Vacate Watch - Speaker Mike Johnson (R - LA)

[Dribble]

While I hear your frustration, this problem lies with the Republicans, The Democrats can't fix the issue. At best theycould have made a deal with McCarthy and kicked this problem further down the road. However that may have masked the total lack of ability for the current elected Republicans in the House to actually govern, and these idiots get re-elected next time around.

It's better that the American public see this, and maybe they will figure out idiots like MTG or Geatz are best not to be elected to office ever again.

Oh I agree. But we also need to accept our role.

 

[YDB95]

Truth suck huh?

It certainly seems that way for you, if you've just got to turn this into "both sides do it".

Look, "We need to govern for the betterment of the country" is a noble sentiment in principle. But the fact is, at least since the early '90s, the Dems HAVE been doing that in one way or another while the Republicans play ever dirtier. And the end result was Trump getting elected and a Speaker election that gave us a choice between a white supremacist and a guy who condoned sexual abuse in his workplace. The sooner a critical mass of voters see clearly just how ugly and dysfunctional the Republicans have become, the better in the long term. That'll take a lot longer if the Dems paper over the wound like you're suggesting.

Not to mention, if McCarthy wanted the Dems' support, he could have asked for it. He could have made concessions, like dropping the baseless Biden impeachment plans. He didn't, and that's on him and him alone. If the voters don't like what they're seeing, they know what they need to do next time: elect a Democratic majority. In the meantime, it's not our responsibility to clean up the other side's mess - it just isn't.

 

[Dribble]

My understanding...Jeffries made an offer to McCarthy. He turned it down. But that doesn't mean they alone should get the blame. Our votes...stand. And this is the result.

We have 35 days. The Republicans will try the Gym Boy...and fail...that loses another week...maybe 10 days. Then what? Republicans will not vote for Jeffries. There is only one option..well two...the Republican Party joins behind Gym Boy...or McCarthy steps in and forces the Party to join together. This is the only path forward. I just don't see it happening in the 25 days we got. None of this should have happened. Now it about how to pass a CR in a few days.

Both sides needs to work together...or else send both sides home

 

[Dribble]

It certainly seems that way for you, if you've just got to turn this into "both sides do it".

Look, "We need to govern for the betterment of the country" is a noble sentiment in principle. But the fact is, at least since the early '90s, the Dems HAVE been doing that in one way or another while the Republicans play ever dirtier. And the end result was Trump getting elected and a Speaker election that gave us a choice between a white supremacist and a guy who condoned sexual abuse in his workplace. The sooner a critical mass of voters see clearly just how ugly and dysfunctional the Republicans have become, the better in the long term. That'll take a lot longer if the Dems paper over the wound like you're suggesting.

Not to mention, if McCarthy wanted the Dems' support, he could have asked for it. He could have made concessions, like dropping the baseless Biden impeachment plans. He didn't, and that's on him and him alone. If the voters don't like what they're seeing, they know what they need to do next time: elect a Democratic majority. In the meantime, it's not our responsibility to clean up the other side's mess - it just isn't.

Fine...let the country fail. And blame it on them. Brilliant. Childish...but brilliant

 

[YDB95]

Fine...let the country fail. And blame it on them. Brilliant. Childish...but brilliant

Holding the "party of personal responsibility" responsible for their own actions is "childish" now, is it? Then I plead guilty.

What you are really saying here is that the Democrats should have turned a blind eye to the Republicans' absolute contempt for them and for the country and for the very concept of government, and accepted that McCarthy wanted them to save him from his own party without giving anything whatsoever in return.

For better or worse, the voters handed control of the House to a party that hates government. They're getting exactly what they voted for. Now maybe they'll think twice next time. But whether they do or not, it is not the Dems' responsibility to save the Republicans from themselves.

 

[Dribble]

https://www.cnn.com/2023/10/12/politics/cnn-poll-republican-leadership-congress/index.html

 

[Dribble]

Holding the "party of personal responsibility" responsible for their own actions is "childish" now, is it? Then I plead guilty.

