Unprecedented in modern congressional history were the events that unfolded in the House of Representatives from Tuesday, January 3rd through Saturday, January 7th of 2023. Day after day, ballot after ballot, the political drama all ended in the wee small hours of Saturday morning after 15 rounds of voting.
Renowned journalist Ryan Grim of The Intercept, explained on his Substack how he spent the day in the House press gallery to see the drama unfold down below. Sitting next to him was longtime reporter Jonathan Allen who covered Congress for many years. Best describing the body language of Speaker-designate Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-CA), Allen said about McCarthy, “He looks like he swallowed a bag of knives.”1
“McCarthy knew he was in for a very rough day,” Grim noted. “It started with a shouting match of a private meeting, and then moved to a roll call vote at noon, where each member was asked to stand and state their preference for Speaker.”2
Allies of McCarthy understood the long haul fight to come, and would support him no matter what, setting forth a group on an “Only Kevin” strategy. As Grim wrote, “It’s perfect, since the best thing about McCarthy for his colleagues is that he’s just OK.”3
Those in position towards McCarthy, such as Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL), felt that he [McCarthy] was part of the GOP establishment, and didn’t want him to be the victor, regardless if additional concessions were made.
McCarthy supporter, Rep. Kelly Armstrong (R-ND), was quoted the day before Tuesday saying, “To be honest, we are preparing for a fight. Not the way we want to start out in our new majority, but you can’t really negotiate against the position of ‘give us everything we ask for and we won’t guarantee anything in return,’” as per Melanie Zanona of CNN.4
To add to the mix, Jake Sherman of Punchbowl News tweeted out Tuesday morning, “i've been covering House Republicans for 13+ years. i've never seen lawmakers so uncertain about what comes next. tons of anxiety, nervousness and fear about today, this week and the future.”5
Shortly before the House Republican Conference was scheduled to meet at 9:30 am that Tuesday, Rep. Scott Perry (R-PA) released a statement:
“We’ve worked in good faith for months to change the status quo. At nearly every turn, we’ve been sidelined or resisted by McCarthy, and any perceived progress has often been vague or contained loopholes that further amplified concerns as to the sincerity of the promises being made.
In his 14 years in Republican Leadership, McCarthy has repeatedly failed to demonstrate any desire to meaningfully change the status quo in Washington. Despite our deep reservations we have continued to work in earnest to find a path forward with McCarthy, knowing that this crucial moment would come.
On New Year’s Eve, at the 11th Hour, after dragging his feet for months, McCarthy presented a vague ultimatum lacking in specifics and substance.
In an attempt to flesh out and add substance to his ultimatum and our many discussions, we approached McCarthy with an offer to get him to 218 votes. He declined.
While he claimed to offer fair and equal representation for conservatives on all House committees, when we provided specific names willing to serve on each - as he requested - he balked.
We asked for firm commitments on concrete policies for the benefit of the American People. When asked to promise votes on (1) a balanced budget, (2) the Fair Tax Act, (3) the Texas Border Plan, and (4) term limits for Members of Congress, he refused.
We requested transparent, accountable votes on individual earmarks that would require two-thirds support to pass, and to ensure that all amendments to cut spending would be allowed floor consideration. He dismissed it.
We demanded that he cease his efforts to defeat competitive conservative candidates in open Republican primaries. He denied it.
Kevin McCarthy had an opportunity to be Speaker of the House. He rejected it.”6
While the statement itself had some harsh criticism towards McCarthy, Republicans understood the battle was not going to be settled in a day, and some concessions had to be made in upcoming talks if McCarthy were ever to secure his spot for Speaker. After all, McCarthy could only take the hit of four of his party colleagues going the other way.
According to a source familiar with the meeting, McCarthy told GOP lawmakers, “I earned this job. We earned this majority, and goddamn [sic] it, we are going to win it today.” His speech picked up a standing ovation, as reported by Olivia Beavers of CNN.7
Another staunch McCarthy opponent, Rep. Lauren Boebort (R-CO) said after the speech, “This is bullshit.”8
House Republican Majority Leader Steve Scaliese (R-LA) who also got an ovation, said, “We all came here to get things done,” urging his colleagues to drop their protest. Lawmakers would not be able to start fixing problems until McCarthy was elected as the next Speaker.9
Shortly after the Conference meeting, House Freedom Caucus members Gaetz, Boebert, and Perry held their own small press briefing:
Gaetz bluntly explained, “If you want to drain the swamp you can’t put the biggest alligator in control of the exercise.” As for Boebert, she went on to say how she’s been, “working every day to unify the Republican party for the American people,” and made out a deal that was “not selfish in any way,” to give McCarthy the speakership on the first ballot. Shorty insisting, “He eagerly dismissed us.”10
In Perry’s view, “Instead of saying to these folks [Boebert and Gaetz] that are standing with me, why have you brought us to this point? Well we surely haven’t come here alone. There’s one person who could’ve changed all this, alright.”11
Once the full House came to order by the presiding clerk, both House party chairs each gave speeches as to who they wanted to be the next Speaker. Rep. Elisie Stefanik (R-NY) nominated McCarthy, and Rep. Pete Aguilar (D-CA) nominated Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY). In addition, some members of the Freedom Caucus nominated Rep. Andy Biggs (R-AZ) on the first ballot, and Rep. Jim Jordan (R-IA) on the second and third ballots that followed.
Despite Jordan being nominated by Gaetz, Jordan himself did not want the top post, after all he had his eyes set on the House Judiciary committee chair position.
Gaetz, the vocal holdout, continued his anti-McCarthy message, saying during his nomination speech for Jordan, “Maybe the right person for the Speaker of the House isn’t someone who wants it so bad.” Continuing, “Jim Jordan is the right person for speaker of the House because he is not beholden to the lobbyists and special interests who have corrupted this place and corrupted this nation under the leadership of both Republicans and Democrats.”12
Mick Mulvaney, who formerly was a congressman and White House chief of staff, tweeted out during the speakership vote in response to Biggs, “And who is the someone else? The NeverKevin people have no idea. They have no plan. And they have no real reason to be doing this. Wonderful traits in lawmakers.”13
After the three ballots, it was not enough to declare a victor, so the House adjourned to meet the following day. This was ideally a party-line vote since many Democrats voted not to adjourn and have the voting process continue.
