Topic: Speaker Vote

Lauren Boebert nominated Kevin Hern for Speaker, focusing on national debt and inflation concerns. Meanwhile, Marjorie Taylor Greene's continued support for Kevin McCarthy is questioned, as she has not publicly explained her loyalty to the establishment candidate. Byron Donalds reportedly switched his vote back to McCarthy during the 12th ballot.

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.

During the 13th House Speaker vote, Byron Donalds reportedly did not cast a vote, and the threshold for McCarthy's victory shifted to approximately 215. Simultaneously, news broke that Ashli Babbitt's mother was arrested in Washington, D.C., on the anniversary of her daughter's death. The arrest is characterized as a "sick" act by the D.C. establishment.

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.

Owen Shroyer argued that mainstream conservative media outlets like Fox News are out of touch with the Republican base. He compared the current Speaker standoff to the 2016 election, where the establishment was rejected by a populist movement. Shroyer dismissed claims that the holdouts are embarrassing the party, asserting that Kevin McCarthy is the one facing embarrassment.

Owen Shroyer opened the phone lines to discuss the Speaker vote, reiterating his admiration for the holdouts' unwavering strategy. He argued that the standoff sets a vital precedent for "bottom-up" policy-making, where representatives are more concerned with voters' opinions than the desires of the donor class or D.C. elites.

A caller criticized Marjorie Taylor Greene for her support of Kevin McCarthy, labeling her a "fraud." Owen Shroyer disagreed, stating that while he opposes her stance on the Speaker race, he still considers her a valuable conservative voice. Shroyer emphasized the importance of maintaining civil debate within the movement despite tactical disagreements.