red ripple (10. 388)

One consequence of the bare majority that Republicans secured in the US Mid-Term elections in the Red Wave that wasn’t, a lead of only four members of congress, means that the extremist right wing factions, despite being in the minority have outsized influence in negotiating party allegiance and have effectively rendered the lower chamber powerless by begrudging the body’s leadership role through a series of eight, unprecedented failed ballots. Though we’ve no affection for the Trump sycophant Representative Kevin McCarthy of California, absent this key leadership role, Speaker of the House, newly elected congressional representatives cannot be confirmed, committees, like those responsible for national security, cannot be formed—much less legislation introduced.