Among Republican lawmakers, 203 voted for McCarthy, 10 for Biggs, with 9 voting for other persons. In the second ballot, all 19 hold-outs voted for Jordan, despite Jordan himself publicly supporting McCarthy. By the third ballot, Rep. Bryon Donalds (R-FL) switched his vote from McCarthy to Jordan, thereby turning 19 into 20.14
[GOP lawmakers nominating or voting for other colleagues would continue throughout the week. In another example, Donalds was nominated for Speaker on the second day of voting, Wednesday.]15
Meanwhile, Jeffries received 212 from his Democrat colleagues with no sudden break, since all backed Jeffries through and through.
McCarthy, who with the rest of his allies came prepared for a daunting voting session, present still were “deep fractures within the GOP about the direction of the party and the lack of consensus over who should lead it forward,” as explained by Natalie Andrews, and Eliza Collins for the Wall Street Journal.16
Texas Rep. Dan Crenshaw (R-TX) who supported McCarthy, noted that the few members opposing McCarthy were grandstanding, saying, “This handful of members is very clearly looking for notoriety over principle.”17
Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY) proclaimed that she would stick by McCarthy and vote for him, “No matter how many times it takes, McCarthy.”18
Gaetz and the others seem to have been, “freelancing and engaged in a fool’s errand masquerading as an act of principle,” claims Michael Goodwin for the New York Post. “As such, it’s amateur hour and a mystery over what the holdouts stand for, in part because they don’t have a viable alternative to McCarthy.”19
Goodwin went on to say that the charade was madness, and the reasons for such opposition tended to be either vague or personal, rather than substantive. Even though McCarthy gave concessions, it generally would never be enough, “because their opposition is, at this late stage, fundamentally incoherent.”20
To understand the few lawmakers who opposed McCarthy, they were not in it to save the democratic institution, or do their jobs as lawmakers. In fact, these members had little interest in legislating themselves. They have been keen to find more air time to help fundraise their campaigns, to which quite frankly is what matters in this day and age.
According to an Axios article by Lachlan Markay, “House Republicans leading the fight against Rep. Kevin McCarthy’s speaker bid are using the push to help finance their campaigns.” This had to do with taking a public opportunity to raise money for cash as a financial upside.21
One of the following emails by the campaign from Gaetz read in bold letters, “I have no regrets about casting my vote on the House floor against Kevin McCarthy for Speaker!” Another line asked potential donors if they would “support our fight with critical reinforcements.” Reinforcements meaning other House members that oppose McCarthy.22
Meanwhile an email from the Biggs camp explained to donors claiming that “every dollar helps secure the Speaker position,” noting the need to “turbocharge our emergency efforts to break the Establishment.”23
Mulvaney tweeted Thursday morning, “Just got a fundraising email from Lauren Boebert. Which I assume is what a lot of her NeverKevin stuff is all about. Am thinking about offering her $25 to give me the name of the ‘paradigm-shifting’ speaker who can get elected if they are successful in undermining McCarthy.”24
Those who opposed McCarthy however weren’t all in it for the money, for there were some who wanted to make concessions with the California lawmaker if they were ever to vote for him.
According to John Harris of Politico, since McCarthy, “hasn’t articulated and may not have strong views about a governing agenda, beyond Biden administration investigations, one could arguably see why McCarthy might be willing to give it a try to win a position he has coveted for years.”25
What was once recently a fight within the House GOP Conference to determine how many votes it would take to place a “motion to vacate” from a proposal of one to later five. That number dropped back to one, although those in favor of McCarthy stated that there wasn’t much a difference between the two.26
“Members of the Freedom Caucus, with which McCarthy opponents closely align, would also get a guaranteed two spots on the powerful House Rules Committee… Opponents are also using their leverage to extract major changes in the appropriations process,” the article stated.27
The point being, if McCarthy were to win the speaker’s race, he would have to put himself in a place where it may weaken his post, compared to previous speakers who had more say in the legislative business.
Another key part was when the McCarthy super PAC, Congressional Leadership Fund, announced that they would no longer spend in safe open Republican primaries. In return, the conservative opposition group against McCarthy known as the Club for Growth had agreed to support him for Speaker.28
However, such a deal made some conservative members feel as if it was an undercut to their negotiating posture. In a heavily detailed piece by Bradley Devlin for The American Conservative, Rep. Dan Bishop (R-TX) explained that they had worked with Club for Growth and other groups to try and identify important things. “It’s not that I objected to getting it done. It was that we were in a very sensitive moment in which we’re trying to maintain maximum pressure for negotiating a broad range of terms that touch on multiple subject areas, and they just came out and announced that there was this agreement.”29
Some members also expressed the concessions may haunt him [McCarthy] and the conference given the fact there were only a handful of members that made up the new majority.30
Upon further negotiations, many in opposition wanted to find a way to change how Congress were to operate, such as the ability to amend legislation, how and when lawmakers vote on appropriation bills, the 72-hour window to read bills, and who in the Freedom Caucus would serve on top standing committees.31
Three members in particular Reps. Perry, Donalds, and Roy, continued to negotiate with McCarthy and others of the OK group. If talks extracted enough concessions to pull through, in estimate, perhaps as many as ten Republicans may step into McCarthy’s favor.32
Even die-hard MAGA lawmakers weren’t willing to oblige with former President Donal Trump’s endorsement of the Speaker-designate. A small but noteworthy indication that Trump may not have as much leverage this time around to shore up additional support.33
Former Florida Representative Carlos Curbelo who was in the House for the first two years of the Trump administration spoke about the gist of things, “There’s been a growing tolerance of people who do not act in good faith who consistently diminish the institution for their personal gain and advancement.” So much so that, “This is the most dramatic manifestation of that toxic culture.”34
“For House Republicans on either side of the speaker’s drama, one big question is how their constituents react,” explained in an article by Lisa Lerer, and Reid Epstein for the New York Times. “Representative Darin LaHood, a McCarthy supporter who represents a conservative district in central and Northern Illinois, said there was ‘no support in my district for what these guys are doing.’”35
As brought up earlier that some members may have been in opposition just to buy air time, and raise money with little interest in legislating, this is promptly because the so-called “rebels” were elected from heavily Republican districts, not likely to face blowback from home.36
Washington DC GOP strategist Ron Bonjean had stated, “Most of these Republican members aren’t going to have major political downsides at the moment and won’t stop unless they are feeling voter backlash.37
But just exactly how have constituents been feeling over the whole debacle? When pressed, there were a wide variety of opinions, especially amongst local party leaders, as told in a piece written by Cameron McWhirter, and John McCormick for the Wall Street Journal.
