I realize it is very unlikely but I'm surprised no one has mentioned the possibility

That the Democratic Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries could be elected Speaker of the House? McCarthy is said to be five votes short of a majority. Jeffries is only six votes short of a majority. IF everyone casts a vote. In these partisan times it is unlikely that Representatives are going to cross party lines to vote for the other, but what if enough Republicans are sufficiently turned off by the choice between the Never Kevin MAGA candidate and the ever-waffling, how can I buy your vote Kevin and simply votes present. It is a majority of those voting for a candidate by name, so each "present" vote (essentially abstaining) REDUCES the majority required, and if those voting "present" are Republicans McCarthy is counting on, the number of votes McCarthy has locked up shrinks at the same Jeffries shortfall from a majority vote shrinks as well.

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windinhishair · 61-69, M

The Republicans that don't want McCarthy are aware that casting a vote of PRESENT could in theory result in Jeffries being elected Speaker, so it is highly unlikely they will allow him to win. It is more likely that the first ballot will fail to elect McCarthy and that a few less right-wing Republicans join with all the Democrats to elect a moderate Republican as Speaker. It is going to be an interesting show, but this is just the opening act of the Republican Clown Show in the House for the next two years.

dancingtongue · 80-89, M

@windinhishair I think you are right. But what strikes me as strange is that all the talking head commentators across the full spectrum ignore even mentioning that is a very real and tangible risk the Republicans face in their infighting. And not all of them are the brightest bulb in the package when it comes to looking ahead at the consequences of their actions.

firefall · 61-69, M

@windinhishair you're attributing FAR too much forethought and intelligence to the Magats. I dont say its likely, but I'd say it is a small but perceptible chance

windinhishair · 61-69, M

@firefall Anything is possible with this group of miscreants, but I would put my money on one of the following: 1) McCarthy gives up whatever the whackadoodles want to squeak by with enough votes to become speaker, or 2) A moderate Republican becomes speaker with Democrat support and a few Republicans.

It might take many ballots to get to the end point, whenever that is.