Former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy announced that he’s leaving Congress at the end of the year.
Is McCarthy butt-hurt? Regardless, McCarthy’s departure leaves no love lost with his constituents.
McCarthy, who made history when he was booted out of the speakership after a remarkably short period of time, recently announced that he was leaving his seat at the end of the month. That is among the reasons given by locals in McCarthy’s hometown of Bakersfield who say they have negative feelings about their outgoing representative.
“How much did McCarthy love Bakersfield, and how much did Bakersfield love him back? The responses were mixed then, and they remain mixed now,” according to the Guardian, which included a quote from Greg Perrone, president of the Greater Bakersfield Republican Assembly, which the outlet describes as “an activist group that hews to McCarthy’s right.”
But here’s what probably shocks many people. One of America’s most noted RINOs said he wouldn’t mind having a spot in the next Trump administration.
And here’s how McCarthy explained his comment.
“Yes, I believe in public service,” McCarthy told reporters during an impromptu Thursday exit interview when asked if he would accept a position under the former president with whom he’s had a roller-coaster relationship.
Consider what McCarthy said without saying.
He knows there will likely be another Trump administration. Or why say you’d accept.
With all that’s happening, McCarthy could have replied, “Well, we aren’t even sure there will be another Trump administration,” or something like this. However, he responded to the question as if Trump’s second term is a foregone conclusion.
For those worrying, Trump will get his second term. So stay vigilant, but it will happen.
As for McCarthy serving in the next Trump administration? Doubtful.
My biggest complaint about former President Trump is his personnel choices. The man surrounds himself with snakes and suck-ups. Oh, there exists one other category: suck-up snakes. Now we all know why I never get invited to Trump events.
McCarthy would be another bad choice.
I wrote of McCarthy when he got booted.
Republicans make history in dumping former Speaker Kevin McCarthy. And the time was perfect for this historic act.
McCarthy demonstrates how unprincipled politicians act. And his actions show what Republicans have accepted for decades.
When the time came for McCarthy to put on his big boy pants and stand up to Democrats, he caved almost every time. He caved even under the pressure of the constant threat of losing the speakership. Imagine how he would have behaved without the constant vigilance.
Contrast McCarthy with Nancy Pelosi. That woman was relentless in her pursuit of Leftism. She rarely compromised with Republicans. And almost never did she capitulate when Leftism was at stake.
The balls it took for Matt Gaetz to challenge McCarthy. To hold his feet to the fire. In the end, Gaetz forced McCarthy to show his hand. He had nothing. McCarthy hoped his nuance on positions would fool MAGA Republicans into allowing him to keep his job.
For example, where are the January 6 tapes McCarthy promised? Also, since when does a Republican allow a bill to pass with the support of more Democrats than Republicans? Lastly, how about the budget baseline?
These are but a few of the reasons McCarthy’s challengers question his position as House Speaker.
Look, I understand the need for RINOs in the Republican Party. They are establishment, and thus know the rules and workarounds. But they should never be in charge.
McCarthy could have dotted line reporting to President Trump. But only to understand the mind of the RINO. Trump works well on instinct. So knowing how the opposition thinks could be handy.
That said, McCarthy’s ousters acted for the betterment of the Republican Party. There was a reason it took 15 votes before McCarthy was elected as speaker. Further, there is ample evidence that supports his kick to the curb.
McCarthy remains upset with Republicans complicit in his relinquishing the gavel. And that’s another reason why Trump should be weary. RINOs like McCarthy hold Gaetz and Trump supporter accountable for his dismissal. In the Gaetz case, McCarthy has vowed to fundraise against him, as well as the other seven Republicans who plotted to have McCarthy removed.
Surely you can see how this will be helpful to the party? McCarthy, team player much?
McCarthy’s rationale:
“I want to find conservatives who want to govern, Chaos doesn’t help us. And so, people who are willing to govern, I’m willing to help.”
McCarthy’s help reminds me of the saying, “With friends like you, who needs enemies?”
McCarthy even revealed his strategy to out real Republicans. And the strategy involved failed House floor votes. When asked about the failed votes during his 9-month assignment, McCarthy explained:
“I did that on purpose. We wanted to isolate people” (in the conference) who were resisting their leadership’s agenda. You want to find where the problem was.”
The problem was found. And it was McCarthy himself. It’s time for the Republican Party to take inventory of itself. Clean house, pun intended.
Once McCarthy leaves the House, he needs to stay out of politics. Any consulting should be purely to help the party, and not mercenary. Go make money elsewhere. But he owes it to the GOP to help establish a much more powerful GOP willing to back MAGA.
But I do appreciate McCarthy validating that he knows Trump will get his rightful second term.
