Democrats should support moderate Republican speaker of the House

[Hodad]

1 hour ago, myata said:

You cannot get around the reality that is: two hundred and eight democrats voted to remove the speaker. This is a fact, and you can try to dance around it only at the cost of losing your credibility. Same with the lying mob, by the way. Instead, you could try to explain the act of the Democratic caucus rationally:

- What was the rationale and objective?

- What positive outcome was expected?

- How was it expected to benefit the country and the citizens?

Yes, the same 208 members of the house who voted that Kevin McCarthy should not be speaker in the first place still believed that several months later. Shocking.

• The rationale is that they want a more moderate speaker and always have. The objective is to get a more moderate speaker and a bigger voice in the direction of the house.
• The positive outcome that was expected (or hoped for) is to get a more moderate speaker and a bigger voice in the direction of the house.
• It was expected to benefit the country and the citizens because the Democrats believe that their policies are better for the country and the citizens, so a more moderate speaker and a bigger voice in the direction of the House is good for the country and the citizens.

None of this is secret or difficult. As before, the majority party can either get their shit together and their conference in order and elect whoever they want, or they can consult and compromise with the Democrats and move forward in a more bipartisan manner. Just two choices. The Republicans are in the drivers seat. 

[Aristides]

Wonder what would happen if Congress elected their speaker by secret ballot like Canada.

[Rebound]

5 hours ago, myata said:

Where did we hear that, I wonder? All the unbelievable things we learn here. And how else would we find it out?

Now there’s been a vote, and Hakeem Jeffries got more votes than Jim Jordan: 212 to 200. So by your logic, aren’t the Republicans causing the problem by not voting for Jeffries? 

Edited October 17, 2023 by Rebound

[Rebound]

Another vote for Speaker and Jim Jordan did worse, losing to Hakeem Jeffries 199-212. 

Clearly, it is the GOP who needs to work with the Democrats.

[Aristides]

Clearly the Chaos Caucus had no plan when they voted to dump McCarthy, other than chaos.

[myata]

On 10/17/2023 at 11:35 AM, Hodad said:

• The rationale is that they want a more moderate speaker and always have. The objective is to get a more moderate speaker and a bigger voice in the direction of the house.
• The positive outcome that was expected (or hoped for) is to get a more moderate speaker and a bigger voice in the direction of the house.

I see your point here and can even agree on the first vote. OK Democrats showed their preference, and it makes sense for them and the country.

What about the second one though? Was it exactly the same? The consequences of the House in a limbo were certain.

But maybe there isn't a good solution here. I'm surprised and worried to see so many Republicans, 10 : 1 supporting the lying mob candidate. We know from history and other places how this process works, by hook and crook, twisting and forcing, the mob will take over everything. Moderate Republicans reporting threats and intimidation. Maybe it's too late already.

Difficult to escape the conclusion that GOP from a founding party of democracy is developing into an authoritarian sect ruled by a mob without any principles but to grab the power and hold it. Thinking and responsible Republicans should think seriously is there a good future down this path. Can there be?

Edited October 19, 2023 by myata

[Hodad]

2 hours ago, myata said:

I see your point here and can even agree on the first vote. OK Democrats showed their preference, and it makes sense for them and the country.

What about the second one though? Was it exactly the same? The consequences of the House in a limbo were certain.

But maybe there isn't a good solution here. I'm surprised and worried to see so many Republicans, 10 : 1 supporting the lying mob candidate. We know from history and other places how this process works, by hook and crook, twisting and forcing, the mob will take over everything. Moderate Republicans reporting threats and intimidation. Maybe it's too late already.

Difficult to escape the conclusion that GOP from a founding party of democracy is developing into an authoritarian sect ruled by a mob without any principles but to grab the power and hold it. Thinking and responsible Republicans should think seriously is there a good future down this path. Can there be?

Yes, the second is the same. Just as the first time, they are hoping for a speaker they can support, and they will NEVER get it if they simply support McCarthy, who gives them--and their constituents--nothing in return. A narrowly divided house call for compromise, not capitulation. 

I am still optimistic that this is a chance for a bit of a bipartisan reset more like what they have in the Senate. It doesn't mean that everyone will suddenly become buddies, but we need an end to the GOP purity test--and I'm hopeful a moderate Republican will step forward. So are the Democrats.
https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/jeffries-encourages-moderate-republicans-to-join-democrats-and-end-house-deadlock

[myata]

And now comes the real test. Will Democrats support the interim speaker option if it's put forward?