You mentioned how much you loved visiting the Reagan Library. What are some of the best presidential libraries/presidential historic sites you've visited?
Who is 3rd in line for the presidency now that the speaker of the house is interim? Does that mean that Patrick McHenry is now 3rd in the queue? or does it skip to senate pro tempore?
How's THIS for a theory/"question", so I wonder what you think of this possibility: The MAGA caucus voted to remove McCarthy specifically because they know that they don't have a replacement. They WANT to paralyze government even more than it already is, and a House without a Speaker will not be able to pass any legislation including, just by way of two examples, funding for Ukraine or another continuing resolution. They want to government to fail so that they can justify their opposition to anything that the government does.
If McHenry put McCarthy at the top of the secret list of Speaker pro tem people, and then Gaetz vacated McHenry would that make McCarthy into Speaker pro tem? Could McCarthy, McHenry, and their allies foil Gaetz in that manner? Just trading the pro tem job back and forth?
Am I the only one here who didn't know about the 9/11-era secret succession list House rule for filling a vacant Speakership with a Speaker Pro Tem? Or that there was even such a position as Speaker Pro Tem?
In the New York fraud case Trump is now under a gag order - given his history of not knowing when to stop talking do you think he violates it and serves 30 days in jail? Do you think he will be under gag orders in some of his other cases too? Bonus question: Mar-a-Lago value, is it closer to Trump's $1 Billion estimate or the tax assessors $20-ish million?
Check Fla RE listing along the Palm Beach Coast. Tough to know exactly how much Mar-A-Lago is worth because of various restrictions of development particular to that property, but the number is some multiple of 20 million. Other examples of Trump's fabrication of of value are more clear cut.
Oh it is definitely worth more than $20 million, just how much more? Restrictions probably limit the value somewhat, but the other question is how "unique" is the property which elevates the value. In some ways it is unique, but it is not one-of-a-kind priceless. I think another billionaire could build their own mega-mansion/resort for $250 million or less (not the $1 billion-ish Trump keeps saying). Plus I remember that picture of the bathroom with the classified document boxes - that bathroom was so ugly it drops the price half a billion at least.
The House is clearly broken and I have seen arguments that major structural reforms are needed. I understand that things like voting reforms (ranked choice voting, open primaries) would be handled at the state level. However within the past couple of years, the WaPo did a series that suggested that things like adding more members (like having a total of 1000+) could be helpful. Districts would be smaller, more Reps could mean that more work could be done, and hopefully there would be the understanding that compromise is needed (I know, I know).
My question is, who would/come make a decision about that? Is there any chance that people see that this is so broken and it needs to be fixed?
This is kind of an odd question. I see that Matt Gaezt gets a ton of publicity. He wears what looks like really expensive tailored suits. He lives in a expensive city and has to travel back to his home state (I assume) a lot. All on a congressional salary. My question? Does he get a supplemental income from all this publicity? I really don’t know.
Please forgive me if this has already been asked, but...
As you said, the "West Wing" scenario of a centrist speaker coming to power with Democratic support seems far fetched. However, is there a point at which the relatively small group of Republican moderates (like the Problem Solvers Caucus, I think) lose their patience and cut a deal to nominate a centrist Republican? Perhaps even with an understanding that they'd call a motion to vacate themselves after passing the budget?
I know it's not likely, but does it become more likely after 10 rounds of Speaker votes? 20? 100?
Lets talk about McCarthy. Why didn't Trump try to help save him? Is it simply because loyalty is a one way street with Trump or is there more to it? Doesn't Trump owe McCarthy for his current standing in the Party? If McCarthy hadn't went to Mar-a-Lago after Jan 6 to kiss the ring Trump wouldn't even be in the running now. McCarthy sold his soul to the devil and only got 9 months in return. Do you think McCarthy will stay in Congress or will he leave and become a highly paid lobbyist? Really enjoying your columns, keep up the good work.
On his podcast this week, Pablo Torre interviewed his actor doppelganger, Andrew Lopez (The Bear, Platonic). Have you ever had any such interaction with P.J. Byrne, best known to me as Stingray's sister's neighbor on Cobra Kai (but apparently he was the principal on Big Little Lies)?
I don’t even know where to start
Can I ask a non McCarthy question?
You mentioned how much you loved visiting the Reagan Library. What are some of the best presidential libraries/presidential historic sites you've visited?
Who is 3rd in line for the presidency now that the speaker of the house is interim? Does that mean that Patrick McHenry is now 3rd in the queue? or does it skip to senate pro tempore?
My brother and I were just discussing this and wondering the same thing.