Cody Mitchell, a GOP chairman from Lewis County, Tennessee said that there’s no need to “fall into a party line on everything.” The district being represented by Rep. Andy Ogles (R-TN), Mitchell stated he supports his elected official opposing McCarthy for, “he distrusts Mr McCarthy and politicians who have been in Washington a long time.” The county chairman also would like a new leader to become speaker, given the fact that the GOP failed to take back the Senate, and barely held on in the House.38
Down south into the Floridian panhandle where Gaetz takes hold, Okaloosa County GOP chairwoman Sandra Atkinson supports her congressman. While, “debate is always good” there was an optimistic view that a Republican speaker would come to be. However she expressed that, “the party should make changes in House rules to make its processes more transparent and fair.”39
Across the state border into Georgia, Ron Webb, the GOP chairman for White County, represented by Rep. Andrew Clyde (R-GA), noted that while the deadlock was embarrassing, it would be worth it for the party in the end. “It makes us look like the bunch of bumbling idiots now, but in the long run it will be better,” said Mr Webb.40
Further out to the west, in the Colorado district represented by Lauren Boebert, GOP Mesa County chairman Kevin McCarney said that he was disappointed with her opposition to the Republican leader. “I love her to death, but I think in this instance we are hurting our brand and are hurting ourselves.” He also pointed to local issues such as the rising cost of food and gas, “suggesting Ms Boebert should be more focused on issues more pressing to voters.”41
While some may express their opposition to McCarthy, kicking the can down the road was a recipe for blowback. For instance, House congressional offices were not able to conduct business such as constituent relations.
Rep. John Rutherford (R-FL) tweeted out, “Thanks to @RepMattGaetz, @RepDonaldsPress, & @realannapaulina , congressional offices like mine aren't able to help our constituents with casework requests while we wait to be sworn in. The small minority obstructing the speaker election is causing real consequences for Americans.”42
His tweet was in reference to Olivia Beavers who tweeted, “GOP staffer sent me this to highlight how drawn out speakership race is impacting offices: ‘The response we got when we tried to contact the IRS on behalf of one of our constituents. Not sure people realize the non-political ramifications this has on our ability to help folks.’”43
The context of Beaver’s tweet included an image of an email to a congressional staffer by the IRS which read, “Unfortunately until a speaker is elected and the members are sworn in I will not be able to assist you with this matter as the Congressman is still technically a congressman-elect.”44
Furthermore, as tweeted by John Bresnahan for Punchbowl News, a memo was sent to House committees saying committee staff will not “get their next paycheck if a House rules package isn’t placed by Jan. 13th.”45
A staff member reached out to the author of this piece through a social media messaging app saying, “There’s a post office in my district that hasn’t gotten mail delivered in two weeks. Our office can’t do anything except tell our senators.”
Sooner or later, the dam gave way, and a speaker was elected in a tense showdown that proceeded from Friday into the wee hours of Saturday morning.
To summarize the finger-pointing drama that unfolded, Jake Sherman said it best, “Excuse my language, but this is fucking insane. I’ve never seen anything like this in my life.”46
McCarthy gathered additional support once Friday came along on the 12th ballot, with 14 House Republicans changing their vote bringing the total to 213: Reps. Bishop, Perry, Roy, Donalds, Paul Gosar (R-TX), Michael Cloud (R-TX), Andrew Clyde (R-GA), Mary Miller (R-IL), Andy Ogles (R-TN), Ralph Norman (R-SC), and Victoria Spartz (R-IN), as well as newly elected lawmakers Josh Brecheen (R-OK), Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL), and Keith Self (R-TX). Rep. Andy Harris (R-MD) soon changed his vote to support McCarthy on the 13th ballot, thereby a total of 214.47
That same day, Donalds spoke about the confidence of the conference in relation to the Speaker-designate as negotiations went on, “The Speaker’s Office must work for We The People, and I believe the concessions we’ve secured achieve this. Republicans are ready to govern and deliver results on behalf of our constituents and the nation.”48
If there’s one takeaway that congressional historians will remember, it will be the chaotic scene of casting the 14th ballot.49
As the House reconvened at 10pm Friday evening, nominating the distinguished Californian was none other than Chairman of the House Financial Services Committee, Rep. Patrick McHenry (R-NC).50
In part of his opening remarks, “The president has called this process embarrassing,” McHenry said early in his seven-minute nomination speech. “Talking heads have labeled this chaos and a mess. And some would call it shambolic even. But it’s called democracy.” Such a democracy may be a messy process, but having such a debate that is both open and transparent was what sets America apart from authoritarian regimes.51
“We must adhere to the principles that make our nation, this nation, our constitutional republic great. And that starts with a free and open exchange of ideas,” McHenry continued. Whereby the people’s house can finally be re-opened, the empowerment of standing committees, going back to regular order, and finding ways to bring in more conservative solutions that are “very powerful and good for constituents,” ranging from Bakersville or Lincolnton, North Carolina, as such.52
“It’s also by my seat, able to watch him on a front row seat as he’s grown as a leader, and especially this week, how he’s grown as a leader.” Caring much about his members, McCarthy was someone who has shown ability to care while being optimistic.53
“He’s relentless, the man does not quit,” as applause from Republicans roars on the floor. For it was McCarthy who led Republicans to take back the majority status in the House. “And Kevin has led us through these challenges the last few days, and Kevin is the right person to lead us over the coming two years.” As directed by the Republican Conference, McHenry finished his nomination speech proclaiming, “I advance the name of Kevin McCarthy as the next Speaker of the United States House of Representatives.”54
Later as members went into the roll call vote, Gaetz’s name was called by the clerk twice, but didn’t respond to cast a vote amidst talking to lawmakers seated in the back of the chamber. Soon, Boebert voted “present,” bringing a surprise to many, while Reps. Good, Rosendale, Biggs, and Crane, voted for other candidates. Ultimately the speakership vote narrowed down solely on Gaetz.55
Just shy of a full hour into the vote, McHenry could be seen talking to Gaetz and Boebert. Minutes later past 11pm, McCarthy mingles over along with his deputy chief floor staffer John Leganski.
