This TPM reader makes a case for Democrats propping up McCarthy's Speakership. Like Marshall, I'm not sure I agree with it, because McCarthy had basically shown himself to be a liar when it came to deals he made with Democrats. The argument that it would put Democrats in the driver's seat is an interesting one, though. If Democrats had saved McCarthy, would that mean McCarthy would do things like pass a reasonable budget or fund Ukrainian aid? I suppose it's possible, but that seems very unlikely.
It is reasonable to wonder what comes next, though. Conceivably a new Speaker (who isn't a Freedumb Caucus troll) could be elevated by Democratic votes and attain the same result. McCarthy was just the worst reed for anyone to lean on - a weak man void of principles.
The general idea that Democrats are responsible for cleaning up the GOP's mess is absurd though. If this causes some pain, perhaps that it the lesson that Americans need about a year from yet another Most Important Election Ever.
Martin Longman makes the case against this argument. Mainly, his argument is that there IS a functional and functioning majority in the House, but it consists of mostly Democrats. McCarthy seemed to think he could shit on that and survive. He could not. Is there a Speaker who could win 5-10 Republican votes? I think a Speaker Liz Cheney would be freaking hilarious.
All of this brings to mind the superiority in so many ways of a parliamentary system. If we were in a parliamentary system, we would be having elections to fix this bullshit. We don't so we aren't. We are stuck with this clown car for another 15 months.
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