In a surprising turn of events on Tuesday, the House failed to elect Ohio Representative Jim Jordan as its next speaker, casting a cloud of uncertainty over the aftermath of the historic removal of Representative Kevin McCarthy earlier this month.
Jim Jordan, a prominent Republican figure, fell short of securing the majority needed to claim the top post, facing dissent from within his own party, with 20 members voting against his nomination. This development underscores the deep divisions within the Republican caucus.
On the opposing side, the entire Democratic caucus rallied behind their nominee, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York, showing unwavering unity in their support.
A Second Vote Looms
A second vote was promptly scheduled for the following day at 11 a.m. Eastern time, but the outcome remained shrouded in uncertainty. Some political pundits speculated that Jordan might fare even worse in a second round, while others anticipated an increase in his support.
This vote held the key to the future Speaker of the House, and its outcome would have significant ramifications for the legislative agenda, including critical issues such as the U.S. response to violence in Israel, the war in Ukraine, and an impending government shutdown deadline.
Shifting Alliances
Representative Doug LaMalfa of California, who initially voted against Jordan, hinted at a potential change of heart, expressing his intention to support Jordan in the next round. He clarified that his initial vote against Jordan was a protest against McCarthy’s ouster, stating, "What happened to him was wrong."
This political turbulence comes on the heels of the recent failed bid by Louisiana Representative Steve Scalise to secure the Speaker’s gavel. Scalise withdrew as the nominee when it became evident that he lacked the necessary support for a successful floor vote.
Divisions in the GOP
The majority of those within the Republican party who voted against Jordan were either GOP centrists or Republicans who considered Jordan too far-right to lead the House. Many of them cast their votes for McCarthy, Scalise, or other establishment Republicans such as Representatives Thomas Massie and Tom Emmer.
Conversely, those who opposed Scalise’s candidacy last week held the view that he was too much of an establishment figure and not conservative enough for their preferences.
Due to the narrow margin of the GOP House majority, even a handful of votes can significantly influence the final outcome. Jim Jordan, who has never held a position in party leadership, remains a prominent figure on the right and carries the endorsement of former President Trump.
A Trailblazer on the Right
Jordan’s unapologetically conservative stance and frequent appearances on conservative talk shows have earned him a solid following among right-leaning Republicans. This recognition by party leaders led to his appointment as the top Republican on the House Oversight Committee in 2019 and to the House Judiciary Committee in 2020.
Both committees are typically known for accommodating more vocal and confrontational members rather than those inclined toward compromise. Jordan is also the co-founder of the far-right House Freedom Caucus, established in 2015, where he served as the inaugural chair.
As the nation watches with bated breath, the House’s decision on its next speaker remains uncertain, with political divisions and shifting allegiances taking center stage in this crucial leadership vote.
Michael Jordan’s Scoring Feat: Close, but Not Quite 70 Points
How many votes can Jordan lose?
Jordan must maintain a narrow margin, allowing for just four GOP defections. McCarthy’s ouster stemmed from eight GOP rebels challenging his leadership, and now, a similarly sized contingent within the House Republican ranks could potentially thwart Jordan’s bid for the speakership.
Is Jim Jordan a Republican?
On October 13, Jim Jordan clinched the Republican nomination for the October 2023 Speaker of the House election. This achievement followed a prior unsuccessful attempt to secure the nomination, competing against Steve Scalise. Scalise later withdrew from the race after failing to gather the required 217 votes for the speakership.
Who scored the most against Jordan?
Dominique Wilkins
Dominique Wilkins holds the record for the highest number of points scored against Michael Jordan in a single game, amassing an impressive 57 points on December 10, 1986.
What is the most points Jordan dropped?
This single event is widely regarded as the catalyst for one of Michael Jordan’s most exceptional performances. He concluded the game with an astounding 69 points, 18 rebounds, 6 assists, and 4 steals, marking the highest-scoring game in his illustrious career.
What is the political ideology of Jordan?
Jordan’s political landscape operates within a parliamentary monarchy system, where the Prime Minister holds the position of head of government in a multi-party framework. The country follows a constitutional monarchy, adhering to the constitution established on January 8, 1952.
Who has scored 69 points in an NBA game?
Michael Jordan
Michael Jordan achieved a remarkable 69-point performance for the Chicago Bulls on March 28, 1990. Although widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players in history, Jordan’s career never saw him reach the coveted 70-point milestone. His extraordinary 69-point game was characterized by a 23-for-37 shooting accuracy, combined with a remarkable 21-for-23 free throw performance.
