Inside The Capitol During The Dramatic, Dysfunctional And “Deliberative” Moments That Led To Kevin McCarthy Winning The House Speakership
deadline.comKevin McCarthy finally got the speakership earlier this morning, but not before a weeklong slog that saw flared tempers, animated huddles and, in the penultimate drama before his moment of victory, a near-brawl.
Inside the chamber, many reporters in the press gallery had risen from their seats once McCarthy walked down the center aisle to converse with Rep.
Matt Gaetz (R-FL), the lone holdout he needed to obtain a majority, as McCarthy’s allies sat and crouched down to plead with the dissident. “On your knees,” one Democrat said loudly, as other lawmakers began to fix their gaze on what was unfolding.
Soon voices were raised. Gaetz pointed his finger at McCarthy, and McCarthy’s face was one of utter frustration. Rep. Mike Rogers (R-AL) walked over and, in a moment that will forever live in the annals of House speaker votes, began to lunge at Gaetz before being restrained by Rep.
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