How's THIS for a theory/"question", so I wonder what you think of this possibility: The MAGA caucus voted to remove McCarthy specifically because they know that they don't have a replacement. They WANT to paralyze government even more than it already is, and a House without a Speaker will not be able to pass any legislation including, just by way of two examples, funding for Ukraine or another continuing resolution. They want to government to fail so that they can justify their opposition to anything that the government does.
Good one!
Wow, Ian! That is some theory! I can’t wait to hear Chris’ answer to this one!
If McHenry put McCarthy at the top of the secret list of Speaker pro tem people, and then Gaetz vacated McHenry would that make McCarthy into Speaker pro tem? Could McCarthy, McHenry, and their allies foil Gaetz in that manner? Just trading the pro tem job back and forth?
Am I the only one here who didn't know about the 9/11-era secret succession list House rule for filling a vacant Speakership with a Speaker Pro Tem? Or that there was even such a position as Speaker Pro Tem?
In the New York fraud case Trump is now under a gag order - given his history of not knowing when to stop talking do you think he violates it and serves 30 days in jail? Do you think he will be under gag orders in some of his other cases too? Bonus question: Mar-a-Lago value, is it closer to Trump's $1 Billion estimate or the tax assessors $20-ish million?
Check Fla RE listing along the Palm Beach Coast. Tough to know exactly how much Mar-A-Lago is worth because of various restrictions of development particular to that property, but the number is some multiple of 20 million. Other examples of Trump's fabrication of of value are more clear cut.
Oh it is definitely worth more than $20 million, just how much more? Restrictions probably limit the value somewhat, but the other question is how "unique" is the property which elevates the value. In some ways it is unique, but it is not one-of-a-kind priceless. I think another billionaire could build their own mega-mansion/resort for $250 million or less (not the $1 billion-ish Trump keeps saying). Plus I remember that picture of the bathroom with the classified document boxes - that bathroom was so ugly it drops the price half a billion at least.
Hi Chris,
Thanks for doing these.
The House is clearly broken and I have seen arguments that major structural reforms are needed. I understand that things like voting reforms (ranked choice voting, open primaries) would be handled at the state level. However within the past couple of years, the WaPo did a series that suggested that things like adding more members (like having a total of 1000+) could be helpful. Districts would be smaller, more Reps could mean that more work could be done, and hopefully there would be the understanding that compromise is needed (I know, I know).
My question is, who would/come make a decision about that? Is there any chance that people see that this is so broken and it needs to be fixed?
This is kind of an odd question. I see that Matt Gaezt gets a ton of publicity. He wears what looks like really expensive tailored suits. He lives in a expensive city and has to travel back to his home state (I assume) a lot. All on a congressional salary. My question? Does he get a supplemental income from all this publicity? I really don’t know.
Please forgive me if this has already been asked, but...
As you said, the "West Wing" scenario of a centrist speaker coming to power with Democratic support seems far fetched. However, is there a point at which the relatively small group of Republican moderates (like the Problem Solvers Caucus, I think) lose their patience and cut a deal to nominate a centrist Republican? Perhaps even with an understanding that they'd call a motion to vacate themselves after passing the budget?
I know it's not likely, but does it become more likely after 10 rounds of Speaker votes? 20? 100?
Lets talk about McCarthy. Why didn't Trump try to help save him? Is it simply because loyalty is a one way street with Trump or is there more to it? Doesn't Trump owe McCarthy for his current standing in the Party? If McCarthy hadn't went to Mar-a-Lago after Jan 6 to kiss the ring Trump wouldn't even be in the running now. McCarthy sold his soul to the devil and only got 9 months in return. Do you think McCarthy will stay in Congress or will he leave and become a highly paid lobbyist? Really enjoying your columns, keep up the good work.
Can the Phillies do it all!!!!?
Who do you think would make the best Speaker to replace McCarthy? I know this may be moot by Friday but interested in your thoughts.
How has the VAR fiasco in Tottenham-Liverpool (aka the Cillizza Derby) affected the atmosphere in your home this week?
On his podcast this week, Pablo Torre interviewed his actor doppelganger, Andrew Lopez (The Bear, Platonic). Have you ever had any such interaction with P.J. Byrne, best known to me as Stingray's sister's neighbor on Cobra Kai (but apparently he was the principal on Big Little Lies)?
He’s so his doppelgänger! Why haven’t I noticed that before?
Why does the media and everyone else continue to call the MAGA branch of the party Conservatives? They are more like the old Do Nothing Party.
Bonus question: Gym Jordan for Speaker? Really?