to be handled in a different manner. I was talking about the ones that do. There is no blanket solution to this problem we need to look for any alternative that will ease the situation. By you saying the idea is "nuts" only adds to the insanity. My idea was offered in an attempt to find an answer, OK maybe it is out there, but how would you fix the problem? I promise I won't stoop to the level you did.
Here's my level: I heard visa cases for 19 years. Long before that I wrote papers (for SSA) on the 1848 Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo which gives treaty rights to Mexicans. Treaties are at the same level as our Constitution.
Must distinguish between refugees and others.
There IS and HAS BEEN a partial solution: Employer Sanctions. The poster boy for sanctions was Donald J. Trump who was fined by DOL for using them on job sites. probably still is. He displaces American workers on his properties using temporary work visas. Statistics show that sanctions work. No job-no economic immigrants.
Most of the people here in Baghdad By the Sea illegally came here on tourist, work, education visas legally and stayed, illegally. We have forms of visas that permit entry without going through Homeland Security.
I bet that most of the people at the border came because of Republican BS PR that our borders are open and/or were SENT there. How does a destitute Cuban guajiro get air fare to Mexico? Ukrainians? Africans?
Our main problem has been that the agency formerly known as "Immigration" was underfunded and so have all current agencies dealing with the problem.
I can go on for a month.
If you can't take heat stay out of the kitchen. You sound just like the rednecks here.
I'm a college educated old man that see more than most me give credit for. The United States upon acquiring the Western territories from Mexico back in the middle 1800s immediately made every person of Mexican heritage a citizen of the United States. That practice wouldn't be applicable today. As for me personally, I live in hell, the heat doesn't bother me, in fact I don't need to ignite my stove in order to cook. As for the color of my neck, keep guessing eventually you will get it.
Another helper would limit the number of ballots a member can run on. Say 10 ballots, if they can't win during that time they are automatically dropped from contention. This process, as it stands, has absolutely no logic to its function. The stumbling block is the 218 votes needed in order to determine the winner. How do we get past that hurtle? I feel every member should be forced to carry a sidearm, shut the chamber doors, and turn off the light. When the shooting stops check to see how the voting went. This would aid in the efforts to establish term limits.
Of my several disappointments with Democratic performance since 2020 (student debt stasis, no SCOTUS expansion, no windfall profits tax, DeJoy still crippling USPS, two years of no visible action by DOJ, no push-back on gerrymandering, no hardball re the filibuster, … — all of which seem like low-hanging fruit for the Party that wants to appear as representing the people) … the inability or unwillingness to eliminate the debt-ceiling is perhaps most infuriating. We are in the majority, yet insist on handing our proverbial nuts on a platter to the minority, such that any meaningful legislation can be castrated.
The notion of a national debt-ceiling is complete nonsense. It’s an phony barrier that malicious Conservatives use in their effort to cripple the proper functioning of government. Yet the vast majority of people — even in leadership positions — seem ignorant of the way modern money works in this country — holding the childish notion that “taxes fund the government”.
WE HAVE A DEBT-BASED CURRENCY SYSTEM. Government spending and loans by the central banking system are how money gets into the economy in the first place. Taxes and debt-service are the way money exits the system so that the next spending cycle can continue. Most people have it backwards. If we simply “paid off the debt” there would be no circulating money (well, except for the 3% existing as coins and bills).
The problem is not the level of nation debt, but what the money is being used (or not used) for. So long as the money is applied toward actual productive activity and meeting the true needs of the country, the debt can go to the Moon. But if it is squandered on pork-barrel projects and further enriching the already obscenely rich, while the majority of citizens continue to struggle paycheck-to-paycheck, without adequate healthcare, education, and other services. THAT is when inflation/ recession/ depression — and eventual oblivion will set in.
I fear even those "moderate" Republicans will not take this off-ramp if it were to be presented to them. Even those who are willing to buck Trump are only willing to go so far and not much further. And any who did take this opportunity would find themselves to be the object of derision and anger from the rest of their Republican colleagues, who would call them traitors and call for them to be censured. Anyway that's how I see it.
It is just the next brick laid on the road to anarchy or authoritarianism. Our democracy experiment is in a failed state. Our World Capitalism is in a failed state. When the pain is great enough, we will change or become extinct as a species. Denial is a dangerous tool.
You're so right! I cannot understand why democrats aren't taking advantage of this situation. They could sink MAGA right now. Give over votes to a conservative they can at least do battle with, rather than cater to the scorch and burn MAGAs. This is their last chance to put them in their place. Why aren't they acting?
You're right, Victoria, although I'm not suggesting they take over. They can walk across the aisle and make deals, I would think. They do that all the time. There's nothing to say they can't talk behind closed doors. As professor Reich suggested, House Democrats and the few remaining “moderate” Republicans could make, say, Ohio’s Republican Rep. David Joyce the Speaker of the House, thereby neutering the MAGA crowd, instead of being held hostage by it.
It's not up to them to compromise, but if some Republicans want help in finding a candidate that Democrats can support, than by all means cooperate. It won't be McCarthy or anybody else the fascists support.
The Republican Party no longer exists. It has degenerated into radical factions who are not interested in governing or moving the country forward. They have no real agenda, no platform and no serious policies. I am not inclined to recommend that Democrats throw them a lifeline. I simply do not trust these charlatans.
*Oh, it would take six Republicans, not five, to reach the required 218 (212+6).
It is the TRUMPLICAN party and has been since they gave up trying to argue with Dear Leader sometime between 2016 and 2018 when they lost yet again. (Remember: in a fair and just system, the electoral college would have been abolished after The Emacipation Proclamatiom rendered it all but obsolete. Hillary Clinton would have won.)
"Surely there are five who believe in governing?"
