The power struggle in the United States Congress for the highest office of the American Parliament is entering the next turn: after three days of electoral chaos and five more rounds of unsuccessful votes for the presidency of the House of Representatives, the chamber adjourned the session to Friday Monday (18:00 CET)
McCarthy: Failed by 11 votes
Republican candidate Kevin McCarthy has already failed on 11 ballots in recent days due to an internal party rebellion. A historical embarrassment for the 57-year-old: since the 19th century, members of the Chamber of Deputies have not needed so many attempts to elect a new president.
The renegade 20, denounced as terrorists or the “Taliban 20” by moderate Republicans, again nominated an opposition candidate, Republican Congressman Byron Donalds.
One of the 20 renegade Republicans, McCarthy’s biggest critic, Congressman Matt Gaetz of Florida, even symbolically cast his vote for former President Donald Trump. Marjorie Taylor Greene, an MP known for her conspiracy theories, congratulates her party colleague on this.
Deal with the Democrats as a last resort?
Negotiations are taking place behind the scenes with the radical right wing of the Republican faction. McCarthy said Thursday night after the meeting, “We’re making good progress.” He wasn’t more specific.
The Republican faction leader once again tried to play down the internal anger against him and denied that the anger in his own ranks was weakening him. Referring to the drama’s historical scope, he said, “I like to make history.” He also holds the record for the longest speech in the Chamber of Deputies.
Democrats again voted for Hakeem Jeffries, who received the most votes in all polls so far, but also lost the required majority. For McCarthy, a deal with the Democrats may be the last resort. So far, it doesn’t look like he will withdraw his candidacy so that the House of Representatives can finally get to work.
Anniversary of the Taking of the Capitol
The chaotic conditions of American democracy come as the country remembers the unprecedented attack on the US Capitol. The brutal attack on the seat of parliament marks the second anniversary on Friday.
On January 6, 2021, supporters of then-President Donald Trump violently invaded the Congress building in the capital Washington. Congress met there to formally confirm Democrat Biden’s victory in the presidential election. Trump had previously incited his supporters in a speech that he had been deprived of a victory by mass voter fraud. Five people died as a result of the riots.
President Biden, who took office shortly after the attack, plans to hold a ceremony at the White House this Friday to commemorate the outbreak of violence and to reward several police officers for their service that day.