So, Republicans now find themselves in supposedly “uncharted territory” as the result of a “historic” turn of events — and, yet again, all the important work of offering an alternative vision and agenda to that of the Democrats’ has been cast aside for more internal strife.
After Tuesday’s vote on Rep. Matt Gaetz’s motion to vacate the chair that saw him make his case surrounded by House Democrats on their side of the chamber resulted in the removal of Speaker Kevin McCarthy, many conservatives are left wondering: what about our priorities?
Americans are right to ask that question, and the others that follow. What happens with the House Oversight Committee’s investigation of the Biden family and the ever-growing pile of evidence that disproves Biden’s long-running claim that he “never discussed” Hunter’s business? What happens to addressing the seemingly existential threats posed by an open border across which 7,000 illegal immigrants flow on the average day? What becomes of efforts to rein in federal spending to start actually moving the price needle toward deflation?
For now, nothing is happening in Congress. The lower chamber is paralyzed without a speaker, unable to move legislation. The battle started by Gaetz against McCarthy and finished with the help of Democrats is now just a precursor to the fights that will accompany the race to fill his seat and seize the gavel.
The House GOP leadership that served under McCarthy is already making their case to advance into the vacuum left by the now-former speaker with Scalise throwing his hat in the ring for the race, backed by Minnesota’s Tom Emmer who is looking to take Scalise’s place as majority leader. Opposite them, the Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan is looking to run as the more-outsider candidate and lean on his past as former chairman of the House Freedom Caucus.
Recommended
But with a narrow majority — and given House Republicans’ troubles electing a speaker at the start of the new Congress in January — it seems things are coming together to present another very public display of opposing factions within the GOP conference, the second in fewer than 12 months.
Meanwhile, Joe Biden breathes — at least for a moment — a sigh of relief that Republicans' attention is off of his alleged criminal bribery scheme. Hunter Biden and his alleged lies about drug use to purchase and possess a firearm won’t be top-of-mind for conservatives, and Republican members of Congress won’t be asked about inflation, the border, or Biden’s fitness to serve for a few days.
Instead of what Republicans are doing to beat Biden, the narratives will be all about what Republican A is doing to beat Republican B — and vice versa.
Never mind that Republicans are leading Democrats by the greatest margin since 1991 when it comes to which party Americans say is best able to keep America prosperous. Forget that Joe Biden’s job approval is chronically underwater and seemingly getting worse leading up to 2024. Ignore the record numbers of illegal immigrants streaming into the country with deadly fentanyl, to traffic children, and overwhelm our cities.
No, instead elected Republicans will all be yelling at and about each other. Running to microphones and cameras around Capitol Hill trying to get their talking points into the news cycle. Furiously sending fundraising emails based upon their opposition to their fellow Republicans. Because that makes sense, right?
If Republicans can’t get their act together and prove they both have the ability and will to lead America and speak for the millions of conservatives, independents, and — yes — some Democrats around the country, they won’t be given the chance to do so after the next election cycle. Frankly, they won’t deserve one.
There are critical elections in Virginia and Ohio this year, and the bad taste left in voters’ mouths by Republican antics won’t help state and local candidates win for conservatives. It’s not a death sentence for conservative candidates and values on ballots this November, but national GOP chaos won’t help anything.
In 2024, the opportunity and the risk are even greater. The presidency and majorities in both chambers of Congress are up for grabs. Will voters entrust Republicans with the reins of the Senate? Will they expand the GOP’s slim majority in the House? Will they give the White House back to Republicans?
According to opinion polls on which party voters favor to best handle the economy, ensure national security, and a host of other issues, Republicans win. Joe Biden is deeply unpopular and even a significant number of Democrat voters think he’s past his sell-by date. Republicans have every opportunity in the world to defeat Joe Biden and send his party packing from Capitol Hill.
But will Americans trust Republicans that they’ll be able to enact the policies and lead the way they know how to? Or will fears of internal chaos that paralyzes Congress — as just happened — or the executive branch keep them voting for Democrats? If Republicans can’t prove that they can lead, Americans won’t hand them more opportunities to lead.
Whatever one thinks of McCarthy or Gaetz, honest conservatives agree: Republican leaders need to...well, lead. They need to focus on holding the Biden administration’s feet to the fire, pursuing justice against Biden family corruption, and stopping Democrats’ war on energy, families, and common sense.
Right now, that’s not happening. If things can be turned around, the GOP has an excellent shot in 2024. But for now, things look rocky at best in the near future, jeopardizing the next election and with it, the future prosperity and security of America. If that’s not important enough for Republicans to put aside their squabbles and project confident leadership, maybe they don’t deserve to win.
