So Republicans now find themselves in supposedly “uncharted territory” in a “historic” turn of events – and once again all the vital work of proposing an alternative vision and program to the Democrats’ vision and program has been sidelined for further infighting.
After Tuesday’s vote on the motion of Rep. Matt Gaetz’s ouster from his seat, which led to him presenting his case surrounded by House Democrats on their side of the chamber, resulted in the ouster of Speaker Kevin McCarthy, and many conservatives are asking: What about our priorities?
Americans are right to ask this question and the others that will follow. What will become of the House Oversight Committee’s investigation into the Biden family and the ever-growing evidence disproving Biden’s long-standing claim that he “never discussed” Hunter’s affairs? What happens to addressing the seemingly existential threats posed by an open border through which 7,000 illegal immigrants flow daily? What will happen to efforts to cut federal spending to actually start moving the price needle toward deflation?
For now, nothing is happening in Congress. The lower house is paralyzed without a speaker, unable to take legislative action. The battle that Gaetz started against McCarthy and ended with Democratic lend a hand is now just a precursor to the fights that will accompany the race to take the seat and get the gavel.
The House Republican leadership that served under McCarthy is already making a case to step into the void left by the former speaker, as Scalise throws his hat into the ring for the race, backed by Minnesota’s Tom Emmer, who wants to take Scalise’s seat ‘and the position of majority leader. Across from them, Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan wants to run as a more outsider candidate and lean on his past as a former chairman of the House Freedom Caucus.
But with a slim majority – and given House Republicans’ problems selecting a speaker at the start of the fresh Congress in January – everything seems to be coming together for another very public display of opposing factions at the GOP conference, the second in less than than 12 months.
Meanwhile, Joe Biden is breathing a sigh of relief – at least momentarily – that Republican attention is being diverted from his alleged criminal bribery scheme. Hunter Biden and his alleged lies about using drugs to purchase and possess firearms will not be in the spotlight among conservatives, and Republican members of Congress will not be asked about inflation, the border or Biden’s ability to serve for several days.
Instead of what Republicans are doing to defeat Biden, the narratives will be about what Republican A is doing to defeat Republican B – and vice versa.
Never mind that Republicans have led Democrats since 1991 when it comes to which party Americans believe is best able to deliver America’s prosperity. Forget that Joe Biden’s work permit is chronically insecure and will apparently get worse through 2024. Ignore the record numbers of illegal immigrants pouring into the country with deadly fentanyl to traffic children and overwhelm our cities.
No, instead the elected Republicans will all be screaming at each other and each other. Running to microphones and cameras around the Capitol trying to get their remarks into the news cycle. They furiously send fundraising emails based on their opposition to other Republicans. Because it makes sense, right?
If Republicans can’t get their act together and prove that they both have the ability and will to lead America and speak for millions of conservatives, independents and, yes, some Democrats across the country, they won’t have a chance to do so after the next round of elections. Honestly, they didn’t deserve it.
There will be critical elections this year in Virginia and Ohio, and the bad taste left in voters’ mouths by the antics of the Republican Party will not lend a hand state and local candidates win for conservatives. It’s not a death sentence for conservative candidates and values ​​on the November ballot, but nationwide GOP chaos won’t lend a hand.
In 2024, the opportunity and risk are even greater. The presidency and a majority in both houses of Congress are up for grabs. Will voters put Republicans in charge of the Senate? Will they expand the GOP’s slim majority in the House? Will they return the White House to the Republicans?
According to polls, which party of voters supports the best management of the economy, ensuring national security and many other issues, Republicans win. Joe Biden is deeply unpopular and even a significant number of Democratic voters believe he is past his sell-by date. Republicans have every opportunity in the world to defeat Joe Biden and send his party from Capitol Hill.
But will Americans trust Republicans to implement policies and lead the way they know how? Or maybe the fear of internal chaos that paralyzes Congress – as has just happened – or the executive branch, will make them vote for Democrats? If Republicans cannot prove they can lead, Americans will no longer give them the opportunity to lead.
Whatever one thinks of McCarthy or Gaeta, candid conservatives agree that Republican leaders must… well, lead. They must focus on taking the Biden administration to task, bringing justice against corruption in the Biden family, and stopping the Democrats’ war on energy, family, and common sense.
This is not happening at the moment. If the situation can be turned around, the GOP has an excellent chance in 2024. But for now, the immediate future looks uncertain at best, threatening the next election and, with it, America’s future prosperity and security. If it’s not vital enough for Republicans to put aside their bickering and show some leadership, then maybe they don’t deserve to win.