Gaetz, who eventually voted “present,” stated that if members adjourned and were to come back on Monday, then he and some of the holdouts may deliver. But Leganski didn’t budge because that wasn’t going to sail. There was no guarantee that Republicans would show up Monday as all 222 members due to the fact some had dire family emergencies to attend to.56
Rep. Wesley Hunt (R-TX) had been partially absent due to his wife’s medical issues after giving birth to a premature baby boy at the hospital in order to vote. He did however receive a standing ovation when he arrived back to vote. Meanwhile the wife of Rep. Roger Williams (R-TX) was going through medical treatment after a brain tumor was discovered.57
McCarthy chatted with Gaetz explaining that his point had already been made, and people want to go home. Gaetz then responded pointing at McCarthy that the current situation wouldn’t be happening had the House adjourned.
McCarthy, not pleased in getting solid confirmation from the Floridian firebrand lawmaker, put his head down and walked away from the group. Soon enough Rep. Mike Rogers (R-AL) got a few feet away from Gaetz, pointed to him and angrily yelled, “I won’t forget this!” Rogers was the upcoming chairman of the House armed services committee, and Gaetz previously wanted the gavel to a subcommittee.58
Rep. Richard Hudson (R-N.C) had to intervene and restrain Rogers, putting his right hand on Roger’s shoulder, and the left hand nearly covered his face. This caused many lawmakers witnessing the development unfolding to gasp. Even McCarthy quickly turned his head to see what all the commotion was about, just as he was walking away.59
Another scenario that got attention was when Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) had her phone in her palm with Donald Trump on the line. This was a request originally given by Chief Deputy Whip Rep. Reschenthaler (R-PA) for her to call the former president.60
Greene went up to Rep. Rosendale (R-MT) with her phone reading “DT” and yet he rejected her efforts, insisting with his hand up. Greene told her story by saying, “Matt Rosendale blew up, yelled at me, and screamed at me, ‘Don’t you ever do that to me Marjorie. Don’t you ever do this.’”61
Trump overall was angry about the whole situation, for the mayhem involved on television was a bad look, and told the group to knock it off.
With the 14th vote finalized with no winner, McHenry asked the clerk that the House adjourn until Monday. His colleague Rep. Steve Womack (R-AR) expressed his frustration by saying, “It’s painful to watch. It’s embarrassing. The country deserves better. And I’m sorry that the American public’s having to witness this.”62
Around this time as lawmakers made their way to cast either a green card (yes) or red card (no) on the vote to adjourn, Gaetz came over to Rep. Andrew Garbarino (R-NY) explained that, “We’re going to get this done.” Garbarino then pointed to where McCarthy was and said, “Perfect, go tell him.”63
Gaetz went down to the well to get a hold of McCarthy. As it turned out, making way for him to attain the gavel was achievable after all.
Upon this event, McCarthy and his colleagues on the floor such as Reps. Andrew Garbarino (R-NY), Scott Fitzgerald (R-WI), and Malliotakis shouted at members to change their votes for adjournment, with eruptions saying aloud, “One more time! One more time!”64
McCarthy had a genuine smile on his face this time, for he now knew he was going to get the political post he had always dreamed about. After the 15th ballot was taken, he had won with 216 votes, with no GOP vote against him.
In all, voting “present” on the final ballot were Reps. Andy Biggs, Lauren Boebert, Eli Crane, Bob Good, Matt Rosendale, and Matt Gaetz.65
As Grim wrote about the historic evening, “But news outlets, seeing the adjournment vote hit the number needed to end the session, blasted out news alerts saying that McCarthy’s week had ended without a victory. McCarthy and his allies will no doubt enjoy that their victory will require a correction from NPR. When Rep. Eli Crane of Arizona changed his vote to present in the 15th round, he gave McCarthy the margin he needed. Gaetz and Boebert both remained as ‘present’ votes.”66
Before McCarthy could take the gavel, House members of the Democratic party had an opportunity to address their own challenges, triumphs, and political message going forward heading into the new congressional session. The person to speak on their behalf was none other than Jeffries who took over as the party’s House minority leader after former Speaker Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) stepped down from her leadership involvement.
In the beginning of his remarks, Jeffries expressed warm thanks to his party colleagues and friends due to their perseverance, strength, friendship, and support. “I simply want to say that showing of strength is not for any one particular individual, it will be a showing of strength throughout the 118th Congress, unanimity of purpose on behalf of the American people.”67
He acknowledged that Pelosi, “will go down in history as the greatest Speaker of all time,” given the fact Democrats usually viewed her favorably over the many years due to her ability to facilitate, legislate, and negotiate. Jeffries also pointed to the party’s two former leadership members, Reps. Steny Hoyer (D-MD) and Jim Clyburn (D-SC) as, “two consequential leaders in their own right.”68
Summarizing the past couple of years for House Democrats, Jeffries indicated that they, in partnership with both President Biden and members of the Senate, “have been hard at work on behalf of the American people, getting big things done.” In the laundry list of accomplishments given by Jeffries were gun safety reform, the inflation and reduction act, lowering health care costs, and lowering energy costs.69
“It was one of the most consequential congresses in American history,” he continued. “President Biden gets the job done and the ‘D’ in Democrat stands for deliver. So over the next two years… as we begin this 118th Congress, let us continue to fight for lower costs. Let us continue to fight in this Congress for better paying jobs… safer communities… defend democracy… to put and protect the public interest…”70
For the Democratic party, in Jeffries words, “believe in a country for everyone,” ranging from providing for the poor, working families, a middle class, senior citizens, inner cities, and suburban communities.71
He continued, “We believe - that in America our diversity is a strength. It is not a weakness. An economic strength, a competitive strength, a cultural strength. Our diversity is not a weakness. We are a gorgeous mosaic of people from throughout the world. As John Lewis would sometimes remind us on this floor, ‘We may have come over on different ships, but we’re all in the same boat now.’”72
Because whatever it is that makes us who we are, “that’s what makes America a great country. And no matter what kind of haters are trying to divide us, we’re not going to let anyone take that away from us, not now, not ever. This is the United States of America. A land of opportunity. The fact that I’m able to stand up here today is another data point in that narrative.”73
Having faced his own struggles growing up in the Brooklyn neighborhood of Crown Heights, NY, attending service at the Cornerstone Baptist church, and in spite of the ongoing cocaine epidemic at the time, yet somehow years later becoming the most high ranking Democrat in the House — notably as a person of African American decent — he made an example of that ability to rise in the land of opportunity.74
“So on this first day, let us commit to the American dream. A dream that promises that if you work hard and play by the rules, you should be able to provide a comfortable living for yourself and for your family, educate your children, purchase a home, and one day retire with grace and dignity. Let us commit on this first day to lift up the American dream for every single person in this nation.”75
As Congress transitions from the 117th to the 118th, with a new majority in power, Americans may recognize a fork in the road, in which some may ask what direction does Congress choose to go:
“On this first day, I do not pretend to answer that question on behalf of my colleagues on the other side of the aisle. But we do extend our hand of partnership to you, and want to make clear that we extant and intend to try to find common ground, whenever and wherever possible on behalf of the American people. Not as Democrats, not as Republicans, not as independents, but as Americans.”76
Soon Jeffries went into somewhat of an ABC’s version of good over the bad, “House Democrats will always put American values over autocracy. Benevolence over bigotry. The Constitution over code. Democracy over demagogues. Economic opportunity over extremism. Freedom over fascism. Governing over gaslighting…” later ending with, “Yes we can over you can do it.”77
In his conclusion, Jeffries recounted, “So let us not grow weary of doing good, for the American people will reap the benefit of the harvest if we do not give up. God bless you. God bless the House, and God bless the United States of America.”78
By the end of his speech he invited McCarthy to attain the gavel, officially signaling the transfer of the new congressional term, with McCarthy eyes widened, and happily so, achieving the position he wanted for many years, finally becoming a reality.
