Posted on 10/04/2023 9:36:26 PM PDT by SeekAndFind
The fallout from the ouster of former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) is still alive the day after the lower chamber voted to remove him from his position. Speculation as to who might replace him has been prominent on the airwaves and interwebs.
But what does America think?
The findings of a new poll might shed some light on people’s attitudes toward the historical moment. A new Economist/YouGov survey reveals conflicting attitudes on the fate of McCarthy, which was brought about by a collaboration between Rep. Matt Gaetz and House Democrats. The move has been hotly debated on the right, with people arguing for and against removing the former speaker.
The poll showed that about 46 percent of Americans approved of removing McCarthy as speaker, while 28 percent disapproved. Among Republicans, the margin narrowed a bit, with 44 percent supporting the move and 34 percent opposing it. This further illustrates the current divide in the GOP in terms of philosophy and strategy.
But wait, there’s more!
Also noteworthy is the poll’s finding that 47 percent of Americans believed McCarthy’s ouster was a power grab. This included 41 percent of Republicans. This seems to indicate that the effort to get rid of the former speaker was not motivated by principles but by a desire for more power.
It is also worth noting that McCarthy’s stint in the speaker’s chair was marked by fluctuating popularity. When he first took the position, about 59 percent of Republicans approved of him. Only about 21 percent did not.
However, as time went on, McCarthy’s approval numbers dropped slightly. At the time of his ousting, about 56 percent of Republicans still held a favorable view of the former speaker.
Amid this current saga, Congress still remains widely unpopular, with a dismal 14 percent approval rating.
This news comes at a tumultuous time in American politics – especially for the Republican Party, which finds itself at a pivotal moment. The moderate wing of the party, represented by McCarthy, could be facing a reckoning. Reps. Jim Jordan (R-OH) and Steve Scalise (R-LA), both of whom represent the more conservative faction of the party, have thrown their hats into the ring.
The conflict between pragmatism and principled conservatism has been raging for more than a decade at this point, and it seems clear the Republicans are ready for something new, which might explain why so many supported ousting McCarthy. However, as I wrote earlier, even if a principled conservative is elected to replace the former speaker, corruption is likely too ingrained in the federal government for any one person to make a difference.
Still, this occurrence will almost certainly have a strong influence on where the GOP goes next. Will it continue using a more conciliatory approach with Democrats and focus on bipartisanship? Or will it become more antagonistic toward the left – at least in terms of rhetoric? The selection of the next speaker will provide a strong clue as to the future direction of the party, which is at a crossroads. I suppose we will find out soon enough how this all shakes out.
McCarthy did not keep his word about procedure’s he agreed to in January. This he had to go.
the point when McCarthy was outed and he knew his goose was cooked
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=kFqgRFal35A&pp=ygUZZ29kZmF0aGVyIG9sZCB0aW1lcyBzYWtlIA%3D%
I’m disappointed the overwhelming majority of republicans voted to keep him as speaker.
It was clearly indicative that we have already lost this country.
Interesting poll. You would think from MSM reports that support was behind McCarthy and Gaetz was a national pariah.
Pretty much indites about half of US voters as total idiots. All the Democrats voted for this yet this was a power grab? How does anyone get this pretzel logic to work?
In another poll, 45% of respondents did not know who Kevin McCarthy is. Several thought McCarthy was a member of the Beatles.
“Several thought McCarthy was a member of the Beatles.”
Or they thought that Joe McCarthy guy was really ready for a bringdown.
“I’m disappointed the overwhelming majority of republicans voted to keep him as speaker.”
Yes it is unusual for the Rs to vote in a uniform block. Unlike the Ds we don’t demand that one votes the party line or suffer severe consequences.
How many representatives had to vote for the removal of The Speaker?
Ping
I think it would have been simply too embarrassing for them to support McCarthy openly like that. How would they even campaign against Republicans if they themselves voted for the Speaker? They couldn’t very well say the Republicans were “extreme” if they did that. Plus it would put the blame for supporting the Ukraine war entirely on the Democrat party and that is an issue that the American public is rapidly souring on.
More than voted to keep him as speaker. It was 216 against and 210 for. Obviously 9 abstained. 8 Republicans voted for his ouster which is a net minus of 16 votes.
Therefore, If 3 of those 8 had supported McCarthy, he would have survived.
There are two D vacancies, so there were 7 not voting plus the 2 vacancies.
Majority of the membership is currently 217 until the November elections fill the vacant seats.
There are 212 Ds and 221 Rs.
McCarthy’s been out in the California sun for too long and he seems to be under the impression that the spotlight is always on him. I can’t think of any CA politician that doesn’t give off that snow-flakey vibe. It’s like he’s been drinking the Kool-Aid, however unwittingly. Maybe he’ll get himself one of those emotional support animals if he doesn’t already have one, even if only for mere appearances, to score points with his California “fan base”.
Valley Boi Kev is so yesterday. Now, get us a real SOTHOR.
A politician didn’t keep his word.... oh the horror. They all lie on a daily basis. Some lie better than others and that’s the choice you have.
We don’t need anymore laws and definitely don’t need a full time Congress. They are why this country is a mess.
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