McCarthy is not in the middle. He is on the far left of the party spectrum. If they can't put a true conservative in the Speaker position, then it has to be someone in the middle.
You mention Jordan in a reply, he would certainly be a good Leadership pick. Several of the HFC members would be: knowledgeable in the ways of the House, with some political power of their own and very competent conservative politicians. I believe it doubtful that any could or would compromise enough with the RINOs to win the Speakership though.
Maybe or maybe not. No McCarthy under any circumstances. Would the moderates demand McCarthy or else? Why are the conservatives the ones who must compromise? We had a pedophile and now a drunk as Speaker. Surely we can do better.
Whoever- whether conservative, RINO, moderate or Rastafarian- is Speaker will have to compromise.
Boehner tried not compromising and he’s leaving a failed man.