I doubt it. They must be willing to commit hari-kari.
Well, Adam Kinzinger and Liz Cheney were. Maybe they still have some like-minded pals "inside."
Nope.
Nearly all of the ten that voted for Trump's 2nd impeachment are now gone. The new ones haven't been tested so we don't know for sure, but the trend for Republicans has been consistently more & more extreme. Hopefully enough would be willing to come up with a compromise candidate acceptable to the Democrats.
Hope springs eternal... [good thing too]
It’s all about the $$. When they make a public show of turning their back on the “Ex” and their base, they also cut off their main source of revenue. I believe Adam K. got a new gig on CNN and we know what happened to Cheney.
Daniel, alas, I think you are right. I kept hoping there would be a voice of common sense among the Republicans when the role was called, maybe a few more "present" votes and a vote or two for Jeffries, so perhaps Jeffries could win, and most could say they didn't vote for him. The whole mess would be over and the House would have a decent moderate who can cross the aisle. That didn't happen which means, there is no common sense among the Republican toddlers and this mess will continue in all its crappy nonsense.
Daniel Solomon ; Hopefully, there will be at least 6 who believe in governing and who realize that they may as well commit hari-kari if they don't.
I don't think they'll come forward voluntarily. From the MAGAt perspective has NOTHING to do with governing.
1. Power. Pecking order.
2. Attempt to avoid indictments for insurrection.
3. Allocation of RNC and PAC funds.
4. Any interference by Democrats is seen as an act of war. We don't have standing to give them any advice. When they are desperate, they'll deal. Predicate is desperation..
Imo it's not a question of lifelines. It's about letting lunatic MAGAS fill the vacuum.
That's what I thought too, that we need 6 to reach 218. Unless Dr. Reich means the electee plus 5 more. I guess the prospective speaker could vote for her-himself
One of the Republicans voted "present". If we got enough abstentions then that could also give the Democratic choice the win.
True, I think 6 abstentions would give Hakeem the Speakership. maybe the dumb bunnies of the twenty won't figure this out - I think the concept is beyond the concept of Boebert, Gaetz, Greene, and Jordan
How do you manage to have factions in a party that does not appear to stand for anything? Do you believe in magic? Very uncharted territory here methinks.
There is no party as I noted in my post. There are just individual factions (groupings, tribes, enclaves) that roam the halls of the Capitol feasting on Fox News PR opportunities.
Janet, you have laid out just what we can expect. The Republican toddlers have no idea about how to govern and figure they will keep raking in the bucks for their bad behavior, and unless something changes, they will. That is, until those giving them the "donations" start losing on Wall Street because no one cares about our economy anymore and stops investing. The MAGAs are not smart people no matter where they went to school. As toddlers, they only know what they want, what they hear from Tucker et al, and whatever Trump, who is less bright than they tells them to do. I think, alas, that Dems need to rescue our nation, not just the House from the crazies (and they are crazy). They are out of control toddlers who have not been told "no" often enough. They are mean, selfish, demanding, and unworthy of the positions they have been given. We the People need to start showing their constituents what those MAGAs have in store for them and that they care nothing for those who voted for them. That is going to be a tough job, but it must be done.
Many here have done an excellent job of describing "them" -- meaning the minority of 20 Republicans who refuse to support McCarthy, plus their allies who might number a few dozen. But it's a mistake to lump all elected Republicans into the same category.
The failure of MAGA candidates across the country demonstrates that their support, such as it ever was, is collapsing. Ironically, that's why this gang of 20 has the power it has. If better candidates had run, the Republican majority would be larger and could afford to have 20 votes for someone other than McCarthy.
The corollary to this is that, aside from those in ruby red districts, the Republicans who did win are those who distanced themselves from MAGA. For example, Pennsylvania's first district went solidly for Biden (by double digits), but also re-elected Republican Brian Fitzpatrick. There are at least 20 districts that voted for both Biden and a Republican representative.
Demonizing the opposition, insisting they're all Qanon extremists bent on destroying democracy, is not only inaccurate it's self-defeating. If you know nothing about the opposition you are ill-equipped to engage with them. And engaging with them is the heart of the matter -- that's what representative democracy is all about.
Mr. Reich's proposal is the only viable solution to the problem at hand. I personally would approach it from the other side, and seek to get more Republicans and fewer Democrats to support a moderate Republican for Speaker. That would also maintain the Republican majority, which they are entitled to under our democratic system since they won more seats.
Agreed. From what I have read in NYT and other news posts is the "20" referred to are a small band of alt right maniacs including Jim Jordan, Matt Gaetz, and Loren Boebert. They are to the right of McCarthy and maybe even Trump. The Republican party is so skewed today it's hard to pick out the bad guys from the really bad guys and the off the planet evil guys. Dr, Reich, I believe, was referring to 40 or so of 105 Republicans elected who don't fall into my 3 catagories. You are correct, there are so many different groups of Republicans today that we can't pack them all in one bucket. As a Californian who has watched Kevin McCarthy's wimpy career for years, I hope he is not named House Speaker. He is a weak, grovelling coward, with no moral compass. He is guided solely by the need for power, recognition, and of course money. He is from Bakersfield which if you've never been there is a mid-sized city in Kern County with the Sierra Nevada's to the East, the Tehachapi's to the South, and the Coastal Range West. It is a hilly, dry, agricultural center. McCarthy, so far as I can determine hasn't done a damn thing to better the lives of his constituents. The constituents are farmers, ranchers, with a large number of Hispanic workers. Good people but not great thinkers. They vote Republican because.......great granddaddy did, everyone knows that liberals only care about city folks, and, well because. In my opinion, we the Democrats have never presented a viable candidate who listened to what these people really need - water, affordable hired hands, and help with selling their produce (both plant and animal. Talking to them about the needy and the homeless are things to which they can't relate. Helping them get, and responsibly use water, supporting co-ops that work for them and just listening and making laws to help and the Democrats could take over in a heartbeat. We need to gain the trust of all Americans, not just write them off as dyed in the wool REDS.
