The MAGA leader of the House Republican Conference from Bakersfield, California, took an oath to defend the US Constitution when he was elected to the United States Congress in 2006.
Sorry I have to disagree with you and some of the commentators.
This man is not a buffoon, he is a TOOL. He actually co-authored this piece of dreck with the man who destroyed bi-partisan government forever. Newt with rush (worst of all, talented magnetic heretic) changed USA together.
It has gained the three of them, one dead thank goodness, wealth, power and the admiration of the naive and the powerful alike. 
So, no he is not a buffoon he is just a whore, who is pimped off by the likes of Murdoch, Newt, orange sphincter, white supremacists and anyone with the money to rent him.
Watch! if they get the majority with the crazies, he won’t even get the gavel; jordon will.
It seems to me our founding fathers established a governing framework to try and insure the will of the people would be expressed via open debates and election processes that would reflect the will of the majority. The MAGA/GOP is trying to use the constitution like Elmer Gantry used the Bible. They are defying the intent of the founding fathers with the nominations of people who will work towards denying majority rule. They are a basket of poisonous snakes that will eventually turn on each other but during the process they will do their best to poison the rest of us. I am going to work the polls to do what I can to try and insure everyone who wants to vote can.
And the media will cover this as if it is a serious policy proposal by serious civic leaders. We are so, so lost, politically. Go out and do something good in your community today. ✌️
yes, they are on the side of Freedom and Democracy, Honesty, Truth, and Patriotism. I'm delighted they are "partisan"... These days it just means they are not liars and jerks. They are actual journalists and well educated analysts.
It is a delight to read something by someone who knows how to use words! A true delight! Thank you. As to KM and his gang of fools, God help us . . . please.
“The MAGA/GOP alliance will do for democracy what Lehman did for the economy in 2008”. Should be a focus for midterms-and abortion/ Womens healthcare....
Kevin McCarthy can not handle the truth. He tried it for a fleeting moment on January 6th, but it didn't take. He lies so often he forgets which side of his mouth he is talking out of. Kevin should not be in any leadership position but among Republicans he is highly qualified, for the simple fact he has no spine that bends and weeps like the willow.
Republicans may say they have a plan but it lacks substance. There is no seriousness in their words, only cynicism. The only plans Republicans have are to make it harder for minorities to vote and to take away Healthcare decisions from women. I no longer vote republican because their platform is a house of cards. They offer no solutions this is the reason for their gerrymandering. Please vote Blue, not because I have become disillusioned but because the Republican Party is an illusion.
Republicans cannot articulate actual policies because 1) they have none other than “no”, and 2) if they did, such policies would alienate non-MAGA voters. Platitudes are inoffensive and suit their objectives.
Same dude that told viewers on Fox news that the Benghazi hearings were manufactured to bring down Hillary Clintons poll numbers? As Rick Wilson said once " Dumb as a bag of hair".... True ..and also dangerous as heck.
Were it not our reality today that all these MAGA candidates that aspire to be part of the MAGA Clan of politicians in power as an actual account of a party plan in the regular news of the weekend, I swear that these are but characters of a farcical novel by a brilliant writer of satire. And the adjective that best describes them is: non compos mentis. But what most worries me is how we get the news. This is the reason why I read Steve Schmidt:
The dishonorable member from Bakersfield and his cohorts are manifestations of the same illness. What is the best method for treatment: honest commentary as are found in the essay spread far and wide. The time is too short to cure those infected, but the focus needs to be on those who can see there is an illness and how to limit those infected.
Kevin McCarthy is like the archetype of the bully's sniveling sidekick. Lacking the boldness to be the bully himself, he follows the bully around like a pathetic lapdog, hoping for any attention or approval the bully might deign to throw his way. He's like the fat kid who follows Draco Malfoy around throughout the Harry Potter movies, deriving his entire identity from watching Draco's cruelty and snickering from the sideline. His "proudest" moment was probably when Trump called him "My Kevin" during one of his fascist cult rallies - an apt moniker indeed.
Like the fat kid in the movies, Kevin McCarthy would be a sad, laughable character were it not for the danger he and his CON-federacy Caucus pose to us and our democracy. We must vote them into oblivion.
I was convinced of what Steve says before I read this column. But the way says it is clear, specific and unyielding. This is a column I will share with friends in Ohio. I think Tim Ryan will get more votes because of it.
It really does amaze me how certain people lie with such straight faces. McCarthy and Stefanick are two people whose lust for power overrides any sense that they should check in with their innate sense of what it true. They must know, right? But knowing doesn’t amount to changing any of their lies.