What you are really saying here is that the Democrats should have turned a blind eye to the Republicans' absolute contempt for them and for the country and for the very concept of government, and accepted that McCarthy wanted them to save him from his own party without giving anything whatsoever in return.

For better or worse, the voters handed control of the House to a party that hates government. They're getting exactly what they voted for. Now maybe they'll think twice next time. But whether they do or not, it is not the Dems' responsibility to save the Republicans from themselves.

What I am saying dipshit...I know it is difficult...the Democrats joined with traitors to remove the Speaker of the House...and did so with no plan in place or thought to the outcome. I hold my Party accountable. Why do you not hold the same Party accountable? Because you wanted to "own" the other side? What have we gained as a Party?

 

[Lazaran]

It is really fucked up. The stupid here can't see what is coming. They keep banging their chests. And the country loses

Buffalogurl does doom raging and fatalism better.



Side note:

The Democrats have been consistent and reliable governing partners who compromised at every turn.

And in return, Weaker McCarthy and the rest of the "republicans" (and many "democrats" on the far left) have been systematically demonizing them, lying and gaslighting about actual Democratic policies and successes, and trying to pass radical legislation. - And let us not forget sham investigations (impeachment) while turning a blind eye to corruption from the top to the bottom of the "republican" Party.



The truth is, it would be far easier and more responsible for a small group of "moderate republicans" to flip to Hakeem Jeffries under the cover of ongoing "republican" dysfunctionality.

But nooooo, it’s the Democrats that MUST compromise / capitulate.



Also: There is a very real possibility, if the Democrats had compromised / capitulated and saved Weaker McCarthy (or any eventual "republican" nominee) , that maaaaany "democrats" would have RIGHTFULLY viewed the Democratic Party as weak, causing them to abandon the party in 2024 and all but guaranteeing a second Drumpf term.

How does that ^ help ANYTHING.



Dribble

 

[ByteMe13]

All House Republicans need to resign immediately. Have new elections.

 

[YDB95]

What I am saying dipshit...I know it is difficult...

If the great unwashed can't see the emporer's new clothes, there just might be a reason for that.

the Democrats joined with traitors to remove the Speaker of the House...and did so with no plan in place or thought to the outcome.

You have no way of knowing what any House Democrat - let alone all of them - did or did not think regarding the outcome. What we do know is that they're all more than willing to join with four or five sane republicans and elect Hakeem Jeffries. And you left out the part where, as Lazaran just said, the Republicans demonized them every step of the way and refused to give an inch. This is textbook victim blaming.

The bottom line is, you're saying the Democrats should have looked the other way on everything up to and including January 6 to support the party behind it. Do you have any idea how absurd your argument sounds to everyone else?

I hold my Party accountable. Why do you not hold the same Party accountable?

Because they aren't the ones who refused to even negotiate with them, or who allowed for a rule that enabled one gadfly to bring down the whole House. If McCarthy wanted the Dems' support, he could have offered something. If he had made a reasonable offer and the Dems had rejcted it, then you would have a point. But he didn't, and you know it.

Because you wanted to "own" the other side?

No, because the other side is responsible for cleaning up its own mess.

What have we gained as a Party?

Time will tell. But if this debacle gets it through more voters' heads that the Republicans are a bunch of bullies who have no business running the show, the answer is "A lot".

 

[Chernosoth]

There are 221 House Republicans. The Speaker won't be McCarthy or Scalise, and probably won't be Boebert, Greene, Santos, or Gaetz. That leaves 215. They could pick a name out of a hat, draw straws, play musical chairs, play tag, etc.
Two seats are vacant, with special elections scheduled for November.

 

[Fuzzy1975]

Oh I agree. But we also need to accept our role.

The house Democrats did accept their role. They had a meeting, and the whole ( or at least the majority) of the Members agreed that supporting the Republican Speaker without conditions was not in their or the Countries best interest. I'm sure they weighted the "cost" to the Country over this choice, but felt it was the best choice to make.

Sometimes you are left with horrible options, the best course then is to take the least ugly one. That is the choice I see the Democrats made.

 

[Lazaran]

The house Democrats did accept their role. They had a meeting, and the whole ( or at least the majority) of the Members agreed that supporting the Republican Speaker without conditions was not in their or the Countries best interest. I'm sure they weighted the "cost" to the Country over this choice, but felt it was the best choice to make.

