The US House of Representatives failed on Thursday for the third consecutive day to elect its new presidentand to get out of the paralysis in which the dissent in the republican ranks plunged him.
Favorite Kevin McCarthy still couldn’t make it to the perch on Thursday after eleven rounds of an election that still looks hopeless. Debates are expected to resume on Friday at 12:00 (17:00 GMT). The California elected official, however, reached out to a score of Trumpist elected officials who were playing killjoy, offering them major concessions during behind-the-scenes negotiations. In vain.
The group, which says it lacks self-confidence, still refused to align, leaving the House of Representatives for another day without a president. a scenario unprecedented in 160 years. This blockade has very concrete repercussions: without a “speaker”, elected officials can neither take an oath nor vote on a bill.
“Wrong way”
Members of the more conservative fringe of the party, these elected Trumpists take advantage of the narrow Republican majority won in the November midterm elections to set their terms. “We need to fix this broken systemMontana Representative-elect Matt Rosendale said from the hemicycle, urging other Republicans to join their revolt.
Kevin McCarthy, who cannot be elected without their support, has joined their request aimed precisely at facilitating the ousting of the “speaker”. But the opposition to his candidacy seemed to crystallize.
“Less severe” than in 1856
Third most important figure in American politics after the president and vice president, the “speaker” needs a majority of 218 votes to be elected. Kevin McCarthy currently limited to 201.
Member of the Republican General Staff for more than ten years, the chosen one does not currently have a credible competitor. Only the name of group leader Steve Scalise is circulating as a possible alternative, without his chances appearing serious.
The House will continue to vote until a Speaker is elected. What is usually just a matter of hours could go on for several weeks: in 1856 the elected members of Congress agreed after only two months and 133 rounds. Democratic Chairman Joe Biden on Wednesday called the situation “embarrassing“, ensuring that”the rest of the worldclosely followed the mess in Congress.
Laughter and applause
Annoyance and intolerance were also felt in the ranks of the “Grand Old Party”, which largely support the candidacy of Kevin McCarthy, giving rise to very heated debates in the hemicycle. The Republicans cannot therefore for the moment open the numerous investigations they had promised against Joe Biden.
A situation that Democrats observe with some amusement, with smiles and applause for fellow Republicans. Joe Biden’s party is united around the candidacy of leader Hakeem Jeffries, but not even the elected official has enough votes to access the perch.
“I hope today that Republicans stop arguing and backstabbing and backstabbing so we can work in service to the American people.Jeffries called during a press conference on Thursday.
Facing a hostile but messy House could prove to be a political boon for Joe Bidenif he confirms his intention to run again in 2024, a decision he will have to announce at the beginning of the year.