Is it possible McCarthy will lose his election? Asking for a friend. Looks like his opponent is not particularly strong. Too bad. Why hasn't his lie about the quote been called out. Haven't seen it except just now - was it on Twitter? He is only a part of the problem. We need to focus on this “The MAGA/GOP alliance will do for democracy what Lehman did for the economy in 2008” - thank god for the Lincoln Project and it's ads - and of course for you Steve - wish your essays were more widespread - i forward them but still preaching to the choir.
I relish the clear, concise, and definitive word usage by both Steve and Leigh McGowan, aka Politics Girl. I enjoyed them both when Steve was on her podcast. My wish list would be seeing these two talk issues because if Steve has remained in a conservative mindset (a fair question for Ask Me Anything?), they would present some good for and against ideas. This is what I am hungry for – ideas and persuasion with an explanation for why it’s the best possible option. I want to hear how compromise could be reached as well. Ideas need explanation not bumper stickers. Unfortunately, we currently live in a bumper sticker world, but I will not give up my hope for change.
I realize we need to shore up democracy first to enable our work toward a more perfect union. Since many have been recently awakened to how much work there is to do, my fervent wish is that we stay alert and do the work. I keep up my efforts, and this is one place I feel aligned with so many.
Kevin McCarthy was complicit in the Jan 6 coup. He must be removed from any positions of power. I hope he loses re-election this fall. He’s hungry for power and money, not helping our democracy.
After watching the MSNBC report by Paola Ramos last evening, I am more concerned than ever about our country. Many of the Latinos she interviewed called for us to become a Nationalist Christian nation. They are being used as pawns by republicans to gain control and power, but will be abandoned as soon as that power is attained.
Could the million dollar donation he received from trump after the attempted coup be considered a bribe?
Sorry I have to disagree with you and some of the commentators.
This man is not a buffoon, he is a TOOL. He actually co-authored this piece of dreck with the man who destroyed bi-partisan government forever. Newt with rush (worst of all, talented magnetic heretic) changed USA together.
It has gained the three of them, one dead thank goodness, wealth, power and the admiration of the naive and the powerful alike. 
So, no he is not a buffoon he is just a whore, who is pimped off by the likes of Murdoch, Newt, orange sphincter, white supremacists and anyone with the money to rent him.
Watch! if they get the majority with the crazies, he won’t even get the gavel; jordon will.
I offer no advice, other than get people to vote.
It seems to me our founding fathers established a governing framework to try and insure the will of the people would be expressed via open debates and election processes that would reflect the will of the majority. The MAGA/GOP is trying to use the constitution like Elmer Gantry used the Bible. They are defying the intent of the founding fathers with the nominations of people who will work towards denying majority rule. They are a basket of poisonous snakes that will eventually turn on each other but during the process they will do their best to poison the rest of us. I am going to work the polls to do what I can to try and insure everyone who wants to vote can.
And the media will cover this as if it is a serious policy proposal by serious civic leaders. We are so, so lost, politically. Go out and do something good in your community today. ✌️
The New York Times already has, in today’s edition.
Shameful.
Grrrrrr
Both MSNBC and CNN today used it to mock McCarthy and the GQP... so I'm gonna say you could be wrong...
Fox on the other hand? I Don't watch it.
Maybe. Opinion pieces or straight news reports? Not that there’s much difference anymore. MSNBC is clearly and transparently partisan.
yes, they are on the side of Freedom and Democracy, Honesty, Truth, and Patriotism. I'm delighted they are "partisan"... These days it just means they are not liars and jerks. They are actual journalists and well educated analysts.
It is a delight to read something by someone who knows how to use words! A true delight! Thank you. As to KM and his gang of fools, God help us . . . please.
“The MAGA/GOP alliance will do for democracy what Lehman did for the economy in 2008”. Should be a focus for midterms-and abortion/ Womens healthcare....
Kevin McCarthy can not handle the truth. He tried it for a fleeting moment on January 6th, but it didn't take. He lies so often he forgets which side of his mouth he is talking out of. Kevin should not be in any leadership position but among Republicans he is highly qualified, for the simple fact he has no spine that bends and weeps like the willow.
Republicans may say they have a plan but it lacks substance. There is no seriousness in their words, only cynicism. The only plans Republicans have are to make it harder for minorities to vote and to take away Healthcare decisions from women. I no longer vote republican because their platform is a house of cards. They offer no solutions this is the reason for their gerrymandering. Please vote Blue, not because I have become disillusioned but because the Republican Party is an illusion.