While I have not seen anything to like about anything in the Republican agenda - wait, they don't even have a platform - I think you are dead on correct about the way Democrats need to approach white rural Americans. I have a lot of paternal family in central Kansas. You can count the number of black people in St. John - Great Bend on the fingers of one hand. They don't have homelessness there. They are not evil, dark people because of this; it's just that people place priority on things that are close to them. They DO suffer from the monopolistic controls of Big Agra and the meat packing industry. They have to work harder and harder for less and less. They don't fathom the situation in big cities, and much of what they see on TV is pretty scary - and not just on Fox News. When I was there for a reunion last year, on hearing I was from the Seattle area, many asked me if it was terrifying to go out at night. They thought the Black Lives Matter demonstrations were still going on there, and that it was anarchy on the streets. Living in an urban area, I have a better sense of the realities of the situation and that it was never like that, and I am also able to feel the same anger and frustration at the police attitude toward and flagrant abuse of African Americans. But for people far removed from that, it's harder to see. Democrats should never weaken their stance on the issues of homelessness, racism, hate groups, police violence, etc., but we need to also emphasize what's really wrong with the economy and have a clear agenda on how to break the power of corporations and the filthy rich on all aspects of our economy and government, and how we're going to address the problems that white rural Americans face as well. The Republicans have no plan for any of this.
Thank you very much for this response, I agree we need to hang on to our position to protect and give needed assistance and training to the homeless, the neglected, the under served. I just want us to be more inclusive, We are a large party and by and large a caring party. We do not need to be disdainful of persons who also have needs, though much different from we city dwellers. the Republicans have made an art of appealing to the most disgusting portion of our national character. No one is totally without bias (I dislike, without even knowing them, greedy, rich, white men and some bitchy white women too - excluding myself of course who could fall into the class of bitchy old white women (:-)) You also make a profound statement about the lack of even distribution of news. The GOP and their panderers did an excellent job of portraying the BLM movement as a bunch of unruly thugs demanding money and destroying everything in sight, while we urbanites, who actually witnessed them, were aware they were an orderly, well managed group with legitimate grievances.
John, your family in KS really is isolated from the real world! That must be tough. To believe that cities are always in upheaval and all that caused by Black people, who I am sure scare them. I don't know how to even reach them because they live in the Fox Not Really News bubble. The union movement could help the meat-packing industry, but for a lot of white rural people, unions are the enemy and will cause the factories to go out of business. They don't realize that they are in business there because it is cheap and the meat is right nearby and won't cost a lot to ship. It is taking that next step in thinking and reasoning so many choose not to take. It is Democrats who want better affordable internet for those areas and want working roads, railroads, and other infrastructure as well as open working hospitals and good schools there. Dems also pass farm bills that try to help subsidize their crop and meat production while Republicans want to give them nothing. Yet, they vote for the Republicans who do nothing to improve their situation. Those scared white rural folks have been called "the real Americans" by people like Sarah Palin yet they support candidates who would choose to bring down our democracy. It is incomprehensible! I don't know how Democrats can even reach this crew because it seems they don't want to be reached and it is so easy to go along with their Republican representatives at the various levels and blame Democrats, city dwellers, and unions for all their troubles than to look at what they themselves are doing or not doing.
And they all get their ‘news’ from FOX or FaceBook. They aren’t stupid, just badly misinformed.
Fay, Lengthy but exceeding illuminating Post !! Much food for thought whitch we should be focusing more time on. Tactics, Tactics, Tactics.
Fay, I finally got to your comment. It is an excellent assessment of Kevin McCarthy, a non-entity who believes he deserves whatever he wants, just because and will hang on to the bitter end, whatever and whenever that is. He does not care about his constituents. He just uses them to get to a seat of power he believes he should rule and plans to rule with an iron fist even though few of his colleagues actually like or trust him. Most vote for him because they feel they have to. It makes no sense because he has lost 11 ballots with no evidence he will do better unless he has figured out a way to buy more people's votes with appalling concessions he should never have to make to a group of horrible human beings who want to rule even more than he does. They know they will never be elected, but they want to stand behind the throne and do the crazy dance every day to be sure nothing of any value happens in the House, can't serve the people, you know; it makes them first-class citizens and can't have that! Oh, where are the 6 who could just vote for Jeffries, get this whole pile of crap moved, and get a decent human being in as Speaker, a man who will actually respect them and not take revenge on them for not being McCarthy's good little boys and girls. Where is the courage? Where is the integrity within the Republican ranks? I keep hoping it is there somewhere, but not even a peep yet.
I too, hope that 6 Republican s find the backbone to do what's best for the Country. If it destroys what's left of the Republican Party they can start an new political party called the "Fiscal Conservative Party" or the "Party of Responsibility". Being a Liberal Progressive or maybe even a Democratic Socialist myself I would never vote for them, but at least I'd respect them. And they'd have a whole bunch of like-minded voters. As has been pointed out many times the Party of Trump has no platform, or at least not one they wish to make public. They really loved Trump's authoritarian bent, and staying in office with no oversight for as long as they choose. No wonder they idolize Vladimir Putin. If Xi Jinping weren't Chinese they'd idolize him too.
The McCarthyites are quite extreme, too -- after all, they include MTG -- & McCarthy has shown himself to be feckless with no moral compass, who would be absolutely disastrous as Speaker. Only a small minority of 15-40 Republican members are decent & patriotic enough that the Democrats can work with to come up with a mutually acceptable candidate.