To start his acceptance speech, McCarthy began by saying, “That was easy, huh? I never thought we’d get up here.” Meanwhile in a humble warning to Jeffries who at this point was walking on the House floor back to his seat, McCarthy pointed out, “I’ve got to warn you, two years ago, I got 100% of my conference.” He also thanked the House clerk, Cheryl Johnson, who presided over the dramatic speakership election.79
“You know, my father always said to me, it’s not how you start, it’s how you finish. And now we need to finish strong for the American people.” McCarthy’s upbringing, though different from Jeffries, such as being the son of a firefighter, and grandson of immigrants, in tone were similar attributes of the American opportunity. “And if my colleague Hakeem Jeffries, with his life story, can rise to lead his party, then opportunity and democracy still thrive in America.”80
In another remark to Jeffries, McCarthy stated, although there will be timely moments where there will be agreement and disagreement, debates will be passionate, but never personal, “That’s my commitment to you.”81
Setting the tone for the new congressional session, McCarthy said that he understood that there was hard work to be done. Whereby the ultimate responsibility as newly elected Speaker of the House is not towards a political party, a congressional conference, or Congress itself. Rather the responsibility towards this very country — America.
“Two months ago you voted for a new direction for our country. You embraced our ‘Commitment to America,’ and now we’re going to keep our commitment to you: It’s a commitment to an economy that’s strong, where you could fill up your tank tank of gas and feed your family. Where paychecks grow and not shrink. It’s a commitment for a nation that’s safe, where communities are protected, law enforcement is respected, and criminals are prosecuted. A commitment for the future that’s built on freedom, where children come first and are taught to dream big. Because in America, dreams can still come true…”82
In a system where Americans want the answers they so deserve, the government ought to be held accountable. And that by providing the framework of a checks and balances system, “It’s time for us to be a check and provide some balance to the president’s policies.” Americans deserve to live and enjoy their lives, for there is nothing more important than making that possible.83
In a pledge to stop the national debt and wasteful spending, to lower the price of groceries, gas, cars, energy and housing, it’s these topics that matter to many Americans, he expressed.
With Republicans introducing their very first bill that will repeal the funding for the new 87,000 IRS agents, “You see? We believe government should be to help you, not go after you. We’re gonna pass bills to fix the nation’s challenges from wide open southern borders to American last energy policies, to woke indoctrination in our schools.”84
When it comes to government spending, federal bureaucrats will go before Congress and defend it if they seek such reasoning. As for the influence of China, there will be a bipartisan select committee to tackle China, especially trying to bring back overseas jobs to the American homeland, eventually winning the economic competition.85
“Now speaking of committees, we will hold the swamp accountable from the withdrawal of Afghanistan, to the origins of Covid, and to the weaponization of the FBI. Let me be very clear, we will use the power of the purse and the power of the subpoena to get the job done. This is something we should all agree upon. We will stand up and speak out for the backbone of our economy, the hard working taxpayer.”86
Although late at night, with very few Americans tuned in watching McCarthy’s speech in real time, he spoke about a new beginning and a fresh start, for the people’s house was back and fully open to all Americans who come to visit.87
In a short reference to the lyrics of Buck Owens, “How many of you have sit and judged me, ever walked the streets of Bakersfield? Well, I’ve walked those streets my entire life,” McCarthy empathized. “I know it’s people. They’re hardworking and relentless, optimistic about our future. And I’m very honored to have the opportunity to represent them.”88
He later added his most favorite spot in the capitol complex — Statuary Hall. By bringing up the clock statue what’s known as Clio, the muse of history, it was the same statue that Abraham Lincoln saw when he was a one-term congressman who sat in the back:
“I like to go to that spot and I like to stand where he stood. I like to do it at night when people aren’t around. I like to look over and look at the clock, because that’s the same clock and same view that Abraham Lincoln saw. I’ve watched Lincoln serve in the greatest challenge to our constitution, the Civil War. I watched him take people who were rivals, and put them together. I watched in a time that he did not know if a nation could sustain itself. But he dreamt of a future and built a railroad across the nation. I want us to all take a moment, one time that you were here. I want you to stand there. I want you to look, and I want you to think if America could do it then, we can do it now one more time.”89
McCarthy explained that America’s mission as told by Lincoln, one of a nation that continues to strive to maintain a government and its institution by our forefathers, transmitting them to our children, continues to ring true to this very day.
“This moment calls for restoring trust within our country, and with each other. In that spirit I will work with anyone and everyone who shares our passions to deliver a better future for the nation. I hope you’ll join me. As a Congress we can only operate if we cooperate. My door will be open. I’d like you to come by. I want you to see as you walk down the hall, a large portrait of Lincoln.”90
Next, McCarthy described another historical portrait, this one of the famous Washington crossing the Delaware River on Christmas 1776 made by the German-American immigrant Emanuel Leutze.
America, Leutze believed, was more than just a country — it was an idea. For he wanted his home country of Germany to develop a revolution based on the freedoms and values Americans hold dear and defend.