Sometimes you are left with horrible options, the best course then is to take the least ugly one. That is the choice I see the Democrats made.

Dribble has frustration induced insanity when it comes to the Democratic party.

I wouldn’t be surprised if they pulled a fire alarm to get through a locked door recently.

*nods*

 

[ll74]

Scalise drops out - confirmed. This apparently is the House that Matt Gaetz envisioned for the country ...what an ass. Florida voters should kick his ass to the curb

https://www.npr.org/2023/10/12/1205...peaker-of-the-house-leaving-congress-in-limbo

I like this guy's reaction:

Rep. Mark Alford, R-Mo., told reporters after the meeting that he had "no earthly idea" what happens next. "We're a ship that doesn't have a rudder right now and I'm thoroughly disappointed in the process," Alford said.

 

[DeluxAuto]

Between this and trump attacking Israel, the g00p is really showing the world how well they can govern.

 

[Dribble]

Scalise drops out - confirmed. This apparently is the House that Matt Gaetz envisioned for the country ...what an ass. Florida voters should kick his ass to the curb

https://www.npr.org/2023/10/12/1205...peaker-of-the-house-leaving-congress-in-limbo

I like this guy's reaction:

Old news...do try to keep up

 

[Dribble]

As for those criticizing me...cool. Sit back and learn. Or sit back and watch...most of you are incapable of thinking.

Still waiting for someone to tell me how the Democratic Party is in a better place for their choice? How does this better the country? What exactly is the plan if the Republicans can't get it together? How will we prevent a default? Do you think this can't happen? Do you think you are immune if it happens? You really think the Country will magically heal itself if it defaults? How? What is the plan?

Silence

 

[DeluxAuto]

Old news...do try to keep up

It's not official until Paul Blart Forum Cop posts about it

 

[ll74]

As for those criticizing me...cool. Sit back and learn. Or sit back and watch...most of you are incapable of thinking.

Still waiting for someone to tell me how the Democratic Party is in a better place for their choice? How does this better the country? What exactly is the plan if the Republicans can't get it together? How will we prevent a default? Do you think this can't happen? Do you think you are immune if it happens? You really think the Country will magically heal itself if it defaults? How? What is the plan?

Silence

You actually think that the Democrats voting against vacating the chair would have gotten us anywhere different. Lol...how cute.

Republicans are the issue here. Democrats helping them implode or not helping them implode means nothing. They offered McCarthy a lifeline in return for assurances and he refused. That was the best outcome and he turned it down.

 

[RobDownSouth]

Republican congresswoman Ann Wagner spilled the T this morning about Scalise's withdrawal. Basically, Jim Jordan threw one of his patented hissy fits saying that Scalise would get exactly ONE vote up or down and then he expected everyone to vote for him (Jordan).

One problem: Jordan has very little support amongst mainstream "establishment" Republicans. They recall Jordan's bomb throwing days as a churlish member of the House Freedumb Caucus, and the collective view is that Jordan would rather see America grind to a halt to appease the radical factions of the Republican party. Two years of preening for the cameras and soundbytes for Fox News.

The more one looks at Jordan, the worse his qualifications would appear to be for the role of Speaker of the House.

The Republican outlook in the House of Representatives looks very very bleak at the moment.

 

[jaF0]

Rep. Mark Alford, R-Mo., told reporters after the meeting that he had "no earthly idea" what happens next.

Vote Jeffries.

 

[RobDownSouth]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1712826557864038591

 

[ll74]

Vote Jeffries.

It would be interesting if anyone did from the GOP...maybe someone in a swing district.

 

[ll74]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1712826557864038591

Best article I've read this week.

Meanwhile, the clock runs. And the world burns.

Happy Friday.

I'd say that constituents will be what moves the needle, but Republicans prefer that the House do nothing...they voted for it. And I doubt any of them understands what the result will be.

 

[Chernosoth]

There are at least five factions/caucuses in Congress, plus a few congresscritters in parties but outside the factions. The binary party system mostly works, until it doesn't.