“We’re looking for a willing partner to solve problems for the American people, not save the Republicans from their dysfunction. We need a partner in governance to build upon the incredible progress we made over the last few years.”
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries showing why he was elected by his party, when asked if his party would would vote for a moderate Republican, to help break the deadlock in electing a #SpeakerOfTheHouse. #USPolitics
What, he thinks elevating a moderate Republican above the wishes of ideologues in the party would solve party dysfunction?
Seems to me that would help them find that partner while leaving Republicans squabbling even harder. But it would at least reopen the House.
Oh no, it would be a whole term with Republican dysfunction out front and center as a moderate Speaker is unable to wrangle the reps who both disagree with him AND are then personally insulted in how it went down.
Meanwhile, the House could get to work on a moderate course despite the ongoing Republican party dysfunction, which would only hurt the party in the next election cycle.
This is actually sounding like a better idea all the time...
@volkris Yes, it would. I don’t think he thinks it would mask their dysfunction forever, just that it would mask it now. The Dems want to highlight the dysfunction, that’s why they turned up with popcorn. This is the Republicans’ mess and they want voters to be aware of it, not just those who watch politics closely. I don’t think Dems supporting a moderate Republican would help Dems, only help Republicans look functional.
Except it's not just Republicans' mess since until a Speaker is chosen Democrats don't get to work on legislation either.
The lack of a speaker impacts all aspects of the House of Representatives, and at this point Democrats are complicit in any mess caused by their disinterest in resolving the vote.
They could have easily voted for McCarthy and gotten their chamber to work yesterday, but instead they effectively voted with hardliner Republicans against resolving the House's issues.
They voted to maintain their own mess.
@volkris I don’t think he thinks it would solve their dysfunction, but mask it by allowing Republicans to assume leadership of the House and for it to reopen, despite their dysfunction.