Jerry, I would be OK with Brian Fitzpatrick, although I have no idea if he would take the job. Someone like him could make the needed bridge. The problem is that the Republicans living in reality often hide themselves (you know, their light under a basket) so it is hard to know who they are and what they have to offer. Someone should be keeping a record. Maybe Nancy Pelosi has that information. She has an amazing memory and ability to understand people. She could be approached while walking in the halls and people might not suspect.
Brian Fitzpatrick? No.
I have to take issue with the idea that they "deserve more seats." Gerrymandering your way to more uncontested Congressional seats is not necessarily a true indication of popular will or democratic principles.
After all the right has done, and the numerous bad faith efforts of Republicans over the past decade or more, I don't think it should still fall to Democrats to step up and solve Republican's own self contrived crisis.
We tried to warn them at every step of the way that electing people who have no interest in having a functional government would in fact lead to a broken government. And now here we are.
McCarthy was a fool to ever attempt to negotiate with the Insurrectionist Caucus. Unfortunately, he has once again put his own personal political ambition above doing the right thing for the country.
Crystal, the problem is that if Republican toddlerism screws our government, thus, our people, Democrats will suffer most because many of our constituents are poor, people of color, marginalized by society, and experience many health issues due to their situation. A lot of the Republican toddlers are white, privileged, have some money, often own homes, but think they are desperate and want to go along with every stupid thing their Republican "leaders" put forward. That makes Dems the ones who just have to do the rescue. Our problem in the past when Dems have done the rescuing is that they didn't stand up and crow about it, so the pathetic little white folks in middle America didn't know it. They thought their "heroes" had done the trick. That's what Fox Not Really News told them, right, and they would know, right? I do think if 6 courageous Republicans just voted for Jeffries, this whole bunch of crap could be left behind and it would be a win-win because clearly Democrats will need to work with Republicans to get anything done. It would help marginalize the crazy Republican wing that shouldn't even be in Congress at all due to their insurrectionism. It would set aside Kevin McCarthy who is truly a non-entity despite all the lies that have been told about him by his possibly bribed supporters. That would be ideal, but we need integrity and Courage and neither of those these days are plentiful among Republicans. I understand there are around 18 Republicans who won in Democratic districts. 6 of them should have the guts to stand up for the Democrats who voted for them (who knows why). I know I am dreaming, but in reality, I am hopeful.
Crystal, you are completely right that Republicans do not "deserve more seats". Gerrymandering grossly distorts popular will and is contrary to democratic principles.
That being said, it is how districts have been drawn and the eelction results are what they are. As a member of the party that respects election results and is committed to abiding by the rules as they are, I believe the Speaker should be of the same party as holds the most seats. For the 118th Congress, that's the Republican party.
I also believe that since we all live in the same country, we all have a stake in having a functional legislature. What's happening now is like a house on fire. If you want to protect your own house, you need to help put out the fire next door, even if you don't like your neighbor and disagre with them about everything.
A broken government is no good for any of us.
You are right, Ruth, but they have to be recalled in their own districts. Therefor each of those districts will have to find at least one intelligent, sane, civic minded person to replace the total idiot they elected. Our Constitution does not allow for other solutions. I have too much respect for the Constitution - despite the errors of the Supreme Court, to want to ignore it.
Fay, yes, we will have to work it district by district, although I think we the people could start getting a broad message out covering a set from a whole state or region so the people can see it is not only their fool that needs to be replaced but a bunch who have joined together to make their lives miserable. We need recruiters who can find those decent people who will be needed. We need to get people to realize they don't have to settle for the worst this nation has to offer. I too, value the Constitution and will value it even more when the ERA is certified (as it should have beeen 2 years ago) and women are actually included in the Constitution, something Alito assumed we were not. What a jerk!
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I am still holding my breath and hoping against hope that the AMERICAN wins, as JEFFRIES is beating McCarthy 212:201! C'mon republicans! Prove how much "you're sick of _rump!"
They have had so many chances to rid themselves of _rump disease, now they have little miniature _rump that are uncomfortable and full of hate and have no interest in governing Our Country. Wake up American people, our democracy is worth saving, stop voting for these insurrections, election denying traitors.
You nailed it
I am so Very weary of a handful of miscreants wielding so much power and too little intelligence or impulse control like spoiled unruly children with the capacity to wreak so much harm on the American people I survived the Nixon years,Reagonomics and both of the Bush's lies and propaganda.Trump completely traumatized me with his unbearable ignorance and behemoth ego Lies and punishment is not the way forward and young people are dying in unprecedented numbers because of many of the lies they perpetuate
I was so relieved when Biden took over and his progress has been remarkable
We need Grown ups running our government and I am not taking about age
I pray they come to their senses and realize they have the capacity to do great good and carry that legacy instead of what they are embracing for attention and instigating discordance like it won't hurt innocent and undeserving people
I couldn’t agree more, Karen. I said this yesterday and will say it again: this is a continuation of The Insurrection for them. I think six sane republicans should vote for Jeffries and we have a coalition government which has the capacity to shut down the showmanship of these blackmailers. Many of them are under investigation and have no business in the House anyway. They’re criminals and are dangerous to our country. They want to overthrow the government and institute chaos. A coalition government could be a good thing. I think the dems could pull it off if they aren’t gleeful and lord it over the republicans. For it to work there would have to be obvious respect.
Both Jordan & McCarthy are unacceptable & anybody else from or favored by the seditious Freedom Caucus. Find a candidate mutually acceptable to Democrats & the least extreme of the Republicans. You already know the names of most of the people I'd consider (although it keeps growing).
I agree with your predictions, and in addition, the MAGAts would likely place the full "blame" on the Biden Administration and/or Democrats in general, and refuse to take any responsibility for he chaos they create.
