The GOP's House speaker quest: A comedy in many acts

It’s been a week and a half since Kevin McCarthy was ousted as House speaker. Still, Republicans failed to elect a new House speaker, and they didn’t even come close. Rep. Steve Scalise got his conference’s nod in a 113-99 vote over Rep. Jim Jordan, but with Republican Freedom Caucus nihilists refusing to budge, he never came close to the 217 votes he needed to secure the job. Rather than try to negotiate a deal with Democrats, he quit his bid on Thursday. On Friday, the Republican caucus voted 152-55 on the question of whether they supported Jordan’s candidacy, leaving him far short of 217. Republicans adjourned for the weekend. And with that, it is no surprise that the Republican civil war took center stage this week, with a series of fumbles and embarrassing headlines:

Republicans in turmoil, Democrats extend a lifeline—and a dash of ridicule

Republican meltdown: McCarthy's surprising bid for House speaker

Liz Cheney goes at Jim Jordan for his role in Jan. 6 insurrection

Republican congresswoman gets a reality check while defending Jim Jordan

Vulnerable Republicans fret over losing seats in 2024, but not enough to reach across aisle

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