At this point McCarthy is going to be the speaker he’s down to 4 votes needed to out right win it and now has more votes the the democrats, so has other options.
Before he had to either get more republicans to vote for him, or get democrats to vote for him.
Now, that e clearly has the most votes, he doesn’t need the democrats to vote for him, but just needs a few democrats not to vote or vote present, and he can win.
Ideally, and best route is getting enough republicans, and with the number needed down to 4 out of 8, odds are almost certainly he will get them, just a matter of what he will need to give away to get them.
Getting democrats to directly vote for him is the worst option, as democrats will be viewed as a traitor by their base for doing it and McCarthy will likely have to give up some serious concessions to make that happen.
The third option, is a middle ground between the two, he would still need to give up something to dems to make them not vote or vote present.. and those folks who do it would likely take a hit with their base in.. but not as big of hit or concession would be needed.
This is going to come to a head eventually, and if I had to gamble I would say 4 of the remaining 8 will yield soon... Whether it be because of threats to take things away from them when McCarthy wins, or carrots offered to help him win, or a bit of both, who’s to say.
Bannon and crew stated that there will be a midnight vote and enough Democrats wilm no show to allow McCarthy to win. The deal with the Democrats has been cut.
AND THAT MCCARTHY WILL NOT PASS THE RULE CHANGES AS AGREED.