The Democrats need to be doing something interesting here, not boring everyone with more and more unanimous votes for Jeffries. The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over, expecting different results. We should be controlling the issue, not sitting back and passively observing the GOP tripping over their own dicks.
Democrats should nominate astronaut Scott Kelly for speaker in the next election. Can any GOP candidate hold a candle to Kelly?
The election after that, they should nominate a 9/11 first responder. Any GOP congressmen a better choice than any 9/11 firefighter?
There are 66 living Medal of Honor recipients. There's got to be at least one of them capable of performing the role of speaker, and any of them is worth more than the entire GOP caucus put together.
I want to see the GOP caucus unanimously rejecting true American heroes. Men and women who have fought and sacrificed for their country. I want to see them try to justify voting for some Trump sycophant that meets Matt Gaetz's approval when they have a fantastic candidate available.
When they come up for re-election, I want both their primary challenger and their democratic opponent reminding the public that they supported a weasel like Matt Gaetz over an honest-to-god American hero.
The Democrats need to be doing something interesting here, not boring everyone with more and more unanimous votes for Jeffries.
But they won't because he's Pelosi's designated replacement and party leadership doesn't want the public to consider that better alternatives might exist.
Not at all a problem: let Jeffries announce the plan. Spin it however he wants. He's still the minority leader, and if there is a partisan, Democratic majority, he will become the speaker in the next session.
In the meantime, recognizing that the Democrats are able to lead even without a mathematical majority is a major win.
You want astronauts and firefighters in charge of a political body?
Yes.
Mercury Astronaut John Glenn served as senator for Ohio from 1974 through 1999.
Apollo 17 Astronaut Harrison Schmitt served as Senator for New Mexico from 1976 to 1982.
Apollo 13 Astronaut Jack Swigert was elected to a congressional seat in 1982, but died before taking office.
Senators Jake Harm and Bill Nelson became astronauts while in office.
And for the most relevant person, Scott Kelly is actually a twin. He and his brother Mark both earned the rank of Captain in the Navy, both became astronauts, and Mark is now serving as Senator for Arizona.
Yes, I want this particular astronaut in charge of the House.
So out of all the astronauts, many of whom actually DO have political experience that might qualify them for the job, you want one who's only RELATED to someone who's qualified? 🤦
It's an actual job that requires specialized ability and knowledge. It's not a ceremonial position that anyone who's good at anything can do.
The speakership does not require any particular ability or knowledge. The important functions of the speakership are delegation and mediation. They can rely on the House Parliamentarian for guidance on the specifically applicable House rules, for example, deferring to their wisdom and judgment where appropriate.