WASHINGTON—Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) resigned today as Speaker of the House, 23 days before being elected to the role.
“After so much time spent almost working on behalf of our party and our nation, it is hard to let go of the reins of power,” said an emotional McCarthy. “However, I have concluded it is time to stand aside and let others fill the shoes that I didn’t actually step into.”
McCarthy’s tenure as not-yet-Speaker was turbulent, trying to placate the hard-right Freedom Caucus while also striking the compromises required to pass legislation. Allies said the first, and also last, straw came when McCarthy came under harsh criticism from Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH) for not pre-emptively promising that he would never do anything.
John Boehner (R-OH), who is actually still Speaker, declared that it was a “sad day.” He went on to clarify that he had just finished watching Breaking Bad and was upset they hadn’t set it up for a sequel.
The title alone made me laugh.
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