For Problem Solving Republicans, There is Only One Choice

In Unprecedented Times, Patriots Must Make the Hard Choices

We live life in shades of gray. American politics today, though, is fought in context of black or white, right or wrong, this or that. Binary worldviews are rigid and therefore leave little opportunity for flexibility and compromise. For those Republican House members still considered “moderate” their time on the sidelines has come to an end. They now have a choice to make: Stand with democracy and decency, or buckle to MAGA’s extortion threats.

To recap, the Republicans in the United States House of Representatives are in disarray. Correction: To say they’re in ‘disarray’ is an insult to the word. Chaos. Insanity. Cannibalism. Take your pick. The ouster of Kevin McCarthy (R-CA20) was fore-ordained. His defenestration was a matter of when, not if.

Before we get back to the choice Republicans must make this week, let’s spend a minute on the makeup and behavior of authoritarian movements. What we’re seeing, with the purest MAGA beings removing McCarthy, is a feature, not a bug of these systems. It’s always a good reminder that as much as MAGA hates you and me, they hate each other more.

Back to the lecture at hand. When Steve Scalise (R-David Duke sans Baggage) decided not to pursue the speakership, that left only Trump-endorsed Jim Jordan. For the Biden 18, those Republican members who occupy districts the president won in 2020, he is a non-starter. To vote “aye” on Jordan would mean:

·      Accepting a virulent seditionist holding the Speaker’s gavel;

·      Accepting a man who is known to have ignored reports of sexual abuse;

·      Accepting a long-term and damaging government shutdown;

·      Accepting a House leader who has neither the ability nor the desire to raise significant money to save your seat;

·      Accepting support for Ukraine is over;

·      Accepting the ire of anti-Trump voters in your districts;

·      Accepting, once again, that Donald Trump and MAGA will control your party and your destiny.

Reps. Jim Jordan and Marjorie Taylor-Greene Courtesy John Kuntz, Cleveland.com

Many of these members are part of the “Problem Solvers” caucus. They have worn the mantle of bipartisanship proudly in Washington, at major-donor events, and at home. Their promise to cross the aisle and work with their Democratic colleagues has always been elastic enough to take the easy votes (infrastructure, arcane changes to the Rules Committee) while avoiding decisions that would create real, substantive change in the chamber.

The US House and America face major problems. Without House leadership, we are unable to make necessary decisions vital to our allies, and democracy at home and abroad. Republican Problem Solvers, plus those other anti-Jordan House GOPers should cross the aisle, for the balance of this term, and invest Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries with the Speaker’s Chair.

Is making this decision career suicide? Perhaps. For too long, these Republicans have played the political equivalent of Frogger, attempting to dodge their opponents from both the right and left. As any GenXer can tell you, eventually the cars squash the frog. Staying on the side of Jim Jordan is the end of their political run. Attempting to dodge political opponents as they openly threaten you is untenable. The only safe choice they have, for themselves, for the United States, and in defense the Constitution to which they swore an oath, is to cross over and be the heroes we need today.

This should not be a sacrifice just a handful of members make. While it only takes a few Republicans to cross the aisle, 10 is better, 20 is terrific, 50 provides safety in numbers. As Ben Franklin advised his fellow Founding Fathers, “We must indeed hang together or, most assuredly, will shall all surely hang separately.” Numbers provide strength and protection. Will they catch a primary? Guaranteed. Will the MAGAts attack? Yes. Relish their approbation.

Before they cast their ballot for Jefferies, they should secure a commitment from the Democratic Caucus that they will focus only on budget and aid bills and leave hot button issues to voters next year. Some Democratic members will not treat them well or give the credit and/or praise they’ll be looking for. Politics ain’t beanbag. When they make their choice, the right choice, they should have open eyes and clear consciences.

America in the 21^st Century has faced one black swan after another. The unexpected is the norm. We are living through unprecedented times and are embroiled in a fight for the soul and the future of the country. For Republican Problem Solvers, and those other GOP members who want to do something truly unique, truly American, and truly patriotic, there is only one choice: Cast a ballot not for your conference nor your party, but for your country.