118th Congress sworn in, and fumble.

Dems respond with pop corn.

The day began with most folks up in arms that George Santos, the Republican Congressman from New York who has lied from Brazil to Washington about his education, his entire life including his mother and her possible multiple demises, would be sworn in. He was.* Not to dismiss his ongoing tsuris (yiddish for troubles), but Kevin McCarthy has him beat for today, at least. One thought on why the GOP didn’t budge on Santos, was that they needed his vote for McCarthy. He got it. Still dint have enough votes. What might it be with Kev?

McCarthy wants to inherit Nancy Pelosi’s gavel. The one she wielded with confidence and very successfully. She is shown here, today, January 3, 2023, in fabulous fuchsia, relinquishing her position and welcoming in the 118th Congress.

What a long day.

Kevin lost three rounds of voting before adjuring. The number to hit is 218 is simply not happening for McCarthy as strategies are played and fail. There is no clear winner with Rep. Jeffries garnering very close votes but still not enough to take the gavel. Jim Jordan was nominated as some kind of a spoiler. Clearly a bungle move that didn’t play out, but had twitter people fainting and swearing at the mere idea of him controlling anything meaningful.

Kevin McCarthy thought he was IN. He had it nailed so he had all his stuff taken to what he thought was his new office, Pelosi’s old office. Speaker of the House. Let’s take a pause.

Ok, so maybe he will prevail and his stuff can stay there. Maybe but unlikely as after three lost votes more names might be offered… It’s anyones guess how this will end. There are a few names that have been offered. George Santos. Ok again, this is just a bit of fun everyone is having with that suggestion. George spent most of the day walking around the Capitol building being dogged by the press. He answered no questions except that he would, yes, be voting for McCarthy. At one point, as a fellow new to the building he got followed into a blind alley of sorts and had to double back through the gaggle of reporters.

Watching the proceedings today, George looked a bit like the cheese in Farmer and the Dell children’s song and pretty cruel circle dance.

Liz Cheney is a possible name to nominate since to be Speaker, it’s not required that you are in congress, or the senate, or even a politician. Cheney lost her reelection and, well, I’m not positive on her next move. Likely to continue to speak about democracy and continue to work for all us citizens.

Republicans are in obvious disarray. After the push to take control they are a big wobble. The carousel seems to be throwing off riders and no one can snare the ring.

Ted Lieu of California captures the mood of the democrats today. If only he had that cute little red and white stripped container. Below, Kevin McCarthy also captures the mood of the GOP and his long lonely walk away from the Speakers office.

Will he? Won’t he?

Tomorrow is another day. ~ Scarlet O’Hara

*In an effort for accuracy - Santos was, as all new congress were, not sworn in but allowed to vote. They will not be sworn in until, a new Speaker is chosen. There will be no going forward, on any matters, until a Speaker is chosen.

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