Battleground Republicans unload on Trump ahead of expected 2024 announcement
NBCDec 23, 2022
The Facts
Having secured 188 votes in a closed-door vote on Tuesday, Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) has won the GOP nomination to be the speaker of the new House of Representatives.
McCarthy, who is currently House Minority Leader, beat Arizona Rep. and member of the House Freedom Caucus Andy Biggs, who won 31 votes. McCarthy now faces the task of securing at least 218 Republican votes during a public vote on the House floor on Jan. 3.
The Spin
Republican narrative
McCarthy's path to the role of House Speaker has been complicated thanks to the anticipated red wave failing to materialize during the midterms. With Republicans expected to hold a razor-thin majority in the House, a still-confident McCarthy must walk a tightrope in gaining support from multiple factions if he is to win the final vote in January.
Democratic narrative
McCarthy has been a continual Trump supporter and apologist. As such, he's been dangerous to democracy itself. Republicans should listen to the will of the American people following the midterms, and find better leadership.