Something is odd. McCarthy went into that caucus meeting at 8 AM (EST) all about full steam ahead. Later, before the actual morning vote, he backs out! What happened in two hours?
The letter by the NC representative, to vet all of the candidates, was released last night already.
Why did McCarthy look so extraordinarily cheery today announcing a flip flop of two hours? His grins and jolly good crap hardly matched the seriousness of the occasion, did it? Weird.
I didn't realize the time-line. And now, I know there is nothing weird about it.
Boehner thought he could "appoint" McCarthy as his heir apparent, and fall on his sword.
McCarthy thought he was going to be Speaker. And when he went into the caucus meeting, he found out he didn't have the votes.
McCarthy withdrew, and Boehner postponed the vote until they could find another GOPe to "assume the position". They couldn't risk letting a real conservative become Speaker of the House.