Republicans cannot articulate actual policies because 1) they have none other than “no”, and 2) if they did, such policies would alienate non-MAGA voters. Platitudes are inoffensive and suit their objectives.
@GOP
NO PLAN
NO IDEAS
NO FUTURE
When reality doesn’t fit your narrative just lie.
— @GOP mission statement
https://twitter.com/ProjectLincoln/status/1573043203976007680/video/1
Exactly what they have been doing for years.
Same dude that told viewers on Fox news that the Benghazi hearings were manufactured to bring down Hillary Clintons poll numbers? As Rick Wilson said once " Dumb as a bag of hair".... True ..and also dangerous as heck.
She damn sure was. With surgical precision..she told us all.
Were it not our reality today that all these MAGA candidates that aspire to be part of the MAGA Clan of politicians in power as an actual account of a party plan in the regular news of the weekend, I swear that these are but characters of a farcical novel by a brilliant writer of satire. And the adjective that best describes them is: non compos mentis. But what most worries me is how we get the news. This is the reason why I read Steve Schmidt:
https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2022/09/23/mccarthy-speaker-house-republican-agenda/
Again, you hit a home run: this can't be anything but a farcical novel. (If only...) And dear Lord: the NYT, the WaPo...
The dishonorable member from Bakersfield and his cohorts are manifestations of the same illness. What is the best method for treatment: honest commentary as are found in the essay spread far and wide. The time is too short to cure those infected, but the focus needs to be on those who can see there is an illness and how to limit those infected.
Kevin McCarthy is like the archetype of the bully's sniveling sidekick. Lacking the boldness to be the bully himself, he follows the bully around like a pathetic lapdog, hoping for any attention or approval the bully might deign to throw his way. He's like the fat kid who follows Draco Malfoy around throughout the Harry Potter movies, deriving his entire identity from watching Draco's cruelty and snickering from the sideline. His "proudest" moment was probably when Trump called him "My Kevin" during one of his fascist cult rallies - an apt moniker indeed.
Like the fat kid in the movies, Kevin McCarthy would be a sad, laughable character were it not for the danger he and his CON-federacy Caucus pose to us and our democracy. We must vote them into oblivion.
I was convinced of what Steve says before I read this column. But the way says it is clear, specific and unyielding. This is a column I will share with friends in Ohio. I think Tim Ryan will get more votes because of it.
It really does amaze me how certain people lie with such straight faces. McCarthy and Stefanick are two people whose lust for power overrides any sense that they should check in with their innate sense of what it true. They must know, right? But knowing doesn’t amount to changing any of their lies.
Is it possible McCarthy will lose his election? Asking for a friend. Looks like his opponent is not particularly strong. Too bad. Why hasn't his lie about the quote been called out. Haven't seen it except just now - was it on Twitter? He is only a part of the problem. We need to focus on this “The MAGA/GOP alliance will do for democracy what Lehman did for the economy in 2008” - thank god for the Lincoln Project and it's ads - and of course for you Steve - wish your essays were more widespread - i forward them but still preaching to the choir.
Sorry with area of California he is running in no way he can loose. Think Deep South!
I know. But I can hope and pray.
I relish the clear, concise, and definitive word usage by both Steve and Leigh McGowan, aka Politics Girl. I enjoyed them both when Steve was on her podcast. My wish list would be seeing these two talk issues because if Steve has remained in a conservative mindset (a fair question for Ask Me Anything?), they would present some good for and against ideas. This is what I am hungry for – ideas and persuasion with an explanation for why it’s the best possible option. I want to hear how compromise could be reached as well. Ideas need explanation not bumper stickers. Unfortunately, we currently live in a bumper sticker world, but I will not give up my hope for change.
I realize we need to shore up democracy first to enable our work toward a more perfect union. Since many have been recently awakened to how much work there is to do, my fervent wish is that we stay alert and do the work. I keep up my efforts, and this is one place I feel aligned with so many.
Kevin McCarthy was complicit in the Jan 6 coup. He must be removed from any positions of power. I hope he loses re-election this fall. He’s hungry for power and money, not helping our democracy.
After watching the MSNBC report by Paola Ramos last evening, I am more concerned than ever about our country. Many of the Latinos she interviewed called for us to become a Nationalist Christian nation. They are being used as pawns by republicans to gain control and power, but will be abandoned as soon as that power is attained.
Could the million dollar donation he received from trump after the attempted coup be considered a bribe?