Initially, I was opposed to McCarthy being promoted after a poor election performance, but it quickly became clear that there is no other option. No other plausible Republican candidate who could get enough support stepped forward, and continuing to stall things would only benefit Dems., who have broached the possibility of electing a “unity candidate.”
Having said that, even though McCarthy appears to have secured his leadership position, he is still making progress that should please conservatives. He’s reiterated his commitment to following Nancy Pelosi’s rules by removing Adam Schiff and other poor performers from their committees, and now he’s attempting to halt Mitch McConnell’s latest treachery.
“During a closed-door meeting on Tuesday, Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) reminded members of his conference that he is a “hell no” when it comes to the omnibus budget bill as Congress seeks to avoid a government shutdown before the Dec. 16 deadline.”
“His remarks come as Freedom Caucus members have said they will not vote for the California Republican to serve as the next speaker unless significant concessions are made, press for a short-term continuing resolution, asserting that Republicans will receive more leverage to reach a better agreement when they take back the majority in Jan.”
“As I stated last week, GOP members will soon become the majority and in charge of fighting for our priorities,” McCarthy said on Tuesday. “That is why, on the Dems’ lame-duck omnibus bill, every Republican should vote NO.”
For context, McConnell is now again concerned about the threat of a government shutdown, and he appears willing to give Dems. cash for their agenda for the coming year in order to avoid one. That would be a total surrender, thus negating the GOP’s midterm gains by deferring any fight over spending until late 2023 or early 2024.
But remember what 2024 is? It will be an election year, so you can guarantee McConnell will be ready to cave once more to avoid jeopardizing the outcome. Are you getting a sense of the game yet? There’s always a cause to give up the fight and fold. Despite the fact that there is no genuine electoral proof that maintaining the line and allowing the government to shut down costs political parties votes.
Republicans will take over in under a month. As McCarthy points out, allowing Democrats to determine the agenda for the coming year in a lame-duck omnibus bill is insane. That McConnell is even thanking that since he has the capacity to force through with a short-term resolution does seem to be mind-numbing, but not shocking.
