Take that Mark Gaetz
Today, Former Speaker Kevin McCarthy suffered one of the most important defeats of his career. He became the only American Speaker ever ousted. Yet at his press conference, the former speaker may have laid out the groundwork for his future. He may have just set up one of the quickest resurrections in political history. Former Speaker McCarthy may have just laid the first bricks for a run at the Republican Presidential nomination and the presidency. In 2024, could we be calling him President Kevin McCarthy?
Watching the presser, Kevin McCarthy showed that he literally may have been the real adult in the Clown College of Congress. He might not actually have been. I’m pretty sure there are no adults in that building. But Kevin McCarthy sure portrayed himself as that. He also accepted, in fact, invited tough questions. He was honest and open. He was intelligent and engaging. He was sincere. He gave us lessons on history and governance. He took issues with some in his own party, along with the Democrats. But he also took pride in trying to do the best he could to work across the aisle. He was proud of trying for the best compromise, as he acknowledged that compromise is how you govern. In other words, he sounded presidential.
Whether or not he intended it, Kevin McCarthy presented the first candidate in this election cycle from either side, who I found as credible. For a Republican party that seems hell bent on resurrecting the divisive Trump presidency, he might be the party’s answer on how to break Trump’s hold. McCarthy running could make the Democratic party rethink their candidate of choice beyond Biden. Because if it’s Biden vs. McCarthy, it could be a Republican runaway.
Since I’m not a Republican (nor a Democrat), I find it all interesting. I find it interesting that out of the chaos that has been Kevin McCarthy’s time as speaker, he may find his true calling. He may solidify the party. He may strengthen the party’s middle to harden it against its worst parts. He may just help the Republican party figure out how to govern. With his performance and his tremendous party support, he should consider running to become President Kevin McCarthy.