While Republicans have spent decades campaigning against Democrats for power and control, on Thursday some are reportedly confessing that they need Democrats to fix the problem that is the fringe of their party.
Columnist Bill Kristol, who founded The Bulwark, posted on social media, "for what it's worth, this afternoon I've gotten a few calls and texts along the lines of, 'I hear so-and-so is open to working with Dems on the speakership, who do you think would be good to talk with him, etc.' Is it possible frustration among sane Republicans is hitting a tipping point...?"
Republican lawmakers have flagged something similar, as Raw Story pointed out earlier on Thursday.
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Rep. David Joyce (R-OH), who is a member of the "Problem Solver's Caucus," told Punchbowl News' Jake Sherman that he's speaking with Republicans and Democrats about a possible joint government with interim Speaker Patrick McHenry (R-NC).
It's unclear if that's even an option, as McHenry is seen as a McCarthy loyalist who booted Speaker Emeritus Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) and Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-MD) out of their offices with just 24-hour notice. It was later reported that McCarthy was the one demanding it because Democrats wouldn't vote to keep him in as the speaker.
Rep. Grace Meng (D-NY) posted a piece of paper with the names of possible speakers written out on it. Democrats have stayed together, supporting Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY), giving him 212 votes, which is the most of any other candidate. Rep. Steve Scalise (R-LA) has 113, she wrote, and Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH) has just 99. It would mean just five Republicans could make a deal with Democrats to reach a candidate willing to allow a power-sharing agreement.
Rep. Mike Rogers (R-AL) spoke to NBC News on Thursday and agreed that it's up to Democrats to save them, though not without attacking them at the same time.
He called eight Republicans "traitors," using the word four times in the interview. He accused them of putting former Speaker Kevin McCarthy in the position to be removed so easily in the first place.
If those eight decide to back Scalise, Rogers said, “then there’s just another eight like them” who make more trouble.
“The bottom line is we have a very fractured conference, and to limit ourselves to just getting 217 out of our conference, I think, is not a wise path,” Rogers continued, saying Republicans may “absolutely” need some Democratic votes.
While the Republican conference is in disarray, Rogers attacked the minority caucus for not stepping in to save them.
"They haven't offered jack," Democrats told NBC News. The GOP controls the chamber and thus, the Dems say they should make the first move.
“That is going to be up to our caucus to make that decision. But our door is open,” said House Minority Whip Katherine Clark (D-MA), responding to Rogers. “We want to get back to governing.”
