Topic: Gop Speaker

Owen Shroyer and his attorney Norm Pattis provide a legal update before Shroyer begins his prison sentence. They detail the history of his charges, stemming from a 2019 disruption of a House impeachment hearing and subsequent January 6 investigation. The segment is interrupted by breaking news that Representative Mike Johnson has won the GOP nomination for House Speaker, replacing Kevin McCarthy.

Reporting from Amber Kraybach is cited to explain the deadlock in the House Speaker race. The hosts claim 210 Republicans are beholden to lobbyists, while only 12 to 20 prioritize the American people. Shroyer discusses the "outside shot" that a few "dead duck" Republicans might vote for Democrat Hakeem Jeffries in exchange for lucrative lobbying jobs after their terms end.

Kevin McCarthy failed to secure the Speakership in multiple rounds of voting, with predictions of an 0-for-12 streak. Critics compare the "doomsday" rhetoric used by the GOP establishment to support McCarthy to the warnings issued against Donald Trump in 2016. The standoff highlights a divide between the Republican donor class and holdout representatives.

Kevin McCarthy fell two votes short of the Speakership in his 12th attempt, despite reaching a new high of 213 votes. Thirteen former holdouts flipped to McCarthy, though several members were absent for reasons including funerals and medical emergencies. The narrow loss left McCarthy visibly frustrated as the House moved toward further deliberations.

The potential election of Kevin McCarthy is viewed as a strategic victory for holdouts who have forced him into the public spotlight. By maintaining "Pelosi rules," McCarthy faces the risk of a swift ouster if he fails to follow through on promised investigations into the Biden family and Fauci. The situation is framed as a "hard way" for the GOP establishment to learn accountability.

Callers express frustration with the House Speaker race, labeling Kevin McCarthy a "half-ass Republican" and a "Rhino." The discussion emphasizes that the Speaker is third in line for the presidency, making the choice critical given Biden's perceived instability. The House has officially adjourned until later in the evening, delaying the 14th vote.

Ronna McDaniel and Mitch McConnell are criticized alongside Kevin McCarthy as "Mick squishies" who have failed to deliver results for the Republican Party. The ongoing standoff in the House is described as a battle for the soul of the party, with Matt Gaetz leading the charge against the establishment. There is speculation that McCarthy may eventually seek Democrat votes to secure the speakership if the Republican holdouts do not flip.

Representative Chip Roy explains his opposition to Kevin McCarthy, citing McCarthy's history of voting with Democrats and presiding over the expansion of the national debt. Roy reveals that Representative Mike Rogers threatened to remove dissenters from committees if they did not support McCarthy's "coronation." Roy maintains that he was sent to Washington to fight the status quo and will not back down to threats from the establishment.

The political landscape for 2023 is analyzed through the lens of the perceived rivalry between Donald Trump and Ron DeSantis. Criticism is directed at "Trump loyalists" for attacking DeSantis over old videos rather than focusing on the upcoming Speaker of the House vote. The segment argues that the internal GOP debate is being distracted by premature 2024 campaign dynamics.