When do they not deflect blame to the Democrats?
That's their usual M.O.
I can never go back to the "threads", after I read the comments. I have no idea why. Someone (could have been you) advised me once before, but I forgot what they said! Do you know how I can fix this?
It is tricky & inconvenient. Some things you can try... click on original "comment", whether it's yours or somebody else's. Above this comment it should say "thread", which you can click on, & it goes to original comment on thread. Problem is there can be scores of comments on that 1 thread, especially if it's the leading thread, & it sometimes seems like you're scrolling forever before you get to the comment you're looking for.
Another problem for those of us on a smartphone is that we often run out of lateral room & to continue the conversation we have to click on "cont'd" (or something like that) to get onto another space, but when we want to go back where we left off, either by clicking on the back arrow or where it says to go back to the discussion, we are usually tossed back to the beginning of the thread or somewhere in-between, & have to scroll a long ways before we get back where we left off. It can be frustrating & discouraging.
Thank you so much! Fingers crossed.
I'm always on my computer, but it keeps happening. I subscribe to six substacks, but it only happens on two of them. FRUSTRATING! (Bob, if you see this, can you please help us?)
It would probably be easier for me if I used a computer, but I use a smartphone instead, at which I'm even more incompetent than I am with a computer.
Thanks very much for your response, Janet. If I find out anything useful, I'll let you know.
What you describe will take a "Profiles in Courage" moment. Are there 40 or so in the GOP who still have enough independence, integrity, courage and guts to do the right thing ?
We saw what happened to Cheney and Kintzinger - the message is pretty clear.
It is also clear that the Trump influence on Congress is ending and these folks will have to take one fork in the road or another. History will judge them for the decisions they make at this juncture.
It only takes 6 moderate Republicans to form a coalition with Democrats and elect a moderate non-MAGA, non-Freedom Caucus, non-radical right wing extremist, Speaker.
Agree, it only takes 6. The post indicated that Reich had identified about 40 who were candidates for the next chapter of "Profiles in Courage."
It's a little early in the game for independent minded GOP to break ranks. My hunch is that there will be some movement after the stalemate lasts a week or so.
The sane 40 need to be “worked” by their Dem colleagues and more importantly their constituents!
Jim, the Republican MAGAs care little or nothing for what history says about them as long as it says something. Their egos are huge and any time their name is mentioned, they puff up a little larger, almost to a ghastly size. The MAGAs are toddlers who have been shaped into demanding whiny, lying brats and it is hard to reason with toddlers. Most parents put them to bed when they get that fussy. What can we do with these toddlers? We need to find out if there are a few adults on the Republican side of the aisle we can get to help Dems put them to bed until this insanity is over, and a worthy person is elected.
I can't rely on history to judge them. If they win, they write it. We don't need the Republican Party. Let them implode. Don't help them, not even a lifeline. Once the Party of the crazies and the insurrectionists crumbles, perhaps some sane moderates will resurrect it or create a new "Whig" Party.
George, as a mental exercise, I try to figure out how a whole political party turned into fools, hateful people, clowns, and toddlers. I honestly don't get it. What do they get from their bad behavior? It must be something gooey and sweet because they are addicted to it.
Yes, Ruth, I ask that question too or a variation. How did we get here and how can half our government, one almost entire political party, be so uncaring about the people who voted them in, who they represent. And why aren’t those voters incensed by their representatives’ callous behavior! As long as voters accept so called leaders who do not make their lives better, that’s what they will get. And they will blame the Democrats. Are we leaving Democracy behind?
Irenie, yes, I honestly don't understand the love the constituents have for the Republicans who have done nothing for them and in fact, have done everything they can to keep programs and funds from coming to their districts and states. What happens to people that they will choose to vote for liars, cheaters, and people who care nothing about the job they are in since it gives them a whole lot of power to use against the people. It's really crazy!
3 words: Donald John Trump.
I agree, let them implode. The fallout won't be that deadly and the half-life is measured in days not eons.
Jim: "History will judge them . . . ." Perhaps. But they give not a fig for history and therein lies the rub.
Exactly! Imo an intellectual (faith-based?) platitude isn't particularly comforting.
But how do those 40 separate from the herd and form a group?
Reach out across the aisle, talk to Dems, consider options, cut deals, and trust each other to follow through on the deals that are cut.
I agree with what you say but they won't have the courage to do it.
As the great Yogi Berra once said, “When you come to a fork in the road - take it!”
40? 🤪
That is what Reich said in his post.
I read the post, Jim. Imo RR's articles are terrific -- but sometimes he's a bit optimistic.
The key imo is "might be." It's not certain. I don't see a core of moderates emerging. Do you? And if any do, the total won't be 40, at least not yet.
"By my rough count, there are some 40 Republican Representatives — many from purple districts — who might be willing to vote with Democrats in selecting a Speaker."
The correct number is zero. They all saw what happened to the "profiles in courage" who voted to impeach Trump.
Yeh, a lot more than I expected, too.
Yep, after his call to elect McCarthy, 1 person switched his vote from McCarthy to Jordan to show how much influence Trump now has.
Thanks! You're right!
Janet, the MMAGA children are in their rebellious stage. I suspect they will get back in line once their position of undeserved prominence is over.
Trump won't become irrelevant. He holds one form of blackmail they won't ignore. He will threaten a third party run which would ensure they lost. He's lose too but it's all about revenge and retribution.
If we can find a centrist on either side of the aisle who is willing I look out for the interests of the working and middle class, as well as the rights of all Americans, they’ve got my support.
A centrist in the Republican party?
Credit to you. An optimist.
A man can dream, can’t he?
👍
Indeed. More so, actually.