He painted the idea of freedom, depicting Washington wearing his ceremonial uniform in a stoic pose in a rowboat with 13 people, yet 12 faces being present. Despite the harsh winter and the surrounding environment, McCarthy described, “You would look at that man, you’d say ‘I follow him anywhere.’ You probably believe that he never lost a battle. But history would tell us at that moment, at that time, he had only lost…”91
It was up to that point of the war where he led his the continental army to their first victory, defeating the Hessians at the battle of Trenton. But as iconic a figure Washington is, McCarthy told his audience to instead look at who's in the boat instead. The second rower was Scottish, the person across from him, an African American. The person in the back of the boat, a Native American. The second-to-last, a farmer, with his hand going across his face.92
McCarthy went looking upon this historic painting, believed that Leutze was trying to show how such a group was battling for a creation of the idea of freedom:
“That every individual is equal, not a perfect nation, but striving to be a more perfect union. Having lost every battle against the greatest challenge with the strongest nation. Having lost them all, but willing to do it on our holiest of nights, with a hand reached out and asking if you would join us. That’s as true today as it was then. If we let everybody in the boat. If we rode in the same cadence together, there is no obstacle this body can overcome for this nation.”93
In the conclusion of his acceptance address McCarthy closed by explaining that although he may not know many of the new members, he wasn’t someone who ever gives up, thereby making a promise to never give up on the American people, and keeping the Commitment to America plan.
“Our nation is worth fighting for. Our rights are worth fighting for. Our dreams are worth fighting for. Our future is worth fighting for. Therefore, with love for this country, and charity for each other, let us now take our oath, and be worthy of the office on which we are about to enter. God bless everybody in this chamber, and God bless America.”94
The following is a simplified tally breakdown of the Speaker vote95:
Even though McCarthy got where he wanted to be, not everyone was happy by the grueling process that took many members to get there. Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) went on CBS’s Sunday talk show program “Face the Nation" and had harsh criticism for Gaetz, her Floridian colleague.96
“Matt Gaetz is a fraud. Every time he voted against Kevin McCarthy last week he sent out a fundraising email. What you saw last week was a constitutional process diminished by those kinds of political actions. I don't support that kind of behavior.”97
Although the process of considering concessions may not have been as transparent as one would like, she said, “They're the ones that are saying they were, quote, fighting the swamp, but then yet went and tried to act like you know, like, they actually are the swamp by trying to do these back room deals. And we don't know what they got, or didn't get. We haven't seen it. We don't have any idea what promises were made or what gentleman's handshakes were made. We just, we just have no idea at this point. And it does give me quite a bit of heartburn, because that's not what we ran on.”98
McCarthy, having been properly voted to be the next Speaker of the House by the voting results of his peers, may be facing a legislative reality check. As John Feehery of Politico opens up in an opinion piece, “It’s easy to fix Congress. It’s a lot harder to do so. I’ve seen it first hand.”99
Feehery described that McCarthy is stuck between trying to promise certain outcomes on policy, while on the other hand, trying to create a process that is open and fair.
While the more conservative members opposed McCarthy early on in the week of voting, they would exchange their vote to him if McCarthy would work on two key things. The first was to make dramatic cuts to spending, while the second was to bring back the return of legislative “regular order,” so that rank-and-file members [not suited in leadership positions] may have more of a say.
“The frustration among all members of the House about a broken process — where huge omnibus spending bills are negotiated behind closed doors and then voted on in the middle of the night — is totally understandable. It has also been a complaint from just about every backbencher in congressional history.”100
Given the uplifting phrases Democrats made in their remarks about former Nancy Pelosi on the floor as her time as Speaker, especially her mark in history, she made the legislative process go off the rails that showed little interest of being a fair process, as well as trampling on the rights of a party minority who were on the other side.101
When Feehery was a senior-aide to former Speaker Denny Hastert at the turn heading into the 21st century, a promise was made to deliver regular order. “What regular order meant back then,” Feehery explained, “was a devotion to a predictable, repeatable, democratic and orderly process…”102
What was supposed to be a great approach in theory, didn’t necessarily work in reality. When it came to passing legislation that would modernize Medicare with the benefit of prescription drugs, Hastert left the vote open for more than three hours, which was against the regular order. Notably, the former Speaker recalled at the time that three hours wasn’t “too long to wait,” for the elderly who wanted 30 years for the drug benefit.103
Bill Thomas, a former California congressman, who was once McCarthy’s former boss, chaired the House Ways and Mean committee during the time of the Medicare Modernization Act. Because of his political influence, Thomas was also one of the principal architects of the legislation, and wasn’t concerned about regular order, and just wanted the bill passed. Not to mention the other key legislative stakeholders who wanted the bill to be passed, such as President George W. Bush, Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist (R-TN), and other establishment Republicans of the era. Conservative lawmakers were furious, and rightfully so, since they wanted less government intervention, while at the same time, senior citizens being glad to receive the benefit.104
“Regular order is great until the point that you need to pass legislation that pleases your caucus and the American people simultaneously,” Feehery pointed out. “And that is the challenge for McCarthy and House Republicans as they move forward. Regular order is fine in theory. But at the end of the day, the American people don’t care about process. They care about results.”105
While there may be some form of appreciation to the few that opposed McCarthy to extract concessions and give them a larger voice in the complex legislative process, they must understand that conservatives may not get the results they want through regular order. Even if the process was given the green light, lawmakers looking to deliver on conservative policy results via the legislative route, would have to face the roadblocks of a Democratic-led Senate and White House.106
Republicans may want to push the need for regular order, but it will not result in jubilant results in their favor. At the end of the day, it's up to the speaker, because it is the person in that post who has to find balance between keeping the majority party happy, all while proving the ability to govern on behalf of the American people.107
As the 118th Congress unfolds, with a midst of uncertainty ahead for the nation’s future, it’s a reminder to take history as a guide once more. McCarthy who wished for his viewers to gaze upon the large portrait of Lincoln near the entrance of his office, with emphasis should the concluding remarks in Lincoln’s annual message to Congress on December 2, 1862 give meaning:
“The dogmas of the quiet past are inadequate to the stormy present. The occasion is piled high with difficulty, and we must rise with the occasion. As our case is new, so we must think anew and act anew. We must disenthrall ourselves, and then we shall save our country.”108
Ryan Grim, “Inside the House floor drama, where the speakership hangs in the balance,” Bad News, January 3, 2023,
Grim, “Inside the House floor drama, where the speakership hangs in the balance,” Bad News.
