The Message Box - Why Kevin McCarthy was Doomed to Fail
Why Kevin McCarthy was Doomed to FailThe California Republican was destined to embarrass himself and his party
Yesterday was one for the history books. The first and most simple act of any new Congress is to pick its leaders. Periodically, a modicum of drama surrounds the vote for Speaker, but it’s been a very long time since we have witnessed a clown car clusterfuck like the one Kevin McCarthy initiated yesterday. For the first time this century, the House failed to elect a Speaker on the first ballot. Or the second ballot. Or the third ballot. Electing the Speaker is not just a formality. As Brendan Buck, a former aide to two Republican Speakers, wrote in the New York Times:
While there was plenty of suspense over the last few days, this failure was inevitable. Here’s why McCarthy and his party failed at the most basic task in government. 1. The Failure to Heed the Lesson of MunichThe California Republican is the ultimate Washington insider. He is in politics for all the wrong reasons. He has no core set of ideological principles or policy preferences. McCarthy exists to climb the ladder because the ladder is there. Republican Congressman Matt Gaetz broke his multi-year streak of saying only dumb and dishonest things when he offered this assessment of McCarthy:
Kevin McCarthy could never lead the Republican Caucus, because he doesn’t really understand the forces driving the Republican Party in the Trump era... Keep reading with a 7-day free trialSubscribe to The Message Box to keep reading this post and get 7 days of free access to the full post archives. A subscription gets you:
|
Older messages
2024 and the Criminal Referral of Donald Trump
Tuesday, December 20, 2022
The Jan 6 Committee report tells the story of the criminal President and the political party that enabled him.
Stuff You Should Consume - Dec 19, 2022
Monday, December 19, 2022
Welcome to this week's edition of “Stuff You Should Consume,”— a weekly compilation of interesting political content for Message Box readers. “Elon Musk Is a Far-Right Activist” by Charlie Warzel,
Don't Fall for the Third Party B.S.
Friday, December 16, 2022
There is going to be a major push for a 3rd party candidate in 2024, here's why its bad for democracy
The Sinema Situation Explained
Friday, December 9, 2022
Sinema is so unpopular with Democrats that she had no choice if she wants to run for reelection
Stuff You Should Consume - Dec 9, 2022
Friday, December 9, 2022
Welcome to this week's edition of “Stuff You Should Consume,”— a weekly compilation of interesting political content for Message Box readers. “Senator Warnock's Victory Speech” — a great
You Might Also Like
*This* Is How To Wear Skinny Jeans Like A Fashion Girl In 2025
Wednesday, March 12, 2025
The revival is here. The Zoe Report Daily The Zoe Report 3.11.2025 This Is How To Wear Skinny Jeans Like A Fashion Girl In 2025 (Style) This Is How To Wear Skinny Jeans Like A Fashion Girl In 2025 The
The Best Thing: March 11, 2025
Tuesday, March 11, 2025
The Best Thing is our weekly discussion thread where we share the one thing that we read, listened to, watched, did, or otherwise enjoyed recent… ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏
The Most Groundbreaking Beauty Products Of 2025 Are...
Tuesday, March 11, 2025
Brands are prioritizing innovation more than ever. The Zoe Report Beauty The Zoe Report 3.11.2025 (Beauty) The 2025 TZR Beauty Groundbreakers Awards (Your New Holy Grail Or Two) The 2025 TZR Beauty
Change Up #Legday With One of These Squat Variations
Tuesday, March 11, 2025
View in Browser Men's Health SHOP MVP EXCLUSIVES SUBSCRIBE Change Up #Legday With One of These Squat Variations Change Up #Legday With One of These Squat Variations The lower body staple is one of
Kylie Jenner Wore The Spiciest Plunging Crop Top While Kissing Timothée Chalamet
Tuesday, March 11, 2025
Plus, Amanda Seyfried opens up about her busy year, your daily horoscope, and more. Mar. 11, 2025 Bustle Daily Amanda Seyfried at the Tory Burch Fall RTW 2025 fashion show as part of New York Fashion
Paris Fashion Week Is Getting Interesting Again
Tuesday, March 11, 2025
Today in style, self, culture, and power. The Cut March 11, 2025 PARIS FASHION WEEK Fashion Is Getting Interesting Again Designs at Paris Fashion Week once again reflect the times with new aesthetics,
Your dinner table deserves to be lazier
Tuesday, March 11, 2025
NY delis are serving 'Bird Flu Bailout' sandwiches.
Sophie Thatcher Lets In The Light
Tuesday, March 11, 2025
Plus: Chet Hanks reaches new heights on Netflix's 'Running Point.' • Mar. 11, 2025 Up Next Your complete guide to industry-shaping entertainment news, exclusive interviews with A-list
Mastering Circumstance
Tuesday, March 11, 2025
“If a man does not master his circumstances then he is bound to be mastered by them.” ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏
Don't Fall for This Parking Fee Scam Text 🚨
Tuesday, March 11, 2025
How I Use the 'One in, One Out' Method for My Finances. You're not facing any fines. Not displaying correctly? View this newsletter online. TODAY'S FEATURED STORY Don't Fall for the