Sir, I believe this can be achieved. If the Democrats act wisely, and with humility rather than gloating, and with an emphasis of the important work that needs to be done, they can convince a number of the Republicans to "jump ship." -- to at least become independents.
Thomas, I think that is possible, but it must be handled very delicately because many Republicans have forgotten who they are and what they stand for, even the least right-wing among them.
Janet, I am hopeful that a positive deal can be made that Dems and a few Republicans with integrity can agree to to avoid Jordan, McCarthy, and the rest of the MAGAs.
Catch her on the 11th Hour tonight. Boebert showed how the 20 are living in a different universe and haven’t a desire to work with anyone. Just the “rules” they want. Never explained what those rules are. Said they were willing to keep up the fight until the cherry blooms!
Terry, Boebert and the others are toddlers who have no idea how to govern. Heck, they don't even really know what they want because they not only have no sense of what the consequences will be for each of their poorly planned actions, they don't care. Why should they care when the bulk of Republicans out here in the world love whatever their toddlers are doing and if there is a problem, they can convince themselves with little to no effort that the Democrats did it. The Republican party has drawn to itself the weak-willed, poorly informed, the willing to be led and pushed around as long as they don't have to do anything, racist, misogynistic, homo/transphobes who glory in their whiteness are the constituents, the toddlers they put into office, and the leadership they install. How does one get child-adults to grow up when the last thing they want is to be responsible for their words and actions?
Janet, I certainly feel for you. I was following from AZ and so hoping Mr. Frisch would win! He must be a good man. Cannot believe anyone could vote for Boebert - she talked nonstop and said nothing. Made a fool of herself - very scary ideas!!
Rhetoric : Meaningless Drivel, see also: Talk too much say not enough.
Terry, Yes, Boebert is pretty ignorant, but she does have a big loud mouth and will say pretty much whatever comes to it whether it makes sense, is reasonable, or not, and it usually is not. I keep wondering both what is wrong with her and then how anyone could possibly vote for her, and in Colorado!
Is "Democrats act wisely" an oxymoron?
You haven't been watching the republicans in the House. Nothing works with them.
So many oxymorons in one sentence.
" hollow, useless, lying and spineless" ! Amen, nails it.
Jim and Janet, Amen!! McCarthy has nothing to offer anyone but a spineless hollow wreck of a human being. ?Gag, why would anyone even vote for such a slug for a post as important as Speaker?
LOL! Get some good shut-eye, and sweet dreams, Janet!
This current state of affairs might be just the impetus moderate Rs need to assert themselves and slap down the MAGA/Freedom Caucus wackos who have been wielding an inordinate amount of power. If moderate Rs form a coalition with Dems to elect a moderate R Speaker, they can restore power to the center and relegate the ignorant, nihilistic liars and attention-seekers back to the fringe where they belong.
Robert, I am wondering how long it will take for the grown-ups to step in and put the toddlers to bed by picking a decent Republican moderate just as you describe. I hope there actually is someone Democrats actually respect and would want as Speaker. We'll see.
Janet, the trick to finding the 6 Republicans needed to work with Dems to find a reasonable Speaker, they have to be courageous and have a spine. Those two things are not present in many Republicans these days. I can only hope there are six and that there is one who could actually be a reasonable Speaker Dems could get behind. That's exhausting just thinking about it.
It’s also about their district and how gerrymandered, and therefore the party, locally and at state matter. That’s why we have Ohio today as it is. Gerrymandered and reinforcing people like Jordan.
Exactly right. But not all R districts are gerrymandered, and not all moderates in the party are at risk of being “primaried” by a MAGAt.
I don’t think there are 6 Republicans who have such a spine, but if there are enough that weren’t planning on sticking around after this Congress and who don’t live in deeply red areas such that they would greatly fear for their lives, that might be enough.
There is no bottom. The GOP is a fascist wasteland of lies, grift and performative belligerence. These are the death throes of pale, male, stale America and I am here for it.
Oh Michael, I hope you are right about these being the death throes of the Republican party, or at least as it has become over the past few decades.
Wish I had a clue who those five might be. This is irresponsible behavior; the nation is at risk by adversaries who could take an opportune moment of chaos to attack our nation. I find myself most uncomfortable with waiting day after day with no House sworn in to make decisions as needed with the threat that this behavior could continue for weeks. We the people deserve better from our elected officials. Perhaps the sun will rise on a better day tomorrow. McCarthy is giving away too much power to the MAGA extremists and if that is the price he is willing to pay, he needs to step away and let other avenues to a solution emerge. You have suggested very viable and reasonable alternatives. Let’s hope he lets his ego accept failure and move on.
Any Republicans who joined in this plot would be subjected to the most vicious retaliation imaginable. I would like to remind you that the metal detectors have been removed at the House, and we’re talking about a couple hundred Crusaders whose Jerusalems are protecting the rich from taxation at all cost and representing the psychotic wing of firearms owners. Lord knows how many of them already showed us their true colors on January 6th.
"If every House Democrat joins them, only five House Republicans could elect the next Speaker. Surely there are five who believe in governing?"
No there aren't. The Republican core belief is that tax cuts for the wealthy are a fundamentally good thing. I was watching yesterday as a hapless young Congressman (from Utah?) was expressing great frustration about the failure to elect a Speaker, and the antics from the far right. He was a moderate. Then all of a sudden, he stopped his tirade, looked straight at the camera, and said something along the lines of "Bottom line, we just gotta stop runaway government spending!"
So there it is. Even moderate House Republicans will never share power with Democrats, because Democrats may just do what needs to be done: AFTER 4 DECADES OF SUPPLY-SIDE BS, JUST RAISE THE FRIGGIN' TAXES ON RICH PEOPLE AND CORPORATIONS.
