Things have taken a turn for the worse for Jim Jordan
Jim Jordan’s battle to become speaker of the house took a turn for the worse. Perhaps other Republicans are facing the fact that he’s not fit for the job. He allegedly covered up sexual assaults when he was a wrestling coach at Ohio State University, and he was right in the middle of attempts to stop the certification of President Biden’s win, not to mention his part in spreading lies about fraud in the election.
Tuesday, 20 Republicans voted against Jordan. Two of those voted for him Wednesday, Doug LaMalfa (R-CA) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), who abstained Tuesday. Today, four more voted against him for a total of 22 against. Are we on track for 15 votes to choose a speaker? Either way, it looks like Gaetz’s rush to oust McCarthy wasn’t such a good idea. The House will not vote again Thursday, and Jordan said they “will keep working on it.” Some reports are that they are “working on it” by threatening other Republicans.
According to the Guardian, several Republicans reported that they have been receiving anonymous text messages. Don Bacon (R-NE), said that his wife received text messages, which she shared with Politico, including one that said: “Talk to your husband. Tell him to step up and be a leader and help the Republican party get a speaker.” Bacon wants a speaker; it’s just not Jim Jordan. They should all have the right to choose who they wish rather than having someone forced on them, especially someone like Jim Jordan who shouldn’t even be in the House at all. Other representatives reported that they have received “a barrage of calls” from local leaders. One House Republican, speaking anonymously to Politico, said: “He’s lost support because of this … Constant smears-it’s just dishonesty at its core.” Well, we’re talking about Jim Jordan. Dishonestly is his middle name. Florida’s Carlos Gimenez, who voted against Jordan Tuesday, said that the pressure will make him continue to vote against Jordan.
Jordan’s tactics are typical Trump tactics, which should come as no surprise to anyone. Sean Hannity is, of course, backing Jordan and trying to help him, sending him a list of the 20 who voted against him Tuesday and suggesting Jordan call them “politely, of course.” Jordan likely doesn’t know the meaning of the word “polite.” Earlier in the week, he had written his fellow Republicans: “The country and our conference cannot afford us attacking each other right now. As Republicans, we are blessed to have an energetic conference comprised of members with varied background[s], experiences, and skills-just like the country we represent.” They are nothing like the country they represent, especially Jim Jordan. His efforts might have worked for the two Republicans who changed their votes, but he ended up with four new ones who obviously don’t appreciate his pressure tactics.
This isn’t as difficult as Republicans are making it. They need to clamp down on the loose cannons in their party instead of trying to force the moderates to go along with them. The moderates have much more sense. Why should they allow the crazies to lead them over the cliff?
Shirley is a former entertainment writer and has worked in the legal field for over 25 years