Early Saturday morning, on the fifteenth ballot, Rep. Kevin McCarthy of California made the deal to get himself elected Speaker of the House of Representatives.((While it is not the purpose of this post to comment on the terms of the deal, it does seem that the terms are not all bad and that they will result in a more democratic (note the small “d”) House.)) From the beginning McCarthy had the public support of former President Donald Trump, yet it was the opposition by Trump supporters whose failure to vote for McCarthy led to the protracted proceedings.
It may be wishful thinking, but I see this as a strong sign that Trump’s influence is on the wane. Now that he no longer holds office, he is a has-been. His “supporters” may still want his policies, but if he cannot reward their loyalty, their own ambition will lead to the support of some other candidate.
I certainly hope so.
Jay Bohn
January 9, 2023