Grim.
Melanie Zanona, Twitter post, January 2, 2023,
Rep. Scott Perry, “Issues Statement on Speaker Vote,” January 3, 2023, https://www.politico.com/f/?id=00000185-789c-d4c1-a1bf-7cdd8ba20000.
Natalie Andrews, and Eliza Collins, "Kevin McCarthy Falls Short of House Speaker Win in Three Rounds of Voting," The Wall Street Journal, January 4, 2023, https://www.wsj.com/articles/house-prepares-to-xvote-for-speaker-as-kevin-mccarthy-tries-to-rally-support-11672750973. ; Olivia Beavers, Twitter post, January 3, 2023,
Jake Sherman, Twitter post, January 3, 2023,
Lisa Mascaro, Farnouch Amiri, and Kevin Freking, "Lauren Boebert plays key role in blocking Kevin McCarthy from becoming House speaker," The Colorado Sun via Associated Press, January 3, 2023, https://coloradosun.com/2023/01/03/lauren-boebert-mccarthy-vote/
"Freedom Caucus members stand firm against McCarthy," Associated Press, January 3, 2023,
"Freedom Caucus members stand firm against McCarthy," Associated Press.
Caitlin Doombos, and Steven Nelson, "House adjourns with no speaker after Kevin McCarthy falls short," The New York Post, January 3, 2023, https://nypost.com/2023/01/03/kevin-mccarthy-falls-short-of-house-speaker-win-on-first-ballot/.
Mick Mulvaney, Twitter post, January 3, 2023,
Andrews, and Collins, "Kevin McCarthy Falls Short of House Speaker Win in Three Rounds of Voting," The Wall Street Journal.
Melissa Quinn, "Who is Byron Donalds, conservatives' nominee for House speaker?," CBS News, January 4, 2023, https://www.cbsnews.com/news/byron-donalds-florida-republican-nominee-house-speaker-kevin-mccarthy/.
Andrews, and Collins.
Ibid.
Doombos, and Nelson, "House adjourns with no speaker after Kevin McCarthy falls short," The New York Post.
Michael Goodwin, "Grow up! House GOP must stop this madness over speaker and go after Biden," The New York Post, January 3, 2023, https://nypost.com/2023/01/03/house-gop-must-stop-this-madness-over-speaker-and-go-after-biden/.
Goodwin, "Grow up! House GOP must stop this madness over speaker and go after Biden," The New York Post.
Lachlan Markay, "GOP rebels cash in on McCarthy misery," Axios, January 5, 2023, https://www.axios.com/2023/01/06/republicans-mccarthy-fundraising
Markay, "GOP rebels cash in on McCarthy misery," Axios.
Markay.
Mick Mulvaney, Twitter post, January 5, 2023,
John Harris, "McCarthy Destroys His Speakership In Order to Save It," Politico, January 5, 2023, https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2023/01/05/mccarthy-tried-compromise-now-hes-trying-appeasement-00076579.
Harris, "McCarthy Destroys His Speakership In Order to Save It," Politico.
Harris.
Al Weaver, "McCarthy-backed PAC agrees to not spend in safe GOP open-seat primaries in Speakership concession," The Hill, January 4, 2023, https://thehill.com/homenews/house/3799420-mccarthy-backed-pac-agrees-to-less-spending-open-rules-in-exchange-for-speakership-backing/.
Bradley Devlin, “The Grapple for the Gavel,” The American Conservative, February 13, 2023, https://www.theamericanconservative.com/the-grapple-for-the-gavel/.
Olivia Beavers, Sarah Ferris, Connor O’Brien, and Meredith Lee Hill, "What's in McCarthy's emerging deal with conservatives — and why it got him the votes," Politico, January 6, 2023, https://www.politico.com/news/2023/01/06/mccarthy-emerging-deal-conservatives-00076862.
Natalie Andrews, Eliza Collins, and Siobhan Hughes, "Kevin McCarthy Steps Up Talks After Failing to Win 11 Rounds of House Speaker Votes," The Wall Street Journal, January 5, 2023, https://www.wsj.com/articles/republicans-pursue-speaker-talks-after-no-winner-in-six-votes-11672921961.
Andrews, Collins, and Hughes, "Kevin McCarthy Steps Up Talks After Failing to Win 11 Rounds of House Speaker Votes," The Wall Street Journal.
Haberman, and Michael C. Bender, "In House Speaker Fight, Trump Struggles to Play Kingmaker," The New York Times, January 5, 2023, https://www.nytimes.com/2023/01/05/us/politics/trump-speaker-vote-mccarthy.html.
Lisa Lerer, and Reid J. Epstein, "‘Nobody Is in Charge’: A Ragged G.O.P. Stumbles Through the Wilderness," The New York Times, January 5, 2023, https://www.nytimes.com/2023/01/05/us/politics/republican-party-leadership.html
Lerer, and Epstein, "‘Nobody Is in Charge’: A Ragged G.O.P. Stumbles Through the Wilderness," The New York Times.
Cameron McWhirter, and John McCormick, "Republicans Blocking Kevin McCarthy Unlikely to Face Blowback at Home," The Wall Street Journal, January 5, 2023, https://www.wsj.com/articles/republicans-blocking-kevin-mccarthy-unlikely-to-face-blowback-at-home-11672922674
McWhirter, and McCormick, "Republicans Blocking Kevin McCarthy Unlikely to Face Blowback at Home," The Wall Street Journal.
McWhirter, and McCormick.
Ibid.
Ibid.
Ibid.
Rep. John Rutherdord, Twitter post, January 5, 2023,
Olivia Beavers, Twitter post, January 5, 2023,
Beavers.
John Bresnahan, Twitter post, January 5, 2023,
Jake Sherman, Twitter post, January 6, 2023,
"House starts 15th ballot on dramatic night of speakership vote," Axios, January 7, 2023, https://www.axios.com/2023/01/06/house-speaker-vote-day-4.; Allison McCartney, Alicia Paralapiano, Ashley Wu, Christine Zhang, Josh Williams, Emily Cochrane, and John-Michael Murphy, “Vote Count: McCarthy Elected House Speaker After 15 Ballots,” The New York Times, January 6, 2023, https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2023/01/04/us/politics/house-speaker-vote-tally.html. Rep. Spartz (R-IN) had voted for McCarthy on the first three ballots before voting “present” in ballots four through eleven. She went back to supporting McCarthy again on ballots 12 through 15.
