Gaetz’s Bid to Oust McCarthy: A Turbulent House Showdown
Matt Gaetz had been hinting for weeks about the possibility of removing Kevin McCarthy from his position as Speaker of the US House of Representatives. This was a challenge he initiated, and ultimately, it was a challenge he triumphed in.
Over the past few days, it appeared that Matt Gaetz, known for his outspokenness and hailing from Hollywood, Florida, had garnered enough support to initiate his planned coup. However, on Tuesday, the situation seemed to pit the right-wing rebel against the majority of his party.
Shortly before the historic vote to remove a sitting Speaker, while other members took a recess, Mr. Gaetz sat alone in the House chamber, occasionally engaging in conversations with Democrats who approached him.
As the voting commenced and members of Congress entered the chamber, a noticeable contrast unfolded on either side.
Democrats congregated, engaged in lively conversations, and laughter flowed freely, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of a social gathering.
Earlier in the day, during their caucus meeting, Democrats had reached a consensus to collectively oppose Mr. McCarthy and put forth Hakeem Jeffries as their preferred Speaker candidate.
Exiting the meeting room, one after another, members expressed their shared sentiments, characterizing the Republican Speaker from California as lacking principles, trustworthiness, and merit to warrant their support.
Despite their unsuccessful attempts to persuade Democratic support for Mr. McCarthy, the Republicans displayed a sense of dejection.
Many sat in silence while awaiting the commencement of the vote.
Meanwhile, Mr. Gaetz positioned himself at the rear of the room, alongside fellow defectors like Eli Crane and Tim Burchett, as well as others who had not yet committed to supporting him.
When Mr. McCarthy entered the floor, he made a deliberate effort to appear unruffled by the situation. He engaged in light-hearted interactions with his allies, playfully tugging at one’s tie, before reclining in his seat with his legs crossed.
House votes often tend to be lengthy and mundane affairs, with debates preceding the roll calls typically lacking excitement and occurring in a sparsely populated chamber.
However, this was not the case on Tuesday. The House was nearly at full capacity, with only a handful of absences, while the galleries above were packed with spectators.
The debate was notably spirited, with Mr. Gaetz taking the lead, supported by only two others.
When he expressed his reluctance to receive lectures from colleagues he accused of being influenced by special interests, one Republican retorted from the back: “You’re no martyr.”
At various points, audible groans and laughter followed Mr. Gaetz’s comments.
As each member’s vote was audibly recorded during the roll call, Mr. McCarthy appeared to accept his fate.
Upon the eighth Republican vote against him, he maintained a stoic expression, gazing straight ahead.
Mr. Gaetz notably walked over to the exit where House Democrats depart and left among them.
In the aftermath, two Democrats joined me in an elevator as the Capitol building cleared out.
“Let the civil war begin,” one of them remarked.
The other burst into laughter.