So, let's not worry about it too much, sit back and enjoy the spectacle of Republicans slitting each other's throats. We must focus on 2024.
Dems will never raise taxes on their necessary donors. It’s all theater. They live and “govern” only to protect their power jobs.
Nonsense. They have done it many times.
Sadly, i think that is wishful thinking. These people seem to actually want to destroy our country
Sherrie, you are right that these folks want to destroy our country, but we the people don't have to let them.
The border with Mexico.
Donald Hodgins <silencenotbad@gmail.com>
This fragmented divide that separates Mexico from our own country has been a source of political controversy for decades. President after president has had this problem dumped in their laps with no real solution to the problem. One obstacle that hasn't been addressed lies in the territory's history. At one point back in the early 1800s the country of Mexico owned in part or in total the following: California, Nevada, Utah, New Mexico, Arizona, Colorado, and portions of Oklahoma, Kansas, and Wyoming. At one time this area was the homeland of the Mexican people. Mexico ceded these territories to the United States at the end of the Mexican-American war that culminated on February 2nd, 1848. That date is when our border problems began. It's almost as if we don't want to find an answer to the problem. There wouldn't be an issue if the Mexican Government would patrol their side and keep immigrants from attempting to enter the United States. Even today the thought line in the Mexican mindset still sees the state of Texas as being a territory of Mexico. As a result of the treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, Mexico ceded 55% of its territory to the United States. Just look at the names given to the cities in the area, San Francisco, Los Angles, Sacramento, San Diego, Fresno, San Bruno, and many others. The Southwestern United States is really old Mexico, so to speak. No wonder these people want to enter this country, they have a deep-seated desire to go home. The western United States has a deep Mexican heritage that should be embraced not ignored. Since 2015 this country has absorbed a total of 1,481,000 immigrants, that we know of, who have crossed into the United States from the Mexican side of the border, and half that number again, made up of Indian and Chinese immigrants who have entered via alternative ports. Trump had this issue and he did little to nothing in an effort to stop the flow of people crossing our Southern border. Yet even today, on the floor of the House in front of the entire country, accusations were hurled at President Biden accusing him of incompetency with regard to the way he has handled the border problem. At times I wonder why Republicans even bother to flush, they seem to like the stuff so much. The blame game only goes as far as intelligence will allow it to travel. The line drawn in the sand runs right down the center walkway in the House of Representatives and it distinguishes the Democrats from the stone throwers. Glass Houses?
Donald Hodgins
I realize the composition of the nationalities making up the immigrant population varies greatly.
It might also help if we stopped creating policies that did damage to our neighbors to the south, such as the despicable War on Drugs that helped give rise to the drug lords and making life untenable for many people. Perhaps we could also work toward protecting people in Central and South America from exploitation by American corporations. If we could finally see that we have an obligation to be good neighbors and that the whole hemisphere would benefit from that. Policies that would allow for other countries to flourish might help slow the flow of undocumented people.
Perhaps if we address the problems they find worth fleeing from and help them to make their lives more productive, remove the reason to leave and replacing it with better reasons to stay.
I'm old enough to remember the days of the "banana republics" that we helped to create and supported. They'd be stupid to trust us again. Especially with our major corporations and billionaires so tightly in control of many of our legislators.
Trust is a funny thing. By coming to our country and entrusting their very lives to us, I really believe there is enough trust still there for us to make a difference. Look at today's Republican party, I hope the day will come when we can trust them again. But watch where you step those banana peels are slippery little suckers, watch your 6.
Donald, I stand by my post. Despite our best intentions, our corporations and billionaires and their lackeys in Congress would weasel their way into bed with the leaders of each country and get busy feathering their own nests. Do any of them help those who most need it? The poor who cannot go to school because they're too busy scrabbling for their next meal? The poor who die because they have no protection from the gangs, drug cartels, and the military? They come to the USA because there are jobs and schools. They trust us here because, once admitted legally, they have a chance for a better life. I lived in Mexico and I saw it. When I returned to the US, I shared a condo with a hardworking young woman whose family was among the poorest of the poor of Guatemala. She was able to send money and gifts to move them out of the grinding poverty and into a better life.
Looking closer to home, how much help have we been to Puerto Rico? There are people who still don't have electricity or clean water. There are roofs still covered with tarps. How many years has it been?
Nope. I wouldn't trust us as far as I could throw us. Not until we learn that the problem isn't Republican v. Democrats, or left v. right, but rather it's top v. bottom.
Stand by your thoughts. My question is, how long do you think the the rest of the Americas from below our border will stay in their present state of being untouchable and beyond our help? There is a point in every bad situation where things turn around. If we turn our backs on the plight of the country's below our Southern border and the immigrants continue to come here in the numbers we are seeing at present where is the fix?
The U.S. has a legal obligation to respect and honor its own laws, including humane and competent processing of asylum seekers. Plus, accepting asylum seekers helps our economy grow, by bolstering our workforce with younger workers that will be paying into our Social Security system and caring for our elderly citizens.
I complete agree with that thought, however there should be a limit to the number of people we let into our country. I feel asylum seekers should take the first step in coming here by applying at the US embassy in their home country. After they have been vetted the asylum issue can go to the next level and a better control system that would mean a safer induction into our country could be implemented.
We have legal limits.
The only people who say we have open borders are Republicans... and you.
"Applying at their home embassy." That's nuts. We had no embassy in Havana for 50 years. Applying in Russia? Hari karri. Venezuela?
