Minutes ago, we told you Matt Gaetz's plan to oust Speaker McCarthy had gone successfully. Now, many are asking, 'what next?' and that is an excellent question. According to Gaetz the plan is pretty simple.
The fight is not over.
— Rep. Matt Gaetz (@RepMattGaetz) October 3, 2023
Now we must elect a Speaker.
Obviously, but who?
I nominate Donald J Trump as new speaker of the house! https://t.co/qX1dRRiZz9
— Baked Alaska (@bakedalaska) October 3, 2023
That is one idea and surely would drive the Democrats crazy.
I don’t see how this ends well for the Republicans at all. Do these people think that moderate Rs will randomly decide that they have changed their mind and would love to vote in a populist as speaker? You can’t call half of your party RINO and expect them to play ball. https://t.co/bTu7oZRjXX
— It Depends (@ItDependsIsm) October 3, 2023
This is my concern. How does this end well for Republicans? The GOP has such a slim majority and there is no option likely to appease all the factions in this party.
— Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (@RepLuna) October 3, 2023
For example, Representative Luna has published her list of must haves.
NEW: Republicans on the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus are considering quitting the group “en masse” after Democrats in the group voted to oust McCarthy, per a GOP member of the group.
— Melanie Zanona (@MZanona) October 3, 2023
Latest sign of fallout after the historic removal of the speaker.
confirming @juliegraceb
Moderate Republicans who seek to squash some of the theatrics in the House are angry at moderate Democrats for going along with Gaetz's plan.
What’s the endgame here? Jeffries and Gaetz don’t go this route just out of pure spite for McCarthy. Gaetz loses if the next speaker is more moderate and Jeffries loses if it’s more MAGA. It can’t be Jeffries and definitely won’t be Gaetz now. So where does that leave us?🤷🏻♂️
— Florida Dad (@FloridadadD) October 3, 2023
Possibly with someone like Steve Scalise, but would he even want to take on the leadership of this very fractured caucus?
It’s just perfect that House R’s are now trying to huddle and figure out what the hell to do next
— Guy Benson (@guypbenson) October 3, 2023
and Matt Gaetz is….right where he wants to be, on the House steps surrounded by journalists who hate him (but love R on R chaos and therefore love this)…
Many House Republicans are livid with Gaetz for fundraising off this spectacle today.
McCarthy should have stepped aside after the 2nd vote earlier in the year. Once elected he backtracks on his commitments. Stop making Gaetz the bad guy. He’s the only that’s holding someone accountable. We need more of this not less.
— Abe Froman (@AbeFromanKing99) October 3, 2023
They better boot him from the Conference, the rules were a member wasn’t supposed to call this motion without majority support of the conference onboard
— Darius Barakat (@DariusBarakat) October 3, 2023
Even the party faithful are divided on whether Gaetz is a hero or a zero for this move.
This will be the last time the Republicans hold the house for decades. Mark me.
— Scott Norman (@ScottNorman76) October 3, 2023
At the end of the day, this is what matters. Are Americans watching this process over dinner tonight rejoicing or angry the Republican party is in disarray? Will they continue to trust the GOP to be in charge of the House after the next election cycle or are they tired of the circus? Ultimately, will the voters believe the GOP can handle the responsibility of leading the House? Only time will tell, but Republicans could lose power for a decade if they don't get this next step right.