"House starts 15th ballot on dramatic night of speakership vote," Axios, January 7, 2023.
Lisa Mascaro, and Farnoush Amiri, "Chaotic scene unfolds as McCarthy fails on 14th ballot for speaker," PBS News, January 6, 2023, http://pbs.org/newshour/politics/chaotic-scene-unfolds-as-mccarthy-fails-on-14th-ballot-for-speaker.
Carolina Journal Staff, "McHenry nominates McCarthy for U.S. House speaker in 14th round of voting," The Carolina Journal, January 7, 2023, https://www.carolinajournal.com/mchenry-nominates-mccarthy-for-u-s-house-speaker-in-14th-round-of-voting/.
Rep. Patrick McHenry, "U.S. House of Representatives Fourteenth House Speaker Vote," C-SPAN, January 6, 2023, https://www.c-span.org/video/?525203-12/fourteenth-house-speaker-vote.
McHenry, "U.S. House of Representatives Fourteenth House Speaker Vote," C-SPAN.
McHenry.
Ibid.
Emily Wilkins, Twitter post, January 6, 2023,
. ; Emily Brooks, Mike Lillis, and Mychael Schnell, "How McCarthy won: Inside one of the most dramatic weeks in the House," The Hill, January 14, 2023, https://thehill.com/homenews/house/3812723-how-mccarthy-won-inside-one-of-the-most-dramatic-weeks-in-the-house/. ; Jake Sherman, Twitter post, January 6, 2023,
Rachael Bade, "POLITICO Playbook: Inside the 28 minutes that saved Kevin McCarthy," Politico, January 7, 2023, https://www.politico.com/newsletters/playbook/2023/01/07/inside-the-28-minutes-that-saved-kevin-mccarthy-00076893
Bade, "POLITICO Playbook: Inside the 28 minutes that saved Kevin McCarthy," Politico. ; Emily Brooks, Twitter post, January 6, 2023,
Lawrence Richard, "Mike Rogers lunges at Matt Gaetz during House speaker voting, other members forced to intervene: video," Fox News, January 7, 2023, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/mike-rogers-lunges-matt-gaetz-house-speaker-voting-members-forced-intervene-video.
Richard, "Mike Rogers lunges at Matt Gaetz during House speaker voting, other members forced to intervene: video," Fox News.
Bade.
Brooks, Lillis, and Schnell, "How McCarthy won: Inside one of the most dramatic weeks in the House," The Hill.
Olivia Beavers, Sarah Ferris, and Jordain Carney, "Inside the House GOP's speakership crisis," Politico, January 7, 2023, https://www.politico.com/news/2023/01/07/republican-speaker-drama-kevin-mccarthy-00076885.
Beavers, Ferris, and Carney, "Inside the House GOP's speakership crisis," Politico.
Bade.
Anthony Adragna, Nicholas Wu, Meredith Lee, and Marianne Levie, "McCarthy claims speakership on 15th ballot," Politico, January 7, 2023, https://www.politico.com/news/2023/01/07/mccarthy-claims-speakership-on-15th-ballot-00076882.
Ryan Grim, “BREAKING: Kevin McCarthy wins Speakership. Now it's up to Biden to neutralize the Freedom Caucus,” Bad News, January 7, 2023,
Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, "New York Democrat Hakeem Jeffries Delivers Speech After McCarthy's Election as Speaker of the House," C-SPAN, January 7, 2023, https://www.c-span.org/video/?c5050190/york-democrat-hakeem-jeffries-delivers-speech-mccarthys-election-speaker-house
Jeffries, "New York Democrat Hakeem Jeffries Delivers Speech After McCarthy's Election as Speaker of the House," C-SPAN.
Jeffries.
Ibid.
Ibid.
Ibid.
Ibid.
Ibid.
Ibid.
Ibid.
Ibid.
Ibid.
Rep. Kevin McCarthy, "California Republican Kevin McCarthy Delivers His Victory Speech After Being Elected as Speaker of the House," C-SPAN, January 7, 2023, https://www.c-span.org/video/?c5050186/california-republican-kevin-mccarthy-delivers-victory-speech-elected-speaker-house.
McCarthy, "California Republican Kevin McCarthy Delivers His Victory Speech After Being Elected as Speaker of the House," C-SPAN.
McCarthy.
Ibid.
Ibid.
Ibid.
Ibid.
Ibid.
Ibid.
Ibid.
Ibid.
Ibid.
Ibid.
Ibid.
Ibid.
Ibid.
McCartney, Paralapiano, Wu, Zhang, Williams, Cochrane, and Murphy, “Vote Count: McCarthy Elected House Speaker After 15 Ballots,” The New York Times. While looking through individual votes casted by each member, Rep. Ken Beck (R-CO) did not vote on ballots 9 through 13, Rep. Wesley Hunt (R-TX) ballots 12 through 13, nor Rep. David Trone (D-MD) on ballot 6. Additional info can be attained by the source provided or by visiting the Office of the House Clerk website at https://clerk.house.gov/Votes.
Rep. Nancy Mace, "Transcript: Rep. Nancy Mace on "Face the Nation," CBS News, January 8, 2023, https://www.cbsnews.com/news/nancy-mace-transcript-face-the-nation-01-08-2023/. ; Stephen Neukam, "GOP Rep. Nancy Mace blasts Matt Gaetz as a ‘fraud’ for fundraising off McCarthy Speaker votes," The Hill, January 8, 2023, https://thehill.com/homenews/3804637-gop-rep-nancy-mace-blasts-matt-gaetz-as-a-fraud-for-fundraising-off-mccarthy-speaker-votes/.
Mace, "Transcript: Rep. Nancy Mace on "Face the Nation," CBS News.
Mace.
John Feehery, “The McCarthy Holdouts May Come to Regret the Deal They Made,” Politico, January 19, 2023, https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2023/01/19/conservative-debt-ceiling-00078544.
Feehery, “The McCarthy Holdouts May Come to Regret the Deal They Made,” Politico.
Feehery.
Ibid.
Ibid.
Ibid.
Ibid.
Ibid.
Ibid.
Abraham Lincoln, "Second Annual Message: December 1, 1862,” The American Presidency Project, https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/documents/second-annual-message-9.