I naturally was referring to the countries that "Have" an embassy in their country. I know as you seem to be aware of the fact that our embassies are at a premium. To say the idea of using our government's out posts is nuts only reflects upon your lack of understand of the problem. I didn't mean it would solve the problem I just thought it would lessen it. The more we chip away at the amount of immigrants illegally crossing our Southern border or other ports of call, the less of a problem there is to deal with. The Cubans and others that have no embassies to speak of will have to be handled in a different manner. I was talking about the ones that do. There is no blanket solution to this problem we need to look for any alternative that will ease the situation. By you saying the idea is "nuts" only adds to the insanity. My idea was offered in an attempt to find an answer, OK maybe it is out there, but how would you fix the problem? I promise I won't stoop to the level you did.
Here's my level: I heard visa cases for 19 years. Long before that I wrote papers (for SSA) on the 1848 Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo which gives treaty rights to Mexicans. Treaties are at the same level as our Constitution.
Must distinguish between refugees and others.
There IS and HAS BEEN a partial solution: Employer Sanctions. The poster boy for sanctions was Donald J. Trump who was fined by DOL for using them on job sites. probably still is. He displaces American workers on his properties using temporary work visas. Statistics show that sanctions work. No job-no economic immigrants.
Most of the people here in Baghdad By the Sea illegally came here on tourist, work, education visas legally and stayed, illegally. We have forms of visas that permit entry without going through Homeland Security.
I bet that most of the people at the border came because of Republican BS PR that our borders are open and/or were SENT there. How does a destitute Cuban guajiro get air fare to Mexico? Ukrainians? Africans?
Our main problem has been that the agency formerly known as "Immigration" was underfunded and so have all current agencies dealing with the problem.
I can go on for a month.
If you can't take heat stay out of the kitchen. You sound just like the rednecks here.
I'm a college educated old man that see more than most me give credit for. The United States upon acquiring the Western territories from Mexico back in the middle 1800s immediately made every person of Mexican heritage a citizen of the United States. That practice wouldn't be applicable today. As for me personally, I live in hell, the heat doesn't bother me, in fact I don't need to ignite my stove in order to cook. As for the color of my neck, keep guessing eventually you will get it.
Donald, is there a reason this post is repeated from a previous article?
I didn't realize it was.
Donald Hodgins
4:32 PM (0 minutes ago)
Another helper would limit the number of ballots a member can run on. Say 10 ballots, if they can't win during that time they are automatically dropped from contention. This process, as it stands, has absolutely no logic to its function. The stumbling block is the 218 votes needed in order to determine the winner. How do we get past that hurtle? I feel every member should be forced to carry a sidearm, shut the chamber doors, and turn off the light. When the shooting stops check to see how the voting went. This would aid in the efforts to establish term limits.
Robert - Thanks. Good thoughts, perspectives, insights.
Regarding demand (4):
Of my several disappointments with Democratic performance since 2020 (student debt stasis, no SCOTUS expansion, no windfall profits tax, DeJoy still crippling USPS, two years of no visible action by DOJ, no push-back on gerrymandering, no hardball re the filibuster, … — all of which seem like low-hanging fruit for the Party that wants to appear as representing the people) … the inability or unwillingness to eliminate the debt-ceiling is perhaps most infuriating. We are in the majority, yet insist on handing our proverbial nuts on a platter to the minority, such that any meaningful legislation can be castrated.
The notion of a national debt-ceiling is complete nonsense. It’s an phony barrier that malicious Conservatives use in their effort to cripple the proper functioning of government. Yet the vast majority of people — even in leadership positions — seem ignorant of the way modern money works in this country — holding the childish notion that “taxes fund the government”.
WE HAVE A DEBT-BASED CURRENCY SYSTEM. Government spending and loans by the central banking system are how money gets into the economy in the first place. Taxes and debt-service are the way money exits the system so that the next spending cycle can continue. Most people have it backwards. If we simply “paid off the debt” there would be no circulating money (well, except for the 3% existing as coins and bills).
The problem is not the level of nation debt, but what the money is being used (or not used) for. So long as the money is applied toward actual productive activity and meeting the true needs of the country, the debt can go to the Moon. But if it is squandered on pork-barrel projects and further enriching the already obscenely rich, while the majority of citizens continue to struggle paycheck-to-paycheck, without adequate healthcare, education, and other services. THAT is when inflation/ recession/ depression — and eventual oblivion will set in.
PLEASE, let’s get this one right!
I fear even those "moderate" Republicans will not take this off-ramp if it were to be presented to them. Even those who are willing to buck Trump are only willing to go so far and not much further. And any who did take this opportunity would find themselves to be the object of derision and anger from the rest of their Republican colleagues, who would call them traitors and call for them to be censured. Anyway that's how I see it.
It is just the next brick laid on the road to anarchy or authoritarianism. Our democracy experiment is in a failed state. Our World Capitalism is in a failed state. When the pain is great enough, we will change or become extinct as a species. Denial is a dangerous tool.
You're so right! I cannot understand why democrats aren't taking advantage of this situation. They could sink MAGA right now. Give over votes to a conservative they can at least do battle with, rather than cater to the scorch and burn MAGAs. This is their last chance to put them in their place. Why aren't they acting?
The democrats can't just jump in and take over for the republicans.
I would think they'd have to be
approached and the caucus would
have to agree.
You're right, Victoria, although I'm not suggesting they take over. They can walk across the aisle and make deals, I would think. They do that all the time. There's nothing to say they can't talk behind closed doors. As professor Reich suggested, House Democrats and the few remaining “moderate” Republicans could make, say, Ohio’s Republican Rep. David Joyce the Speaker of the House, thereby neutering the MAGA crowd, instead of being held hostage by it.
This would seem to be an obvious solution, but I'm not convinced either party is capable of compromise at this point.
The democrats have compromised frequently.
True, but will they do so now?
It's not up to them to compromise, but if some Republicans want help in finding a candidate that Democrats can support, than by all means cooperate. It won't be McCarthy or anybody else the fascists support.