US House Speaker Bids Includes Scalise, Jordan

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Facts

  • Following the ousting of now-former US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) from his position earlier this week, a number of prominent Republicans are reportedly considering their candidacy for the speakership, most notably Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) and Rep. Steve Scalise (R-La.).1
  • Republicans have marked Oct. 11 as the day to select a speaker and are due to meet the day before to hear from candidates. Democratic House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) is also expected to run against any Republican candidate nominated by the party conference, even though Republicans do hold a majority in the House.2
  • After Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) filed the motion to vacate the chair on Monday, the House voted Tuesday to remove McCarthy as speaker, with Democrats joining eight Republicans to vote for a motion to oust McCarthy, who said he is departing the role with hope and a sense of pride.3
  • Jordan, who is generally considered to be a member of the party's right flank, is the leader of one of three House committees investigating Pres. Joe Biden and his family, which has led to an impeachment inquiry spearheaded by the House Oversight Committee.4
  • Scalise has received positive remarks from Gaetz but has also endured recent health problems which reportedly may pose a roadblock to his bid. Accordingly, Scalise has been privately polling lawmakers to assess his level of support.5
  • The events in the House come as the Biden administration continues to push support for Ukraine, while Republicans, such as Jordan, seek to focus attention on the southern border with Mexico and crime in US cities.6

Sources: 1BBC News, 2Reuters, 3Daily Caller, 4FOX News, 5Daily Mail and 6Guardian.

Narratives

  • Democratic narrative, as provided by CNN. The many cracks within the Republican party, including between its extremist and moderate factions, are still simmering after McCarthy's ouster. It seems that Republicans still cannot shake the toxic influence of former Pres. Donald Trump — he has acted as a divisive and radicalizing force.
  • Republican narrative, as provided by Daily Wire. There are plenty of good options to fill the role of House Speaker, and Jim Jordan is among the solid picks. Many Republicans are voicing their support for Jordan, and he has a strong track record of sticking to the party's values. He is by no means a shoo-in for the position, as Scalise also has solid support among the party, but the process will yield solid House GOP leadership no matter how it turns out.

Predictions